Copper piping has long been the backbone of air conditioning and refrigeration (ACR) systems, valued for its superior thermal conductivity, durability, and corrosion resistance. Whether it's a residential HVAC setup or a large-scale commercial refrigeration system, copper pipes ensure reliable and efficient performance under varying pressure and temperature conditions.
In ACR applications, the choice of piping material directly impacts energy efficiency, maintenance needs, and overall system lifespan. Copper stands out not only because of its excellent heat transfer properties but also due to its ease of fabrication, leak-tight connections, and compatibility with modern refrigerants. As environmental standards evolve and cooling technologies become more advanced, high-quality copper tubing continues to meet the industry’s stringent demands.
In this article, we’ll explore why copper pipes remain the preferred choice for air conditioning and refrigeration, technincal specification and standard sizes of these pipes .
Why Copper Pipes Are Ideal for ACR Systems
Copper’s unique physical and mechanical properties make it an ideal material for air conditioning and refrigeration systems:
Excellent Thermal Conductivity
Copper has high thermal conductivity, which allows for efficient heat exchange between refrigerant and surrounding environment, improving cooling performance and energy efficiency.
Corrosion Resistance
In both indoor and outdoor environments, copper resists corrosion better than many other metals. This means longer service life, especially in systems exposed to moisture, salt, or industrial gases.
High Strength Under Pressure
ACR systems often operate under high pressure. Copper pipes can withstand both high internal pressures and extreme temperature changes without deforming or bursting.
Easy to Fabricate and Join
Copper tubes can be easily cut, bent, and joined using soldering, brazing, or compression fittings, which speeds up installation and ensures leak-free connections.
Compatibility with Modern Refrigerants
With the shift towards eco-friendly refrigerants like R-410A and R-32, copper remains fully compatible, both chemically and mechanically.
Technincal Specification of Copper Pipe for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Application
Specification |
ASTM B68 / ASTM B75 / ASTM B280 / ASTM B88 / JIS H 3300 / EN1057 or BS2871: PART 2:1972 / DIN 1754/8905/ IS2501 / Internal Client Specifications. |
Size |
1/8” (3.2mm) OD to 13/8” (34.9mm) OD in Coil Form & 2mm OD to 41/8” (104.8mm) OD in Straight Length |
Standard Length |
50 Feet/100 Feet in Coil Form & 5.8 Meters in Straight Length. Also as per client requirements |
Thickness |
10SWG (3.2mm) to 27SWG (0.4mm) |
Temper |
"O" (Soft Annealed)/ H58 (Drawn General Purpose) Temper |
Application |
ACR, Instrumentation, Railways, General Engineering etc |
Standard Size(inch ) of Copper Pipe for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Application
Standard |
Copper Alloy No. |
Chemical Composition |
Mechanical Properties |
||||||
CU% |
p% |
Temper |
Tensile strength (Mpa) |
Elongation(%) |
Grain Size (mm) |
|
|
||
ASTM |
C11000 |
99.90 |
- |
O60 |
O200 |
- |
O0.040 |
|
|
O50 |
O200 |
- |
O0.025 |
|
|
||||
C12200 |
99.90 |
0.015 ~ 0.040 |
H58 |
O250 |
- |
- |
|
|
|
JIS |
C1100 |
99.90 |
0.015 ~ 0.040 |
|
O205 |
O40 |
- |
|
|
OL |
245 ~ 325 |
- |
- |
|
|
||||
H |
O265 |
- |
- |
|
|
||||
C1220 |
99.90 |
0.015 ~ 0.040 |
O |
O205 |
O40 |
0.025 ~ 0.060 |
|
|
|
OL |
O205 |
O40 |
O0.040 |
|
|
||||
1/2H |
245 ~ 325 |
- |
- |
|
|
||||
H |
O255 |
- |
- |
|
|
||||
ASTM |
C11000 |
99.90 |
- |
O60 |
O205 |
- |
O0.040 |
|
|
O50 |
O205 |
- |
O0.040 |
|
|
||||
C12200 |
99.90 |
0.015 ~ 0.040 |
H58 |
O250 |
- |
- |
|
|
|
H80 |
O310 |
- |
- |
|
|
||||
EN |
- |
99.90 |
0.015 ~ 0.040 |
R220 |
O220 |
O40 |
- |
|
|
R250 |
O250 |
O30 or 20 |
- |
|
|
||||
R290 |
O290 |
O3 |
- |
|
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