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Smith-Blair FCA Guide: Which Style for Which Job | Watermain Supply
Description
Field Engineering Guide · Watermain Supply · Houston, TX
Smith-Blair FCAs
Which Style
for Which Job
Seven styles. One function. An engineer's guide to what distinguishes each Smith-Blair flanged coupling adapter when it matters — the specification traps that produce failed joints, the restraint logic that determines your product family, and what the supplier needs to quote the right unit the first time.
7 Styles
Covered in This Guide
3
Restrained Configurations
4
Non-Restrained Configurations
Same Day
Quote Response — Houston
Foundation
Why Seven Styles Exist
A question the supply team hears regularly: why does Smith-Blair make seven FCA styles when they all connect plain-end pipe to a flange? They don't all do the same thing. They differ across three dimensions that determine which product belongs on your job.
Restraint Mechanism
Styles 911, 920, and 923 have integral pipe restraint — the fitting itself resists the pressure thrust that would otherwise pull the pipe out of the joint. Styles 912, 913, 914, and 921 are non-restrained. They seal the pipe but transfer zero thrust load. Installing a non-restrained FCA where restraint is needed produces a joint that holds pressure at low flow and separates under surge. This happens. It is preventable.
Determines your product family first
Pipe Material Compatibility
The wedge geometry in restrained FCAs is specific to the pipe material. Style 911's heat-treated wedges are calibrated for ductile iron hardness. Style 920's wedge geometry is designed for PVC's softer surface. Using a DI-rated wedge on PVC may pass a hydrostatic test and fail under surge — the error is invisible during installation and only appears when thrust occurs.
Check before specifying any restrained FCA
Physical Configuration
Style 923 ships without a mechanical joint gland, gasket, or T-bolts — body only. Style 921 has a removable inner gasket that can be replaced without removing the adapter from the pipe. These aren't minor variations; they change how the fitting is specified, how it ships, and what the installer needs on the truck.
Determines ordering process and site logistics
The Three Questions That Drive Every FCA Selection
Answer these in order. The answers collapse seven styles into one correct choice.
- Is the connection in a thrust zone with no designed blocking? If yes → restrained family (911, 920, 923). If no → non-restrained is acceptable (912, 913, 914, 921).
- What is the pipe material? This determines whether you're in the 911/912/913 family (DI and steel), the 920 family (PVC), or the 921 family (copper, HDPE, wide OD range).
- Is there a special configuration requirement? Gasket field-replaceability (921), reducing connection (914), body-only for your own MJ gland (923), OMNI gasket compatibility (912) — these narrow the field further.
Restrained · Ductile Iron & Steel
Style 911 — FlangeLock Restrained
The default specification product for new water main construction and valve replacement on ductile iron pipe. When a project spec says "restrained flanged coupling adapter, DI pipe" without naming a style, a 911 is what gets bid.
911
FlangeLock Restrained FCA — DI & Steel
3"–48" · 150–300 PSI · Cam-Lock Integral Restraint
The Cam-Lock gland contains multiple single-tooth ductile iron wedges individually torqued against the pipe OD with breakaway actuating nuts. The nut is engineered to snap at correct torque — the snap is audible and tactile confirmation that the wedge has fully engaged. On a job with forty FCAs being installed, this is a meaningful field verification method that doesn't require a torque wrench at every bolt.
DI pipe: All sizes 3"–48"
Steel pipe: 3"–12" only
Std pressure: 150 PSI
DI ≤16": 300 PSI option
DI 18"–48": 250 PSI max
Steel 3"–12": 250 PSI max
Where the 911 Trips People Up
Steel pipe above 12"911 not rated — use 923 + restrained gland
300 PSI optionRequires 300 lb flange AND rated gland — specify at order
Deflection 3"–12"5° allowed
Deflection 14"–16"2° allowed
Deflection 18"–24"1.5° — verify bore alignment
Deflection 30"–48"1° — tight tolerance on large bores
PVC pipeNever — use Style 920
âš The 300 PSI Option Must Be Called Out at Order Time
Specifying 300 PSI working pressure and ordering a standard 911 without the high-pressure option produces a 150 PSI fitting. The flange drilling and gland assembly are different between pressure classes — neither can be changed in the field. This is a cost-of-re-excavation error, not a wrench-turn fix.
