The pipes are commonly used in transporting liquids, gases, and other petroleum products. Both SCH 10 and SCH 40 pipes are handy in those fields. People use them according to their needs and pressure flow requirements. However, there are many differences between SCH 10 and SCH 40 pipes.
Understanding the differences between these two categories of pipe is essential. They help you make the right decision when buying them. Unfortunately, most people seem blank regarding SCH 10 vs SCH 40 pipes. However, this article will uncover their differences. So, let’s get started!
What Does “SCH” Mean in Pipes?
SCH is an abbreviation for “Schedule Number,” which represents the wall thickness of pipes. Each schedule number represents a specific thickness. It is a global standard that eliminates the confusion of millimeters and inches.
You might be wondering why we need a separate Schedule Number. As you know, millimeters or inches are already popular units used to specify thickness. Right? Let me help you understand. Some people in some countries use millimeters to determine wall thickness. On the other hand, inches are a measuring unit in some parts of the world.
However, the introduction of the Schedule Number has solved this confusion. People in any part of the world understand the schedule number. However, millimeters and inches can be mixed together, causing miscomprehension. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) first developed this standard, known as “Schedule.”
What Are SCH 10 and SCH 40 Pipes?
I gave the initial portion to help you understand the “Schedule” and its needs. Let’s know what these SCH 10 and 40 pipes are!
SCH 10 and SCH 40 indicate the wall thickness of two categories or types of pipes. SCH 10 pipes are thinner, less durable, and rated for low pressure. Conversely, SCH 40 pipes are thicker, very durable, and can bear very high pressure with ease. The exact thickness of each pipe depends on its NPS (Nominal Pipe Size).
Remember, wall thickness is closely related to different parameters. Some of those include durability, strength, and pressure rating. The SCH 10 pipes are generally suitable for daily routine use (where we need high flow pressure). Conversely, the SCH 40 pipes are durable and used for heavy-duty purposes.
You might be wondering: What is the exact measurement of SCH 10 and 40 pipes? It depends on the nominal pipe size. Don’t know what it is? NPS is a standard that measures the diameters of the pipe or hole. Here is a table showing the measurement of different pipes with their NPS and thickness:
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) | SCH 10 Thickness (mm) | SCH 40 Thickness (mm) |
| 1/2 inch | 1.65 mm | 2.77 mm |
| 3/4 inch | 1.65 mm | 2.87 mm |
| 1 inch | 1.65 mm | 3.38 mm |
| 1 1/2 inch | 1.65 mm | 3.73 mm |
| 2 inch | 2.11 mm | 3.91 mm |
| 3 inch | 2.11 mm | 5.49 mm |
| 4 inch | 2.11 mm | 6.02 mm |
| 6 inch | 2.77 mm | 7.11 mm |
| 8 inch | 3.05 mm | 8.18 mm |
| 10 inch | 3.40 mm | 9.27 mm |
| 12 inch | 3.96 mm | 10.31 mm |
This table clarifies the exact measurement of SCH 10 and SCH 40. For example, imagine you have a pipe with an NPS (diameter) of 1.5 inches. Its 10 SCH will be 1.65 mm. Similarly, suppose you have a pipe with an NPS of 2 inches; its 10 SCH will be 2.11 mm. So, the exact measurement of SCH 10 or 40 depends on the nominal pipe size (NPS).
Point to Remember: The fewer the schedules, the lower the wall thickness, and vice versa. It does not depend on NPS or anything else. For example, the SCH 10 pipe will always be thinner than the SCH 40 pipe. Similarly, the pipe having a SCH of 50 will be thicker than the SCH of 40.
Difference Between SCH 10 and SCH 40 Pipe
The above portion can be challenging to understand if you’re a newbie. But worry not! In the upcoming section, I will discuss the significant differences between SCH 10 and 40 pipes. It will help you better understand their meaning.
1- Wall Thickness
Should I still explain this to you? We discussed the above section in detail. The wall thickness indicates the measurement of the wall or sides of pipes. The SCH 10 pipes have thinner and weaker walls. On the flip side, the SCH 40 pipes have thicker sides or walls. To get exact measurements, you can refer to the nominal pipe size (NPS) and pipe diameter.
2- Pressure Rating
Pressure rating is an important parameter to check. It tells us how much pressure a pipe can bear. If pressure is above its range, the pipe might break or malfunction. The SCH 10 pipes have thin walls.
