Download ASTM B88 Seamless Copper Water Pipes PDF
ASTM B88 Copper Tube
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM B88 |
| Product Type | Seamless Copper Water Tube |
| Material | High Quality Copper |
| Tube Types | Type K, Type L, Type M, DWV |
| Applications | Plumbing, HVAC, Water Supply, Industrial Systems |
| Connection Type | Solder / Braze / Compression |
| Pressure Resistance | High Pressure Suitable |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
| Thermal Conductivity | Excellent |
This specification covers seamless copper alloy water tubes for general plumbing and similar applications in fluid conveyance. These water tubes made from UNS C10200, C12000, and C12200 copper alloys are commonly used with solder, flared, or compression-type fittings. The materials should be cold-drawn to size and the tubes finished by cold working and annealing to produce the required temper and surface finish. When tubes are furnished in coils, annealing is done after coiling, while those furnished in straight lengths should be in the drawn temper. The numerical values in this specification are not presented in inch-pound units, but rather, in metric or SI units only.
The tube shall be produced from the following coppers, and the manufacturer has the option to supply any one of them, unless otherwise specified.
|
Copper |
Previously Used |
Description |
| C10200 | OF |
Oxygen free without
residual deoxidants
|
|
C12000 |
DLP |
Phosphorus deoxidized, |
|
DHP |
Phosphorus deoxidized, |
ASTM B88 C12200 Copper Tubes Exported For Plumbing Applications in Canada
A customer from Canada ordered ASTM B88 C12200 seamless copper tubes for use in potable water and plumbing applications. Manufactured from high-purity phosphorus-deoxidized copper, the tubes comply with ASTM B88 requirements and are designed to provide excellent corrosion resistance, long service life, and reliable performance in residential, commercial, and industrial piping systems.
Before shipment, each batch underwent our standard pre-shipment inspection process to verify product dimensions, surface quality, identification, and packaging. A complete Mill Test Certificate (MTC) was provided to ensure full material traceability and compliance with the required specifications.
After the final inspection was completed, the copper tubes were securely packed using export-standard packaging and prepared for international shipment to Canada.
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 
ASTM B88M-2020 C12200 copper pipe Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
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ASTM B88 Copper Tube Types
Type K ASTM B88 Copper Tube
Type K copper tubes feature the thickest wall construction and are mainly used for underground water supply and high-pressure industrial applications.
Type L ASTM B88 Copper Tube
Type L copper tubes are commonly used in residential and commercial plumbing systems. Therefore, they are considered one of the most preferred options for water distribution applications.
Type M ASTM B88 Copper Tube
Type M copper tubes have thinner walls and are mainly used in low-pressure residential plumbing systems. They provide economical installation solutions.
DWV ASTM B88 Copper Tube
DWV copper tubes are designed for drainage, waste and vent applications where pressure handling requirements are lower than water supply systems.
ASTM B88 Dimensions & Size Chart
ASTM B88 Type K Dimensions
| Nominal Size | Outside Diameter (in) | Wall Thickness (in) | Outside Diameter (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 0.375 | 0.049 | 9.53 | 1.24 |
| 3/8" | 0.500 | 0.049 | 12.70 | 1.24 |
| 1/2" | 0.625 | 0.049 | 15.88 | 1.24 |
| 3/4" | 0.875 | 0.065 | 22.23 | 1.65 |
| 1" | 1.125 | 0.065 | 28.58 | 1.65 |
| 1-1/2" | 1.625 | 0.072 | 41.28 | 1.83 |
| 2" | 2.125 | 0.083 | 53.98 | 2.11 |
ASTM B88 Type L Dimensions
| Nominal Size | Outside Diameter (in) | Wall Thickness (in) | Outside Diameter (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 0.375 | 0.030 | 9.53 | 0.76 |
| 3/8" | 0.500 | 0.035 | 12.70 | 0.89 |
| 1/2" | 0.625 | 0.040 | 15.88 | 1.02 |
| 3/4" | 0.875 | 0.045 | 22.23 | 1.14 |
| 1" | 1.125 | 0.050 | 28.58 | 1.27 |
| 1-1/2" | 1.625 | 0.058 | 41.28 | 1.47 |
| 2" | 2.125 | 0.070 | 53.98 | 1.78 |
ASTM B88 Type M Dimensions
| Nominal Size | Outside Diameter (in) | Wall Thickness (in) | Outside Diameter (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 0.375 | 0.028 | 9.53 | 0.71 |
| 3/8" | 0.500 | 0.030 | 12.70 | 0.76 |
| 1/2" | 0.625 | 0.032 | 15.88 | 0.81 |
| 3/4" | 0.875 | 0.035 | 22.23 | 0.89 |
| 1" | 1.125 | 0.042 | 28.58 | 1.07 |
| 1-1/2" | 1.625 | 0.050 | 41.28 | 1.27 |
| 2" | 2.125 | 0.058 | 53.98 | 1.47 |
Common Applications
Potable Water Systems
Water supply lines
