Strong Back RC Shielded Couplings

Start with the pipe. Corrugated polyethylene pipe takes HTRC. For other pipe, the 1000 Series is the standard choice. Choose the 5000 Series for a nut-and-bolt clamp on larger diameters, or XL RC where the joint needs extra length for alignment problems or thermal movement. For federally funded work, 1000 Series couplings 15″ and smaller are AIS and BABA compliant.

A Strong Back RC coupling is a Fernco shielded flexible coupling with a stainless steel shear ring and a molded-in bushing added to the flexible body. The shear ring resists the earth loads and pipe movement found in buried service, while the flexible sleeve and stainless steel clamps make a sealed transition between two pipes of different material or outside diameter.

Use a Strong Back RC for below-ground transitions that carry heavy earth loads or where the pipes may shift, settle or misalign. For above-ground work, a Standard Coupling handles lighter-duty joints, and a Proflex shielded coupling adds a stainless steel shield for transitions that need extra support above grade. All three seal the same way; the shielded couplings add reinforcement for their conditions.

Both are Strong Back RC shielded couplings with a stainless steel shield. The 1000 Series uses a worm-gear stainless steel band clamp and, 15 inches and smaller, is made in the USA and AIS/BABA compliant. The 5000 Series uses a 316 stainless steel nut-and-bolt clamp for larger-diameter connections and is not AIS or BABA compliant.

The Strong Back RC line connects clay, cast iron, plastic, steel, concrete and ductile iron pipe, in same-material and transition joints. The series sets the material pairing, for example the 1002 Series connects clay to cast iron, plastic or steel, and the 1056 Series connects cast iron, plastic or steel to cast iron, plastic or steel.

Tighten the clamps to 60 inch-pounds. Couplings 16 inches and larger ship with high torque bands and are tightened to 120 inch-pounds. Pressure test the joint before backfilling or concealing it. Follow the current Fernco installation instructions for the specific coupling.

Strong Back RC couplings are manufactured to conform to ASTM C1173 and CSA B602 performance requirements, and the gasket meets ASTM D5926, ASTM C1173 and CSA B602. Listings by series are on the Codes and Standards page. Always confirm the application with your local plumbing code.

Use the size finder on this page: choose the material and size of the pipe on each side of the joint. Fernco couplings seal by outside diameter, so the finder returns every Strong Back RC coupling whose ends accept both of your pipe outside diameters, then links you to the drawing and dimensions for each match. If you are unsure of a pipe outside diameter, measure it and compare it to the ranges shown.