What is Copper Alloy 122 (C12200)?
Copper Alloy 122 (C12200), also known as DHP Copper Tubing, is a high-performance copper alloy designed for superior thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication. Composed of 99.9% copper with 0.015–0.040% phosphorus, this alloy is deoxidized to improve weldability and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement-making it ideal for high-pressure, high-temperature, and corrosive environments. Alloy C122 copper tubing is the primary alloy used in heating, cooling and plumbing applications. Due to the small amounts of phosphorus, it enhances the deoxidizing properties making it better resistant to oxidation and other forms of corrosion.
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.
Why Is C12200 So Widely Used in Plumbing and HVAC?
On the fabrication side, C12200 bends, forms, and cuts cleanly. Soft temper tube can be bent by hand without kinking. Hard temper tube holds its shape and provides the rigidity needed for commercial piping systems. Either way, the material is consistent from lot to lot, which means you are not constantly adjusting your processes to accommodate variations in the raw material.
During installation, the deoxidized nature of C12200 makes brazing and soldering significantly easier. The filler metal flows where it is supposed to. The joint does not fight you. If you have ever brazed a joint in a cramped mechanical room with poor visibility, you understand why that matters. Predictable behavior translates directly to faster installations and fewer callbacks.
In service, C12200 holds up. The material resists corrosion in potable water, seawater, and a wide range of industrial fluids. It carries NSF/ANSI 61 certification for drinking water applications, which is non-negotiable for any material that touches public water supplies. For HVAC applications, the thermal conductivity is more than adequate for heat exchangers, condensers, and refrigerant lines.
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How Does C12200 Compare to Other Copper Alloys?
| Alloy | Common Name | Key Characteristics | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| C12200 | DHP Copper | Deoxidized, excellent brazeability, good corrosion resistance | Plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, industrial piping |
| C11000 | Electrolytic Tough Pitch | High conductivity, contains oxygen | Electrical bus bars, transformers, electrical conductors |
| C10200 | Oxygen-Free Copper | Very high conductivity, no oxygen, expensive | High-vacuum systems, advanced electronics, specialty applications |
| C23000 | Red Brass | Lower cost, good machinability | Fittings, valves, decorative hardware |
What Are the Physical and Mechanical Properties?
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.323 lb/in³ (8.94 g/cm³) |
| Melting Point (liquidus) | 1981°F (1083°C) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 196 BTU/ft·hr·°F (339 W/m·K) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 85% IACS |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 9.8 x 10⁻⁶ /°F (68–572°F) |
Mechanical Properties (Annealed Temper)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 32 – 38 ksi |
| Yield Strength | 10 – 15 ksi |
| Elongation | 40 – 55% |
Mechanical Properties (Hard Temper)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 42 – 52 ksi |
| Yield Strength | 36 – 45 ksi |
| Elongation | 10 – 20% |
FAQ
Is C12200 the same as DHP copper?
Yes. DHP stands for Deoxidized High Residual Phosphorus, which is exactly what UNS C12200 is. The terms are used interchangeably in specifications, data sheets, and industry conversation.
Is C12200 suitable for potable water systems?
Yes. C12200 copper tube is certified under NSF/ANSI 61 for drinking water system components. It is the standard material used in residential and commercial plumbing across North America.
What is the difference between Type L and Type M copper?
Type L and Type M refer to wall thickness, not alloy. Both are available in C12200. Type L has a thicker wall and higher pressure rating. Type M has a thinner wall and is used in lower-pressure applications. Both are suitable for potable water when installed per code.
Can C12200 be used for refrigeration systems?
Yes. C12200 is the standard material for ACR (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) tube. It is supplied cleaned and capped to maintain internal cleanliness, which is critical for sealed refrigerant systems.
What is the maximum operating temperature for C12200?
For pressure piping applications, C12200 is typically rated for continuous service up to 250°F. Above that temperature, allowable working pressures decrease significantly. For high-temperature applications like steam or boiler systems, consult the applicable pressure piping code.
Our product range
| Product Category | Key Specifications | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Tubes | Outer Diameter: 3–300 mm Wall Thickness: 0.5–10 mm Length: Customized Standards: ASTM B280, EN 1057, JIS H3300 | Air conditioning, refrigeration, heat exchangers, plumbing, industrial fluid transfer |
| Copper Sheets & Plates | Thickness: 0.5–100 mm Width: up to 3000 mm Length: up to 6000 mm Standards: ASTM B152, EN 1652, GB/T 2040 | Architectural roofing, busbars, transformer components, industrial panels, heat exchangers |
| Copper Rods & Bars | Diameter: 6–300 mm (round) Cross-section: square, hexagonal, flat Standards: ASTM B124, EN 12163, GB/T 4423 | Electrical connectors, machining parts, switchgear, fasteners, valve stems |
| Copper Wires | Diameter: 0.1–12 mm Form: bare, tinned, stranded Standards: ASTM B3, EN 13601, IEC 60228 | Electrical wiring, cables, grounding, automotive harnesses, transformer windings |
Our factory
Our factory is equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced production facilities dedicated to the copper processing industry. The production line includes state-of-the-art extrusion presses, precision rolling mills, high-speed drawing machines, continuous casting lines, and automated annealing furnaces, enabling us to manufacture a full spectrum of copper products-tubes, sheets, plates, rods, bars, wires, and strips-with exceptional dimensional accuracy and consistent mechanical properties. To ensure stable output and supply reliability, we operate with an annual production capacity exceeding 80000 tons and maintain a large-scale inventory system that supports just-in-time delivery. Complementing our manufacturing capabilities is a dedicated quality control center equipped with spectrometers, universal testing machines, and hardness testers, ensuring every batch meets international standards such as ASTM, EN, and GB/T. This vertically integrated production setup allows us to control quality at every stage, from raw material selection to final packaging, and to offer flexible customization in dimensions, temper, and surface finishes. With decades of technical expertise and a strong focus on continuous process improvement, we stand as a reliable, large-scale supplier serving clients across global markets.
