MS Pipe Class – A, B, C Classification Explained
MS Pipe Class – A, B, C Classification Explained with Chart
When purchasing or specifying mild steel (MS) pipes in India, you’ll often hear terms like Class A, Class B, and Class C. But what exactly do these MS pipe classes mean?
In this article, we break down the MS pipe class system, its thickness, pressure handling capacity, and how to choose between Class A, B, or C for your application.
What Is an MS Pipe Class?
MS pipe class refers to a grading system defined by the Indian Standard (IS 1239) that categorizes pipes based on their wall thickness and weight per meter.
- Ensures required strength and pressure rating
- Makes pipe suitable for specific applications
- Standardizes quality across suppliers
MS Pipe Class A, B, and C – Thickness & Weight Chart
| Nominal Bore (NB) | Class A (Light) | Class B (Medium) | Class C (Heavy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15mm (1/2") | 2.0 mm / 1.43 kg/m | 2.65 mm / 1.84 kg/m | 3.25 mm / 2.31 kg/m |
| 25mm (1") | 2.6 mm / 2.61 kg/m | 3.25 mm / 3.22 kg/m | 4.0 mm / 3.84 kg/m |
| 50mm (2") | 2.9 mm / 5.74 kg/m | 3.65 mm / 6.90 kg/m | 4.5 mm / 8.33 kg/m |
| 100mm (4") | 3.6 mm / 13.55 kg/m | 4.5 mm / 16.08 kg/m | 5.4 mm / 18.79 kg/m |
Note: Values are indicative and may vary slightly between manufacturers. Always verify with supplier specifications.
Which MS Pipe Class Should You Choose?
Class A (Light Duty)
- Uses: General plumbing, water lines, conduit systems
- Advantages: Low cost, easy to cut and bend
- Limitations: Not suitable for high pressure or structural load
Class B (Medium Duty)
- Uses: Commercial water supply, frames, agricultural pipelines
- Advantages: Balanced strength and affordability
- Note: Most commonly used class in India
Class C (Heavy Duty)
- Uses: Fire-fighting systems, pressure pipelines, structural load
- Advantages: Thick walls, high durability
- Preferred for: Government, industrial, and pressure line projects
Class vs Thickness vs Pressure
| Class | Typical Wall Thickness | Pressure Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | 2.0 – 2.6 mm | Low (Water flow only) |
| Class B | 2.9 – 3.6 mm | Medium (Pumps, lines) |
| Class C | 3.6 – 5.4 mm | High (Fire, Industrial) |
Applications Based on MS Pipe Class
| Application | Recommended Class |
|---|---|
| House plumbing | Class A |
| Industrial cooling | Class B |
| Fire-fighting pipelines | Class C |
| Fabrication (trusses) | Class B or C |
| Borewell casing | Class C |
How Are Classes Marked on MS Pipes?
Manufacturers in India commonly mark pipe classes with colored bands:
- Class A → Blue band
- Class B → Green band
- Class C → Red band
Pipes may also be ink-stamped with size, class, IS standard, and batch number.
FAQ – MS Pipe Class
Q1. Is Class C better than Class B?
Yes, in terms of wall thickness and pressure strength — but it’s heavier and more expensive.
Q2. Is Class A MS pipe good for water supply?
Yes, for internal domestic lines or low-pressure systems. Not ideal for external or pumped lines.
Q3. What is the difference between Class B and Class C pipe?
Class C is thicker and used in higher-stress or pressure applications.
Q4. Are all MS pipes classified by A, B, C?
No. Only IS 1239 standard pipes follow this system. Other standards like IS 3589 or IS 1161 use different specifications.
Related Internal Links
- Types of MS Pipe →
- MS Pipe Class C →
- C Class vs B Class →
- C Class Thickness Chart →
- MS Pipe Weight Chart →
Conclusion
Understanding MS pipe classes helps you match the pipe strength with your application’s pressure and durability needs. Whether you’re laying a home water line or building an industrial pressure pipeline — the right class makes all the difference in cost, safety, and lifespan.
Need Class B or Class C MS Pipes?
Udhhyog delivers IS 1239-certified MS pipes in all classes with proper marking, test reports, and fast PAN India delivery.
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