What does "NPS" stand for in the context of piping?

In the context of piping, "NPS" stands for Nominal Pipe Size. This term is widely used in the plumbing and piping industry to define the size of a pipe. NPS is an important designation because it provides a standardized method for referencing pipe dimensions, allowing for consistency in specifications, manufacturing, and installation.

Nominal Pipe Size refers specifically to the approximate internal diameter of the pipe, typically expressed in inches. While the actual diameter may vary due to wall thickness and material type, the NPS designation allows for practical communication between manufacturers, engineers, and installers. For example, a pipe designated as NPS 2 has a nominal diameter, which is close to 2 inches, but the actual dimensions may differ.

The other terms in the options could potentially refer to aspects of piping but do not represent the correct definition of "NPS." For instance, National Pipe Standard is not a recognized term in relation to pipe sizing, while Non-Potable Supply generally refers to water that is not safe for human consumption, and Normalized Pipe Size is not a standard term used in the industry. Therefore, Nominal Pipe Size is the correct and widely accepted interpretation of "NPS" in piping applications.