Copper

Tube & Fittings

Plumbing
Heating
Natural Gas
Air Conditioning
Refrigeration
Medical Gas
Fire Protection
Snow Melting
Publication No. 28E

Introduction

Contents

With its enviable performance record, copper tube is the number

one choice for plumbing and mechanical systems in all types of
Canadian buildings: single-family houses, high-rise multi-unit
condominiums and apartments, office buildings, retail stores,
and industrial facilities.

Topic

Light, strong, corrosion-resistant copper tube has a proven history of reliable service in installations throughout Canada, as
well as many other countries. These attributes have endeared
copper tube to tradespersons in the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration industries for decades.

Types of Tube

Page

Introduction ................................................................. 2
Codes & Regulations ................................................... 2
Temper .................................................................. 3
Identification ......................................................... 3
Metric Sizes .......................................................... 3
Fittings
Pressure ................................................................. 4
Drainage ................................................................ 4
Other ..................................................................... 4

Water supply and drainage

systems for back-to-back
hospital rooms were
prefabricated as a single
unit and transported to the
site for installation.

Pressure Ratings & Burst Strength ............................... 5

Expansion ..................................................................... 5
Joining
Soldering ......................................................... 6 - 8
Brazing ........................................................... 8 - 10
Other Methods ............................................. 10 - 11
Applications
Plumbing ...................................................... 11 - 12
Heating ......................................................... 12 - 13
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning ....................... 13
Medical Gas Systems .......................................... 13

Adding to its versatility is the fact that copper tube is available

in drawn (hard) and annealed (soft) tempers, as well as a wide
assortment of lengths, diameters, and wall thicknesses to meet
the needs of a broad spectrum of conditions.
Today copper tube is finding increased use in newer applications such as natural gas systems in single-family houses and
multi-unit buildings, and for fire sprinkler systems in residential construction as well as office buildings, hotels, and similar
structures. Acceptance of copper tube and fittings by the mechanical trades for new applications is strong testimony to its
reputation as a high-quality and cost-effective building product.

Codes & Regulations

This publication contains general information on the selection
of different Types of copper tube, fittings, and joining methods
for various building applications. Such applications are regulated by plumbing and building codes, and related regulations.
Reference should be made to these codes and regulations to
confirm what materials and processes are permitted in your locality.
2

Fire Sprinklers ............................................. 13 - 14

Heat Pumps ......................................................... 14
Solar Heating ...................................................... 14
Corrosion Resistance .......................................... 14 - 15
Technical Data & Tables .................................. 15 - 19
Why Select Copper? ................................................... 20
CCBDA Services ........................................................ 20
This publication has been prepared for the use of
journeymen and apprentice plumbers, pipefitters,
refrigeration fitters, sprinkler fitters, plumbing and heating
contractors, engineers, and others involved in the design
or installation of plumbing, heating, air-conditioning,
refrigeration, fire sprinkler, and other related systems.
Recognizing that each system must be designed and
installed to meet particular circumstances, the CCBDA
assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind in
connection with this publication or its use by any person
or organization and makes no representations or
warranties of any kind hereby.

Types of Tube
Copper plumbing tube is manufactured from Copper No.
C12200 (99.9% Copper), in accordance with the requirements
of ASTM Standard B 88. Most provincial regulatory authorities in Canada now require that copper tube for use in plumbing
systems be Third-Party Certified for compliance with ASTM
B 88. Types DWV, ACR, Medical Gas, and Type G/GAS tube
meet the requirements of ASTM B 306, ASTM B 280, ASTM
B 819 and ASTM B 837, respectively. Various Types are certified in addition to plumbing tube, and the latest list of ThirdParty Certified products is available on request.
Types K, L, M, DWV, and Medical Gas tube have actual outside diameters which are 1/8-inch (0.125 in.) larger than the
nominal (standard) sizes which the tube is commonly called.
For example, a 1/2-inch Type M tube has an actual outside diameter of 5/8-inch. Type K tube has thicker walls than Type L
tube, and Type L walls are thicker than Type M for any given
size (diameter). Table 1 (page 15) provides the dimensions
and weights for Types K, L, M, and DWV tube.
ACR tube for air-conditioning and refrigeration service and Type
G/GAS tube for natural gas and propane systems are designated by their actual outside diameter. A 1/2-inch Type G/GAS
tube, for example, has an actual outside diameter of 1/2-inch.
Table 2 (page 16) covers the dimensions and weights for Type
ACR tube. Table 3 (page 16) provides the information for Type
G/GAS tube.

The compact dimensions and flexibility of copper tube are compared here
with threaded steel pipe, such as would be used in a natural gas system.

Temper
Temper denotes the hardness and strength of tube. Straight
lengths are primarily drawn temper, or as more commonly
known, hard tube. Annealed temper tube is referred to as soft
tube. It is usually in coiled form, but certain sizes are also available in straight lengths.
Identification
Types K, L, M, DWV, ACR, Medical Gas, and Type G/GAS
tubes are permanently incised with the tube Type, the name or
trademark of the manufacturer, and the mark of the independent certification agency when Third-Party Certified. In addition, straight lengths are also identified along their length by a
continuous colour code. The colour coding includes the Type
of tube, name or trademark of the manufacturer, country of origin, and the mark of the certification agency when Third-Party
Certified. The following colours are used for colour coding:
Type K...............Green

Type ACR..........Blue

Type L............... Blue

Medical Gas...... Green (K)

Type M.............. Red

Medical Gas...... Blue (L)

Type DWV*...... Yellow

Type G/GAS*....Yellow

* DWV is 1-1/4-in. and larger. Type G/GAS tube is up to

1-1/8-in. size.

Metric Sizes

Compact copper water and drainage lines for back-to-back sinks fit neatly
into steel studs.

At the time this manual was published, copper plumbing tube

and fittings are known by their nominal inch sizes only, as
covered in the standards issued by ASTM, ASME, and other
organizations. No metric sizes have been established for
copper tube and fittings for use in North America. To avoid
confusion, do not soft convert the inch nominal sizes to metric
values. Contact the CCBDA at any time for the latest information on metric conversion.

Pressure Fittings

Drainage Fittings

Capillary fittings for copper systems under pressure, such as

hot and cold water lines, may be manufactured by a wrought
process or casting. They are covered by ASME Standard
B16.22, Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings, and B16.18, Cast Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings. Each fitting is permanently marked with the manufacturers name or trademark, except for small sizes where
marking may not be practical.

Drainage fittings are used in soil-and-waste drainage and venting applications. Such systems generally are gravity installations, and they are not subject to pressure.
Wrought drainage fittings are covered by ASME Standard
B16.29, Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder Joint Drainage Fittings DWV, while those made by casting are covered
by ASME Standard B16.23, Cast Copper Alloy Solder Joint
Drainage Fittings DWV. Each fitting is permanently marked
with the manufacturers name or trademark and DWV, to indicate Drain-Waste-Vent.

Other Fittings
A variety of other types of fittings are commercially available
for joining copper tube. They include flare fittings, compression fittings, mechanical couplings, and pipe flanges. Additional information is provided in the section on Other Joining
Methods (pages 10 & 11).
Figure 1: Types of Expansion Loops and Offsets

Copper excels for hot water systems in high demand multi-unit buildings.

Wrought and cast fittings can be either soldered or brazed.

