Similar International Standards
ISO 393-1:1980ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
HighWithdrawn
Asbestos-cement pipes and fittings for sewerage and drainage — Part 1: Pipes, joints and fittings
Directly covers asbestos-cement pipes for non-pressure sewerage and drainage.
ASTM C428 / C428M-05ASTM International (USA)
HighWithdrawn
Standard Specification for Asbestos-Cement Pipe
Specifies asbestos-cement pipe for conveying sanitary sewage and industrial wastes.
BS 3656:1981BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighWithdrawn
Specification for asbestos-cement pipes, joints and fittings for sewerage and drainage
Covers requirements for AC pipes and fittings used for gravity flow sewerage.
EN 588-1:1996CEN (European Committee for Standardization)
MediumWithdrawn
Fibre-cement pipes for sewers and drains - Part 1: Pipes, joints and fittings for gravity systems
Covers the successor technology (fibre-cement) for the same application (gravity sewers).
Key Differences
≠The Indian standard IS 6908:1991 is still 'Current', whereas most direct international equivalents (like ISO 393, ASTM C428, BS 3656) have been 'Withdrawn' for over a decade due to global restrictions and bans on asbestos products.
≠IS 6908 specifies two pipe classes, 'S' (Standard) and 'H' (Heavy), based on crushing strength. ASTM C428 defined five classes (1500, 2400, 3300, 4000, 5000) based on crushing strength in lb/ft, representing a different classification system.
≠Dimensional tolerances can vary. IS 6908 allows for a wall thickness tolerance of +25% / -10%, which can be more generous than tolerances in some historical European standards that might have specified fixed millimeter limits or tighter percentage ranges.
≠Testing protocols, while similar in purpose, may have different parameters. For instance, the hydrostatic test pressure in IS 6908 is 0.05 MPa, while some versions of ASTM C428 specified 10 psi (~0.07 MPa).
Key Similarities
≈The fundamental material composition is identical across all standards: a composite material made from asbestos fibres (typically chrysotile) and Portland cement.
≈The primary intended application is the same: non-pressure (gravity flow) pipelines for sewerage and drainage systems.
≈The core performance tests required are consistent, including crushing strength (to resist soil/traffic loads), hydrostatic pressure (for water tightness), and water absorption (to assess porosity).
≈All standards specify requirements for dimensions, straightness, and soundness to ensure interchangeability and product quality for the intended application.
≈The types of joints specified or referenced are typically spigot-and-socket designs using elastomeric sealing rings to ensure a watertight yet flexible connection.