BS 1387 galvanized pipe remains a commonly requested product in international steel pipe inquiries, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and markets where British pipe specifications have traditionally been used.
Buyers may request BS 1387 pipe by nominal diameter, inch size, medium series, heavy series, plain ends, or threaded and socketed ends. Understanding these details is essential before comparing prices or placing an order.
This guide explains the common BS 1387 galvanized pipe sizes, medium and heavy series, wall thicknesses, pipe ends, applications, and the information buyers should provide when requesting a quotation.
What Is BS 1387 Galvanized Pipe?
BS 1387 was a British specification historically used for circular steel tubes suitable for welding, threading, and general piping applications.
The standard has been withdrawn and replaced by BS EN 10255. However, the term “BS 1387 pipe” is still widely used in procurement documents, project lists, and customer inquiries in many international markets.
When a customer requests BS 1387 galvanized pipe, the requirement usually refers to a circular welded steel pipe with:
- A specified nominal diameter
- A corresponding inch thread size
- Medium or heavy wall thickness
- Plain, threaded, or threaded-and-socketed ends
- A hot-dip galvanized surface finish
Because BS 1387 is now a legacy specification, buyers should confirm whether the project requires the original BS 1387 dimensions, BS EN 10255, or another local standard before ordering.
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Common BS 1387 Galvanized Pipe Sizes
BS 1387 galvanized steel pipes are commonly requested from DN15 to DN150, corresponding approximately to 1/2 inch through 6 inches.
The following table summarizes common dimensions based on CanHope Steel’s supply reference. Final dimensions, wall thickness tolerances, and unit weights should be confirmed according to the purchase specification and order requirements.
| Nominal Diameter | Thread Size | Outside Diameter Range | Medium Wall Thickness | Heavy Wall Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DN15 | 1/2″ | 21.0–21.8 mm | 2.6 mm | 3.2 mm |
| DN20 | 3/4″ | 26.5–27.3 mm | 2.6 mm | 3.2 mm |
| DN25 | 1″ | 33.3–34.2 mm | 3.2 mm | 4.0 mm |
| DN32 | 1-1/4″ | 42.0–42.9 mm | 3.2 mm | 4.0 mm |
| DN40 | 1-1/2″ | 47.9–48.8 mm | 3.2 mm | 4.0 mm |
| DN50 | 2″ | 59.7–60.8 mm | 3.6 mm | 4.5 mm |
| DN65 | 2-1/2″ | 75.3–76.6 mm | 3.6 mm | 4.5 mm |
| DN80 | 3″ | 88.0–89.5 mm | 4.0 mm | 5.0 mm |
| DN100 | 4″ | 113.1–115.0 mm | 4.5 mm | 5.4 mm |
| DN125 | 5″ | 138.5–140.8 mm | 5.0 mm | 5.4 mm |
| DN150 | 6″ | 163.9–166.5 mm | 5.0 mm | 5.4 mm |
For complete wall thickness and unit-weight information, buyers can refer to our full galvanized pipe size and weight chart.
View our complete Galvanized Pipe Size and Weight Chart→
BS 1387 Medium Series vs Heavy Series
The main difference between medium and heavy series pipe is wall thickness.
Medium Series Pipe
Medium series pipe has a lower wall thickness and lighter unit weight than heavy series pipe of the same nominal diameter.
It is often selected when the project requires:
- Lower material weight
- More economical procurement
- General water or fluid transportation
- Threaded piping installations
- Moderate mechanical requirements
Heavy Series Pipe
Heavy series pipe has a thicker wall and higher unit weight.
It may be selected when the project requires:
- Greater mechanical strength
- More durable threaded connections
- Heavy-duty service conditions
- Higher resistance to handling damage
- Longer service under demanding installation conditions
The correct series should be selected according to the project design, operating conditions, applicable code, and engineer’s requirements. Medium and heavy classifications should not be used as substitutes for confirmed pressure ratings.
Hot-dip galvanized ERW steel pipes are produced through a controlled manufacturing process that includes steel strip feeding, forming, high-frequency welding, sizing, straightening and inspection. After the ERW pipe is completed, it undergoes degreasing, water washing, pickling, rinsing, fluxing and drying before being immersed in molten zinc.
The galvanized pipes are then cooled, inspected, marked, threaded or grooved when required, packed and prepared for shipment. Each production stage helps control pipe dimensions, weld quality, surface condition and zinc coating performance.
Plain End, Threaded and Socketed Pipe
BS 1387 galvanized pipes can be supplied with different end finishes.
Plain End
Plain-end galvanized pipe is supplied without threading. It may be used for welding, grooving, mechanical connections, or further processing.
Threaded End
Threaded galvanized pipe has male threads machined onto one or both ends. Thread specifications should be confirmed before production.
