Galvanized Pipe vs. Black Pipe
The most common question when buying water pipe is the difference between galvanized pipe and black pipe. Both are ERW (electric resistance welded) steel water pipes; they pass the same tests and are listed in the same standard size series. The difference is in the surface coating and the end type. On this page we describe the two pipes side by side, together with fire pipe, the painted version of black pipe.
What is black pipe?
Black steel pipe is ERW steel water pipe with no galvanized or painted coating on its surface. At Turgut Boru, black pipe is kept in stock at our Ostim warehouse with plain ends (unthreaded).
What is galvanized pipe?
Galvanized water pipe is zinc-coated ERW steel water pipe. At Turgut Boru, galvanized pipe is kept in stock threaded & socketed: both ends of the pipe are threaded and it comes with a socket fitted on one end.
Difference in coating
- Black pipe: uncoated.
- Galvanized pipe: zinc-coated. Galvanizing is done to TS 914, TS EN 10240 and EN ISO 1461.
- Painted fire pipe: the same pipe as black pipe; its outer surface is coated with anti-rust paint. Anti-rust paint protects the outer surface of the pipe against corrosion. The manufacturer's standard colors are red (RAL 3009) and black (RAL 9005).
Difference in ends
- Black pipe and painted fire pipe have plain ends.
- Galvanized pipe comes with both ends threaded and a socket on one end. Threading from 1/2" to 6" complies with TS 301, ISO 7-1, DIN 2999 and BS 21.
- The weight per meter of socketed pipe is slightly higher than the calculation without the socket; for example, 1.22 kg/m instead of 1.21 kg/m for 1/2" medium series.
Applications
- Black pipe: drinking and domestic water, hot water, central heating, air-conditioning, air and fire-fighting installations. Black pipe is also used in drinking water lines.
- Galvanized pipe: thanks to its zinc coating, it is especially preferred in drinking and domestic water installations; it is also used in hot water, air-conditioning, air and fire-fighting lines.
- Painted fire pipe: besides fire-fighting lines, it is used in water, central heating and pressure line installations and in construction work.
Standards and sizes
- TS EN 10255 water pipe series: from 1/2" (21.3 × 2.60 mm) to 6" (165.1 × 5.00 mm). All three types are listed in this series. Steel grade S195T.
- TS EN 10217-1 pressure-resistant series: 21.3 – 323.9 mm outside diameter, 2.00 – 10.00 mm wall thickness for black and painted pipes. Steel grade P195TR1/TR2, P235TR1/TR2, P265TR1/TR2.
- Length: standard 6 meters.
- Test: all water pipes pass an Eddy Current test and a 50 bar hydrostatic leak test. Medium series pipes can be used for water at operating pressures up to 25 bar.
- Tolerance: wall thickness -12.5% / +10%, straightness 1 mm/m.
Comparison table
| Black pipe | Galvanized pipe | Painted fire pipe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface | Uncoated | Zinc-coated (TS 914, TS EN 10240, EN ISO 1461) | Anti-rust painted (RAL 3009 red / RAL 9005 black) |
| Ends | Plain end | Both ends threaded, socket on one end | Plain end |
| Main applications | Drinking and domestic water, hot water, central heating, air-conditioning, air, fire-fighting | Drinking and domestic water; hot water, air-conditioning, air, fire-fighting | Fire-fighting; water, central heating, pressure lines, construction |
| TS EN 10255 sizes | 1/2" – 6" | 1/2" – 6" | 1/2" – 6" |
| TS EN 10217-1 sizes | 21.3 – 323.9 mm | — | 21.3 – 323.9 mm (1/2" – 12") |
| Test | Eddy Current + 50 bar | Eddy Current + 50 bar | Eddy Current + 50 bar |
| Length | 6 m | 6 m | 6 m |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between galvanized pipe and black pipe?
Galvanized pipe is zinc-coated and comes threaded & socketed at Turgut Boru; black pipe is uncoated and has plain ends.
Is black pipe used for drinking water?
Yes. Black pipe is also used in drinking and domestic water installations.
Does galvanized pipe come threaded?
Yes. Both ends of the pipe are threaded, with a socket on one end.
Are painted fire pipe and black pipe the same?
The pipe is the same; the outer surface of painted fire pipe is coated with anti-rust paint, and it also has plain ends.
Which sizes are available?
All sizes from 1/2" to 12" are available.
Related products
All three types are kept in stock at our Ostim warehouse. For sizes and stock, you can reach us by WhatsApp, phone or e-mail.
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