Tri-Clamp Pressure Ratings by Clamp Style and Size
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In a tri-clamp system the clamp and gasket joint sets the pressure limit long before the tube does.
DocumentREF-CL-01
SeriesEngineering Reference
Revision2026.1
Issued24 September 2026
Maximum service pressure for 304 and 316 stainless tri-clamp connections by clamp style and size. Each cell shows psig at 70°F (21°C) / 250°F (121°C). These are joint ratings from hydrostatic tests with standard Buna-N gaskets, correct assembly and no shock pressure, not clamp body ratings.
Service ratings, psig at 70°F (21°C) / 250°F (121°C)
| Size | Single pin 13MHHM | Double pin 13MHHMD | Heavy duty 13MHHM-H | 3-piece 13MHHS | High pressure 13MHP | Snap-lock EG13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 1500/1200 | - | 1500/1200 | - | 1500/1200 | - |
| 3/4" | 1500/1200 | - | 1500/1200 | - | 1500/1200 | - |
| 1" | 500/250 | 500/250 | 500/250 | 600/300 | 1500/1200 | 150/125 |
| 1-1/2" | 500/250 | 500/250 | 500/250 | 600/300 | 1500/1200 | 150/125 |
| 2" | 450/250 | 450/250 | 450/250 | 550/275 | 1000/800 | 150/125 |
| 2-1/2" | 400/200 | 400/200 | 400/200 | 450/225 | 1000/800 | 150/125 |
| 3" | 350/150 | 350/150 | 350/150 | 350/160 | 1000/800 | 150/125 |
| 4" | 200/125 | 200/125 | 200/125 | 250/150 | 800/600 | 150/125 |
| 5" | 175/100 | - | 175/100 | - | - | - |
| 6" | 150/75 | - | 150/75 | - | 300/200 | - |
| 8" | 100/50 | - | 100/50 | - | 250/150 | - |
| 10" | 40/30 | - | 40/30 | - | - | - |
| 12" | 30/25 | - | 30/25 | - | 150/100 | - |
A dash means that style is not listed in that size. 1/2 and 3/4 inch high pressure values from sanitaryfittings.us, which matches GVC on every other 13MHP size.
T-bolt clamp, 304 SS, psig at 70°F (21°C)
| Size | 1 to 1.5" | 2" | 2.5" | 3" | 4" | 6" | 8" | 10" | 12" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| psig | 500 | 350 | 300 | 200 | 100 | 75 | 50 | 40 | 30 |
How to use these ratings
- Temperature. From 70°F (21°C) to 250°F (121°C) the rating drops 20 percent (high pressure clamp, 1 to 4 inch) to 57 percent (single pin, 3 inch). No values are published between the two columns, so use the 250°F value for anything above room temperature.
- The gasket governs at temperature and at the cold end. Buna-N is rated to about 250°F (121°C) and only to about -30°F (-34°C) at the cold end. Hydrocarbon systems run to -65°C (-85°F), where only PTFE gaskets remain inside their rated range. See REF-CM-01.
- N.B. Oler systems. The 6 inch high pressure clamp is 300 psig at 70°F (21°C) and 200 psig at 250°F (121°C). That is why the 6 inch tube in shell and filter housings carry a 250 psi rating limited by the clamps, not the tube.
- Verify before relying on a number. Values were transcribed from the GVC Direct rating sheet. Spot check against the maker's current sheet for your exact clamp.
Sources. GVC Direct, Tri-Clamp Connection Service Ratings for 304 and 316 SS Connections; GVC product pages for clamp styles and T-bolt ratings. Cross-check: sanitaryfittings.us, Tri-Clamp Fittings Burst Pressure and Temperature.
Questions about your system? Call the shop at 541-330-6409, Monday to Thursday, 8 to 4 Pacific, or email info@nboler.com.