Pressure Ratings Solder Joints

Reference data and engineering information about pressure ratings solder joints for material properties applications.

pressureratingssolderjoints

Overview

Engineering reference data for Pressure Ratings Solder Joints in material science and properties.

$\sigma = \frac{F}{A}$

Force per unit area.

$\varepsilon = \frac{\Delta L}{L_0}$

Change in length per original length.

$\sigma = E \varepsilon$

Stress proportional to strain in elastic region.

$\Delta L = \alpha L_0 \Delta T$

Length change due to temperature.

Symbol	Description	Unit
$\sigma$	Stress	Pa
$\varepsilon$	Strain	—
$E$	Young's modulus	Pa
$\alpha$	Thermal expansion coefficient	1/°C
$\Delta T$	Temperature change	°C

4 rows

Maximum Pressure Ratings (psi & bar) for 50-50 Tin-Lead Solder Joints vs. Temperature and Pipe Dimension (ASME B.16.18)
Temperature(°F)	Temperature(°C)	1/8" - 1"(psi)	1/8" - 1"(bar)	1 1/4" - 2"(psi)	1 1/4" - 2"(bar)	2 1/2" - 4"(psi)	2 1/2" - 4"(bar)	5" - 8"(psi)	5" - 8"(bar)
100	38	200	14	175	12	150	10	135	9
150	66	150	10	125	9	100	7	90	6
200	93	100	7	90	6	75	5	70	5
250	121	85	6	75	5	50	3	45	3

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

4 rows

Maximum Pressure Ratings (psi & bar) for 95-5 Tin-Antimony Solder Joints vs. Temperature and Pipe Dimension (ASME B.16.18)
Temperature(°F)	Temperature(°C)	1/8" - 1"(psi)	1/8" - 1"(bar)	1 1/4" - 2"(psi)	1 1/4" - 2"(bar)	2 1/2" - 4"(psi)	2 1/2" - 4"(bar)	5" - 8"(psi)	5" - 8"(bar)
100	38	500	35	400	28	300	21	270	19
150	66	400	28	350	24	275	19	250	17
200	93	300	21	250	17	200	14	180	12
250	121	200	14	175	12	150	10	135	9

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

50-50 Tin-Lead Solder: A traditional, general-purpose alloy with lower maximum pressure capabilities, particularly at elevated temperatures. Its use is often restricted in modern plumbing codes due to lead content.
95-5 Tin-Antimony Solder: A lead-free alternative with significantly higher pressure-temperature ratings, making it suitable for higher-stress applications and compliance with lead-free regulations.
Critical Factor: Pressure ratings decrease as temperature increases for all solder types and pipe sizes. Design must account for the maximum operating temperature in the system.
Standard Reference: Ratings are governed by ASME B.16.18, which specifies requirements for cast copper alloy solder joint pressure fittings.

Temperature(°F)	Temperature(°C)	1/8" - 1"(psi)	1/8" - 1"(bar)	1 1/4" - 2"(psi)	1 1/4" - 2"(bar)	2 1/2" - 4"(psi)	2 1/2" - 4"(bar)	5" - 8"(psi)	5" - 8"(bar)
100	38	200	14	175	12	150	10	135	9
150	66	150	10	125	9	100	7	90	6
200	93	100	7	90	6	75	5	70	5
250	121	85	6	75	5	50	3	45	3

Temperature(°F)	Temperature(°C)	1/8" - 1"(psi)	1/8" - 1"(bar)	1 1/4" - 2"(psi)	1 1/4" - 2"(bar)	2 1/2" - 4"(psi)	2 1/2" - 4"(bar)	5" - 8"(psi)	5" - 8"(bar)
100	38	500	35	400	28	300	21	270	19
150	66	400	28	350	24	275	19	250	17
200	93	300	21	250	17	200	14	180	12
250	121	200	14	175	12	150	10	135	9

Temperature(°F)	Temperature(°C)	1/8" - 1"(psi)	1/8" - 1"(bar)	1 1/4" - 2"(psi)	1 1/4" - 2"(bar)	2 1/2" - 4"(psi)	2 1/2" - 4"(bar)	5" - 8"(psi)	5" - 8"(bar)
100	38	200	14	175	12	150	10	135	9
150	66	150	10	125	9	100	7	90	6
200	93	100	7	90	6	75	5	70	5
250	121	85	6	75	5	50	3	45	3

Temperature(°F)	Temperature(°C)	1/8" - 1"(psi)	1/8" - 1"(bar)	1 1/4" - 2"(psi)	1 1/4" - 2"(bar)	2 1/2" - 4"(psi)	2 1/2" - 4"(bar)	5" - 8"(psi)	5" - 8"(bar)
100	38	500	35	400	28	300	21	270	19
150	66	400	28	350	24	275	19	250	17
200	93	300	21	250	17	200	14	180	12
250	121	200	14	175	12	150	10	135	9

Temperature(°F)	Temperature(°C)	1/8" - 1"(psi)	1/8" - 1"(bar)	1 1/4" - 2"(psi)	1 1/4" - 2"(bar)	2 1/2" - 4"(psi)	2 1/2" - 4"(bar)	5" - 8"(psi)	5" - 8"(bar)
100	38	200	14	175	12	150	10	135	9
150	66	150	10	125	9	100	7	90	6
200	93	100	7	90	6	75	5	70	5
250	121	85	6	75	5	50	3	45	3

Temperature(°F)	Temperature(°C)	1/8" - 1"(psi)	1/8" - 1"(bar)	1 1/4" - 2"(psi)	1 1/4" - 2"(bar)	2 1/2" - 4"(psi)	2 1/2" - 4"(bar)	5" - 8"(psi)	5" - 8"(bar)
100	38	500	35	400	28	300	21	270	19
150	66	400	28	350	24	275	19	250	17
200	93	300	21	250	17	200	14	180	12
250	121	200	14	175	12	150	10	135	9