Using PEX for air compressors is a very common question that users ask. The answer depends on the air compressor and the pressure rating of the PEX pipe.
PEX-AL-PEX is the only type of PEX that’s rated for air compressors due to its flexibility, durability, and pressure resistance. This pipe has an aluminum layer between two PEX layers, contributing to its resistance to high pressure (up to 1,000 PSI) and temperature fluctuations (– 45°C to 95°C).
In this article, we will define the composition of PEX piping, then switch gears to its types, pros, cons, and compatibility with air compressors.
What is a PEX pipe?
PEX refers to the cross-linked version of polyethylene to create a flexible line. This newly formed structure is durable and serves numerous applications.
Before PEX pipes, most people used copper pipping, which presented numerous obstacles, including: [1]
- Significant price increase
- Difficulty manipulating its structure
- Challenging maintenance
Unlike copper pipes, PEX is cheaper and widely available. It’s easily manipulated, and maintenance is relatively easy. The flexibility of PEX pipes reduces the number of connections and fittings. This is not the case for rigid metals, such as copper and steel.
What’s more, metals tend to corrode with time due to the deposition of minerals in the inner lining. However, PEX is basically plastic, which is very resistant to these buildups.
Finally, PEX pipes can withstand severe weather conditions, such as heat and cold. [2]
If you plan to use PEX for air compressors, you can find an array of pipe lengths, ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet. As for the diameter of PEX pipes, there are many options:
- 0.5 inch
- 3/4 (0.75) inch
- 1 inch
- 5/8 inch
Color-coding for PEX lines
During your search for PEX for air compressors, you’ll come across various colors, including white, grey, blue, and red.
This color coding helps users buy the right PEX pipe. Here’s a brief summary:
White PEX lines – Used for water at different temperatures
Grey PEX lines – Used for water at different temperatures
Blue PEX lines – Used for cold water
Red PEX lines – Used for hot water
In reality, the color of your PEX lines does not really matter. It’s just a visual aid to help you figure out which pipe is carrying hot or cold water. In the context of PEX for air compressors, the color choice is not important.
PEX A, PEX B, and PEX-AL-PEX
| PEX A | PEX B | PEX-AL-PEX | |
| Flexibility | High | Medium | High |
| Pressure Rating | Medium | Low | High |
| Use for air compressors | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Life-expectancy | Long | Long | Long |
| Material | A single polyethylene layer | A single polyethylene layer | An aluminum layer sandwiched by two polyethylene layers |
PEX A
PEX-A pipes are manufactured using the Engel method, which involves cross-linking the polyethylene material during the extrusion process. This method produces a higher degree of cross-linking, resulting in improved flexibility. PEX-A lines can be bent and shaped more easily at various temperatures. What’s more, they can easily be reshaped to the original form.
This property makes it an ideal choice for radiant floor heating systems, which require a lot of bending. PEX-A pipes also have excellent resistance to cracking caused by freezing.
Note that PEX A may be more expensive than PEX B.
PEX B
To produce PEX B, manufacturers use a chemical reaction after the extrusion process. This type of PEX is less flexible compared to PEX A. Moreover, it has lower temperature and pressure ratings.
The most common use for PEX B is potable water systems. This is due to the reduced requirement of flexibility and temperature resistance in these systems.
PEX-AL-PEX
PEX-Aluminum-PEX is a composite structure that has three layers:
- An inner layer (PEX)
- A middle layer (aluminum)
- An outer layer (PEX)
The purpose of the aluminum layer is to provide more stability and resistance to the physical changes that occur when temperature changes. The durability of PEX-AL-PEX makes it suitable for applications that require hard-wearing tubing, including high-pressure environments. [3]
Common uses of PEX-AL-PEX include:
- Compressed air systems
- Radiant heating systems
- Hydronic heating systems
The pros of PEX pipes for your air compressor
PEX for air compressors provides a number of benefits, including:
- PEX pipes do not corrode from the deposition of minerals and other sediments.
- There is no need for welding or soldering, which is not the case for copper and steel.
- Allow water to flow silently, eliminating the annoying noise associated with metal piping.
- Unlike copper pipes, PEX color-coded pipes help users differentiate between hot and cold lines.
- Easy to connect to existing metal pipes.
