Shielded underground couplings

5000 Series

Heavy-duty Strong Back RC sealing with a 316 stainless steel nut-and-bolt clamp, built for larger-diameter underground transitions under heavy earth loads.

Heavy-duty performance for demanding connections.

The 5000 Series pairs Fernco shielded sealing with a 316 stainless steel nut-and-bolt clamp for larger, more demanding underground transitions.

Nut-and-bolt clamp

316 stainless steel bands with two nut-and-bolt take-up points per band on 6" and larger for high, even clamping force.

Shielded support

A .012" stainless steel shield and molded-in bushing reinforce the joint and help hold pipe alignment.

Built for big transitions

Sized for larger-diameter underground repairs and material transitions between common sewer pipe.

Municipal sewerStorm drainUnderground repairLarge diameterMaterial transitionsHeavy earth loads
5000 Series Strong Back RC coupling construction

Reinforced with a nut-and-bolt clamp.

The 5000 Series pairs a flexible elastomeric sleeve and molded-in bushing with a stainless steel shield and a 316 stainless steel nut-and-bolt clamp system. On 6" and larger couplings, two nut-and-bolt take-up points per band draw the clamp down evenly for a strong, corrosion-resistant hold in demanding underground installations.

The stainless steel shield reinforces the connection and improves pipe alignment, while the flexible sleeve conforms to the pipe for a dependable seal under backfill and settling.

Specifications.

Coupling

Standards
ASTM C1173, CSA B602
Installation torque
60 in-lbs
Maximum test pressure
4.3 PSI (29.6 kPa)
Max operating temp
140° F non-continuous

Gasket

Standards
CSA B602, ASTM D5926, C1173
Hardness
Shore "A" 65 ±5
Tensile strength
1000 psi min
Elongation
250% min
Tear strength
150 lb/in
Brittleness
-40° F

Clamp (nut & bolt)

Bands
316 stainless steel
Take-up
Two nut-and-bolt points per band (6" and larger)
Corrosion resistance
316 stainless steel

Shield

Material
300 series stainless steel
Thickness
.012"
Width
To coupling width
Tyrone Washington, part of the Fernco team
Tyrone WashingtonBlue Line Operator · 10+ years on the team
Made in the USA

Built for pros, by pros.

The 5000 Series is made in the USA by the Fernco team, built to the reliability standard our people have delivered to plumbing and underground pros for more than 60 years.

Made for Pros

Find your coupling.

Browse the 5000 Series pairings, or use the size finder to match the two pipes you are connecting.

Size finder

Choose the material and size of the pipe on each side. The finder returns every Strong Back RC coupling — 1000 and 5000 Series — plus the universal HULK where it fits, whose ends accept both of your pipes, each flagged. Plastic and steel use Schedule 40 (IPS) outside diameters.

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Dimensional drawings

Every size, with dimensions.

Open the full Strong Back RC drawing library for the outside-diameter ranges, inch and millimeter dimensions, and a downloadable PDF for each size.

Literature.

Installation instructions, submittals and catalogs for Strong Back RC.

Frequently asked questions.

Selection, installation and compliance answers for Strong Back RC.

What is the 5000 Series Strong Back RC?

The 5000 Series is a Fernco shielded flexible coupling built for larger-diameter underground transitions. It combines a flexible elastomeric sleeve, a molded-in bushing and a stainless steel shield with a 316 stainless steel nut-and-bolt clamp system that draws the band down evenly for a strong, corrosion-resistant hold.

How is the 5000 Series different from the 1000 Series?

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

Is the 5000 Series AIS or BABA compliant?

No. The 5000 Series is manufactured in the USA, but its nut-and-bolt clamp does not meet the American Iron and Steel (AIS) or Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements, so it is not promoted as AIS or BABA compliant. For federally funded projects that require AIS/BABA, use the 1000 Series Strong Back RC.

Which pipe materials does the 5000 Series connect?

The 5000 Series 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 5002 Series connects clay to cast iron, plastic or steel, and the 5056 Series connects cast iron, plastic or steel to cast iron, plastic or steel.

What is the installation torque?

Tighten the clamps to 60 inch-pounds. On 6 inch and larger couplings, each band has two nut-and-bolt take-up points that are drawn down evenly. Pressure test the joint before backfilling or concealing it, and follow the current Fernco installation instructions for the specific coupling.

What standards does the 5000 Series meet?

The 5000 Series is manufactured to conform to ASTM C1173 and CSA B602 performance requirements, and the gasket meets ASTM D5926, ASTM C1173 and CSA B602. Always confirm the application with your local plumbing code.

How do I find the right coupling for my two pipes?

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 — 1000 and 5000 Series — whose ends accept both of your pipe outside diameters, each flagged by series, then links you to the drawing for each match.