Deflection and Trenchless Bores
Deflection allowance drops sharply as size increases. On large HDD bores where the pipe entry angle has real variance, verify the installed deflection angle at each FCA location is within the rated limit before pressurizing. A 911 at 1.5° on an 18" bore is at the edge of its rating — if the bore wanders on the high side, you can exceed it without a visible indicator at the fitting.
Restrained · PVC Pipe Only
Style 920 — FlangeLock PVC: Not a Substitution
Style 920 looks identical to a Style 911 in the catalog photo and ships in similar sizes. The difference is in the wedge geometry and OD ranges — the 920 is calibrated specifically for PVC C-900 and C-905 pipe ODs, which do not match DI pipe ODs at the same nominal size.
920
FlangeLock Restrained FCA — PVC Pipe
3"–36" · 150–175 PSI · PVC-Specific Wedge Geometry
This is the most commonly mis-specified product in the Smith-Blair FCA line. The scenario: a project has both DI and PVC sections. The engineer specifies Style 911 for the whole job. The contractor installs 911s on the PVC sections. The fittings go in, pressurize, and pass the hydrostatic test. The first significant water hammer event produces a pull-out on the PVC sections.
What happened: the 911's wedge is heat-treated for DI pipe hardness. On PVC, the wedge either doesn't bite to the rated engagement depth — the pipe surface is too soft to develop the wedge geometry it does on DI — or it bites inconsistently. Pull-out resistance is degraded and there is no field-visible indicator.
Pipe: PVC C-900 and C-905 only
Sizes: 3"–36"
3"–12" pressure: 175 PSI
14"–30" pressure: 150 PSI
Critical 920 Ordering Notes
C-900 vs C-905Different ODs — confirm which standard before ordering
6" C-900 (CIOD)6.90" actual OD
6" C-905 (IPS)6.625" actual OD
3"–12" pressure175 PSI — higher than 911 standard at same sizes
Substituting 911 on PVCNever — requires written engineering approval
42"+ PVC920 not available — use 923 + restrained MJ gland
Why 175 PSI at 3"–12" on PVC?
PVC C-900 and C-905 have tighter OD tolerances than ductile iron — less variation between the catalog OD range extremes. Tighter OD tolerance allows more consistent wedge engagement, which is why the pressure rating is slightly higher at small sizes than the DI-rated 911 at the same sizes.
Body Only · Bring Your Own MJ Gland
Style 923 — MJ Coupling Body: What "Body Only" Actually Means
Style 923 ships without a mechanical joint gland, gasket, or T-bolts. The installer supplies — or separately specifies — the MJ restraint gland, MJ gasket, and T-bolt kit. Understanding why this configuration exists is what determines when it belongs on your job.
923
FlangeLock MJ Coupling Body Only
3"–48" · Pipe Pass-Through Design · Gland Supplied Separately
Two reasons this configuration exists. First, it gives large-diameter contractors control over the MJ restraint hardware. On 24"–48" installations, contractors typically have preferred MJ gland hardware — often from a manufacturer they've qualified with their utility client or tested with their pipe stock. The 923 body accommodates any standard MJ gland without locking the buyer into Smith-Blair's gland hardware.
Second, the pipe pass-through design changes the installation geometry significantly. The pipe slides completely through the body bore before the MJ gland is positioned. On large-diameter work in a tight trench, the crew doesn't have to position the body and gland simultaneously while managing a 40-inch pipe — the pipe goes through, the body positions, then the gland drops in from the end.