- PEX pipes can expand with environmental changes (e.g., temperature, pressure), prolonging their lifespan.
The cons of PEX pipes for your air compressor
Similar to copper pipes, PEX lines have a few cons, including:
- Recycling PEX is not possible due to its resistance to high temperatures. However, this is expected to change with the increasing demand for this material.
- Connecting PEX requires special fittings and tools. Thanks to the durability of these pipes, the initial investment is usually worth it.
- Using PEX pipes outdoors may not be a good idea. This is mainly because of the sun’s effect on the material, leading to hardening and cracking.
PEX pipe for air compressor lines
People often ask whether it’s possible to use PEX pipes for their air compressors.
Most PEX pipes are not suitable for air compressor lines. Instead, PEX pipes are rated for carrying water supply due to the lower pressure environment. However, it’s possible to use PEX-AL-PEX for air compressors, which is significantly more flexible and durable, allowing it to handle high-pressure levels.
PEX-AL-PEX is a cheap option to connect your air compressor to different units without having to spend thousands of dollars on metal piping. What’s more, the flexibility of PEX pipes reduces the number of required connections.
The thermal-resistant properties of PEX-AL-PEX can serve as a great feature for air compressors operating in cold temperatures.
With all of that said, you need to check the pressure rating for the PEX tubing for air compressor lines before deciding to install new connections.
The best PEX-AL-PEX for air compressors on Amazon is the Happybuy, 1/2” pipe. It comes with two length options (656 ft and 984 ft). This line has a maximum working pressure of 1160 PSI, fitting all air compressors. It also resists very high temperatures (up to 95°C), with a durable lifespan (more than 50 years).
Tips on using PEX for air compressors
To optimize the use of PEX for air compressors, here are a few tips:
- Avoid using PEX pipes outdoors since they can degrade because of the sun’s radiation.
- Make sure the pressure ratings of PEX pipes are above the working pressure of your air compressor.
- Buy a high-quality cutter to make clean cuts when manipulating the pipe.
- Use a PEX clinch tool to crimp connecting rings.
- Set up a filter to prevent the buildup of contaminants.
3/4 PEX pipe for air compressor lines
If you plan to use a 3/4 PEX pipe for air compressor lines, we still recommend that you stick to the PEX-AL-PEX type.
This diameter allows for a higher flow capacity while resisting internal pressure and external factors, such as freezing temperatures.
Check out this 3/4 PEX pipe for air compressor lines on Amazon.
PEX pipe – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use PEX for air compressor?
It’s possible to use PEX for air compressors as long as you choose the PEX-AL-PEX type. This pipe has an aluminum layer that makes it resistant to high-pressure environments, such as compressed systems.
Make sure to read the pressure rating of the PEX pipe before buying it. If you do a quick search, you’ll notice that most PEX A and PEX B pipes have a maximum working pressure of 160 PSI. On the other hand, the average maximum pressure of PEX-AL-PEX pipes is always above 500 PSI.
2. Should you use PEX A or B for air compressor?
PEX A may have higher pressure ratings than PEX B. However, it’s still low compared to the working pressure of air compressors.
For this reason, we do not recommend that you use PEX A or B pipes for your air compressor. Instead, opt for PEX-AL-PEX, which is compatible with high-pressure levels.
3. What is the air pressure limit for PEX pipes?
The pressure ratings for PEX A and B are generally around 100 to 160 PSI. This may be compatible with small air compressors; however, any pump that generates more than 160 PSI will burst up the pipes. This is one of the reasons PEX A and B are not recommended for compressed air systems.
Conversely, PEX-AL-PEX piping can handle up to 1000 PSI, which meets the requirement of most air compressors.
Watch this video to see the air pressure limit for PEX pipes:
Bonus tip: Always add 10-15% to the maximum pressure of your air compressor before buying PEX pipes.
Takeaway message
PEX for air compressors offers flexible, durable, and easy-to-install piping to set up simple or complex compressed air systems. The cheap price of these lines compared to metal piping makes them a popular choice among everyday users and industries alike.
We hope that this article managed to highlight how to use PEX for air compressors, including the advantages and limitations you may face.
If you have any questions about PEX pipes or air compressors, please do not hesitate to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
