What is a key difference between schedule 40 and schedule 80 iron pipe?

Schedule 80 iron pipe is characterized by a heavier wall thickness compared to Schedule 40 pipe. This increased wall thickness enhances Schedule 80's ability to withstand higher pressures and provides greater durability in applications where structural integrity is critical. The design specifications for these pipes define their respective wall thicknesses and pressure ratings, making Schedule 80 suitable for more demanding environments.

The other options do not accurately reflect the differences between these two types of pipes. For instance, the diameter of both Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 pipes remains consistent for a given nominal size, though the outer diameter may be the same, Schedule 80's wall thickness means it has a smaller inner diameter. Flexibility is not a distinct characteristic of Schedule 40 over Schedule 80; typically, both schedules are rigid, designed to handle their respective pressure ratings effectively. Furthermore, Schedule 80 is generally longer than Schedule 40 as pipe lengths in manufacturing remain consistent across standards, ruling out the possibility of one being shorter than the other based on schedule alone.