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Plastic Pipe Joining Program

Testing Requirements

Annual testing is done in three formats; written, hands-on and destructive, in order to qualify an individual to perform fusion.

Test Development

Written Test - meets the requirements of DOT and PHMSA for qualifying individuals to join plastic pipe. This test must be conducted on an annual basis and a passing grade must be achieved.

Hands On Test - a hands on test is conducted that requires individuals to make pipe joints using the appropriate equipment and procedures.

Stress Test - a destructive test is conducted on longitudinal strips of the fusion samples, utilizing either a stress test or a bend test.

Testing Sites

Testing sites are located at various member utility companies in their service regions. All efforts are made to geographically select facilities so as to minimize travel and related expenses by the applicants. Testing is also conducted at the contractors sites where practical.

Dominion East Ohio Gas Dominion Peoples

1201 East 55th Street 625 Liberty Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44144 Pittsburgh, PA 15222

PPL Utilities, Inc. Conectiv Power Delivery

299 West Fleming Avenue 630 Martin Luther King Avenue

Lewistown, PA 17044 Wilmington, DE 19889

Testing Facilities

Contractors gave the option to bring their own equipment. Testing may also be conducted at the contractors’ site with prior approval.

Fusion Equipment

The utility companies provide equipment for the testing. However, any contractor wishing to use its own equipment may do so.

Expendable Supplies

The utility companies and CTSi provide the expendable supplies for the testing to include pipe, fittings and tools needed for a nominal charge. It is the responsibility of CTSi to ensure that there are adequate supplies.

Stress Testing

CTSi utilizes the destructive bend test whereby a longitudinal section of the fusion sample is cut into strips. These strips are then bent to determine if joint failure occurs. The primary method of destructive testing is the bend test. Non destructive measures such as Ultra-Sonic inspections are under review by the EAPA Plastics committee.