They are widely used in construction, plumbing and mechanical engineering. pipes for various purposes. Some of the most popular options are VGP pipes (water and gas pipes) And electric welded pipesThey may appear similar visually, but in practice they have different purposes, strength characteristics, production methods, and regulatory requirements.

If you don’t know which pipe to choose, VGP or electric welding, this article will help you figure it out.

📘 What is a VGP pipe?

VGP pipe (water and gas pipeline) — is a round steel pipe designed for:

water supply,
gas supply,
heating,
household needs.

It is produced By GOST 3262-75, has threaded connections and is often used in housing and communal services.

🔧 Main characteristics of VGP:

Diameter: 15–50 mm (½" – 2″);
Shape: round;
Wall thickness: normal or reinforced;
Surface: black or galvanized;
Connection: cut to size thread, a coupling is used;
Purpose: water, gas, steam, with a working pressure of up to 25 atmospheres.

⚙️ What is electric-welded pipe?

Electric-welded pipe - is a product obtained by the method welding metal tape (strip), most often longitudinal, under the influence of electricity (contact or arc welding).

Produced according to GOST 10704-91, GOST 10705-80 or TU.

🔧 Main characteristics of electric-welded pipes:

Diameter: from 10 mm to 1420 mm;
Shape: round, square, rectangular;
Wall thickness: from 1 mm to 20+ mm;
Surface: black, less often galvanized;
Purpose: structural, supporting, main;
It has no threads - it is connected by welding, flanges, and couplings.

⚖️ Comparison table: VGP pipe vs. electric-welded pipe

Parameter	VGP pipe	Electric-welded pipe
Transcript	Water and gas pipeline	Welded structural pipe
GOST	3262-75	10704-91 / 10705-80
Diameter	15–50 mm	10–1420 mm
Purpose	Water, gas, heating	Metal structures, pipelines
Connection type	Threaded (couplings, fittings)	Welding, flanges, couplings
Presence of threads	Yes, standard.	No
Geometry	Only round	Round, square, rectangular
Wall thickness	Standard/reinforced	Varies from 1 mm to 20 mm and above
Corrosion resistance	Galvanizing is possible	Most often ferrous metal, but can be galvanized
Scope of application	Household communications	Frames, trusses, highways, non-standard purposes
Pressure	Up to 2.5 MPa	Up to 10–16 MPa (depending on steel)
Installation method	Key (thread)	Welding
Price	Usually higher due to threads and zinc	Lower, especially in large volumes

🏠 Where is the VGP pipe used?

Water and gas networks;
Heating and fire extinguishing systems;
Household connections;
Installation using fittings and threads;
Private and multi-storey construction.

Advantages of VGP:

Ready for threaded connection;
Availability of galvanized versions (anti-corrosion);
Suitable for systems with variable pressure.

🏗️ Where is electric-welded pipe used?

Production of metal structures;
Lighting supports, fences, advertising boards;
Air ducts, chimneys;
Industrial pipelines;
Manufacturing of frames (gazebos, racks, hangars).

Advantages of electric-welded pipes:

Wide range of sizes;
Possibility of non-standard shapes;
Affordable price;
Easy to process and weld.

🛠 Which pipe to choose: recommendations

Task/Scope	Recommended pipe type
Plumbing or gas in the house	VGP (galvanized)
Industrial frame, trusses	Electric welding
Manufacturing of railings and fences	Electric welding
Heating system in the apartment	VGP (can be threaded)
Air ducts, ventilation	Electric welding
Welded structures	Electric welding
Simple water supply system	VGP

❗️ It is important to take into account

Thread: With VGP, this is possible without additional processing. With electric welding, it requires cutting.
Weld seam: In a VGP pipe, it's present, but undergoes additional processing. In an electric-welded pipe, the seam remains visible.
Wall thickness: Electric-welded pipes can be much thicker, which makes them more reliable under load.
Anti-corrosion treatment: VGP often has a zinc layer, while conventional electric welded steel does not; it needs to be painted or galvanized separately.

🔍 Keywords:

VGP pipe: difference from electric-welded pipe
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Comparison of pipes according to GOST 3262-75 and 10704-91
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diameter and wall of VGP and electric-welded pipe

✅ Conclusion

VGP pipe - optimal for water-gas systems, especially in private construction, due to its compatibility with fittings and threads.
Electric-welded pipe — a universal and affordable material for structures, load-bearing elements and custom projects.

If you need:

install water or gas - take it VGP;
weld the frame, canopy, stand - use electric-welded pipe.

Company art-metal.com.ua offers custom manufacturing of any type of pipe products, including cutting, welding, painting, and delivery. We work with VAT and sign contracts with legal entities and individual entrepreneurs.