SharkBite Max is Rated to 400 psi. Here’s What You Need to Know.
Most fittings stop at "good enough" for their pressure ratings. We believe the products you rely on should go above and beyond. After researching and getting feedback from plumbing pros, we introduced SharkBite Max, a re-engineered push fitting with more strength and durability than ever before. Originally launched at a pressure rating of 250 psi, SharkBite Max now has the proper approvals to be rated at 400 psi, which is an industry-leading standard.
With such a high rating, you might wonder what value it has since a typical home water pressure is around 50-70 psi. To best understand this rating and how it affects the longevity and reliability of your connections, we’re answering some questions about our SharkBite Max pressure rating.
- Why did the rating go from 250 psi to 400 psi?
- What testing was done to confirm the new pressure rating?
- What are the benefits of the higher pressure rating for my plumbing applications?
- How does the new rating compare to other fittings?
- Is the 400 psi rating applicable to all sizes and configurations of SharkBite Max?
- Has the product design or material changed to support the higher pressure rating?
- Are there any new guidelines or recommendations for using SharkBite Max?
- Will the price or packaging of SharkBite Max change with the new pressure rating?
Why did the rating go from 250 psi to 400 psi?
In plumbing, reliability is key. So, we provide only the most reliable and accurate information as possible about our products. To ensure that Max fittings could handle 400 psi, we waited for the official tests and rating to be completed before announcing it. Although this meant being conservative about the Max pressure rating at first, we can now certify our SharkBite Max fittings to be 400 psi.
What testing was done to confirm the new pressure rating?
The new pressure rating was confirmed through rigorous testing in compliance with ASSE 1061, which sets performance requirements for push-to-connect fittings.
This included:
- Elevated Temperature 1000hr Test
Per ASSE 1061, the fitting must be two times the rated pressure (400 psi) at the elevated temperature. For SharkBite Max, that means sustaining a minimum of 800 psi at the elevated temperature for a minimum of 1,000 hours.
- Ambient Burst
Per ASSE 1061, the ambient burst pressure of a fitting must be three times the rated pressure (400 psi). For SharkBite Max, that means meeting a minimum of 1,200 psi ambient burst pressure.
Additional testing:
- High Temp Burst
- Sustained Pressure
- Thermocycling
- Water Hammer tests at 400 psi
All tests were conducted by a certified third-party lab, and our product certification listing has been updated to reflect the increased pressure rating. Additional tests performed beyond ASSE 1061 requirements included Sustained Pressure with Side Load, Burst with Side Load, High Temp Burst with Side Load, Water Hammer with Side Load, and High Temp Water Hammer.
What are the benefits of the higher pressure rating for my plumbing applications?
This higher rating provides enhanced performance, increased reliability and a broader range of applications. This means greater safety margins and suitability for more demanding environments. These benefits ensure that SharkBite Max fittings are versatile and reliable for both residential and commercial uses.
Watch: How Much Pressure Can SharkBite Max Take?
How does the new rating compare to other fittings?
SharkBite Max’s 400 psi rating stands out significantly from other fittings on the market, including press fittings. Typical pressure ratings range from 200 to 300 psi, so 400 psi is an exciting new standard.
Learn More: Nothing Beats the Shark
Is the 400 psi rating applicable to all sizes and configurations of SharkBite Max?
The 400 psi rating applies to standard configurations of SharkBite Max, including elbows, couplings, adapters, caps, and tees for most available sizes. Please reference the specific product’s specification sheet for temperature and pressure ratings as not all assemblies are rated for 400 psi and 200°F due to limitations of certain assembly components.
Has the product design or material changed to support the higher pressure rating?
There are no changes to the design of our SharkBite Max fittings. The higher rating was achieved through the completion and confirmation of the various tests mentioned earlier.
Read More: See What’s Inside a SharkBite Max™ Fitting
Are there any new guidelines or recommendations for using SharkBite Max?
No, all existing instructions and applications remain the same, ensuring the same ease of use and reliability that you're used to with SharkBite Max fittings. They also have the same 25-year warranty, ensuring long-term durability and reliability. The high standards of quality remain unchanged, providing you with the same dependable performance.
Will the price or packaging of SharkBite Max change with the new pressure rating?
No, the price of SharkBite Max will remain the same with the new rating, so you’ll receive the same great value for a higher-performing product.
Although the price is not changing, we will update the packaging and labeling to clearly reflect the new 400 psi rating. This includes new labels, updated marketing materials, and revised product information to ensure that the higher pressure rating is prominently displayed.
How does the new rating compare to other fittings?
SharkBite Max’s 400 psi rating stands out significantly from other fittings on the market, including press fittings. Typical psi ratings range from 200 to 300 psi, so 400 psi is an unprecedented new standard.