What is BS EN 1555‑3 about?
BS EN 1555‑3 is the third part of the multi-series standard BS EN 1555 on plastic piping systems.BS EN 1555‑3 specifies the characteristics of fusion fittings made from polyethylene (PE) as well as of mechanical fittings for piping systems in the field of the supply of gaseous fuels. BS EN 1555‑3 also specifies the test parameters for the test methods.
BS EN 1555‑3 is applicable for fittings of the following types:
- Electrofusion socket fittings
- Electrofusion saddle fittings
- Spigot end fittings (for butt fusion using heated tools and electrofusion socket fusion)
- Mechanical fittings
The fittings can be, for example, in the form of couplers, equal and reduced tees, reducers, saddles, elbows or caps.
NOTE-BS EN 1555‑3 is applicable to PE fittings, their joints, and to joints with components of PE and other materials intended to be used under the following conditions:
- A maximum operating pressure, MOP, up to and including 10 bar1 at a reference temperature of 20 °C for design purposes
- An operating temperature between −20 °C and 40 °C
Who is BS EN 1555‑3 for?
BS EN 1555‑3 on fittings of polyethylene PE pipes is applicable to:
- Manufacturer of polyethylene pipes and fittings
- Industries such as Oil and gas production and supply companies
- Designers, installers and specifiers for piping systems
Why should you use BS EN 1555‑3?
A polyethylene pipe is a flexible, light-weight and corrosion-resistant piping product. These benefits make it an ideal piping material for a broad variety of applications such as potable water service or distribution lines, natural gas distribution, lawn sprinklers, sewers, waste disposal, and drainage lines. PE materials are generally resistant to most ordinary chemicals.
PE pipe fittings are a safe, cost-effective, and long-lasting solution for potable water supply, irrigation, sewerage, drainage, industrial application, and infrastructure. BS EN 1555‑3 deals with polyethylene pipes fittings, which is a fitting or adapter used in a pipe system to connect straight sections of pipe or tube, adapt to different sizes or shapes.
BS EN 1555‑3 covers the characteristics of fittings, which ensure that:
- Electrofusion socket fittings and electrofusion saddle fittings are chemical resistant, easy to install and maintain and maintain consistency
- Spigot end fittings are flexible in nature
- Mechanical fittings are corrosion resistance and heat resistance and lightweight
As a buyer of BS EN 1555-3, standardized system for fittings used in PE piping in industries such as oil and gas as well as natural gas will help you create safe, efficient and reliable products for the end-user. Adhering to test methods and guidelines specified under BS EN 1555-3 will also expand the market for your product to a global level, given the international credibility we bring with us.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 1555‑3:2021 supersedes EN 1555-3:2010+A1:2012. BS EN 1555‑3:2021 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 1555‑3:2021. These include:
- PE 100-RC type materials with enhanced resistance to slow crack growth have been added
- Additional information for non-conventional installation techniques has been added
- The size range has been increased to 800 mm diameter
- Test methods have been updated

