This standard establishes minimum requirements for microcrystalline wax and petrolatum tape coating systems for steel water pipe and fittings. This standard describes exterior coatings that consist of cold-applied microcrystalline wax or petrolatum primers and tapes and their applications to special sections, connections, and fittings to be used with buried, submerged, and aboveground steel water pipelines. The primers and tapes are not intended for use with steel joints or sections of steel pipe where coatings of cement mortar or concrete are applied directly onto the bare steel pipe. These coatings may be field or shop-applied according to the provisions of this standard.

1.1.1 Conditions not described in this standard. This standard does not describe the additional materials and procedures that may be required for difficult conditions, such as those encountered in building some submarine lines, casing pipe, river crossings, and lines that are in rocky areas or in severe soil stress. Consult the manufacturer for the additional materials and procedures that may be required for these conditions. These materials may not be described in this standard.

1.1.2 Maximum temperatures. AWWA pipe coating standards are written for and based on the service temperature of potable water. Consult the coating manufacturer for conditions and limitations.

1.1.3 Other substrates. Consult the coating manufacturer when this standard is referenced for substrates other than carbon steel. The surface preparation methods, application methods and performance data listed in this standard may not be applicable.