- A 923 body + non-restrained MJ gland = non-restrained FCA
- A 923 body + rated restrained MJ gland = restrained FCA
- The body itself provides the flange face only — restraint rating comes entirely from the gland
- Do not assume body + any restrained gland = compliant — verify pull-out rating combination
Ordering a 923 Correctly
Body only923 catalog number + nominal size + OD range
Complete assemblyAsk supplier to quote body + gland + gasket + T-bolts
Gland type must be specifiedStandard MJ, Megalug-compatible, or other
Gasket standardMJ gasket per AWWA C111 / ANSI A21.11
T-bolt gradeHSLA standard; SS available for corrosive soils
For 42"+ PVC923 + PVC-rated restrained gland = correct solution
Project Spec Compliance
If your spec requires a restrained FCA with a certified pull-out force, submit the 923 body + gland combination for engineering review together — not separately. The restrained rating is the combination, not either component alone.
Non-Restrained · Cast DI · OMNI Compatible
Style 912 — Cast DI OMNI: The Stockroom-Friendly Option
Style 912 is cast ductile iron, uses the OMNI-compatible gasket system, and covers 3"–12" nominal. It ships as a complete unit with flange bolts included. The primary advantage is inventory management, not price.
912
Cast Ductile Iron FCA — OMNI Compatible
3"–12" · 250 PSI · Color-Coded Followers by Pipe Type
The OMNI gasket compatibility is the 912's defining feature. OMNI gaskets are a Smith-Blair standard distributed widely through waterworks supply chains — the same gasket used in OMNI couplings. Contractors running OMNI coupling systems already stock these gaskets, which simplifies parts management and field repair inventory. The 912 draws from that same stock; the 913 requires a specific Smith-Blair part number.
The color-coded follower flange system is the feature that makes the 912 uniquely useful for service truck inventory. One 912 body fits multiple pipe types — swap the follower color for the pipe material on the job. Stock bodies by nominal size, stock followers in all three colors, assemble at the job site.
Blue follower: Ductile iron OD
Red follower: IPS OD
Gray follower: Asbestos cement OD
Sizes: 3"–12" only
Pressure: 250 PSI
Includes: Flange bolts in box
Where 912 Doesn't Belong
Above 12" nominal912 tops out at 12" — use 913 for larger sizes
Restrained applicationNo restrained version — use 911 for DI with restraint
Steel pipe, 5" nominal912 doesn't cover 5" — use 913
Future gasket serviceabilityOMNI gaskets are widely stocked — easier to source than 913 gasket
Pressure limit250 PSI — higher than 913's 150 PSI standard
✓ Best Use Case for 912
Service truck inventory for a utility or contractor running a mixed DI/steel/AC distribution system in 3"–12" sizes. One body per nominal size, three follower colors, OMNI gaskets already in stock. Zero incremental sourcing complexity when a valve needs to be replaced in the field.
Non-Restrained · Fabricated Steel · Full Size Range
Style 913 — Fabricated Steel: Coverage Where the 912 Can't Go
Style 913 is the fabricated steel non-restrained FCA for sizes and pipe types the 912 doesn't cover — specifically 5" nominal, and 14" through 24" on steel or DI pipe. AWWA C219 compliant, NSF 61/372 gasket standard.
913
Fabricated Steel FCA — Steel & DI Pipe
3"–24" · 150 PSI · AWWA C219 · NSF 61/372
The 913 follows AWWA C219 — the standard governing bolted sleeve-type couplings — and uses a Buna-N NSF 61/372 gasket as standard. The NSF 61/372 rating covers both gasket contact with potable water and the full lead-free material requirement. On projects requiring written NSF 372 compliance throughout, the 913 satisfies both boxes without a special order.
The 913 covers steel and DI pipe from 3"–24" — a broader range than the 912 on the high end, and it includes the 5" nominal size that the 912 doesn't offer. For large-diameter non-restrained DI work above 12", the 913 is the only standard catalog choice in the non-restrained line.
