Ward

Ward is a manufacturer of malleable iron pipe fittings serving residential, commercial, industrial, and mechanical piping applications. Ward fittings are produced to ASME B16.3 dimensional standards with threads conforming to ASME B1.20.1, and Class 150 fittings in sizes 1/2 inch through 4 inch are air-tested at the factory. The Ward product line spans black malleable iron and galvanized malleable iron in both Class 150 and Class 300 pressure ratings, covering the standard fitting geometries used in threaded piping systems: elbows, tees, couplings, unions, reducers, caps, plugs, and return bends. Ward is now part of ASC Engineered Solutions, which supplies Ward fittings through plumbing and mechanical distributors. For plumbers, pipefitters, and mechanical contractors working on gas, steam, and water piping, Ward malleable iron fittings offer a consistent, standards-compliant threaded fitting solution across standard pipe sizes.

Product Lines

Black Malleable Iron Fittings, Class 150

Ward Black Malleable Iron Class 150 fittings are the standard specification for threaded gas, air, and water piping in residential and light commercial applications. Class 150 fittings cover 1/2-inch through 4-inch pipe sizes and are produced to ASME B16.3 with air-tested quality confirmation from the factory. The black finish is standard for gas distribution piping and indoor mechanical installations. The Ward Class 150 black line includes elbows, tees, couplings, unions, reducers, caps, plugs, crosses, and return bends, providing the full range of geometries needed for a complete threaded piping system.

Galvanized Malleable Iron Fittings, Class 150

Ward Galvanized Malleable Iron Class 150 fittings carry the same ASME B16.3 dimensional compliance and ASME B1.20.1 thread specification as the black line, with a zinc coating applied for corrosion resistance in wet or exposed environments. Galvanized fittings are commonly specified for outdoor water service, fire protection systems, and installations where the piping will be exposed to moisture or weathering. The Ward galvanized Class 150 line covers the same fitting geometries as the black line, allowing contractors to work from a single manufacturer across both finishes in mixed-specification projects.

Class 300 Malleable Iron Fittings

Ward Class 300 malleable iron fittings are designed for higher-pressure piping applications where Class 150 pressure ratings are insufficient. Class 300 fittings carry a heavier wall construction and are produced to ASME B16.3 for dimensional conformance. Class 300 fittings are commonly specified for steam systems, high-pressure compressed air, and industrial process piping. Ward offers Class 300 in both black and galvanized finishes, giving mechanical contractors a consistent source for elevated-pressure threaded fitting requirements across a project.

Specialty Fittings: Unions and Reducers

Ward unions allow threaded piping systems to be disassembled for maintenance without cutting pipe, making them a standard specification at equipment connections, shut-off valves, and service points. The Ward union design uses a ground joint seat for a reliable seal under repeated assembly cycles. Ward reducing fittings, including reducing elbows, reducing tees, and bushings, handle pipe-size transitions within threaded systems. Both fitting types are available in black and galvanized malleable iron and meet ASME B16.3 dimensional standards.

Why Contractors Specify Ward

Contractors specify Ward malleable iron fittings for the dimensional consistency and pressure integrity that come from ASME B16.3 compliance and factory air-testing. Ward Class 150 fittings in sizes 1/2 inch through 4 inch are air-tested before leaving the factory, providing documented quality confirmation for gas and pressure piping applications. ASME B1.20.1 thread conformance means Ward fittings mate reliably with standard threaded pipe and valves from other manufacturers. The Ward product line is now part of ASC Engineered Solutions, maintaining distribution continuity through plumbing and mechanical supply houses. For contractors who need both black and galvanized fittings across a project, Ward offers the same dimensional standards in both finishes, simplifying specification and reducing the number of sources on a job.

How to Choose a Ward Product

The most important decision variable when specifying Ward malleable iron fittings is matching the pressure class and finish to the piping system's service conditions.

For standard residential and light commercial gas, water, and air piping, Ward Class 150 black malleable iron fittings are the appropriate specification. Class 150 covers 1/2-inch through 4-inch pipe sizes and handles the pressure requirements of most residential and light commercial mechanical systems. The black finish is standard for gas distribution and indoor mechanical piping.

For outdoor installations or environments where fittings will be exposed to moisture, weathering, or wet conditions, Ward Class 150 galvanized fittings provide corrosion resistance with the same dimensional compliance as the black line. Galvanized fittings are commonly specified for outdoor water service, exposed fire protection piping, and installations in damp mechanical spaces.

For steam systems, high-pressure compressed air, or industrial process piping where Class 150 pressure ratings are insufficient, Ward Class 300 malleable iron fittings are the appropriate choice. Class 300 fittings carry a heavier wall and higher pressure rating while maintaining ASME B16.3 dimensional compliance.

For service access points, Ward unions allow the piping system to be disassembled without cutting pipe. For pipe-size transitions, Ward reducing fittings handle the transition within the same fitting system.

Ward fitting size selection follows the nominal pipe size of the connected pipe. Confirm the fitting geometry, pipe size, and pressure class against the project specification before ordering.

FAQs

Where are Ward malleable iron fittings manufactured?
Ward malleable iron fittings are manufactured under the Ward brand, which is now part of ASC Engineered Solutions. For current manufacturing location information, the official Ward/ASC Engineered Solutions resource at wardmfg.com is the authoritative reference.

What standard do Ward malleable iron fittings meet?
Ward malleable iron fittings are produced to ASME B16.3 dimensional standards with threads conforming to ASME B1.20.1. Class 150 fittings in sizes 1/2 inch through 4 inch are air-tested at the factory. These standards apply to both black and galvanized malleable iron fittings across the Ward Class 150 and Class 300 product lines.

What is the difference between Ward Class 150 and Class 300 malleable iron fittings?
Ward Class 150 and Class 300 malleable iron fittings differ in wall thickness and pressure rating. Class 150 is the standard specification for residential and light commercial gas, water, and air piping. Class 300 fittings carry a heavier wall construction and higher pressure rating, making them the appropriate choice for steam systems, high-pressure compressed air, and industrial process piping where Class 150 ratings are insufficient. Both classes are produced to ASME B16.3 dimensional standards.

What pipe sizes are available in Ward Class 150 fittings?
Ward Class 150 malleable iron fittings are available in sizes from 1/2 inch through 4 inch. The full size range covers the standard fitting geometries including elbows, tees, couplings, unions, reducers, caps, plugs, crosses, and return bends. Both black and galvanized finishes are available across the size range.

Are Ward black and galvanized fittings interchangeable in the same piping system?
Ward black and galvanized malleable iron fittings share the same ASME B16.3 dimensional standards and ASME B1.20.1 thread specifications, so the fittings will mate correctly when mixed in a threaded piping system. Whether mixing finishes is appropriate depends on the application and the project specification or the authority having jurisdiction.

What is a Ward union and when is it specified?
A Ward union is a three-piece malleable iron fitting that allows a threaded piping section to be disconnected and reconnected without cutting the pipe. Ward unions use a ground joint seat that seals reliably under repeated assembly cycles. Unions are specified at equipment connections, shut-off valves, and service access points where future maintenance requires the ability to break the piping connection.