However brazing of cast fittings requires special care to avoid
cracking, and short-cup cast fittings for brazing are available to
reduce this risk.
Wrought and cast pressure fittings have the same pressure-temperature ratings as straight lengths of annealed Type L tube.
Ratings for annealed tube are used because hard temper tube is
annealed during the brazing process. Annealing does not occur
with the lower-temperature soldering process, but all designs
must be based on the lower (annealed) values.
4

Pressure Ratings & Burst Strength

The allowable internal pressure for copper tube is based on the
formula used in the ASME Code for Pressure Piping (ASME
B31):
P =

2S(tmin- C)
Dmax - 0.8(tmin- C)

where:
P = allowable pressure, psi
S = maximum allowable stress in tension, psi
tmin = wall thickness (mininum), in.
Dmax = outside diameter, in.
C = a constant
Because of coppers superior corrosion resistance, the B31 Code
permits C to equal O, and the formula becomes:
P =

2Stmin
Dmax - 0.8 tmin

The value of S in the formula is the allowable design strength

for continuous long-term service of the tube material. The allowable stress value depends on the service temperature and
the temper of the tube. It is a small fraction of coppers ultimate tensile strength, or of the burst strength of copper tube.
Table 6 (page 17) shows the rated internal working pressures
for both annealed and drawn Types K, L, and M tube, for service temperatures up to 400oF (205oC). The ratings for drawn

tube can be used for soldered systems, and systems using properly designed mechanical joints. Table 10 (page 19) covers the
rated internal working pressures for Type DWV tube. Tables 7
and 8 (page 18) shows the rated internal working pressures for
ACR tube.
When brazing or welding is used to join tubes, the annealed
ratings must be used, since the heating involved in these processes will anneal the hard drawn tube. Therefore, annealed ratings are shown in Tables 6 (page 17) and 10 (page 19) for Type
M and Type DWV tube, respectively, although they are not available in the annealed temper.
When designing a system, joint ratings must also be considered, because the lower of the two ratings (tube or joint) will
govern the installation. Most systems are installed with solder
or brazed joints. Table 11 (page 19), covers the rated internal
working pressures for such joints; the ratings are for Types K,
L, and M tube with standard solder joint pressure fittings. In
soldered systems, the rated strength of the joint often governs
the design. When brazing use the ratings for annealed tube in
Tables 6, 7, and 10. Joint ratings at saturated steam temperatures are shown in Table 11.
The actual bursting pressures for copper tube are many times
the rated working pressures. Table 9 (page 18) shows actual
burst pressures for Types K, L, and M tube. They should be
compared with the rated working pressures in Table 6, and it
can be seen that the rated values are very conservative. This
means that pressurized systems will operate successfully over
long time periods, and they are able to withstand high pressure
surges that may occur in service.

All piping materials expand and contract with

temperature changes, including copper. Figure 2 compares the expansion rates of copper
tube with various kinds of plastic pipe, using
concrete as the benchmark. It is clear that the
expansion and contraction of copper is significantly less than the plastic products.
The average coefficient of expansion of copper
is 0.0000094 inch per inch per degree F, between
70oF and 212oF. Installation techniques must
allow for expansion and contraction changes,
to prevent stresses which may buckle or bend
the tube or affect joints.
Figure 1 illustrates the types of expansion loops
and offsets that can be used. Table 5 (page 16)
provides information for estimating the sizes of
loops and offsets.

Approximate linear expansion of 100 feet of tube, inches

Expansion
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Polybutylene
Figure 2: Linear Expansion

PE-AL-PE & PEX-AL-PEX

ABS

CPVC
PVC (DWV)

Copper
Concrete
50

100
150
Temperature change, F

200

Soldering Copper Tube

Soldering is a process that joins base metals using a filler metal
(solder) which melts at a lower temperature than the base metals. Most soldering is done with solders that melt at temperatures ranging from approximately 175 oC (350oF) to 290oC
(550oF).

the requirements and test methods for liquid and paste fluxes
for soldering copper-base materials.
Measuring
Accurately measure the length of each piece of tube needed.
(Figure 3) If the tube is too short, it will not reach all the way
into the cup of the fitting and a good, strong joint cannot be
made. If the tube is too long, strain may be introduced into the
system.
Cutting
Cut the tube to the measured length. It can be cut with a disctype tube cutter (Figure 4), a hacksaw, an abrasive wheel, or
with a stationary or portable bandsaw. Care must be taken that
the tube is not deformed while being cut. Regardless of the
method used, the cut must be square in order that the tube will
seat properly in the fitting cup.

Figure 3

Figure 4

In order to consistently make satisfactory joints, the sequence

of operations presented in ASTM Standard Practice B 828,
Making Capillary Joints by Soldering of Copper and Copper
Alloy Tube & Fittings, should be followed. It should also be
noted that Canadian codes prohibit the use of solders containing more than 0.2% lead in potable water systems. There is a
wide variety of solders available which can be used in place of
the once standard 50% tin-50% lead solder, commonly called
50-50. They melt at slightly higher temperatures and may exhibit different flow characteristics.

Figure 7

Figure 8

Reaming
All cut tube-ends must be reamed to the full inside diameter of
the tube, to remove the small burr created during cutting. If
this rough inside edge is not removed by reaming, erosion corrosion may occur due to localized turbulence and high flow
velocity near the joint. A properly reamed tube-end provides a
smooth surface for optimum flow.
Also remove any burrs on the outside of the tube-ends, to ensure proper insertion of the tube into the cup of the fitting.
Tools which may be used to ream tube-ends include the reaming blade on a tube cutter, half-round or round files, a pocket
knife, or a special deburring tool. (Figure 5)
Figure 5

Figure 6

A suitable flux must be used when making a solder joint. Flux

acts as a cleaning and wetting agent, and when properly applied, permits uniform spreading of the molten solder over the
surfaces to be joined. Flux is a chemically active substance,
and only enough should be applied to remove and exclude oxides from the joint area during heating and to ensure that the
melted solder will wet the surfaces to be joined. Do not overflux! ASTM Standard B 813, Liquid and Paste Fluxes for Soldering Applications of Copper and Copper Alloy Tube, covers
6

With soft temper tube, care must be taken not to deform the
tube-end by applying too much pressure. If soft temper tube is
deformed, it can be brought back to roundness with a sizing
tool, which consists of a plug and sizing ring.
Cleaning
Removal of all oxides and surface soil from the tube-ends and
fitting cups is essential for the proper flow of solder into the
joint. Failure to remove such oxides can interfere with capillary action and may reduce the strength of the joint and cause
failure.

Soldering Copper Tube

Lightly abrade (clean) tube-ends using sand cloth (Figure 6) or
nylon abrasive pads for a distance slightly more than the depth
of the fitting cups. Clean fitting cups by using abrasive cloth,
abrasive pads, or a properly sized fitting brush.
The capillary space between the tube and fitting is most effective from 0.002 to 0.005 in. (0.05 to 0.13 mm), but may be up to
0.010 in. (0.25 mm). Solder fills this gap by capillary action.

tube is seated against the base of the fitting cup. (Figure 9) A

slight twisting motion ensures even coverage of the flux. Remove excess flux from the exterior of the joint with a cotton
rag. (Figure 10) If possible, support the tube and fitting assembly to ensure a uniform capillary space around the circumference of the joint. Uniformity of the space will ensure good
capillary flow of the molten solder. Excessive joint clearance
can result in the solder cracking under conditions of stress or
vibration.
The joint is now ready for soldering. Joints prepared and ready
for soldering must be completed the same day and should not
be left unfinished overnight.
Valves
When joining copper tube to valves with solder cups, follow
the manufacturers instructions. The valve should be in the
full-open position before applying heat, and the heat should be
applied primarily to the tube. Disassembly of the valve may be
required if there is a chance that non-metal components could
be damaged.

