EN 10253-2 Type B Pipe Fittings – Technical Specifications
1. Overview
EN 10253-2 is a European standard that covers butt-welding pipe fittings made from **carbon and stainless steels for general industrial use. Type B refers to **fittings with reduced pressure resistance compared to Type A (which follows EN 10253-1). These fittings are commonly used in low to medium-pressure piping systems where cost-effectiveness is prioritized over maximum pressure ratings.
2. Key Features
| Parameter | Details |
|———————-|————|
| Material | Carbon steel (P235, P265) or stainless steel (1.4301, 1.4404) |
| Type | Type B (lower pressure rating than Type A) |
| Manufacturing | Welded or seamless (depending on size/material) |
| Pressure Rating | Reduced compared to EN 10253-1 (Type A) |
| Standards | EN 10253-2, EN 10216, EN 10217 |
3. Types of Fittings Covered
– Elbows (90°, 45°, 180°)
– Tees (equal/reducing)
– Reducers (concentric/eccentric)
– Caps
4. Material Grades
Carbon Steel (Non-Alloy)
| Grade | Equivalent | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) |
|———–|—————|————————–|—————————-|
| P235TR2 | ~ASTM A234 WPB | ≥235 | 360-500 |
| P265TR2 | ~ASTM A234 WPC | ≥265 | 390-530 |
Stainless Steel
| Grade | Equivalent (ASTM/UNS) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) |
|———–|—————————|————————–|—————————-|
| 1.4301 | 304 / S30400 | ≥210 | 520-720 |
| 1.4404 | 316L / S31603 | ≥200 | 490-690 |
5. Dimensions & Tolerance
– Follows EN 10253-2 dimensional tables
– Wall thickness is generally thinner than Type A
– Outer diameter (OD) and center-to-end dimensions per standard
6. Pressure-Temperature Ratings
– Lower than Type A fittings
– Exact ratings depend on material, size, and wall thickness
– Must be calculated per EN 13480-3 (Metallic Industrial Piping)
7. Manufacturing & Testing
– Welded fittings: Made from plate or pipe, welded & heat-treated
– Seamless fittings: Hot-formed from billets
– Testing:
– Visual inspection
– Dimensional checks
– Hydrostatic testing (optional)
– PMI (Positive Material Identification) if required
8. Applications
✔ Low-pressure water systems
✔ HVAC installations
✔ Industrial process piping (non-critical)
✔ Food & beverage industry (stainless steel variants)
9. Comparison: Type A vs. Type B
| Feature | Type A (EN 10253-1) | Type B (EN 10253-2) |
|——————–|————————–|————————–|
| Pressure Rating | Higher | Lower |
| Wall Thickness | Thicker | Thinner |
| Cost | More expensive | More economical |
| Applications | Critical/high-pressure | General/low-pressure |
10. Advantages of Type B Fittings
✅ Cost-effective for non-critical applications
✅ Wide availability in carbon & stainless steel
✅ Lighter weight due to reduced wall thickness
EN 10253-2 Type B fittings are economical, standardized pipe fittings suitable for low to medium-pressure applications in industrial and commercial systems. They are not recommended for high-pressure or critical services, where Type A (EN 10253-1)m or ASME B16.9 fittings should be used instead.
