The Merit Brass reducing coupling is a class 1000 stainless steel 316 pipe fitting with female National Pipe Taper (NPT) threads on both ends for connecting male pipes. This reducing coupling has one end that is smaller than the other for connecting pipes of different sizes going in the same direction. It has NPT threads on both ends for creating tighter seals than straight threads and is made of stainless steel 316, which is higher strength and more corrosion resistant than stainless steel 304. This class 1000 stainless steel fitting meets specifications ASTM A182, ASME SA182, and ANSI B16.11 for quality assurance. Class is a standard relating to tolerance, construction, dimension, and wall thickness, but it is not a direct measurement of maximum working pressure. Pipe fittings are components used for connecting, terminating, controlling flow, and changing the direction of piping in many different industries. When purchasing pipe fittings, consider the application, as this will affect material type, shape, size and required durability. Fittings are available threaded or unthreaded, in many shapes, styles, sizes, and schedules (pipe wall thickness). Merit Brass manufactures pipe nipples following ISO 9001 standards for quality assurance. Family-owned since 1937, the company is based in Cleveland, OH. Merit Brass distributes pipe fittings to the United States and Canada.