October 2, 2025
Why Uponor ProPEX® Full-Port Ball Valves are Superior to Other F1960 Valves
By Kim Bliss
Uponor ProPEX® Full-Port Ball Valves, which are designed and manufactured to the ASTM F1960 Standard, are, in fact, superior to other F1960 full-port ball valves due to the interior ball and valve body design.
When comparing full-port ball valves, the ball itself is a key component. You can see from the image below that the ball on the right is larger, and there is a reason why.
Uponor PEX-a pipe and ProPEX connections are designed and manufactured specifically for ASTM F1960 cold expansion. However, other PEX-a and F1960 fitting manufacturers also manufacture pipe, fittings, and valves to the ASTM F1807 crimp standard.
These other manufacturer valves have the same ball and valve body used in their crimp offering with just an F1960 connection added. That smaller-size ball makes a difference in the valve flow coefficient.
The internal diameter (ID) or flow path of the Uponor ProPEX full-port ball valve is larger than competitors. In fact, one competitor’s valve is 11% smaller, resulting in a coefficient of velocity that is 37% less than through an Uponor ProPEX valve.
So, even though both are designed and manufactured to the ASTM F1960 standard and labeled as full port, the actual flow is significantly different.
When comparing full-port ball valves, the ball itself is a key component. You can see from the image below that the ball on the right is larger, and there is a reason why.
Uponor PEX-a pipe and ProPEX connections are designed and manufactured specifically for ASTM F1960 cold expansion. However, other PEX-a and F1960 fitting manufacturers also manufacture pipe, fittings, and valves to the ASTM F1807 crimp standard.
These other manufacturer valves have the same ball and valve body used in their crimp offering with just an F1960 connection added. That smaller-size ball makes a difference in the valve flow coefficient.
The internal diameter (ID) or flow path of the Uponor ProPEX full-port ball valve is larger than competitors. In fact, one competitor’s valve is 11% smaller, resulting in a coefficient of velocity that is 37% less than through an Uponor ProPEX valve.
So, even though both are designed and manufactured to the ASTM F1960 standard and labeled as full port, the actual flow is significantly different.
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