Figure 9

Figure 10

This spacing is critical for the solder to flow into the gap and
form a strong joint. A certain amount of looseness of fit can be
tolerated, but too loose a fit can cause difficulties, particularly
with large size fittings. It may also allow too much solder to be
fed into the joint, resulting in a blob forming inside the fitting.
Chemical cleaning may be used if the tube-ends and fittings are
thoroughly rinsed after cleaning according to the procedure furnished by the cleaner manufacturer.
Do not touch the cleaned surface with bare hands or oily
gloves. Skin oils, lubricating oils and grease impair the soldering operation.
Applying Flux
Use a flux that will dissolve and remove traces of oxide from
the cleaned surfaces, protect the cleaned surfaces from reoxidation during heating, and promote wetting of the surfaces by
the solder, as recommended in the general requirements of
ASTM B 813. Using a brush, apply a thin, even coating of flux
to both the tube and fittings as soon as possible after cleaning.
(Figures 7 and 8)
WARNING: Do not apply flux with fingers. Chemicals in
the flux can be harmful if carried to the eyes, mouth, or open
cuts.
Use care in applying flux. Careless workmanship can cause
problems long after the system has been installed. If excessive amounts of flux are used, the flux residue may cause corrosion. In extreme cases, such flux corrosion can perforate
the tube and/or fitting.
Assembly and Support
Insert the tube-end into the fitting cup, making sure that the

Figure 11

Figure 12

WARNING: When dealing with an open flame, high temperatures and flammable gases, safety precautions must be observed.
Heating
Heat is usually applied with an air-fuel torch. Such torches use
acetylene or propane gas. Electric resistance soldering tools
can also be used. They employ heating electrodes and should
be considered when an open flame is a concern.
Begin heating with the flame perpendicular to the tube. (Figure 11) The copper tube conducts the initial heat into the fitting cup for even distribution of heat in the joint. The extent of
preheating depends upon the size of the joint, and experience
will indicate the amount of time needed.
Then move the flame onto the fitting cup. (Figure 12) Alternate the flame from the fitting cup back onto the tube a distance
equal to the depth of the fitting cup. With the torch at the base
of the fitting cup, touch the solder to the joint. If the solder
7

Soldering Copper Tube

Brazing Copper Tube

does not melt, remove it and continue heating.

Brazing is another joining process for connecting copper tube

and fittings. However, it involves filler metals that melt at temperatures ranging from 590oC (1,100oF) to 815oC (1,500oF),
which are much higher than the solders covered in the previous
section.

CAUTION: Do not overheat the joint or direct the flame into

the face of the fitting cup. Overheating could burn the flux,
which will destroy its effectiveness, and the solder will not
flow into the joint properly.
When the solder melts when touched to the joint, apply heat to
the base of the fitting cup, to aid capillary action in drawing the
molten solder into the joint.
Applying Solder

The temperature at which a filler metal starts to melt on heating

is the solidus temperature; the liquidus temperature is a higher
temperature at which the filler metal is completely melted. The
liquidus temperature is the minimum temperature at which brazing will take place.

Solder joints depend on capillary action to draw free-flowing,

molten solder into the narrow space between the fitting and the
tube. Capillary action takes place regardless of whether the
solder flow is up, down or horizontal.
For horizontal joints, start applying the solder metal slightly
off-centre at the bottom of the joint. (Figure 13) Proceed across
the bottom of the fitting and up to the top-centre position. Return to the starting point, overlap it, and then move up the incompleted side to the top, again overlapping the solder. For
joints in the vertical position, use a similar sequence of overlapping passes, starting wherever it is convenient.
Cooling and Cleaning
Allow the completed joint to cool naturally. Shock cooling with
water may stress the joint. When cool, clean off any remaining
flux residue with a wet rag. (Figure 14) Whenever possible,
based on end use, completed systems should be flushed to remove excess flux and debris.

Figure 15

Figure 16

Brazing filler metals for joining copper tube are divided into
two classes: BCuP alloys which contain phosphorus, and the
BAg alloys which have a high silver content. Brazing filler
metals are sometimes referred to as silver solders or hard
solders, but these confusing terms should be avoided.
The fluxes used for brazing are different in composition from
soldering fluxes, and they cannot be used interchangeably. Brazing fluxes are water based, while most soldering fluxes are petrolatum based. Like soldering fluxes, brazing fluxes dissolve
and remove residual oxides from the metal surface, protect the
metal from reoxidation during heating, and promote wetting of
the surfaces to be joined. They also provide an indication of
the metal temperature during heating. (Figure 17)

Figure 13

Figure 14

Fluxes suitable for brazing copper and copper alloy tube should
meet AWS Classification FB3-A or FB3-C, as listed in the
American Welding Societys Brazing Handbook.

Testing
Test all completed assemblies for joint integrity. Follow the
test procedure required by codes applicable to the service application.
Estimating
The amount of solder consumed when adequately filling the
capillary space between the tube and the fitting may be estimated from Table 12 (page 19). The flux needed is about 2
ounces per pound of solder.
8

It should be noted that a brazing flux may not always be required. When using copper tube, wrought copper fittings and
BCuP filler metal, fluxing is optional due to the self-fluxing
action of the phosphorus.
Preparation
Like soldering, the preparations for making a brazed joint consist of measuring, cutting, reaming and cleaning. (Figures
3 to 6)

Brazing Copper Tube

Fluxing:
Apply the brazing flux to both the tube end (Figure 16) and the
inside of the fitting. (Figure 18)
Heating and Brazing
Apply heat, preferably with an oxy-fuel flame; air-fuel is sometimes used on smaller sizes. A neutral flame should be used.
Heat the tube first, beginning about one inch from the edge of
the fitting and sweep the flame around the tube in short strokes
at right angles to the axis of the tube. (Figure 19)
It is very important that the flame be in motion continuously,
and it should not remain on any one point long enough to damage the tube. The flux may be used as a guide as to how long to
heat the tube; continue heating it until the flux becomes quiet
and transparent like clear water.
Then switch the flame to the fitting at the base of the cup. (Figure 20) Heat uniformly, sweeping the flame from the fitting to
the tube until the flux on the fitting becomes quiet. Avoid excessive heating of cast fittings.
Figure 17: Temperatures for Brazing and Soldering.
1095C / 2000F
Special Brazing Fluxes
May Protect to Here

815C / 1500F

Standard Brazing Fluxes

Protect to Here
Brazing Temperatures
(varies for different filler metals)

Flux Clear and Quiet

540C / 1000F
Flux Begins to Melt
Flux Bubbles
260C / 500F
Melting Range of Solders
Water Boils Out of Flux
Room Temperature

Figure 18

Figure 19

When the flux appears liquid and transparent on both the tube
and fitting, start sweeping the flame back and forth along the
axis of the joint to maintain heat on the parts to be joined, especially toward the base of the cup of the fitting. The flame must
be kept moving to avoid melting the tube or fitting.
Apply the brazing filler metal at a point where the tube enters
the socket of the fitting. (Figure 21) When the proper temperature is reached, the filler metal will flow readily into the space
between the tube and fitting socket, drawn in by capillary action.
Keep the flame away from the filler metal itself as it is fed into
the joint. The temperature of the tube and fitting at the joint
should be high enough to melt the filler metal. Maintain the
heat by moving the flame back and forth between the tube and
fitting as the filler metal is drawn into the joint.
When the joint is properly made, a continuous fillet of filler
metal will be visible completely around the joint. Stop feeding
as soon as you see the fillet.
For 1-in. tube and larger it may be difficult to bring the entire
joint up to heat at once. It frequently will be found desirable to
use a multiple-orifice torch tip to maintain a proper temperature over large areas. A mild preheating of the whole fitting is
recommended for larger sizes. Heating then can proceed as
outlined in the above steps.
When brazing horizontal joints, it is preferable to first apply
the filler metal at the bottom, then the two sides, and finally the
top, making sure the operations overlap. On vertical joints it is
immaterial where the start is made. If the opening of the socket
is pointing down, care should be taken to avoid overheating the
tube, since this may cause the brazing filler metal to run down
the outside of the tube. If this happens, take the heat away and
allow the filler metal to set. Then reheat the cup of the fitting to
draw up the filler metal.
Cooling and Cleaning:
After the brazed joint has cooled, the flux residue should be
removed with a clean cloth, brush or swab, using warm water.
9

Brazing Copper Tube

Other Joining Methods

In addition to gas-fueled torches for soldering and brazing, electric resistance hand tools may be used. They consist of tonglike heating electrodes. With the power on, the tongs are
clamped around the fitting and held in place until the filler metal melts when touched to the capillary gap between the tube
and fitting. Joint preparation is the same as for the gas torch
method.
Lightweight electric resistance tools may be preferred in new
and retrofit installations where an open flame would be a concern.