913 vs 911 on Steel Pipe — Which to Choose
Non-restrained steel 3"–24"913 — designed for this use
Restrained steel 3"–12"911 — rated for steel in this range
Restrained steel 14"+"923 + restrained gland — 911 not rated
Using 911 non-restrained on steelWorks but paying for restraint mechanism you're not using
5" nominal steel pipe913 — 912 doesn't offer 5"
NSF 372 full compliance913 Buna-N gasket standard — no special order needed
Long-Term Gasket Sourcing Note
The 913 gasket is a specific Smith-Blair part number. If this connection is in a location where gasket replacement is expected — a frequently accessed meter vault, for example — consider whether the 921's field-replaceable gasket is worth the cost premium, or stock a replacement gasket at installation time.
Non-Restrained · Reducing Configuration
Style 914 — Reducing FCA: One Fitting Where Two Would Have Gone
Style 914 eliminates a two-unit installation — pipe reducer plus standard FCA — in situations where the plain-end pipe and the mating flange are different nominal sizes. The ordering system is unlike any other FCA in the line.
914
Reducing Flanged Coupling Adapter
All Pipe Types · Two Catalog Codes Per Order · Non-Restrained
The ordering system for the 914 is different from every other FCA in the Smith-Blair line: you order by specifying two catalog codes — one for the coupling end (pipe OD and nominal size) and one for the flanged end (flange nominal size). These combine to produce a single unit with a specific coupling-end OD range and a specific flange drilling. This is the point where 914 orders go wrong — crews used to single-code ordering submit just one code and receive a quote request or a wrong unit.
The 914 makes sense when the size difference is two or three nominal sizes and the connection is a permanent one-time installation. If the location needs to become a future flanged access point in a manifold with multiple tie-in options, a fabricated spool with independent flanges gives more future flexibility — the 914 is a single-purpose unit.
- Specify coupling-end catalog code (pipe OD + nominal size)
- Specify flanged-end catalog code (flange nominal size)
- Two codes = one unit = one line on the purchase order
- Maximum reduction without engineering review: typically 3 nominal pipe sizes
- 12" pipe to 4" flange: requires engineering review, may not be standard product
914 vs Two-Piece Solution — Decision Points
Permanent connection, no future access914 — cleaner and cheaper
Future manifold tie-in points plannedConsider fabricated spool for flexibility
Reduction ≤ 3 nominal sizesStandard 914 available
Reduction > 3 nominal sizesEngineering review required — call before ordering
Lead time914 is build-to-order — typically 2–4 weeks
Restrained versionNot available — use reducer + restrained standard FCA if restraint needed
Non-Restrained · Field-Replaceable Gasket · Wide OD Range
Style 921 — Top Bolt: The Field Serviceability Specialist
Style 921 is the only FCA in the Smith-Blair line where the gasket can be removed and replaced without removing the adapter from the pipe. This is a specification decision — not a features-list upgrade — for any connection where future gasket service is expected.
921
Top Bolt FCA — Removable Inner Gasket
2"–12" · 175 PSI · DI · Steel · PVC · Copper · HDPE · AC
The top-bolt design and channeled inner gasket make gasket replacement possible without pipe movement: loosen the top bolts, pull the gasket, slide in a new one. No system shutdown beyond normal isolation, no pipe cutting, no excavation beyond what's already open. On a connection that will be opened regularly for meter maintenance or instrumentation service, the 921 pays its cost premium on the second service call.
The wide OD range per unit is the other key differentiator. Because the top-bolt design doesn't rely on a single OD band being machined to the gasket geometry, one 921 catalog number can accommodate a range of actual pipe ODs that would require two catalog numbers of a standard FCA. On rehabilitation projects where the pipe vintage is uncertain and actual ODs may vary, the 921 covers the job with fewer catalog numbers in stock.
