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Engineers, specifiers and precasters run into four standards when a pipe to manhole connector is specified: ASTM C923, ASTM C1478, ASTM F2510 and CSA A257.3. This guide summarizes what each one covers, the performance each one requires, and which A-LOK connectors are listed for each. It is a plain language summary. The standards themselves are copyrighted documents available from ASTM International and the CSA Group, and nothing here reproduces their text.
ASTM C923 - Standard Specification for Resilient Connectors Between Reinforced Concrete Manhole Structures, Pipes, and Laterals
ASTM C923 establishes requirements for the materials, design, and performance of resilient connectors used to create sealed connections between concrete structures, pipes, and laterals.
The performance requirements are the part that matters most when a connector is specified:
- C923 connectors are tested at or above 13 psi in straight alignment
- C923 connectors are tested at or above 10 psi while deflected and while under shear load
A-LOK connectors listed for ASTM C923 (from A-LOK’s specification charts): A-LOK PREMIUM, A-LOK X-CEL, QUIK-LOK, Z-LOK and the G3 BOOT SYSTEM. A-LOK STM and Z-LOK STM are not listed for C923; they are stormwater connectors covered by C1478 below.
ASTM C1478 - Standard Specification for Storm Drain Resilient Connectors Between Reinforced Concrete Storm Sewer Structures, Pipes, and Laterals
ASTM C1478 establishes material, design, and performance requirements for resilient connectors used in storm sewer connections.
Performance requirement:
- C1478 connectors are tested at or above 6 psi in straight alignment, while deflected, and while under shear load
A-LOK connectors listed for ASTM C1478: A-LOK PREMIUM, A-LOK X-CEL, A-LOK STM, QUIK-LOK, Z-LOK, Z-LOK STM and the G3 BOOT SYSTEM. This is the one standard every A-LOK connector on the charts is listed for.
ASTM F2510 - Standard Specification for Resilient Connectors Between Reinforced Concrete Manhole Structures and Corrugated Dual- and Triple-Wall Polyethylene and Polypropylene Pipes
ASTM F2510 establishes design, material, and performance requirements for resilient connectors used at concrete structure-to-corrugated plastic pipe connections.
Performance requirement:
- F2510 connectors are tested at or above 10.8 psi in straight alignment, while deflected, and while the plastic pipe is deflected under a load
A-LOK connectors listed for ASTM F2510: A-LOK PREMIUM, QUIK-LOK, Z-LOK and the G3 BOOT SYSTEM. A-LOK X-CEL, A-LOK STM and Z-LOK STM are not listed for F2510.
CSA A257.3 - Rubber Gasketed Joints for Circular Concrete Sewer and Culvert Pipe and Manhole Sections
CSA A257.3 is a Canadian standard for manholes addressing rubber-gasketed joints in circular concrete sewer and culvert pipe and manhole sections.
A-LOK X-CEL and A-LOK PREMIUM meet the rubber gasket requirements outlined in A257.3.
The three ASTM standards at a glance
| Standard | Written for | Tested at or above (straight alignment) | Tested at or above (deflected and under shear) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM C923 | Concrete manhole structures, pipes and laterals | 13 psi | 10 psi |
| ASTM C1478 | Storm sewer structures, pipes and laterals | 6 psi | 6 psi |
| ASTM F2510 | Concrete structure to corrugated plastic pipe | 10.8 psi | 10.8 psi, including while the plastic pipe is deflected under a load |
For reference, A-LOK’s own FAQ states that an A-LOK compression connector holds 13 PSI or 30 feet of head pressure.
Which A-LOK connector is listed for which standard
The two charts below are A-LOK’s own specification charts. A check mark means the connector is listed for that standard; a blank cell means it is not.
Compression connectors
| Connector | ASTM C923 | ASTM C1478 | ASTM F2510 | CSA A257.3 (rubber gasket requirements) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-LOK PREMIUM | Meets | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| A-LOK X-CEL | Meets | Meets | Does not meet | Meets |
| A-LOK STM | Does not meet | Meets | Does not meet | Does not meet |
Boot connectors
| Connector | ASTM C923 | ASTM C1478 | ASTM F2510 |
|---|---|---|---|
| QUIK-LOK | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Z-LOK | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Z-LOK STM | Does not meet | Meets | Does not meet |
| G3 BOOT SYSTEM | Meets | Meets | Meets |
Choosing the right standard for the job
Sanitary sewer connections are typically specified to ASTM C923. Storm sewer connections have their own standard, ASTM C1478, with a lower pressure requirement that reflects the service. Some specifications call for C923 for every connection, including storm sewer work where C1478 may be more appropriate. Where the pipe is corrugated plastic, ASTM F2510 is the standard written for that connection.
When a project specification names one of these standards, the charts above show which A-LOK connectors are listed for it. For sizing, or for a connection the specification does not clearly cover, contact A-LOK at (215) 547-3366 or through the contact page. The boot connectors guide covers each boot in detail.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ASTM C923 and ASTM C1478?
Both cover resilient connectors between concrete structures and pipe. C923 is written for sanitary manhole structures and is tested at or above 13 psi in straight alignment and 10 psi deflected and under shear. C1478 is written for storm sewer structures and is tested at or above 6 psi in straight alignment, deflected and under shear.
Which standard applies to corrugated plastic pipe?
ASTM F2510 covers resilient connectors at concrete structure to corrugated plastic pipe connections. F2510 connectors are tested at or above 10.8 psi in straight alignment, while deflected, and while the plastic pipe is deflected under a load.
Does A-LOK STM meet ASTM C923?
No. A-LOK STM is listed for ASTM C1478 only. For a connection specified to C923, see A-LOK PREMIUM, A-LOK X-CEL, QUIK-LOK, Z-LOK or the G3 BOOT SYSTEM.
What does CSA A257.3 cover?
CSA A257.3 is a Canadian standard for manholes addressing rubber-gasketed joints in circular concrete sewer and culvert pipe and manhole sections. A-LOK X-CEL and A-LOK PREMIUM meet the rubber gasket requirements outlined in A257.3.
Where can I read the full standards?
ASTM standards are available from ASTM International and CSA standards from the CSA Group. They are copyrighted, so this guide summarizes them rather than reproducing them.
Specifying an A-LOK connector?
Send us the standard and the pipe and we will confirm the connector and size.