The assembly force of a conduit joining system is one measure of the ease of which the conduit system can be assembled and installed in the field. This test method provides a means by which to quantify the assembly force of gasketed conduit joining systems. The results of the testing can be used to compare and categorize the assembly force of different designs of gasketed conduit joining systems.

This test method is not intended for use as a quality control test.

This test method can be used for comparison of gasketed conduit joining systems on the basis of assembly force. No information about joint sealing performance can be obtained from the use of this test method.

This test method covers all plastic conduit with push-on joints that use flexible elastomeric gaskets located in the bell to provide the joint seal.

This test method is also applicable to all fittings that are fabricated from conduit covered in 5.4 and that utilize the same type of push-on joints as the conduit covered in 5.4, and that are intended for use with the conduit types described in 5.4. For purposes of this test method, assembly force data obtained from the testing of the conduit that is the parent stock of a fitting shall apply to the fitting also.