Figure 20

Figure 21

Remove all flux residue to avoid the risk of the hardened flux
temporarily retaining pressure and masking an imperfectly
brazed joint. Wrought fittings may be cooled more readily than
cast fittings, but all fittings should be allowed to air cool before
wetting.

Another technology uses a tee-pulling tool to drill into a section of tube and pull out a collar for a tee connection. A branch
line is then brazed into the raised collar; soldering cannot be
used. This method is popular for fabricating manifolds and in
copper fire sprinkler installations, since it reduces the number
of tee fittings used and thereby the number of brazed joints.

Troubleshooting
If the filler metal fails to flow or has a tendency to ball up, it
indicates oxidation on the metal surfaces or insufficient heat on
the parts to be joined. If the tube or fitting start to oxidize
during heating there is too little flux. If the filler metal does not
enter the joint and tends to flow over the outside of either member of the joint, it indicates that one member is overheated or
the other is underheated.
Testing
Test all completed assemblies for joint integrity. Follow the
test procedure required by codes applicable to the service application.
Estimating
A general guide to estimating how much brazing filler metal
will be consumed is provided in Table 12 (page 19).

In natural gas systems, copper can be added to existing steel pipe systems using a flared fitting.

Grooved-end pipe and fittings have been used for many years
to join iron and steel pipe in a variety of systems. This method
of mechanical joining is now available for copper tube in sizes
from 2 to 6 inches. It uses a clamping ring with a gasket to hold
together the butt ends of a tube-to-tube or tube-to-fitting joint.
A roll-formed groove near the end of the tube or fitting permits
the clamp to firmly grasp the two components of a joint. Pregrooved couplings, elbows, tees and flanges are available from
the manufacturers.
Flared joints are commonly used to join soft temper copper tube.
The joint consists of three components: the flare fitting, the
flared end of the copper tube, and the threaded flare nut which
holds the joint together. This type of joint is commonly used
for natural gas or propane distribution systems. Flare fittings
are also used for underground services, but in recent years compression fittings have become most popular for this purpose.

Brazing a 5-inch Type K copper vacuum line in a hospital.

10

Epoxy bonded joints are a relatively recent development. A

Other Joining Methods

Soldered fittings and
brazed T-Drill joints
can often be
combined for the
most economical
installation.

Applications
Copper tube and fittings are suitable for use in a diverse range
of applications in building construction, which is testimony to
their ability to provide long trouble-free service under a multitude of service conditions.
Coppers reputation for excellence is based on decades of actual service experience in these applications. No accelerated tests
which may or may not turn out to be accurate are involved.
And the bottom-line is copper systems are cost-effective. When
material cost, installation cost, and maintenance expenses over
the life of a system are considered, copper becomes the solid
choice for top performance at reasonable cost.

two part, fast-curing, epoxy-based adhesive is used to join copper tube and capillary fittings for water distribution systems. It
may also be used in copper fire sprinkler systems (excluding
dry systems), or installations where an open flame may not be
appropriate.
Bending
Properly bent copper tube will not collapse on the outside of
the bend and will not buckle on the inside of the bend. Mechanical tests have shown that the bursting strength of the bend
portion is normally greater than it was before the tube was bent.
The increase in bursting pressure is the result of an increase in
the tensile strength and yield strength of the tube where it has
been cold worked during bending.

Plumbing
Underground Water Services: From the water main
to the house or building,
either Type K or L soft
temper tube is used. They
are available in long coils
of various lengths in nominal sizes up to 2 in. With
coils intermediate joints
can be eliminated or minimized. Soft tube can also
be bent around any obstructions or unevenness
in the trench, and it adjusts
readily to ground settlement.
Compression fittings have
become the most popular
choice for underground
copper water services in
recent years, because of
their high strength and
ease of installation.

The proper tools should be used for bending of tube.

Simple hand tools using mandrels, dies, forms and fillers, or

even power-operated bending machines are suitable for bending copper tube. The proper size bender for each tube size should
be used. Also a suitable bend radius, as shown in Table 4 (page
16) will decrease the chances of making an improper bend.
It should be noted that the National Plumbing Code of Canada
does not permit Types M and DWV tube to be bent for use in
plumbing systems, and most provincial codes have similar restrictions on bending. Types M and DWV tube are relatively
thin-wall, hard-temper products.

Long coils of soft temper tube

allow underground water services
to be installed without intermediate
joints.

Hot and Cold Water Lines: Systems above ground inside houses and buildings are the biggest single application for copper
tube and fittings. Copper installations extend from houses and
vacation properties to office towers and multi-storey apartments,
condominiums, and hotels. Hard temper Types L and M tube
are commonly used, depending on service conditions; hard Type
K may be needed in some cases. Canadian codes, except for
British Columbia, allow Type M tube as the minimum requirement, and it is the most widely used. In B.C., Type L is required, because of water conditions.
Special care should be taken with hot water recirculation systems, as covered on pages 14 and 15.
Renovation and Remodeling: When remodeling, situations may
be encountered in which soft temper tube, normally Type L,
11

Applications
can be used to advantage, since its flexibility permits it to be
worked inside partition walls with a minimum of difficulty.
Drainage, Waste & Vent Systems: Type DWV tube with solder
fittings is available in hard temper only. It is used above ground
in multi-unit and high-rise buildings for drainage, waste and
vent lines, and it should be considered particularly when noncombustible construction requirements must be met.
Rainwater Leaders: Type DWV tube may also be used for rainwater leaders inside of buildings.

Installation of a typical baseboard convector using -inch Type L tube.

In Canada, Type G/GAS tube is also electrostatic spray painted

yellow, or jacketted with yellow plastic, for easy identification.
CCBDA Publication No. 14, available on request, provides
detailed information on the design and installation of copper natural gas and propane systems.
Propane: The use of copper tube and flare fittings for propane
installations goes back for several decades. It is expected that
the popularity of Type G/GAS tube for propane systems will
also grow over the next few years.
Part of the early Canadian experience with copper tube for natural gas systems involved existing propane systems which were
converted to natural gas without retubing. The copper tube in
the propane systems was adequately sized to meet the demands
of the appliances, taking into consideration the lower calorific
value of natural gas, and resizing was not necessary. These
systems continue to give excellent performance.
Natural gas combo water heaters are ideal for multi-unit buildings, such
as condominiums.

Heating
Natural Gas: The use of copper tube to convey natural gas
has become the fastest growing new application for copper
tube in recent years. The 2000 edition of the Canadian Standards Association B149 Installation Code permits the use of
two Types of copper for above ground natural gas systems
and propane systems - Type G/GAS tube meeting ASTM
B837, and Type L tube meeting ASTM B88. For underground
lines, Type K copper tube, plastic-coated Type G/GAS tube,
or plastic-coated Type L tube, are required. Provincial regulatory authorities are expected to adopt these requirements.
Local authorities should be consulted before specifying or
installing any type of copper tube.
12

Fuel Oil: For small diameter fuel lines and connections between the oil storage tank and the burner, soft temper tube is
usually used. General Purpose tube or Type L tube are typically selected.
Hydronic Heating: In hydronic systems, hot water is recirculated in a closed loop to provide uniform heat in rooms. For
large buildings, systems can be zoned to maintain various temperature levels in different areas. Hard temper Type M copper
tube is used for circulation of the hot water from compact boilers to unobtrusive baseboard convectors. The tube inside the
convectors usually has large fins to increase its heat transfer
properties.
Combo Systems: A relatively recent advance involves the use
of combination units for heating water for the potable water
supply and space heating. Gas-fired units are particularly pop-

Applications
ular for this purpose, but other fuels can be used. Since the
heated water circulated through the convectors or heat exchangers is also potable, only materials permitted for potable water
systems may be used. As a result copper tube and fittings are
key components of combo systems.
Radiant Heating: In recent years there has been a resurgence
in the popularity of radiant heating. In these systems, low-temperature hot water is circulated through grids of copper tube
embedded in a concrete floor or plaster ceiling. Soft temper
Type L tube is commonly used for the sinuous or grid patterns
in the floor or ceiling. Hydraulics, heat output, and location
must be considered when selecting the tube size and spacing.
Radiant panels which fit into suspended T-bar ceilings are also
available.

