Significant signs of how to distinguish Non-Barrier PEX and Oxygen Barrier PEX Tubing.

PEX tubing is an amazing alternative to other piping due to its easy installation capabilities, and therefore many do it yourselfers have taken on PEX projects in late years. The first thing to know is that the color of the tubing does not specify what type it is, but is rather there for color coding purposes. Blue meaning cold, red meaning hot, white for neutral, and orange is typically used for PEX-Al-PEX tubing. Both Oxygen Barrier and Non-Barrier PEX can be purchased in these assortments of colors. The difference is in the outside material of the tubing itself. The Oxygen Barrier tubing exudes a glossy appearance, as the Non-Barrier tubing resembles a matte.

Oxygen Barrier PEX Tubing

The biggest difference between the two is the oxygen barrier layer located on the Oxygen Barrier tubing. The oxygen barrier layer also known as EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) is positioned in between the internal construction of the pipe, averting oxygen permeation. PEX-AL-PEX is constructed the same way with an aluminum lining, making it an oxygen barrier pipe as well. This plays a major roll on the tubing’s ability to function without corroding ferrous materials in the system, and allows many other advantages that the Non-Barrier tubing does not have. 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.

Non-Barrier PEX Tubing

Non-Barrier PEX is used for a whole different assortment of applications. It is commonly used for everyday hot and cold water applications, along with potable water applications as well. The reason for Non-Barrier is the fact that a constant supply of fresh water ensures that there will be oxygen molecules present in the system. The Non-Barrier tubing is extremely popular due to its high chlorine resistance and standards corresponding to the lead free act.

Both types of PEX pipe have many similarities as well. Their pressure at temperature ratings remain exactly identical listing at 79psi@200F, 100psi@180F, and 160psi@73F. They are also extremely lightweight and flexible allowing for easy installation, as well as corrosion resistant. Most PEX manufacturers list what type of tubing it is directly on the pipe, among other pipe markings so the consumer is fully aware of what they have purchased.

Most people are left fazed when deciding which type of PEX to use, but with all this information the only question that should be remaining is what application the consumer is trying to set up. Each type of tubing is intricately designed to fit the specifications of a certain type of application, and therefore has been built around these standards. Regardless of which application needs to be installed one thing is for certain, there is definitely a type of PEX pipe to accommodate it.

PEX Tubing compatibility chart