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• Fitting Thread Types

Fitting Thread Types

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		NPT (National Pipe Thead Tapered) NPT is the standard pipe thread used in the U.S. for pipe fittings, the majority of sprinklers and sprinkler accessories. The standardized taper NPT allows for a tight seal. Male threads are often referred to as MPT (male pipe thread) or MIPT (mail iron pipe thread). Female thread is similarly referred to as FPT (female pipe thread) or FIPT (female iron pipe thread) NPT is often confused with NPS (Nominal Pipe size) which is the U.S. standard pipe sizing system. Nominal Pipe Size is a "nominal" size, such as 3/4" or 1", roughly (not exactly) based on the dimensions of the pipe and the schedule (wall thickness).
	Hose Thread There is a visible difference between pipe thread and hose thread; they are not compatible. As the name suggests, hose thread fittings are designed to work with garden hoses and hose bibs.
		Slip Fittings with slip inlets are designed to slip over the pvc pipe. When you install them, use Pipe Glue
		Spigot "Spigot" has two meanings in the Irrigation industry (sorry). "Spigot" and "tap" can be used interchangeably when describing a garden hose valve. However, spigot is also used to describe a type of PVC fitting that fits inside, rather than outside another fitting or inside the bell end of PVC pipe. The photo on the far left shows a piece of 1" pipe with a spigot fitting next to it; notice that the outer diameter is the same so it will fit into a regular PVC fitting or the bell end of the PVC pipe (left photo).
	Barb This style of inlet is designed to be used with Poly Pipe and other types of flexible tubing. The barbs on the fitting are not designed to be screwed in; they use a similar strategy as a fish hook where it is much easier to get it in the pipe than to get it out. Most applications require clamps to be used with poly pipe insert fittings.
	British Pipe Thread British Pipe Thread or BSP is the standard pipe thread used in England and much of the rest of the world. BSP is very similar to NPT (see description above) in that it uses a tapered thread style, however the threads are spaced slightly differently. For example a number 1 (one inch) BSP thread has 11 threads per inch compared to 11.5 threads per inch on NPT.