Copper tube has been used for decades for propane gas installations.

Steam Heat: The high corrosion resistance and non-rusting

characteristics of copper tube assure trouble-free service and
reduce the maintenance of traps, valves, and other devices.
Types K and L meet the requirements of the average steam heating system and Type M may be used for certain low pressure
installations. Pressure tables will show which Type will assure
adequate safety factor. On condensate and hot water return lines,
it is recommended that the last two feet before the heating medium should be double the size of the rest of the line. For example, if the return line is 1-in. tube, then enlarge it to 2-in.

for patient care in health

care facilities, and include
oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, and vacuum
lines.
Hard temper copper tube is
the only material permitted
by installation codes for
above ground medical gas
systems in Canada. CSA
Standard Z305.1 specifies
that Types K and L tube
manufactured to meet the requirements of ASTM Standard B 819 be used.
B 819 tube is specially
cleaned and is supplied to
the installer capped or
plugged. Care must be taken to prevent contamination
Three copper medical gas lines
of the system when the caps
in a hospital.
or plugs are removed. During installation and brazing, continuous purging with nitrogen
is carried out to maintain a clean, oxide free interior. For copper-to-copper joints, a copper-phosphorus brazing filler metal
(BCuP series) without flux is required. A flux is permitted when
brazing dissimilar metals.
Note: CSA Z305.1 must be referred to for details on the materials and joining methods permitted for medical gas installation.
Fire Sprinklers
The National Building Code of Canada and provincial codes
reference NFPA* Standards 13, 13D and 13R for the installation of fire sprinkler systems in buildings for all types of occu-

Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning

Copper is the preferred material for use with all refrigerants
except ammonia. Huge quantities of copper tube and fittings
are used in the fabrication of equipment and for the installation
of systems.
Type ACR tube (Air-Conditioning-Refrigeration) is covered by
ASTM Standard B 280. It is degreased, dehydrated, and capped
before it leaves the tube production plant. Nitrogen-charged or
nitrogen-purged tube are also available. The nitrogen protects
the tube and maintains a clean surface inside the tube prior to
installation.
Medical Gas Systems
Medical gas systems convey nonflammable medical gases used

Residential copper fire sprinkler systems typically use Type M tube and
fast-response sprinkler heads.
13

Applications

Corrosion Resistance

pancies including residences. The NFPA Standards permit Types

M, L, and K copper tube to be used for wet sprinkler systems,
in sizes down to 3/4-in.

No other plumbing material has the service performance

record of copper water tube and fittings.

A variety of joining methods may be used, including brazing,

soldering, and epoxy adhesives. Tee-pulling tools and brazed
joints are particularly suitable for installing the grids of tube
needed to provide sprinkler coverage on floors of office buildings, for example. Mechanical couplings may be used for large
sizes of tube. (* National Fire Protection Association)
Snow Melting Systems
A solution of hot water and glycol antifreeze can be circulated
at temperatures between 50oC and 55oC (120 to 130oF) through
copper tube embedded in concrete slabs or asphalt, to melt surface snow and ice from walks, ramps, driveways and loading
platforms. Type L tube generally is used for this application,
and it is buried about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches below the surface,
depending on whether concrete or asphalt is used. It is laid out
in sinuous or grid patterns similar to radiant heating systems.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Recent heat pump technology, known as direct-expansion, uses
a refrigerant-filled copper coil which is buried in direct contact
with the earth. This design eliminates the need for an extra
pump and heat exchanger commonly seen in conventional
ground-source heat pump systems which use a secondary antifreeze solution circulating through a plastic ground coil. The
most efficient ground-source heat pumps use small sizes of ACR
or Type L copper tube. The tube for the coil can either be buried vertically where space is a premium, or horizontally in medium depth trenches.
Solar Heating
Copper tube is used in the roof-top collectors in active solar
energy systems, and for the lines joining the collectors to the
circulation equipment. These systems capture energy from the
sun to heat domestic water, which reduces a residences energy
consumption for regular water heating.

Copper tube has been used for hot and cold water systems since
the 1930s. And it is not uncommon for these early installations
to still be performing satisfactorily 60 years later! There are
thousands upon thousands of installations completed in the fifties, sixties and seventies that have provided decades of trouble-free service and continue to function satisfactorily.
Coppers corrosion resistance is related to its ability to form a
uniform, adherent, protective oxide film in contact with most
waters. However, there are instances where the protective film
may not form, or it may be damaged or disrupted, and corrosion may occur. These instances are exceptionally rare when
one considers the many millions of feet of copper tube that are
in service in Canada, as well as North America, Europe, and
other regions.
Cuprosolvency may occur in soft waters, with low hardness
and low alkalinity, and a pH of 7 or lower. It may cause a blue/
green water colour and staining of plumbing fittings or laundry. The general dissolution of copper tube associated with
cuprosolvency is a very slow process which thins the tube but
does not usually result in failure of the wall of the tube.
Cold Water Pitting is associated with well or other ground
waters containing free carbon dioxide in conjunction with dissolved oxygen. Such waters are generally referred to as being
aggressive. Pits develop from the inside of the tube, and typically they have a blue/green tubercle or hollow mound of corrosion products over the pit. Cold water pitting can be mitigated by treatment of the water to eliminate its aggressiveness. A
variety of water treatment methods are available.
Flux Corrosion is another form of pitting which is attributable
to the use of aggressive soldering fluxes (see page 7) and poor
workmanship. If too much flux is used or insufficient heat is
applied during soldering, a waxy petrolatum residue may remain in the tube. The corrosive residues may eventually result
in pitting. It is important to emphasize again that flux corrosion does not occur often when one considers the millions of
solder joints that are made annually.
Erosion Corrosion is caused by excessive localized water velocity and/or turbulence. Affected areas are typically free from
the protective oxide film and corrosion products, and may be
bright and shiny with horseshoe-shaped pits present. Failure to
deburr the inside edge of a tube after cutting is one of the most
common causes of turbulence in a system. Another cause is
too many abrupt changes in direction.

A Gas-TecTM Copper Manifold provides ease of installation for copper gas

supply lines.
14

Hot Water Recirculating Systems require special mention. Excessive velocity in such systems is a common cause of erosion
corrosion and failure. Installations which use small sizes of
tube or too large pumps result in higher than recommended flow

Corrosion Resistance
rates. Other factors such as system design, installation workmanship, operating temperature and water chemistry must also
be taken into consideration.
CCBDA Information Sheet 97-02 available on request, provides detailed information on the design and installation of
hot water recirculating lines.
Galvanic, or Dissimilar Metal, Corrosion of copper and copper alloys is exceptionally rare. Incidents often attributed to
galvanic corrosion are usually erroneous. In the galvanic series of metals, copper is one of the most noble metals. (Table
13) This means that copper is the most corrosion resistant. In
other words, when copper is in contact with iron, steel or aluminum in water distribution systems, for example, the copper
does not corrode; the other metal will eventually fail if the conditions for galvanic corrosion are present. This situation can be
prevented by using a dielectric fitting between the copper and
the less noble metal. It should be added that electrolysis should
not be confused with galvanic corrosion.
Underground Copper lines are renowned for their excellent
performance in a wide variety of soil conditions. Copper does
not corrode in most clays, chalks, loams, sands, and gravels.
There are a few aggressive soil conditions that may result in
corrosion when moisture is present. Cinder fill containing sul-

phur is one example. In such conditions, the tube should be

insulated from the cinders by a layer of sand mixed with lime,
or a layer of limestone, or by wrapping with moisture-proof
tape.
Concrete is often thought to cause corrosion of copper, but this
is a misconception. Copper is unaffected by Portland cements
which provide an alkaline environment. However, non-alkaline cements containing sulphurous ash or other inorganic acids
should be avoided, as should foamed concretes which employ
ammonia-containing foaming agents.