Cold & hot water pipes
Building water distribution piping
C12200 (Cu-DHP)
Type L / Type M
Underground Water Service
Underground service pipes
Water inlet lines
Buried distribution piping
C12200 (Cu-DHP)
Type K
Commercial Plumbing
Building water supply systems
Commercial plumbing networks
Hot and cold water circulation lines
C12200 (Cu-DHP)
Type L
Residential Plumbing
House water supply pipes
Branch lines
Fixture connections
C12200 (Cu-DHP)
Type L / Type M
HVAC Water Piping Systems
Chilled water lines
Heating water pipes
Fan coil connections
Industrial Water Piping
Cooling water lines
Equipment connection piping
Process water systems
C12200 / C12000
Type K / Type L
Chemical Composition Requirements
| UNS Alloy | Copper Type | Cu + Ag (%) | Phosphorus (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| C10200 | Oxygen-Free Copper (OF) | ≥ 99.95 | - |
| C12000 | Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper (DLP) | ≥ 99.90 | 0.004–0.012 |
| C12200 | Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper (DHP / Cu-DHP) | ≥ 99.90 | 0.015–0.040 |
Material Equivalents
| ASTM / UNS | EN | JIS | GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| C10200 | Cu-OF | C1020 | TU1 |
| C12000 | Cu-DLP | C1201 | TP1 |
| C12200 | Cu-DHP (CW024A) | C1220 | TP2 |
ASTM B88 C12200 Mechanical Requirements
| Temper | Tensile Strength, min | Yield Strength (0.5% Extension Under Load), min | Elongation (2 in. / 50 mm), min | Hardness* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O60 (Annealed) | 30 ksi (205 MPa) | 6 ksi (40 MPa) | 40% | 40–65 HRF |
| H55 (Drawn General Purpose) | 37 ksi (255 MPa) | 30 ksi (205 MPa) | 8% | 65–80 HRF |
| H58 (Drawn Hard) | 42 ksi (290 MPa) | 36 ksi (250 MPa) | 3% | 80–90 HRF |
Tube Condition and Temper Requirements
ASTM B88 copper tubes are supplied in different tempers depending on application requirements.
| Temper | Description | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Annealed (O60) | Soft temper with high flexibility and formability | Coils, bending applications, underground water service |
| Light Drawn (H55) | Moderate strength with good formability | General plumbing and commercial applications |
| Hard Drawn (H58) | Higher strength and dimensional stability | Straight lengths and rigid piping systems |
Surface and Workmanship Requirements
According to ASTM B88, finished copper tubes shall:
Be seamless and free from defects that may affect service performance.
Have a clean and smooth internal and external surface.
Meet specified outside diameter, wall thickness, and length tolerances.
Be suitable for bending, flaring, joining, and installation.
ASTM B88 Inspection & Testing
Chemical Composition Analysis
Verify the copper grade and alloy chemistry
Dimensional Inspection
Check outside diameter, wall thickness, length, and tolerances.
Tensile Test
Verify tensile strength and elongation requirements.
Flattening Test
Confirm the tube can withstand deformation without cracking.
Expansion (Flaring) Test
Evaluate ductility and forming performance.
Hydrostatic Test
Verify pressure resistance and leak integrity.
Eddy Current Testing
Detect surface and subsurface defects without damaging the tube.
Visual Inspection
Check surface condition and workmanship.
ASTM B88 vs ASTM B280
Although both ASTM B88 and ASTM B280 cover seamless copper tube, they are designed for different applications. The main difference is that ASTM B88 focuses on water service and plumbing applications, while ASTM B280 is specifically developed for air-conditioning and refrigeration field service tubing.
| Feature | ASTM B88 | ASTM B280 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Seamless Copper Water Tube | Refrigeration Tube |
| Main Application | Plumbing, potable water, water distribution | HVAC/R, refrigeration systems |
| Common Material | C10200, C12000, C12200 | Mainly C12200 |
| Tube Classification | Type K, Type L, Type M | ACR Tube |
| Supply Form | Straight lengths and coils | Straight lengths and coils |
| Wall Thickness | Defined by Type K/L/M | Defined by OD and wall thickness |
| Joining Method | Brazing, soldering, compression fittings | Brazing for refrigeration systems |
| Typical Industries | Plumbing, construction, water systems | Air conditioning, refrigeration, cooling systems |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose ASTM B88 Copper Tube when your application involves:
Potable water systems
Underground water service
Commercial plumbing
Building water distribution
Choose ASTM B280 Copper Tube when your application involves:
Refrigeration piping
Air-conditioning systems
HVAC/R field installation
Refrigerant lines
ASTM B88 vs ASTM B111
ASTM B88 and ASTM B111 are often compared because both involve seamless copper tube, but they serve completely different purposes.
