Material

EPDM

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber whose fully saturated polymer backbone delivers outstanding resistance to ozone, UV radiation, and weathering — making it the longest-lasting general-purpose elastomer in outdoor environments. With excellent performance in water, steam, brake fluid, and phosphate-ester hydraulic fluids, EPDM is the material of choice for potable water systems, HVAC, and automotive cooling. It should never be specified where the seal contacts mineral oils, greases, or petroleum-based fuels.

EPDM O-rings — excellent for water, steam and outdoor applications.

Material Data Sheet

Temperature range

-50°C to +150°C (peroxide-cured grades to +160°C)

Hardness range

30–90 Shore A (standard 70 Shore A)

Tensile strength

7–21 MPa

Elongation

200–500%

Compression set

15–35% (70 h at 100°C)

Resists

Water, steam, glycols, brake fluid (DOT 3/4/5.1), ozone, UV, weathering, dilute acids, alkalis, ketones, alcohols, fire-retardant hydraulic fluids

Avoid with

Mineral oils, greases, petroleum-based fuels, hydrocarbons, aromatic solvents

Standards

AS568, ISO 3601, BS 1806, JIS B2401

Approvals

FDA, WRAS, NSF/ANSI 61, KTW, 3-A Sanitary (grade dependent)

Performance

Key advantages of EPDM

Weather & Ozone

The saturated polymer backbone provides the best ozone, UV, and weathering resistance of any commodity elastomer. EPDM seals last decades in outdoor installations without surface cracking.

Water & Steam

Excellent resistance to hot water, low-pressure steam, and aqueous solutions. The default elastomer for potable-water systems, water treatment, and steam-traced process lines.

Brake Fluids

Resistant to glycol-based automotive brake fluids (DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1) where NBR and FKM are unsuitable. The standard material for brake cylinder seals worldwide.

Electrical Insulation

Excellent dielectric properties make EPDM suitable for electrical connector seals, cable jackets, and insulating gaskets in switchgear and transformer applications.

Food & Potable Water

Available in FDA, WRAS, NSF/ANSI 61, and 3-A Sanitary approved grades for food processing equipment, beverage dispensing, and potable-water contact applications.

Chemical Resistance

Good resistance to dilute acids, alkalis, ketones, alcohols, and phosphate-ester hydraulic fluids. A cost-effective alternative to FKM for non-hydrocarbon chemical exposure.

Limitations

Where EPDM is not recommended

Petroleum Oils & Fuels

EPDM swells and degrades rapidly in mineral oils, petroleum fuels, gasoline, and diesel. Never specify EPDM for hydrocarbon-contact applications — use NBR or FKM instead.

Aromatic Solvents

Toluene, xylene, and other aromatic hydrocarbons cause severe swelling. EPDM is incompatible with all petroleum-derived solvents and lubricants.

Applications

Where it's used

Water & Wastewater

Potable water pipe seals, valve gaskets, water meter seals, filtration system O-rings, and wastewater treatment equipment. WRAS and NSF-approved grades available.

HVAC & Appliances

Refrigeration gaskets, washing machine door seals, dishwasher seals, air conditioning system gaskets, and heat exchanger seals.

Automotive

Brake system seals, cooling system gaskets and hoses, windshield wiper blades, door seals, window seals, and glycol-based coolant system components.

Food & Beverage

Beverage dispensing machine seals, dairy equipment gaskets, brewery fittings, and food processing equipment where FDA-compliant seals are required.

FITCO supplies EPDM O-rings and gaskets across AS568, ISO 3601, metric and custom sizes for water treatment, HVAC, beverage dispensing, automotive cooling systems and general-purpose outdoor sealing.

Available as