Flexible C12200 Type K Copper Pipe
ASTM B88 Flexible C12200 Type K Copper Pipe for underground water service, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Custom sizes, export packaging, and EN 10204 3.1 MTC available.
Download ASTM B88 Seamless Copper Water Pipes PDF
What Is Flexible C12200 Type K Copper Pipe?

C12200 is a phosphorus-deoxidized copper (Cu-DHP) widely used for pressure piping due to its good corrosion resistance and excellent brazing performance. Unlike oxygen-bearing copper, it is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement during fabrication.
Type K refers to the wall thickness defined by ASTM B88. As the thickest of the three standard tube types, it is commonly specified for high-pressure, underground, and long-service plumbing applications.
Flexible C12200 Type K Copper Pipe combines the workability of annealed Cu-DHP with the strength of Type K construction, making it a practical choice for water service, HVAC, and industrial piping systems.
Export Case : Canada – ASTM B88 Large Diameter Custom Copper Tube
We recently completed an export order of C12200 copper tube to Canada. The product was strictly manufactured according to ASTM B88 standard and is a large diameter, non-standard custom tube, used in the main water supply system of a local commercial building.


C12200 Copper Tubes Bundled on Wooden Pallets Before Packing

ASTM B88M C12200 Tube Length Inspection

C12200 H58 Copper Tube Wall Thickness Inspection

ASTM B88 C12200 Tube Outside Diameter Inspection

C12200 Copper Tube Export Wooden Case Packaging
ASTM B88 C12200 Seamless Copper Tube Spectrometer Test Results
Water service lines, refrigeration systems, and heat transfer equipment all involve brazing, bending, flaring, or expansion during installation. C12200 copper performs more reliably in these processes because it is phosphorus-deoxidized. The controlled phosphorus content reduces residual oxygen in the copper, helping prevent hydrogen embrittlement during heating.
This is why C12200 Type K Copper Pipe is commonly specified for:
Underground potable water systems
Commercial plumbing
HVAC and refrigeration piping
Heat exchanger connections
Industrial process lines
Type K, Type L or Type M – Which One Should You Choose?
All three may be manufactured from C12200 copper. The main difference is the wall thickness.
| Feature | Type K | Type L | Type M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Thickness | Thickest | Medium | Thinnest |
| Pressure Capacity | Highest | High | Moderate |
| Underground Water Service | Recommended | Limited | Not Recommended |
| Commercial Plumbing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HVAC Systems | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Typical Cost | Highest | Medium | Lowest |
Which Type Is Right for Your Project?
Choose Type K for underground water service, high-pressure systems, and projects requiring the longest service life.
Choose Type L for most residential and commercial plumbing installations where strength and cost need to be balanced.
Choose Type M for low-pressure indoor plumbing where permitted by local building codes.
Heat Treatment
| Temper | Heat Treatment | Typical Supply Form | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| O60 (Soft) | Bright Annealed | Coil | Flexible plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration |
| H55 (Half Hard) | Cold Worked | Straight Length | General piping |
| H58 (Hard Drawn) | Cold Worked | Straight Length | High-strength piping systems |
Chemical Composition of C12200 Type K Copper Pipe
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Copper + Silver (Cu + Ag) | ≥ 99.90 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.015 – 0.040 |
| Oxygen (O) | ≤ 0.005 (Typical) |
C12200 Copper Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 220 MPa | ≥ 32 ksi |
| Yield Strength (0.5% Extension Under Load) | ≥ 70 MPa | ≥ 10 ksi |
| Elongation (50 mm) | ≥ 40% | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | 40–55 HRF | 40–55 HRF |
C12200 Copper Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1,083 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (20°C) | 330 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | Approx. 85% IACS |
| Electrical Resistivity (20°C) | 0.0203 μΩ·m |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20–300°C) | 17.7 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 385 J/kg·K |
| Elastic Modulus | 110 GPa |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.34 |
C12200 vs C11000 Copper
Although both C12200 and C11000 are high-purity copper alloys, they are designed for different applications. The best choice depends on whether your project prioritizes fabrication performance or electrical conductivity.
| Property | C12200 Copper | C11000 Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Type | Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper (Cu-DHP) | Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper |
| Copper Content | ≥99.90% | ≥99.90% |
| Electrical Conductivity | Approx. 85% IACS | Approx. 100% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | Excellent | Excellent |
| Weldability & Brazing | Excellent | Fair |
| Hydrogen Embrittlement | Resistant | Susceptible |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Typical Standards | ASTM B88, B75, B111, B280 | ASTM B152, B187, B188 |
| Typical Applications | Plumbing, HVAC, Heat Exchangers, Refrigeration | Busbars, Electrical Conductors, Connectors |
If your application involves copper pipes or tubes, especially for plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, or heat exchangers, C12200 is generally the preferred choice because it offers better brazing performance and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. For electrical conductors and busbars, C11000 remains the better option due to its higher electrical conductivity.
Inspection & Quality Control
Every C12200 Type K Copper Pipe undergoes comprehensive quality inspection throughout production. From chemical composition verification to dimensional measurement, surface inspection, flattening, and flaring tests, each tube is checked to ensure compliance with ASTM standards and customer specifications before shipment.





Packaging & Delivery
To ensure safe transportation, every C12200 Type K Copper Pipe is packed according to international export standards. Depending on the product size and shipping method, we provide wooden cases, pallets, PE film wrapping, plastic end caps, and custom labels to protect the pipes throughout storage and transit.

FAQ
1. What is Flexible C12200 Type K Copper Pipe?
Flexible C12200 Type K Copper Pipe is an annealed (soft temper) copper tube manufactured from UNS C12200 phosphorus-deoxidized copper (Cu-DHP). It features the thickest wall specified in ASTM B88 and is commonly used for underground water service, plumbing, HVAC, and industrial piping.
2. Is C12200 the same as TP2 copper?
Yes. C12200 is the UNS designation, while TP2 is the Chinese grade. Both refer to phosphorus-deoxidized copper (Cu-DHP) with similar chemical composition and performance.
3. What is the difference between Type K and Type L copper pipe?
The main difference is the wall thickness. Type K Copper Pipe has a thicker wall than Type L, providing higher pressure capacity and better protection for underground and heavy-duty applications.
4. Is Flexible Type K Copper Pipe suitable for underground installation?
Yes. Due to its heavy wall construction and excellent corrosion resistance, Flexible C12200 Type K Copper Pipe is widely used for underground potable water service and buried piping systems.
5. What sizes of C12200 Type K Copper Pipe are available?
We supply standard ASTM B88 sizes as well as custom outside diameters, wall thicknesses, lengths, and coil configurations to meet different project requirements.
6. Which standards do your C12200 copper pipes comply with?
Our copper pipes can be manufactured according to ASTM B88, ASTM B75, ASTM B68, ASTM B111, ASTM B280, EN 12735, and other international standards.
7. Do you provide Mill Test Certificates (MTC)?
Yes. Every shipment can be supplied with an EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate. Third-party inspection by SGS, BV, or TÜV is also available upon request.
8. Can you manufacture custom C12200 Type K Copper Pipe?
Yes. We provide custom diameters, wall thicknesses, lengths, end finishes, OEM marking, and export packaging based on customer drawings or technical specifications.
9. Do you supply both straight lengths and flexible coils?
Yes. We supply C12200 Type K Copper Pipe in both straight lengths and annealed coils. The most suitable supply form depends on your installation method and project requirements.
10. What is your typical production lead time?
Lead time depends on the size and order quantity. Standard sizes are typically available faster, while custom specifications usually require additional production time. Please contact us for the latest delivery schedule.
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