Equal Cross - Butt-Weld Pipe Fitting
An equal butt-weld cross connects four pipes of the same size at right angles in a single fitting. It is the efficient way to create a four-way junction in manifolds and distribution networks without fabricating multiple welded tees. Manufactured to BS EN 10253-2 and ASME B16.9, all four outlets share the same nominal bore and pressure rating.
All equal crosses are supplied with bevelled weld ends to ASME B16.25 for full-penetration butt welding. Each fitting carries heat numbers and material test certificates, providing full traceability from raw material to finished product.
Standards & Materials
Manufactured in accordance with BS EN 10253-2 and ASME B16.9 in carbon and stainless steel grades for UK pipework applications.
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing Standard | BS EN 10253-2 / ASME B16.9 |
| Carbon Steel | ASTM A234 WPB |
| Stainless Steel | ASTM A403 WP304/304L/316/316L |
| Special Grades | Duplex & Super Duplex (UNS S31803 / S32205 / S32750), Alloy 20, Inconel 625 / 825, Monel 400, Hastelloy C-276 - available on request |
| Fabrication | Seamless or welded |
| Test Pressure | Up to 1500 psi |
| Weld-End Preparation | 37° bevelled to ASME B16.25 |
Dimensions & Sizes
Available from 1/2" (DN15) to 24" (DN600) in schedules 10, 40 and 80. The table below gives the centre-to-end run length (M), centre-to-end outlet length (E) and Schedule 40 wall thickness for representative sizes, to ASME B16.9.
| Nominal Size | DN | Run Length M (mm) | Outlet Length E (mm) | SCH 40 Wall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 25 | 64 | 51 | 3.38 |
| 2" | 50 | 114 | 76 | 3.91 |
| 3" | 80 | 152 | 76 | 5.49 |
| 4" | 100 | 203 | 127 | 6.02 |
| 6" | 150 | 305 | 152 | 7.11 |
| 8" | 200 | 381 | 152 | 8.18 |
Performance & Benefits
An equal cross eliminates the need to fabricate a four-way junction from two separate tees and a pipe nipple. This reduces the total number of welds, cuts installation time and produces a more hygienic, lower-pressure-drop junction. The single-piece body is inherently stronger and more compact than a fabricated alternative, making it the preferred choice for high-flow distribution headers.
Typical Applications
Widely used in fire protection grids, manifold headers, process distribution systems and cooling-water circuits across the UK where a balanced four-way connection is required. Also specified in HVAC distribution manifolds, industrial water treatment plants and petrochemical secondary distribution piping.
Quality Assurance & Traceability
Every fitting is manufactured to BS EN 10253-2 and ASME B16.9 and supplied with full material traceability and EN 10204 Type 3.1 test certificates. Heat numbers are recorded throughout production to support inspection, QA and UK project-compliance requirements.
Supply & Delivery
Stocked at our Sheffield, UK facility and delivered nationwide across England, Scotland and Wales. We offer fast dispatch from stock with tracked UK delivery to site, and next-day options for common sizes.
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Which sizes and schedules are available?
Available from ½" (DN15) to 24" (DN600) in schedule 10, 40 and 80, in both metric and imperial sizes to suit UK installations.
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Can you provide material certificates?
Yes. Material test certificates and full traceability documentation are available with every order, to project and quality-management requirements.
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When is an equal cross preferred over two tees?
An equal cross is preferred wherever a true four-way junction is needed at the same bore. It produces fewer welds, a lower overall pressure drop and a more compact fitting envelope compared to fabricating the same junction from two equal tees and a short pipe nipple.
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Do you deliver across the UK?
We deliver nationwide throughout England, Scotland and Wales, with fast dispatch from stock and tracked deliveries to site.