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Is oxygen barrier PEX necessary?
PEX without an oxygen barrier actually allows oxygen from the air to permeate it. This happens even if the PEX is embedded in concrete. Cast iron circulator pumps will rust when oxygen is present in the water. Bronze or stainless steel circulators are necessary when this is the case.
Can oxygen barrier PEX be used for plumbing?
Oxygen barrier PEX is made for heating applications and has thus not been approved for plumbing and drinking water. When using tubing without an oxygen barrier, you must be careful to assure that each and every component in your system is non-ferrous (meaning that it contains no iron).
What is oxygen barrier PEX tubing used for?
PEX Tubing with oxygen barrier is used for radiant floor heating, ice/snow melting projects and baseboard/radiator heating applications. It is also commonly used for supply and return lines to boilers and fan coils. Pressure rated 100psi at 180F.
What’s the difference between oxygen barrier PEX and regular PEX?
The most important difference between the two types is the external polymer coating of the oxygen barrier PEX tubing, which prevents oxygen diffusion through the tube. Oxygen barrier PEX is used in radiant or hydronic heating applications only, where cast iron or other ferrous components are present in the system.
Can regular PEX be used for heating?
Yes, PEX pipe is approved for radiant or hydronic heating applications. Since ferrous components are likely to be present in the system, it is important to use oxygen barrier PEX pipe to help prevent ferrous components from rusting.
Which is better PEX-A or B?
PEX-A is the most flexible of all PEX tubing types, has little or no coil memory and gives installer an ability to repair kinks with a heat gun. 8 times the OD for PEX-B & C) is helpful, but offers little practical advantage in most cases. PEX-B is a clear winner in terms of price vs. both other types.
Can PEX be used for heating?
How big is an oxygen barrier PEX pipe?
Oxygen Barrier PEX Pipe (Straight Lengths) 3/4 in. 20 ft. (U870O20) Used for radiant in-floor and hydronic heating applications. Oxygen barrier helps prevent the corrosion of ferrous metal parts in the heating system.
What is the purpose of an oxygen barrier pipe?
Oxygen Barrier PEX Pipe (Straight Lengths) Used for radiant in-floor and hydronic heating applications. Oxygen barrier helps prevent the corrosion of ferrous metal parts in the heating system. (Only available in orange.)
Can you use non-barrier PEX tubing for radiant heating?
Due to its oxygen barrier the tubing can be used for radiant floor heating, hydronic heating, and ice melting applications, where the Non-Barrier tubing would corrode. The standard for the oxygen diffusion barrier is DIN 4726, and must be listed directly on the pipe to ensure its use with such systems.
What can PEX tubing be used for outside?
The aluminum layer doubles as an oxygen barrier, which in concert with its lower expansion rate, makes PEX-AL-PEX suitable for use in outdoor, warmboard, or high-temperature heating systems. Once you’ve determined which type of PEX tubing you need, you will need to choose the fittings.