ASTM B88 is designed for water distribution systems, while ASTM B111 covers copper and copper-alloy tubes used in condensers, heat exchangers, and heat transfer equipment.
| Feature | ASTM B88 | ASTM B111 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Seamless Copper Water Tube | Copper & Copper Alloy Heat Exchanger Tube |
| Main Purpose | Water transportation | Heat transfer |
| Common Applications | Plumbing, potable water, water service | Condensers, coolers, heat exchangers |
| Typical Materials | C10200, C12000, C12200 | C44300, C68700, C70600, C71500, C12200 |
| Tube Design | Pressure carrying tube | Heat transfer tube |
| Size Selection | Type K/L/M classification | OD and wall thickness |
| Performance Focus | Pressure resistance and durability | Thermal performance and corrosion resistance |
Which Standard Should You Use?
Select ASTM B88 Copper Tube for:
Drinking water systems
Plumbing installations
Underground water pipelines
General pressure piping
Select ASTM B111 Copper Tube for:
Shell and tube heat exchangers
Condensers
Marine cooling systems
Industrial heat transfer equipment
Inside Our Manufacturing Facility
Extrusion Line
Cold Drawing
Annealing Furnace
CNC Machining
Warehouse
Packing & Loading
Packaging
FAQ
1. What is ASTM B88 copper tube?
ASTM B88 is the standard specification for seamless copper water tube used in plumbing, potable water systems, and other pressure piping applications. It defines requirements for material, dimensions, mechanical properties, manufacturing, and testing.
2. What copper grades are allowed under ASTM B88?
ASTM B88 allows seamless copper tubes manufactured from several copper alloys, including:
C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper)
C12000 (Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper)
C12200 (Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper / Cu-DHP)
Among these grades, C12200 copper tube is the most commonly used for commercial plumbing and water service applications.
3. Is ASTM B88 copper tube always made from C12200?
No. ASTM B88 does not specify only one copper grade. However, UNS C12200 is the most widely used material because it provides excellent brazing performance, corrosion resistance, and fabrication reliability.
4. What is the difference between ASTM B88 Type K, Type L, and Type M?
The main difference is wall thickness.
Type K: Thickest wall, highest pressure capability, commonly used for underground water service.
Type L: Medium wall thickness, widely used for commercial and residential plumbing.
Type M: Thinner wall, used for lower-pressure applications where permitted by codes.
All three types can be manufactured from C12200 copper.
5. Can ASTM B88 copper tube be used for underground water service?
Yes. ASTM B88 Type K copper tube is commonly selected for underground water service because it has the thickest wall among Type K, L, and M classifications, providing better mechanical protection and long-term durability.
6. What is the difference between ASTM B88 and ASTM B280?
The main difference is application.
ASTM B88: Copper water tube for plumbing and water distribution systems.
ASTM B280: Copper tube specifically designed for air-conditioning and refrigeration field service.
ASTM B88 focuses on water pressure applications, while ASTM B280 focuses on HVAC/R refrigerant systems.
7. What is the difference between ASTM B88 and ASTM B111?
ASTM B88 and ASTM B111 are designed for different purposes.
ASTM B88: Seamless copper water tube for plumbing and pressure service.
ASTM B111: Copper and copper-alloy tubes for condensers and heat exchangers.
Although C12200 may be used in both standards, the manufacturing requirements and intended applications are different.
8. What tests are required for ASTM B88 copper tube?
Typical ASTM B88 inspections include:
Chemical composition analysis
Dimensional inspection
Tensile testing
Flattening test
Expansion (flaring) test
Hydrostatic or eddy current testing
Visual surface inspection
Material certification such as EN 10204 3.1 MTC can also be provided for export projects.
9. What sizes are available for ASTM B88 C12200 copper tube?
ASTM B88 copper tubes are available in a wide range of nominal sizes, including common sizes from 1/4 inch to 4 inches. Tubes can be supplied in:
Type K
Type L
Type M
Straight lengths
Coils
Custom dimensions are available based on project requirements.
10. What certificates are available for ASTM B88 copper tube?
For international orders, manufacturers commonly provide:
Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
EN 10204 3.1 Certificate
Chemical composition report
Mechanical test results
Third-party inspection reports (SGS, BV, TÜV) upon request
11. Is ASTM B88 copper tube suitable for HVAC applications?
Yes, but the correct standard depends on the system design.
For water-based HVAC systems, ASTM B88 copper tube can be used. For refrigeration circuits carrying refrigerants, ASTM B280 copper tube is typically preferred.
12. Can you supply ASTM B88 C12200 copper tube with custom specifications?
Yes. ASTM B88 C12200 copper tube can be supplied with customized:
Outside diameter
Wall thickness
Length
Temper
Coil dimensions
Packaging requirements
Custom inspection documents and OEM marking are also available.
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