Pipe types: DI · Steel · PVC · Copper · HDPE · AC
Sizes: 2"–12"
Pressure: 175 PSI
Gasket: Replaceable without removing fitting
921 — When It's the Right Call
Meter vault connectionsMeter pulls for service — gasket replaced in place
Instrumentation tie-insFuture sensor removal without full disconnect
Mixed or unknown pipe vintageWide OD range reduces catalog SKUs needed
Copper or HDPE pipeOnly Smith-Blair FCA rated for these materials
Pressure limit175 PSI max — not for high-pressure applications
Restrained versionNot available — external thrust blocking required
Sizes above 12"Not available — 921 tops out at 12"
HDPE Ordering Note
HDPE OD varies significantly by SDR ratio and manufacturer. Measure the actual OD before ordering — do not use the nominal size alone. The 921's wide OD range helps, but verify that your specific HDPE pipe OD falls within the catalog range for the nominal size ordered.
Field Decision Tool
The Restraint Decision — A Job-Site Checklist
The restraint question is the most consequential decision in FCA specification. A wrong gasket compound degrades slowly and produces a slow leak. A wrong restraint decision produces sudden catastrophic joint separation under surge. Use this checklist before any FCA goes on order.
You NEED a Restrained FCA if Any of These Are True
Dead end, reducer, tee, or direction change on pressurized mainRestrained
Project spec prohibits thrust blocks or requires fully restrained systemRestrained
Excavation too tight to form adequate thrust blockRestrained
Soil conditions don't support calculated blocking bearing areaRestrained
Timeline doesn't allow concrete curing before pressurizationRestrained
Trenchless bore where blocking mass can't be accommodatedRestrained
Pipe material or geometry makes blocking impracticalRestrained
Non-Restrained FCA Is Acceptable When ALL of These Are True
Designed thrust block — AWWA M11 bearing area confirmed by engineerNon-restrained ok
Soil safe bearing capacity confirmed by test, not assumedNon-restrained ok
Concrete allowed to cure to design strength before pressurizationNon-restrained ok
OR: fully restrained joint system with thrust transfer complete at this pointNon-restrained ok
⚠Bearing Area Calculation — Don't Use Assumed Values
Bearing area (ft²) = Thrust force (lbs) ÷ Soil safe bearing capacity (lbs/ft²). Soil capacity ranges from ~1,500 lbs/ft² (soft clay) to ~6,000 lbs/ft² (hard rock). Assumed values that are too high are the most common cause of thrust block failures. When soil conditions are uncertain, a restrained fitting eliminates the variable.
Reference Matrix
Which Style Fits Which Pipe Material
Every style against every pipe material. Use this to confirm your selection or catch a compatibility issue before the order goes in.
| Pipe Material | Restrained Options | Non-Restrained Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ductile Iron (DI) | 911, 923 + restrained gland | 912, 913, 914, 921 | 911 is standard spec; 912 for OMNI gasket compatibility 3"–12" |
| Steel (3"–12") | 911, 923 + restrained gland | 912 (DI/IPS set), 913, 914, 921 | 911 restrained limited to 3"–12" steel — confirm before ordering larger |
| Steel (14" and above) | 923 + restrained gland only | 913, 914 | 911 not rated for steel above 12" — 923 is the only restrained option |
| PVC C-900 | 920, 923 + restrained gland | 913 (PVC OD range), 921 | 920 only restrained FCA with wedge geometry designed for PVC hardness |
| PVC C-905 | 920, 923 + restrained gland | 913 (PVC OD range), 921 | C-905 uses IPS OD — different part numbers than C-900; confirm standard |
| Copper Tubing | 921 only — non-restrained | 921 only | No other Smith-Blair FCA rated for copper OD; external blocking required |
| HDPE | 921 only — non-restrained | 921 only | Measure actual OD before ordering — HDPE OD varies significantly by SDR ratio |
| Asbestos Cement (AC) | 923 + restrained gland (verify) | 912 (gray follower), 913 (AC OD range), 921 | AC pipe has significant OD variation — verify actual OD; confirm gland compatibility for restrained |
Prevention, Not Post-Mortem
Six Specification and Installation Errors We See Repeatedly
These are documented from real-world mis-specification patterns — each one is preventable with the right information at order time.