Table 13: The Galvanic Series

Platinum
Gold
Silver
Stainless Steel - Passive
Copper
Tin
Lead
Stainless Steel - Active
Cast Iron
Mild Steel
Aluminum
Galvanized Steel
Zinc
Magnesium

Most noble - Most corrosion resistant

Least noble - Least corrosion resistant

Table 1: Dimensions and Weights of Types K, L, M(1) and DWV(2) Tube

Nominal or
Standard Size,
in.
1/4
3/8
1/2
5/8
3/4
1
1-1/4
1-1/2
2
2-1/2
3
3-1/2
4
5
6
8
10
12

Outside
Diameter, in.
All Types
0.375
0.500
0.625
0.750
0.875
1.125
1.375
1.625
2.125
2.625
3.125
3.625
4.125
5.125
6.125
8.125
10.125
12.125

K
0.305
0.402
0.527
0.652
0.745
0.995
1.245
1.481
1.959
2.435
2.907
3.385
3.857
4.805
5.741
7.583
9.449
11.315

Inside
Diameter, in.
L
M
0.315
*
0.430
0.450
0.545
0.569
0.666
*
0.785
0.811
1.025
1.055
1.265
1.291
1.505
1.527
1.985
2.009
2.465
2.495
2.945
2.981
3.425
3.459
3.905
3.935
4.875
4.907
5.845
5.881
7.725
7.785
9.625
9.701
11.565
11.617

DWV
*
*
*
*
*
*
1.295
1.541
2.041
*
3.030
*
4.009
4.981
5.959
7.907
*
*

K
0.035
0.049
0.049
0.049
0.065
0.065
0.065
0.072
0.083
0.095
0.109
0.120
0.134
0.160
0.192
0.271
0.338
0.405

Wall
Thickness, in.
L
M
0.030
*
0.035
0.025
0.040
0.028
0.042
*
0.045
0.032
0.050
0.035
0.055
0.042
0.060
0.049
0.070
0.058
0.080
0.065
0.090
0.072
0.100
0.083
0.110
0.095
0.125
0.109
0.140
0.122
0.200
0.170
0.250
0.212
0.280
0.254

DWV
*
*
*
*
*
*
0.040
0.042
0.042
*
0.045
*
0.058
0.072
0.083
0.109
*
*

K
0.145
0.269
0.344
0.418
0.641
0.839
1.04
1.36
2.06
2.93
4.00
5.12
6.51
9.67
13.9
25.9
40.3
57.8

Theoretical Weight
Pounds per Linear Foot
L
M
0.126
*
0.198
0.145
0.285
0.204
0.362
*
0.455
0.328
0.655
0.465
0.884
0.682
1.14
0.940
1.75
1.46
2.48
2.03
3.33
2.68
4.29
3.58
5.38
4.66
7.61
6.66
10.2
8.92
19.3
16.5
30.1
25.6
40.4
36.7

DWV
*
*
*
*
*
*
0.650
0.809
1.07
*
1.69
*
2.87
4.43
6.10
10.6
*
*

(1)

ASTM B 88-96
ASTM B 306-96
* Not available
(2)

15

Table 2: Dimensions and Weights of Type ACR Tube(1)

(1)

Standard
Size,

Outside

in.
1/8
3/16
1/4
5/16
3/8
1/2
5/8
3/4
3/4
7/8
1-1/8
1-3/8
1-5/8
2-1/8
2-5/8
3-1/8
3-5/8
4-1/8

Diameter, in.
0.125
0.187
0.250
0.312
0.375
0.500
0.625
0.750
0.750
0.875
1.125
1.375
1.625
*
*
*
*
*

ASTM B 280-95a

Annealed
Inside
Diameter, in.
0.065
0.127
0.190
0.248
0.311
0.436
0.555
0.680
0.666
0.785
1.025
1.265
1.505
*
*
*
*
*

Wall

Outside

Drawn
Inside

Wall

Theoretical
Weight

Thickness, in.
0.030
0.030
0.030
0.032
0.032
0.032
0.035
0.035
0.042
0.045
0.050
0.055
0.060
*
*
*
*
*

Diameter, in.
*
*
*
*
0.375
0.500
0.625
*
0.750
0.875
1.125
1.375
1.625
2.125
2.625
3.125
3.625
4.125

Diameter, in.
*
*
*
*
0.315
0.430
0.545
*
0.666
0.785
1.025
1.265
1.505
1.985
2.465
2.945
3.425
3.905

Thickness, in.
*
*
*
*
0.030
0.035
0.040
*
0.042
0.045
0.050
0.055
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
0.100
0.110

Pounds per Linear Foot

0.0347
0.0575
0.0804
0.109
0.134
0.126
0.182
0.198
0.251
0.285
0.305
*
0.362
0.362
0.455
0.655
0.884
1.14
1.75
2.48
3.33
4.29
5.38

* Not available

Table 4: Bending Guide

Table 3: Dimensions and Weights of
ASTM B 837-95
Type G/GAS Tube(1)
(1)

Standard
Size, in.
3/8
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1-1/8

Outside
Diameter, in.
0.375
0.500
0.625
0.750
0.875
1.125

Wall
Thickness, in.
0.030
0.035
0.040
0.042
0.045
0.050

Theoretical Weight
Pounds per Linear Foot
0.126
0.198
0.285
0.362
0.455
0.655

Nominal or
Standard Size, in.
1/4
3/8
3/8
1/2
1/2
3/4
3/4
1
1-1/4

Tube Type
K, L
K, L
K, L
K, L
K, L
K, L
K, L
K, L
K, L

(1)

Minimum radius for mechanical

bending equipment only.

Temper
Annealed
Annealed
Drawn
Annealed
Drawn
Annealed
Drawn
Annealed
Annealed

Minimum Bend
Radius(1), in.
3/4
1-1/2
1-3/4
2-1/4
2-1/2
3
3
4
9

Table 5: Radii of Coiled Expansion Loops and Developed Lengths of Expansion Offsets
Expected
Expansion,
in.
R
1/2
L
R
1
L
R
1-1/2
L
R
2
L
R
2-1/2
L
R
3
L
R
3-1/2
L
R
4
L

16

1/4
6
38
9
54
11
66
12
77
14
86
15
94
16
102
17
109

3/8
7
44
10
63
12
77
14
89
16
99
17
109
19
117
20
126

1/2
8
50
11
70
14
86
16
99
18
111
19
122
21
131
22
140

3/4
9
59
13
83
16
101
19
117
21
131
23
143
25
155
26
166

Radius R, inches, for Nominal or Standard Tube Sizes Shown

Length L, inches, for Nominal or Standard Tube Sizes Shown
1
1-1/4
1-1/2
2
2-1/2
11
12
13
15
16
67
74
80
91
102
15
17
18
21
23
94
104
113
129
144
18
20
22
25
28
115
127
138
158
176
21
23
25
29
32
133
147
160
183
203
24
26
29
33
36
149
165
179
205
227
26
29
31
36
40
163
180
196
224
249
28
31
34
39
43
176
195
212
242
269
30
33
36
41
46
188
208
226
259
288

