Compared to Schedule 80, what characteristic does Schedule 40 PVC possess?

Schedule 40 PVC is designed with a thinner wall thickness compared to Schedule 80 PVC, making it lighter and easier to handle. This thinner wall also results in a larger cross-sectional area for fill within the pipe, allowing for increased flow capacity compared to something like Schedule 80, which may be suitable for applications requiring more durability.

In practical terms, the thinner walls of Schedule 40 make it more economical and easier to install in non-structural applications where resistance to physical damage is not a primary concern. Its use is typically in residential and some commercial applications, such as drain systems and irrigation, where less pressure is involved as opposed to applications that utilize Schedule 80, which is made for more demanding conditions.

This differentiation in physical characteristics is crucial for selecting the correct type of PVC piping for specific applications, ensuring safety and compatibility in a variety of plumbing and electrical scenarios.