Shielded transition couplings are meant for joining dissimilar cast iron, copper, plastic and steel pipe and fittings in any drain, waste or vent piping applications. Some people can get confused by what types of piping they are compatible with.
In this blog, we will explain the variety of piping that shielded transition couplings can be used with, including diagrams to help eliminate any confusion. Let's take a look.
Cast Iron (CI)
Did you know that the term CI refers to both cast iron and ductile iron soil piping? Typically, nominal sizes in cast iron pipe has a slightly smaller outside diameter (O.D), compared to carbon steel or plastic piping that is made to iron pipe size (IPS) dimensions. However, in 1 1/2" nominal size, the diameters are actually the same.
Plastic (IPS)
The term plastic actually refers to either PVC or ABS piping. Though, using the term IPS can actually be less confusing as the couplings will work on any type of piping that is manufactured to the IPS standard. IPS also includes PVC, ABS, Carbon steel, Stainless Steel, and red brass piping, which all have the same outside diameter.
Copper
Unlike the two materials above, the term copper is straight forward and is the most common application. However, copper tube size (CTS) may be more accurate since the coupling will work on any type of piping that is manufactured to the CTS standard. This also includes CPVC piping, which does have the same outside diameter as type K, L or M copper pipe.
Examples
The below images give examples of copper or plastic. The diagrams provide you with a breakdow, giving you a visual to help with confusion.
Example 1:
For a 1 1/2" CI/Plastic x 1 1/4" copper or 1" plastic shielded transition coupling, you can use it for either type of piping. The diameters are similar enough that the coupling can accurately cover the range but the IPS size of the plastic is smaller and will be a looser fit.
Example 2:
In the second example, if the description states 1 1/2" copper or 1 1/4" plastic means that you can use it for either type of piping. Copper pipe will be larger. The diameters are similar enough that the coupling can cover the range, but opposite of the example above, the IPS size piping is larger and will be a tighter fit.
In Conclusion:
Hopefully you were able to learn something from article, helping eliminate any confusion you had around shielded transition couplings and what material they are compatible with. Are you looking for more BoshartU blogs? We have tons of articles and release two a month. You don't want to miss it! Check out boshartu.com to subscribe.
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