Copper tubing — a common type of material used in plumbing systems. Plumbing is the system that transports both water and gas to our homes and buildings. Copper tubing, copper tube is a form of metal tube that aids in the transfer of water and other liquids such as gas. Various steel in coils exist, with specific properties and purposes inherent to each type. In this article, however, you will see the types of copper tubing available and choose what will serve your unique needs best.
Clear Type L TubingType L tubing is thick and extremely strong. This makes it ideal to be used on underground pipes, such as those that transport water or sewage. It is also a decent choice for high-pressure locations, such as fire sprinkler systems. Due to its strength, Type L is capable of handling extreme conditions and keeping water flowing safely.
M is thinner than L, as well as more flexible. It also gives more room to work with (especially within tight spaces, or when bending the tubing). It's a good option for indoor plumbing systems, such as in kitchens and baths, because it has the thickest walls of the three types and is recommended for medium pressure applications (called Type M).
There is a type of copper tubing known as Refrigeration Grade, which has its own special uses. This one has very tight tolerances so it is a constant diameter all the way across. Its continuity and smoothness makes it the ideal surface for any refrigerant and air conditioning unit systems that need to be kept cold under constant use. It ensures that the internal fluids do not leak or get blocked.
Refrigeration Grade tubing is tailored for air-conditioning and refrigeration applications. This is also key in the realm of medical gas systems, where the purity of gases supplied is critically important. It implies that the close fitting of tubing works to prevent contamination or other substances from entering our medical gases.
When using soft copper tubing however, it is extremely flexible. You can bend it easily without any tools. That means it can squeeze into confined locations or take convoluted paths without hiccups. Soft copper tubing is ideal for applications where the piping may be subjected to vibrational forces, since copper has a degree of flexibility to absorb some of that motion. This allows for the fittings to be tight and significantly reduces the chance of leaks.
Thicker than Type M, Type L tubing has a higher pressure rating. In other words, it can withstand a significantly higher amount of pressure, which is why that kind of tubing is typically reserved for systems requiring high water pressure. In addition, it is also very beneficial in tough conditions like extreme weather and humidity.