Installing 911 on PVC Above 12"
The 920 tops out at 36" on PVC. For 42"+ PVC, the 923 body with a compatible PVC-rated restrained MJ gland is the correct solution — not a 911 from the DI stock. The 911 wedge is not designed for PVC surface hardness at any size, but the error is most common when the crew is moving between pipe materials on the same job and grabbing what's staged.
Fix: Check pipe material before pulling from the staging area
Ordering a 923 Without Specifying the Gland
Calling in a "923 restrained FCA" without specifying the gland type results in either a quote request or a delivery without the gland. The 923 body ships alone by default. Specify explicitly: 923 body + gland type + gasket + T-bolt kit. Ask the supplier to quote the complete assembly if you're unsure what gland hardware you need — that's a two-minute phone call versus a two-week backorder.
Fix: Always spec gland type when ordering a 923
Using 913 on 3"–12" DI When Long-Term Gasket Service Matters
The 913 works fine on DI pipe and is AWWA C219 compliant. But for 3"–12" DI work where the connection will eventually need a new gasket, the 912's OMNI gasket compatibility means replacement gaskets are available through any waterworks distributor. The 913 gasket requires a specific Smith-Blair part number and may require lead time. Not a catastrophic error — but worth noting on long-term infrastructure.
Fix: On high-access locations, spec 912 or stock replacement gasket at install
Ignoring Deflection Limits on Restrained FCAs
All restrained FCAs have a maximum deflection angle at which restraint is rated. Exceeding the angle in a bore or uneven trench reduces pull-out resistance without any visual indicator at the fitting. On large HDD bores with 18"+ pipe, the allowed deflection at the FCA is 1.5° — a number that can easily be exceeded if the bore wanders. Check the bore alignment against the rated deflection before installing, not after the pipe is seated.
Fix: Survey bore alignment before FCA installation on large bores
Assuming Current OD Standards on Old Pipe
DI and cast iron pipe produced under older specifications has slightly different OD standards than current AWWA C151 pipe. On rehabilitation projects where the pipe vintage is uncertain, never order an FCA based on the current OD standard for the nominal size — measure the actual OD at the installation point with a caliper. The difference between old and current DI OD can be enough to put you in the wrong gasket range.
Fix: Measure at the installation point, not from drawings
Treating 914 as a Single-Code Order
The Style 914 requires two catalog codes — coupling-end code and flanged-end code — combined into one unit. Submitting one code produces a quote request at best and a wrong unit at worst. The two-code system is the only way the manufacturer knows both the pipe OD range and the flange drilling being combined. This is not a supplier error; it's the correct way the product is specified.
Fix: When ordering a 914, always specify both coupling-end and flange-end codes
What the Supplier Needs
Ordering the Right Way — Five Mandatory Fields
Every FCA order needs these five items stated explicitly. Missing any one produces either a quote request delay or a wrong product shipped.
Standard FCA Order — Required Information
1. Style number911, 912, 913, 914, 920, 921, or 923
2. Nominal pipe sizePlus actual measured OD if non-standard
3. Pipe materialDI · Steel · PVC C-900 · PVC C-905 · Copper · HDPE · AC
4. Flange pressure classAWWA C207 Class D (std) · ANSI 250 lb · 300 lb
5. Style 923 onlyGland type + gasket + T-bolt kit specification
Style 914 Additional Requirements
Coupling-end codePipe OD range + nominal size at pipe end
Flanged-end codeNominal flange size at fitting end
Both codes requiredTwo catalog codes = one unit on the PO
Lead Time Guide by Style
911, 912, 913, 920, 921 (standard sizes)Houston stock or 5–10 business days
923 complete assembly2–4 weeks (build-to-order)
914 (build-to-order)2–4 weeks
Sizes above 36"6–10 weeks — call before committing schedule
300 lb flange option6–10 weeks — not a standard shelf item
Non-standard gasket compound6–10 weeks — specify at project kick-off
SS T-bolt kitsTypically available — confirm at order
✓ Submittals for Municipal Projects
NSF 61 certification letters, NSF 372 lead-free compliance letters, and manufacturer cut sheets are available for all standard styles. Confirm at order if submittals are required — Watermain Supply coordinates directly with the Smith-Blair technical team for project submittal packages.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions the supply and engineering team gets regularly on Smith-Blair FCA projects.
