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Copper pipe for air conditioning and refrigeration application-CONTINENTAL STEEL CO.,LTD
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Copper pipe for air conditioning and refrigeration application

Jun 20, 2025

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
B88

C11000

99.90

-

O60

O200

-

O0.040

 

 

O50

O200

-

O0.025

 

 

C12200

99.90

0.015 ~ 0.040

H58

O250

-

-

 

 

JIS
H3300

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
B75

C11000

99.90

-

O60

O205

-

O0.040

 

 

O50

O205

-

O0.040

 

 

C12200

99.90

0.015 ~ 0.040

H58

O250

-

-

 

 

H80

O310

-

-

 

 

EN
1057

-

99.90

0.015 ~ 0.040

R220

O220

O40

-

 

 

R250

O250

O30 or 20

-

 

 

R290

O290

O3

-

 

 

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