Copper tubing and fittings offer many options that can support a variety of systems and appliances. They are ideal to install for water lines because of their excellent longevity and superior environmental capabilities, as opposed to PVC and CPVC tubing. Copper tubing comes in soft and rigid forms with various strengths, thicknesses, pliability factors and more.
Types of Copper Tubing
As the main type of tubing used for HVAC and drinking water lines, copper tubing has high corrosion resistance and can support extreme temperature ranges. The different forms of copper tubing are as follows:
Rigid Copper Pipe
- Characteristics of rigid copper:
- The annealing process must occur in order for it to bend; however, it can utilize fittings such as tees and elbows to round corners.
- What is it used for?
- Various types of water and plumbing lines
Soft Copper Tubing
- Characteristics of soft copper:
- Bending can occur to form around objects and is compatible with flare connections.
- What is it used for?
- Refrigerant lines in air conditioners and heat pumps
Pressure Ratings of Copper Tubing
Type K
Has a thick wall and is capable of being deeply buried under streets and pavement. Type K typically comes in both rigid and soft forms and is marked with green printing to differentiate itself from similar copper tubing.
Type L
Has a thinner wall than K, but is thicker than M, and is primarily used in various pressure applications for residential and commercial plumbing. It comes in both rigid and soft forms and is marked with blue to differentiate itself from similar copper tubing.
Type M
Has the thinnest wall, and is used for plumbing and pressure applications of residential and commercial spaces. It comes in the rigid form and is marked with red to differentiate itself from similar copper tubing.
ACR
The American refrigeration industry requires ACR (air conditioning and refrigeration field services) piping. This consists of copper piping without oils that could interfere with the lubricating oils within compressors of AC systems.
Wrot
Comprised of 85% copper and strengthened with the addition of up to 15% zinc, wrot copper (AKA wrought copper) is an alloy that has a 4X higher pressure rating than type L copper, making it less prone to bursting in high-pressure use. Always check local codes for compliance in regard to installation of wrot copper tubing.
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Copper Pipe Sizing Chart
| Nominal | Type K Copper | Type L Copper | Type M Copper | Pipe Sizing Criteria | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe Size | Diameter | Diameter | Diameter |
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Whether you require copper tubing for AC units or plumbing applications, our plumbing accessories are also sure to help.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.