ASTM B88—09 Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube (PDF Download)

1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for seamless copper water tube suitable for general plumbing, similar applications for the conveyance of fluids, and commonly used with solder, flared, or compression-type fittings. The type of copper water tube suitable for any particular application is determined by the internal or external fluid pressure, by the installation and service conditions, and by local requirements. Means of joining or bending are also factors which affect the selection of the type of tube to be used.

Note 1—Annealed tube is suitable for use with flared or compression fittings, and with solder-type fittings, provided rounding and sizing of the tube ends is performed where needed.

Note 2—Drawn temper tube is suitable for use with solder-type fittings. Types K and L tube, in the drawn temper, are suitable for use with certain types and sizes of compression fittings.

Note 3—This specification is the inch-pound companion to Specification B88M; therefore, no SI equivalents are presented in the specification.

Note 4—Fittings used for soldered or brazed connections in plumbing systems are described in ASME B16.18 and ASME B16.22.

1.2 The tube shall be produced from the following coppers, and the manufacturer has the option to supply any one of them, unless otherwise specified.

This standard is referenced in the 2015 International Building Code®, International Residential Code®, International Fire Code®, International Mechanical Code®, International Plumbing Code;, International Private Sewage Disposal Code®, International Fuel Gas Code®, and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code®.