Can I substitute a Style 920 with a Style 911 if the 920 is out of stock?
No — this requires written engineering approval. The 911's wedge is heat-treated for DI pipe hardness and will not achieve rated pull-out resistance on PVC's softer surface. If 920 lead time is a problem, the alternative is a 923 body with a PVC-rated restrained MJ gland — not an 911 from the DI stock. Call us before substituting any restrained FCA on a different pipe material than it was designed for.
The 912 and 913 overlap on 3"–12" DI pipe. Which should I default to?
For 3"–12" DI work where OMNI gasket compatibility and color-coded follower convenience matter — especially service truck inventory — spec the 912. For 14"–24" DI or any steel pipe work, the 913. For jobs mixing DI and steel in the same size range where you want one product family: the 913 covers both with the right OD ranges. For high-access connections where future gasket replacement is expected: consider the 921.
What's the correct product for a 24" steel main — restrained, non-restrained?
Non-restrained on 24" steel: Style 913. Restrained on 24" steel: Style 923 body + restrained MJ gland. The 911 is not rated for steel pipe above 12" — a common misconception because the 911 covers DI through 48". For steel pipe above 12" in either restrained or non-restrained configuration, the 913 (non-restrained) and 923 (restrained) are the correct products.
Can I get a Style 911 with stainless steel T-bolts?
Yes — 304 stainless steel fluoropolymer-coated T-bolt kits are available for corrosive soil environments or installations in coastal or brackish groundwater areas. Specify at order. Standard hardware is HSLA steel, which performs well in normal soil environments with properly applied fusion-bonded epoxy coating. In highly corrosive soils, the SS hardware option eliminates a failure mode that the coating alone may not prevent over a 30-year service life.
Is there a restrained Smith-Blair FCA for copper or HDPE pipe?
No. The Style 921 is the only Smith-Blair FCA rated for copper and HDPE pipe, and it is non-restrained. For restrained connections on copper or HDPE, a different restraint approach is required — tie-rod harnesses between adjacent flanged fittings, or a fully restrained joint system design that doesn't rely on the FCA for thrust resistance. Call the engineering team before specifying a restrained connection on copper or HDPE — this is a design question, not a product selection question.
How do I verify a Style 923 assembly meets the project pull-out force requirement?
The pull-out rating of a 923 assembly is the rating of the MJ restraint gland used with it — the 923 body itself has no published pull-out rating. Get the pull-out force table for the specific restrained MJ gland being used, confirm it covers your pipe OD and operating pressure, and submit the gland data sheet alongside the 923 body data sheet as a combined submittal. Do not submit them separately and assume the combination is reviewed as a system — state explicitly in the submittal that these are being installed as a combined restrained assembly.
Specifying Smith-Blair FCAs for Your Project?
Tell us the pipe material, actual measured OD, nominal size, operating pressure, and whether the connection needs restraint. We'll confirm the correct style, catalog number, and lead time same day from Houston.
281.664.8000  · sales@watermainsupply.com  · Houston, TX
Authorized DistributorSmith-Blair · Dresser · Baker Water Systems
Houston Stock911 · 912 · 913 · 920 · 921 Standard Sizes
Same-Day ResponsePricing · Submittals · Technical Questions
NSF 61 / 372Certification Letters Available on Request
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