3
18
111
25
157
30
191
35
222
40
248
43
272
47
293
50
314

3 1/2
19
120
27
169
33
206
38
239
43
267
47
293
50
316
54
338

4
20
128
29
180
35
220
41
255
45
285
50
312
54
337
57
361

5
23
142
32
201
39
245
45
284
51
318
55
348
60
376
64
402

Table 6: Rated Internal Working Pressure (psi) for Types K, L, and M Tube(1)
Nominal or
Standard
Size, in.
1/4

3/8

1/2

5/8

3/4

1-1/4

1-1/2

2-1/2

3-1/2

10

12
(1)
(2)

T
Y
P
E
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M
K
L
M

Annealed(2)
Drawn(3)
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
6000 psi 5100 psi 4800 psi 4800 psi 4700 psi 4000 psi 3000 psi 9000 psi 9000 psi 9000 psi 9000 psi 8700 psi 8500 psi 8200 psi
100F
150F
200F
250F
300F
350F
400F
100F
150F
200F
250F
300F
350F
400F
1074
913
860
860
842
716
537
1612
1612
1612
1612
1558
1522
1468
912
775
729
729
714
608
456
1367
1367
1367
1367
1322
1292
1246
1130
960
904
904
885
753
565
1695
1695
1695
1695
1638
1601
1544
779
662
623
623
610
519
389
1168
1168
1168
1168
1129
1103
1064
570
485
456
456
447
380
285
855
855
855
855
827
808
779
891
758
713
713
698
594
446
1337
1337
1337
1337
1293
1263
1218
722
613
577
577
565
481
361
1082
1082
1082
1082
1046
1022
986
494
420
395
395
387
329
247
741
741
741
741
716
700
675
736
626
589
589
577
491
368
1104
1104
1104
1104
1067
1043
1006
631
537
505
505
495
421
316
947
947
947
947
916
895
863
852
724
682
682
668
568
426
1278
1278
1278
1278
1236
1207
1165
582
495
466
466
456
388
291
873
873
873
873
844
825
796
407
346
326
326
319
271
204
611
611
611
611
590
577
556
655
557
524
524
513
437
327
982
982
982
982
949
928
895
494
420
395
395
387
330
247
741
741
741
741
717
700
676
337
286
270
270
264
225
169
506
506
506
506
489
477
461
532
452
425
425
416
354
266
797
797
797
797
771
753
727
439
373
351
351
344
293
219
658
658
658
658
636
622
600
338
287
271
271
265
225
169
507
507
507
507
490
479
462
494
420
396
396
387
330
247
742
742
742
742
717
700
676
408
347
327
327
320
272
204
613
613
613
613
592
579
558
331
282
265
265
259
221
166
497
497
497
497
480
469
453
435
370
348
348
341
290
217
652
652
652
652
630
616
594
364
309
291
291
285
242
182
545
545
545
545
527
515
497
299
254
239
239
234
199
149
448
448
448
448
433
423
408
398
338
319
319
312
265
199
597
597
597
597
577
564
544
336
285
269
269
263
224
168
504
504
504
504
487
476
459
274
233
219
219
215
183
137
411
411
411
411
397
388
375
385
328
308
308
302
257
193
578
578
578
578
559
546
527
317
270
254
254
248
211
159
476
476
476
476
460
449
433
253
215
203
203
199
169
127
380
380
380
380
367
359
346
366
311
293
293
286
244
183
549
549
549
549
530
518
500
304
258
243
243
238
202
152
455
455
455
455
440
430
415
252
214
202
202
197
168
126
378
378
378
378
366
357
345
360
306
288
288
282
240
180
540
540
540
540
522
510
492
293
249
235
235
230
196
147
440
440
440
440
425
415
401
251
213
201
201
197
167
126
377
377
377
377
364
356
343
345
293
276
276
270
230
172
517
517
517
517
500
488
471
269
229
215
215
211
179
135
404
404
404
404
390
381
368
233
198
186
186
182
155
116
349
349
349
349
338
330
318
346
295
277
277
271
231
173
520
520
520
520
502
491
474
251
213
201
201
196
167
125
376
376
376
376
364
355
343
218
186
175
175
171
146
109
328
328
328
328
317
310
299
369
314
295
295
289
246
184
553
553
553
553
535
523
504
270
230
216
216
212
180
135
406
406
406
406
392
383
370
229
195
183
183
180
153
115
344
344
344
344
332
325
313
369
314
295
295
289
246
184
553
553
553
553
535
523
504
271
231
217
217
212
181
136
407
407
407
407
393
384
371
230
195
184
184
180
153
115
344
344
344
344
333
325
314
370
314
296
296
290
247
185
555
555
555
555
536
524
506
253
215
203
203
199
169
127
380
380
380
380
368
359
346
230
195
184
184
180
153
115
345
345
345
345
333
326
314

Based on maximum allowable stress in tension (psi) for the indicated temperatures.
Type M tube is not available in the annealed temper. Annealed values are provided for
guidance when drawn temper Type M is brazed or welded.

(3)

When brazing or welding is used to join drawn tube, the corresponding annealed rating must
be used.

17

Table 7: Rated Internal Working Pressure (psi) for ACR Tube(1) - Straight Lengths
Nominal
or
Standard
Size,
in.
3/8
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1-1/8
1-3/8
1-5/8
2-1/8
2-5/8
3-1/8
3-5/8
4-1/8
(1)
(2)

STRAIGHT LENGTHS
Annealed(2)
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
6000 psi 5100 psi 4800 psi 4800 psi 4700 psi 4000 psi 3000 psi
100F
150F
200F
250F
300F
350F
400F
912
775
729
729
714
608
456
779
662
623
623
610
519
389
722
613
577
577
565
481
361
631
537
505
505
495
421
316
582
495
466
466
456
388
291
494
420
395
395
387
330
247
439
373
351
351
344
293
219
408
347
327
327
320
272
204
364
309
291
291
285
242
182
336
285
269
269
263
224
168
317
270
254
254
248
211
159
304
258
243
243
238
202
152
293
249
235
235
230
196
147

STRAIGHT LENGTHS
Drawn(2)
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
9000 psi 9000 psi 9000 psi 9000 psi 8700 psi 8500 psi 8200 psi
100F
150F
200F
250F
300F
350F
400F
1371
1371
1371
1371
1326
1295
1249
1172
1172
1172
1172
1133
1107
1068
1085
1085
1085
1085
1049
1025
989
949
949
949
949
918
896
865
875
875
875
875
846
827
797
743
743
743
743
718
702
677
660
660
660
660
638
623
601
614
614
614
614
593
580
559
546
546
546
546
528
516
498
504
504
504
504
487
476
459
476
476
476
476
460
449
433
455
455
455
455
440
430
415
440
440
440
440
425
415
401

Based on maximum allowable stress in tension (psi) for the indicated temperature.
When brazing or welding is used to join drawn tube, the corresponding annealed rating must be used.

Nominal
or
Standard
Size,
in.
1/8
3/16
1/4
5/16
3/8
1/2
5/8
3/4
3/4
7/8
1-1/8
1-3/8
1-5/8

COILS
Annealed
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
6000 psi 5100 psi 4800 psi 4800 psi 4700 psi 4000 psi 3000 psi
100F
150F
200F
250F
300F
350F
400F
3074
2613
2459
2459
2408
2049
1537
1935
1645
1548
1548
1516
1290
968
1406
1195
1125
1125
1102
938
703
1197
1017
957
957
937
798
598
984
836
787
787
770
656
492
727
618
581
581
569
485
363
618
525
494
494
484
412
309
511
435
409
409
400
341
256
631
537
505
505
495
421
316
582
495
466
466
456
388
291
494
420
395
395
387
330
247
439
373
351
351
344
293
219
408
347
327
327
320
272
204

Nominal or
Standard Size,
in.
1/2
3/4
1
1-1/4
1-1/2
2
2-1/2
3
4
5
6
8

18

Nominal
or
Standard
Size,
in.
3/8
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1-1/8
1-3/8
1-5/8
2-1/8
2-5/8
3-1/8
3-5/8
4-1/8

Outside
Diameter,
in.
0.625
0.875
1.125
1.375
1.625
2.125
2.625
3.125
4.125
5.125
6.125
8.125

L(2)

Drawn Annealed Drawn Annealed

9840
4535
7765
3885
9300
4200
5900
2935
7200
3415
5115
2650
5525
2800
4550
2400
5000
2600
4100
2200
3915
2235
3365
1910
3575
*
3215
*
3450
*
2865
*
3415
*
2865
*
3585
*
2985
*
3425
*
2690
*
3635
*
2650
*

M
Drawn
6135
4715
3865
3875
3550
2935
2800
2665
2215
2490
2000
2285

Table 8: Rated Internal Working

Pressure (psi) for ACR Tube(1) - Coils
(1)

Based on maximum allowable stress in tension (psi) for the indicated temperature.

