Differences Between PVC and UPVC

Differences Between PVC and UPVC – Although these two materials are both made of PVC, there are significant differences!

From the way they are made, the characteristics of each have differences that you must know. Let’s find out the differences between PVC and UPVC in today’s article only at dimulti.id!

Differences Between PVC and UPVC

1. Materials

UPVC (Unplasticized PVC) and regular PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) have significant differences in material composition and properties. 

UPVC does not contain plasticizers, making it more rigid and stronger. This absence of plasticizers increases UPVC’s resistance to impact, chemicals, and extreme weather conditions. 

Because of its strength and durability, UPVC is often used for applications such as water pipes, windows, and doors, especially in environments that require materials that are durable and do not warp easily.

In contrast, regular PVC contains plasticizers that give the material added flexibility, making it more pliable and malleable. 

Regular PVC is often used in hoses, cables, and linings, where ease of shaping and flexibility are required. 

2. Durability

Still connected to the previous point that we’ve covered, the absence of plasticizers in UPVC making it much harder thus increasing its durability.

And as for the PVC, the plasticizers will give it much more flexibility in sacrifice for sturdiness and structural integrity.

However, both PVC and UPVC generally can last up to 50 years, because of the nature of PVC itself that are chemical and weather proof.

Also Read: “Types of PVC Pipe Fittings“

3. Heat-Resistant

Although both are good in resisting heat, the UPVCs generally have better heat-resistant properties compared to PVC.

That’s why UPVCs are better for hot  water system installation, whereas PVCs are better for cold water systems or general plumbing or drainage systems.

However, although they are slightly less heat-resistant compared to UPVC, PVC pipes are still capable of holding up for hot water uses, especially in household settings.

As the PVC pipes are capable of withstanding the temperature of up to 140 F (60 C), which are a common household hot water system temperature.

4. Applications

With those differences that we’ve mentioned in the previous points earlier, the applications for the UPVC and PVC are also different from one another.

Beside being used in general plumbing systems, the UPVC is also commonly used for waste management plumbing systems in industrial settings due to its chemical-resistant and heat-resistant properties.

And for the PVC pipes, it is more generally used in household settings, such as being a substitute for copper pipe in general household plumbing systems.

And on top of that, the PVC pipes are also commonly used as electrical conduit systems due to their high electrical insulation properties.

There you have it! The differences between PVC and UPVC all in one place!

The applications of PVC are indeed so diverse in a lot of settings, but one thing that is so important is to choose the PVC product that has been tested for its quality and safety.

As in Indonesia, the PVC products are needed to be tested then certified to ensure that it is safe to be sold and distributed in the markets.

The said certification is called the SNI Certification that regulates most if not all of the products and/or services in Indonesia.

And for the PVC itself, the regulations are as diverse as its applications. From the SNI certification for PVC insulated cable that stated in 04-6628.3-2006, 04-6628.4-2006 and 04-6628.5-2006.

And up to the SNI certification for PVC casted boots that is stated in SNI 1547:2017, and everything in between.