On the flip side, the wall thickness of SCH 40 pipes is higher. So, the pressure rating of SCH 10 pipes is less than that of SCH 40 pipes. For example, the pressure rating of 10 SCH of stainless steel pipe is around 230 PSI. However, the rating for 40 SCH of stainless steel pipe having an NPS of 1/2″ is around 3190 PSI.
3- Strength & Durability
The strength of the pipe directly relates to its thickness. The SCH 10 pipes are always thinner, and their overall strength is compromised. On the other hand, the SCH 40 pipes are thick, robust, and more vigorous. Remember that these SCH 40 pipes can even easily face high pressure. Their routine wear and tear is less, ensuring they are durable.
4- Weight & Handling
The weight of SCH 40 pipes will be higher than that of SCH 10 pipes. Why? Because SCH 10 pipes have thin walls, they consist of less material, which makes them lightweight. On the other hand, SCH 40 pipes are very thick.
More material is used in their making, which makes them heavyweight. Carrying or installing such heavyweight pipes would be more difficult. In simple words, SCH 10 pipes are lightweight and easy to handle or use. Installing or handling SCH 40 pipes can be a tedious job.
Cost & Applications
The SCH 40 pipes use more material because their walls are thicker, which increases their piercings. On the other hand, the SCH 10 pipes have thinner and slimmer walls. This means they use less material, which reduces their overall price. There is a trade-off between strength and price.
The SCH 10 pipes are weaker and less durable. Moreover, their pressure rating is also lower. However, they are affordable, which makes them good options for customers with tight budgets. Let’s talk about their usability and applications. The SCH 40 pipes are heavy-duty and can be used in extensive use areas.
They can handle higher pressure with ease due to greater thickness. So, they are generally used in applications involving higher pressure flow. On the other hand, the SCH 10 pipes are thin and less intense when bearing high pressure. People use them in ventilation and sprinkling systems where pressure is low. Here is a table showing their applications:
| SCH 10 Applications | SCH 40 Applications |
| Sprinkler systems | Plumbing systems |
| Water distribution in buildings | High-pressure gas lines |
| Ventilation ducts | Industrial pipelines |
| Lightweight irrigation systems | Chemical and petroleum transportation lines |
| Non-critical fluid transport | Structural and mechanical uses |
| Construction frameworks (low load-bearing) | Steam and high-temperature fluid systems |
Which One Should I Use, SCH 10 or SCH 40 Pipes?
Their selection depends on your needs and purpose. Both of these pipes are excellent when used according to their strengths. SCH 10 pipes are lightweight and should only be used for mild applications. You should prefer SCH 40 Pipes when you need a strong piping system.
Let me make it very obvious. The SCH 40 pipes are robust, durable, and capable of bearing high pressure. They are top-notch even if you use them in heavy-duty applications (piping systems). However, their price is high, which is a drawback. If you can afford to pay more, I recommend choosing SCH 40.
SCH 10 pipes are less durable and only suitable for lighter applications. They are lightweight, which makes installation less tedious. Moreover, they are less expensive, which is a significant benefit. However, I don’t recommend them if you aim to use them in a heavy-duty piping system. Their less strength will prevent them from performing well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Schedule 10 pipe used for?
Schedule 10 pipes are used in lighter applications. They are useful in sprinkling and lightweight irrigation systems. Moreover, they are handy in ventilation ducts, where their lightweight makes them easy to use.
What is the Schedule 40 pipe used for?
Schedule 40 pipes are very durable and have a high wall thickness. They can be used in heavy-duty pipeline systems, dedicated plumbing systems, and gas transportation lines.
What is the complete form of the SCH pipe?
SCH is an abbreviation for “Schedule.” This term indicates the wall thickness of pipes. The higher the schedule number, the thicker the pipe walls will be, and vice versa.
Conclusion
Both SCH 10 and 40 pipes are very useful. The SCH 40 is generally suitable for lighter piping systems that don’t face high pressure. On the flip side, the SCH 40 pipes are more durable and heavy-duty.
They can easily handle or face the highest pressures with ease. Their life and overall performance are also top-notch. Choosing any one of these comes to individual purposes and needs. This article has uncovered the significant differences between these two pipe categories.