Copper Pipe & Tubing

About Copper Pipe

Copper pipes are categorized into three common types: Type K, Type L, and Type M. These types differ mainly in wall thickness, pressure rating, and intended usage. Here's a quick breakdown:

1. Type K (Heaviest Wall Thickness)

• Wall Thickness: Thickest among the three.

• Color Code: Green.

• Common Uses: Underground water service, heavy-duty applications, and environments with high pressure.

• Durability: Highest resistance to pressure and corrosion.

• Cost: Most expensive due to thicker walls and more copper used.

2. Type L (Medium Wall Thickness)

• Wall Thickness: Thinner than Type K, thicker than Type M.

• Color Code: Blue.

• Common Uses: Interior plumbing, potable water systems, HVAC, and fire protection.

• Durability: Good balance between durability and cost.

• Cost: Less than Type K, more than Type M.

3. Type M (Thinnest Wall Thickness)

• Wall Thickness: Thinnest of the three.

• Color Code: Red.

• Common Uses: Residential water systems and low-pressure applications.

• Durability: Not recommended for high-pressure or commercial use.

• Cost: Least expensive.

About Copper Tubing For Refrigeration

Copper tubing is widely used in refrigeration systems due to its excellent thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ease of forming and joining. Here's a quick rundown of the key types and considerations when selecting copper tubing for refrigeration:

Types of Copper Tubing

1. Type ACR (Air Conditioning & Refrigeration)

   • Specifically made for refrigeration and air conditioning applications.

   • Comes cleaned, dried, and capped (to keep the inside clean and moisture-free).

   • Usually sold in soft (coiled) or hard (straight) forms.

   • Sizes are measured in outside diameter (OD).

2. Sizing

   • OD (Outside Diameter) is standard for refrigeration: Common sizes range from 1/8" to 1 5/8" OD.

   • Be sure to match tubing size to your system specs — sizing affects capacity and efficiency.

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   Common Uses in Refrigeration

   • Liquid lines (carries refrigerant to the evaporator)

   • Suction lines (returns refrigerant vapor to the compressor)

   • Discharge lines (from compressor to condenser)

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   Brazing and Fittings

   • ACR tubing is typically brazed rather than soldered to handle high pressures and temperatures.

   • Use phosphorus-bearing brazing rods (e.g., Sil-Fos) for joining copper-to-copper.

   • For copper-to-steel, use rods with silver content.

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   Installation Tips

   • Avoid kinking when bending soft copper.

   • Keep tubing clean and dry internally — moisture can ruin refrigeration systems.

   • Support long runs to prevent vibration and wear.