Plumbing: TechCorner

To ensure that copper tube and fittings are of the highest quality; meet market needs and requirements; and comply with governing codes, you should always verify that they meet applicable product standards. In the United States, copper tube and fitting standards have been developed through third-party consensus bodies, primarily ASTM International and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

The most common copper tube and fitting standards are listed below.

Copper Tube Standards

ASTM B88

Copper water tube

ASTM B280

Copper tube for air conditioning and refrigeration (ACR)

ASTM B306

Copper drainage tube (DWV)

ASTB B819

Copper tube for medical gas systems (Med Gas)

Copper Fittings Standards

ASME B16.18

Cast copper solder joint fittings

ASME B16.22

Wrought copper solder joint fittings

ASME B16.26

Cast copper flare fittings

ASME B16.50

Wrought copper braze joint fittings

ASME B16.51

Copper press-connect pressure fittings

These standards establish a series of critical requirements, along with tests designed to verify compliance with such requirements. Compliance with these standards ensures not only that these products are of the highest quality, but also that they meet the requirements of the plumbing, mechanical and other codes that govern the use and installation of piping systems.

Some of the critical requirements established by these standards include:

The examples listed above represent only a portion of copper tube and fittings standards and their requirements. For more information on the different types of copper tubes and fittings, their applicable standards, applications, dimensions, identification, pressure ratings, etc., please visit our Copper Tube Handbook or Guide Specifications on Plumbing.