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Tube, Pipe & Fittings

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Selecting the Right Tube for the Job:
Minimum Recommendations for Various Applications

It is up to the designer to select the type of copper tube for use in a particular application. Strength, formability and other mechanical factors often determine the choice. Plumbing and mechanical codes govern what types may be used. When a choice can be made, it is helpful to know which type of copper tube has and can serve successfully and economically in the following applications:

  • Underground Water Services
    Use Type M hard for straight lengths joined with fittings, and Type L soft where coils are more convenient.
  • Water Distribution Systems
    Use Type M for above and below ground.
  • Chilled Water Mains
    Use Type M for all sizes.
  • Drainage and Vent Systems
    Use Type DWV for above- and below-ground waste, soil and vent lines, roof and building drains and sewers.
  • Heating
    For radiant panel and hydronic heating and for snow melting systems, use Type L soft temper where coils are formed in place or prefabricated, Type M where straight lengths are used. For water heating and low-pressure steam, use Type M for all sizes. For condensate return lines, Type L is successfully used.
  • Solar Heating
    See Heating section above. See also Solar Energy Systems. For information on solar installation and on solar collectors, contact CDA.
  • Fuel Oil, L.P. and Natural Gas Services
    Use Type L or Type ACR tube with flared joints in accessible locations and brazed joints made using AWS A5.8 BAg series brazing filler metals in concealed locations.
  • Nonflammable Medical Gas Systems
    Use Medical Gas tube Types K or L, suitably cleaned for oxygen service per NFPA Standard No. 99, Health Care Facilities.
  • Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems
    Copper is the preferred material for use with most refrigerants. Use Types L, ACR or as specified.
  • Ground Source Heat Pump Systems
    Use Types L or ACR where the ground coils are formed in place or prefabricated, or as specified.
  • Fire Sprinkler Systems
    Use Type M hard. Where bending is required, Types K or L are recommended. Types K, L and M are all accepted by NFPA.
  • Low Temperature Applications
    Use copper tube of Type determined by rated internal working pressures at room temperature as shown in Tables 3a, b, c, d and e. Copper tube retains excellent ductility at low temperatures to -452° F and yield strength and tensile strength increase as temperature is reduced to this point. This, plus its excellent thermal conductivity, makes an unusual combination of properties for heat exchangers, piping, and other components in cryogenic plants and other low temperature applications.
  • Compressed Air
    Use copper tube of Types K, L or M determined by the rated internal working pressures as shown in Tables 3a, b, c, d and e. Brazed joints are recommended.

Copper Tube Handbook

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