CS IS 1239 Pipes and IS 3589 pipes are both widely used in various industries for transporting water, gas, air, and even steam. These pipes are made from mild or carbon steel and are designed based on Indian Standards. However, they are not the same and are used in different situations based on pressure, size, and application. This complete guide explains the key differences between them, including IS 3589 pipe thickness, IS 3589 equivalent material, and IS 1239 pipe thickness.
Both CS IS 1239 Pipes / IS 3589 pipes are trusted choices in sectors like construction, agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial piping. The selection between the two depends on specific needs such as pressure handling, pipe diameter, material strength, and budget. Understanding these differences can help you make the right decision for your project, ensuring long-lasting and cost-effective performance.
What is IS 1239?
IS 1239 is the Indian Standard code for carbon steel tubes used for low-pressure applications. These pipes are mainly used for water and gas services and are suitable for welding, bending, and flanging.
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IS 1239 material is generally mild steel.
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These pipes are available in light, medium, and heavy classes.
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Commonly used in plumbing, industrial water lines, air pipelines, and sprinkler systems.
IS 1239 pipe thickness varies by class:
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Light Class (A): Thin wall
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Medium Class (B): Moderate wall
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Heavy Class (C): Thick wall
What is IS 3589?
IS 3589 is the standard for electric resistance welded (ERW) steel pipes used for water, sewage, and industrial use. These pipes are stronger and used in higher diameter and higher-pressure systems.
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Mostly used in construction, irrigation, power plants, and oil & gas industries.
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Manufactured in large sizes, up to 2,000 mm diameter.
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These pipes are suitable for high-volume water flow and heavy-duty pipelines.
IS 3589 pipe thickness ranges from 4 mm to 12.5 mm, depending on the diameter and pressure requirement.
IS 3589 Equivalent Material
The IS 3589 equivalent material in international standards can be similar to:
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ASTM A53
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ASTM A135
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EN 10217
This helps when comparing specifications across different countries or standards.
Key Differences Between IS 1239 and IS 3589 Pipes
| Feature | IS 1239 | IS 3589 |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Low-pressure pipelines | High-volume, medium-pressure pipelines |
| Size Range | Up to 150 mm (6 inches) | Up to 2000 mm (80 inches) |
| Wall Thickness | Light, Medium, Heavy (Class A/B/C) | 4 mm to 12.5 mm |
| Manufacturing Method | Welded / Seamless | Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) |
| Material | Mild Steel (MS) | Carbon Steel (CS) |
| IS Code | MS pipe IS code 1239 | IS 3589 |
| Suitable For | Plumbing, gas, and air lines | Sewage, irrigation, industrial pipelines |
Manufacturing Process
Both CS IS 1239 Pipes and IS 3589 pipes can be produced using two methods:
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ERW (Electric Resistance Welded):
This is the most common method. In ERW, steel plates or coils are rolled into a pipe shape and welded using electric resistance. It is fast, economical, and widely used for both IS 1239 and IS 3589 pipes. -
Seamless Pipes:
In this process, pipes are made without any welding. These are stronger and used in high-pressure systems. Though not common for regular IS 1239 use, seamless options exist for special applications.
CS IS 3589 pipes usually need:
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Higher wall thickness
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Better dimensional accuracy
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Stronger weld quality
This is because IS 3589 pipes are used in large-scale systems where strength and durability are critical.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to cost, there is a clear difference:
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CS IS 1239 pipes are usually cheaper. This is because:
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They come in smaller sizes.
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They are made for low-pressure use.
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The raw material and thickness requirements are less.
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CS IS 3589 pipes are more expensive, but they offer:
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Greater strength and thickness
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Larger sizes for industrial use
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Better durability for long-term, high-flow systems
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So, if your project needs basic piping for water or air, IS 1239 material is cost-effective. But for heavy-duty, large-diameter pipelines, investing in IS 3589 is a better choice.
Conclusion
Both CS IS 1239 Pipes and IS 3589 pipes are essential in different sectors. If your project involves small-diameter and low-pressure use, IS 1239 material is a suitable and cost-effective choice. For large-diameter pipelines and heavy flow systems, IS 3589 is the better fit due to its strength and higher wall thickness. Understanding the difference between IS 1239 pipe thickness and IS 3589 pipe thickness, and knowing the IS 3589 equivalent material, helps in selecting the right type of pipe for your needs. Always ensure that you follow the correct MS pipe IS code 1239 or IS 3589 as per your application requirement.