Threaded and Socketed
Threaded-and-socketed pipe is supplied with threads and a matching socket or coupling, allowing pipes to be connected on site.
When requesting threaded pipe, buyers should specify:
- Thread type
- Threaded length
- One-end or two-end threading
- Whether sockets or couplings are required
- Whether plastic or metal end protectors are required
Galvanized Coating and Surface Finish
BS 1387 steel pipe may be supplied in black or galvanized condition, depending on the project requirement.
For galvanized pipe, the finished black steel tube is normally hot-dip galvanized after pipe production. This process provides a heavier and more durable zinc coating than standard pre-galvanized steel strip.
Common stock hot-dip galvanized pipes in China generally have zinc coating weights of approximately 200–300 g/m², equivalent to around 30–45 μm.
For coastal areas, chemical plants, outdoor structures, and projects requiring stronger corrosion protection, higher zinc coating weights can be customized.
The zinc coating requirement should be confirmed separately from the pipe standard because coating weight, surface appearance, and testing requirements may vary by project.
Common Lengths and Export Options
The standard stock length for galvanized steel pipe is generally 6 meters per piece.
For export shipments using 20GP containers, CanHope Steel can supply 5.8-meter pipe lengths to improve container utilization.
Other customized lengths may also be discussed according to:
- Container type
- Project cutting list
- Installation requirements
- Quantity
- Production schedule
Available processing options include threading, grooving, cutting, welding, marking, bundling, waterproof wrapping, and customized export packaging.
Applications of BS 1387 Galvanized Pipe
BS 1387 galvanized pipes have traditionally been used in a wide range of piping and structural applications.
Common applications include:
- Fire protection piping
- Water supply systems
- Agricultural irrigation
- Industrial piping
- Scaffolding systems
- Guardrails and fencing
- General construction
- Mechanical and equipment structures
The suitability of a pipe for a specific application depends on the selected series, wall thickness, coating, connection method, operating conditions, and local regulations.
For fire protection projects, buyers should confirm the required pipe standard, pressure requirement, certification, connection type, and local fire code before ordering.
How to Request a BS 1387 Galvanized Pipe Quotation
Providing complete information helps the supplier calculate an accurate price and recommend the correct specification.
A quotation request should include:
- Required standard: BS 1387, BS EN 10255, or project specification
- Nominal diameter or outside diameter
- Medium or heavy series
- Wall thickness
- Pipe length
- Plain, threaded, grooved, or threaded-and-socketed ends
- Required zinc coating
- Quantity
- Packaging requirements
- Destination port
Example:
BS 1387 galvanized pipe, DN50 / 2 inch, heavy series, 4.5 mm wall thickness, 6-meter length, threaded and socketed, 500 pieces, CIF Mombasa.
Why Choose CanHope Steel?
CanHope Steel supplies galvanized steel pipes for contractors, distributors, factories, and international projects.
Our supply capabilities include:
- Steel industry experience since 1993
- Galvanized round pipe production
- DN15–DN300 supply range
- Medium- and heavy-wall pipe options
- Customized zinc coating
- 5.8-meter and 6-meter lengths
- Threading, grooving, cutting, and welding
- Export packaging and container loading
- Mixed shipments with fittings, valves, and other project materials
Before production, our team can help confirm pipe size, thickness, end finish, zinc coating, quantity, and shipping requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BS 1387 still a current standard?
BS 1387 has been withdrawn and replaced by BS EN 10255. However, many buyers and legacy projects still use “BS 1387” as a purchasing reference. The required standard should be confirmed before ordering.
What is the difference between BS 1387 medium and heavy pipe?
Heavy series pipe has a thicker wall and greater unit weight than medium series pipe of the same diameter. The correct series depends on the project design and operating requirements.
What sizes are available?
Common BS 1387 galvanized pipe sizes range from DN15 to DN150, approximately 1/2 inch to 6 inches.
Can BS 1387 pipe be supplied threaded and socketed?
Yes. Pipes can be supplied plain ended, threaded, or threaded and socketed according to the order requirements.
Can BS 1387 galvanized pipe be used for fire protection?
It may be used in some fire protection projects, but the buyer must confirm the required standard, pressure specification, certification, connection type, and local fire regulations.
Can the zinc coating be customized?
Yes. Standard stock coating and customized higher-zinc coating options are available for galvanized round pipes and structural tubes.
What is the standard pipe length?
The common stock length is 6 meters. A 5.8-meter length is available for efficient 20GP container loading.
Need BS 1387 Galvanized Steel Pipes?
CanHope Steel supplies medium and heavy series galvanized pipes with plain, threaded, grooved, or threaded-and-socketed ends.
Send us your required size, wall thickness, length, zinc coating, quantity, and destination port for a detailed quotation.