Table 9: Actual Burst Pressure(1) (psi) for

Types K, L, and M Tube, at Room
Temperature
* Not available.
(1)

The figures shown are averages of three certified tests performed on each Type and size of
tube. In each case, wall thickness was at or near the minimum specified for each tube
Type. No burst pressure in any test deviated from the average by more than 5%.
(2)
Type L burst pressures can be used for ACR tube of equivalent actual O.D. and wall
thickness.

Table 10: Rated Internal Working Pressure (psi) for Type DWV Tube(1)
Nominal or
Standard
Size, in.
1-1/4
1-1/2
2
3
4
5
6
8
(1)
(2)

Annealed(2)
Drawn(3)
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
S=
6000 psi 5100 psi 4800 psi 4800 psi 4700 psi 4000 psi 3000 psi 9000 psi 9000 psi 9000 psi 9000 psi 8700 psi 8500 psi 8200 psi
100F
150F
200F
250F
300F
400F
100F
150F
200F
250F
300F
350F
400F
350F
330
280
264
264
258
165
494
494
494
494
478
467
451
220
293
249
235
235
230
147
440
440
440
440
425
415
401
196
217
185
174
174
170
109
326
326
326
326
315
308
297
145
159
135
127
127
125
80
239
239
239
239
231
225
217
106
150
127
120
120
117
75
225
225
225
225
217
212
205
100
151
129
121
121
119
76
227
227
227
227
219
214
207
101
148
126
119
119
116
74
223
223
223
223
215
210
203
99
146
124
117
117
114
73
219
219
219
219
212
207
200
97

Based on maximum allowable stress in tension (psi) for the indicated temperatures.
Type DWV is not available in the annealed temper. Annealed values are provided for
guidance when drawn temper tube is brazed or welded.

(3)

When brazing or welding is used to join drawn tube, the corresponding annealed rating must
be used.

Table 11: Recommended Maximum Internal Working Pressure (psi) for Joints in Types K, L,
and M Tube
Solder or
Brazing Alloy
Used in Joints
50 - 50
Tin-Lead
Solder(1)(2)

95 - 5
Tin-Antimony
Solder(1)
Brazing Alloys
Melting at or
above 1100F

(1)

Nominal or Standard Size, in.

Service
Temperature F
100
150
200
250
Saturated Steam
100
150
200
250
Saturated Steam
100-150-200
250
350
Saturated Steam

1/4 to 1
(incl)
200
150
100
85
15
500
400
300
200
15
*
300
270
120

1-1/4 to 2
(incl)
175
125
90
75
15
400
350
250
175
15
*
210
190
120

2-1/2 to 4
(incl)
150
100
75
50
15
300
275
200
150
15
*
170
150
120

See ASTM B 32
Not permitted in
potable
(drinking) water
systems.
* Recommended
maximum
pressure is the
rated pressure of
annealed tube
shown in Table 6.
(2)

5 to 8
(incl)
130
90
70
50
15
150
150
150
140
15
*
150
150
120

Table 12: Approximate Consumption of Filler Metals(1)

Nominal or
Standard Size,
in.
1/4
3/8
1/2
3/4
1
1-1/4
1-1/2
2
2-1/2
3
3 1/2
4
5
6

Solder
Pounds of Solder per 100 Joints(2)
Pressure Fittings
*
0.5
0.8
1.0
1.5
1.8
2.0
2.5
3.4
4.2
4.8
6.0
8.5
16.0

Drainage Fittings
*
*
*
*
*
1.3
1.5
2.0
*
3.2
*
4.5
*
*

* Not applicable

Brazing Alloy
Linear Inches per Joint
1/16 Wire(3),(4)
0.8
1.0
1.5
2.0
3.0
4.0
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

3/32 Wire(3),(5)
*
*
0.8
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.8
6.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.5
21.0

(1)

5/64 Wire(3),(6)
*
*
0.9
1.1
1.6
2.1
2.6
4.0
7.0
11.0
13.0
15.5
18.0
23.0

Actual
consumption
depends on
workmanship
and size of
joints.
(2)
Flux required is
about 2 oz per lb
of solder.
(3)
Other sizes are
available.
(4)
1090 inches of
1/16 wire per lb.
(5)
484 inches of
3/32 wire per lb.
(6)
524 inches of
5/64 wire per lb.

19

Why Select Copper?

Superior performance at reasonable cost! Copper tube and
fittings are chosen for the majority of new and retrofit
installations in Canada, because the advantages of copper
systems provide long, trouble-free service at low, totalinstalled cost.
Light & Compact: Coppers light weight permits easier
handling and prefabrication. It costs less to transport and
takes less space when installed.
Easy to Join: The wide range of types of fittings available
simplifies installation. Soldering and brazing provide neat,
strong and leakproof joints.

CCBDA Services
The purpose of the Canadian Copper & Brass Development
Association is to promote, develop, and stimulate the use of copper
and copper alloys in new and existing applications. It is supported
by the Canadian Copper Industry, including the manufacturers of
tube, fittings, and related plumbing products.
Technical Assistance is available to everyone interested.
Guidance can be provided on installation methods, codes and
regulations, product standards, availability of materials, and
so forth.
Literature available includes the Manual on Natural Gas
Systems, Information Sheets on a variety of topics such as
Hot Water Recirculating Systems, and the periodical
Canadian Copper which covers the latest applications of
copper products.
Videos are available on techniques for Soldering, Brazing,
and Flaring & Bending, as well as applications such as natural
gas systems.
All of the services, including the publications and videos, are
provided free of charge. Contact the CCBDA to obtain the latest
list of topics covered.

Fabrication: Tube can be cut quickly with a variety of

commonly available tools. It can also be readily bent and
formed when necessary.
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to corrosion
assures long, trouble-free service. Immunity to rust and
resistance to clogging minimize maintenance.
Flow: Coppers smooth interior means minimum resistance
to flow. Also fittings do not restrict flow, and do not make
additional allowances necessary when sizing systems.
Safe: Copper tube will not burn or support combustion and
decompose to toxic gases, and therefore, it will not carry fire
through floors, walls, and ceilings. Volatile organic
compounds are not required for installation.
Dependable: Copper tube and fittings are manufactured to
meet the requirements of widely recognized standards. They
are accepted by all plumbing codes in Canada, as well as by
the installation codes covering other applications.
The Bottom Line: Copper systems are cost-effective when
compared with competitive materials! Coppers ease of
installation reduces total costs, and its reliability means fewer
callbacks and minimum maintenance expenses. Copper also
has high scrap value, and is readily recycled.

CCBDA Publication No. 28E, Second Edition, 2000

CANADIAN COPPER & BRASS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

49 The Donway West, Suite 415, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3C 3M9
Telephone: (416) 391-5599 Fax: (416) 391-3823
Toll Free: 1-877- 640-0946
e-mail: coppercanada@onramp.ca
web site: www.ccbda.org