Copper Type

[motelrun]

I'm looking at copper type L and type K. Also hear there is a M type, but have not seen any yet. Does it matter the type used? This would be for the column.

Thanks Larry.

Did a search and it said to many common words. Searched for Copper Type.

[LWTCS]

Can't recall which is which, but the thinner walled stuff will be cheaper.

Its all plenty strong for our purposes.

[squidd]

In descending order of cost and wall thickness: Type K, L, M.
The OD's are all the same so fittings are compatible.
Also, Type K is usually coiled.

HTH,
squidd

[Usge]

K is thickest and heaviest. It is used for things like underground applications or higher pressure loads. It's overkill for our use and adds unnecessary weight/expense.

L is thinner, lighter than K, but also a little heavy for our use. This is particularly so if you are talking about a liebig, where the pipe gets very heavy when doubled up.

M is what you want. It's plenty thick enough and not too heavy (and it's cheaper too).

They are usually offered in Hard temper (straight lengths usually 10') or Soft (coil). As mentioned, you can solder either one and use standard copper fittings.

The one you want to stay away from is "ACR" which is used in air-conditioning and refrigeration applications. It's diameter is measured differently (from OD, not ID) and copper and other standard fittings will not work properly.

[motelrun]

I am a truck driver and was in Elkhart IN at Menard's and they had 2 " tube 10' Type K 100.00us and Type L 76.00us. They did not have type M. Does anyone know a good retail place and city for 2" tube 10' type M? Someday I might get a load there or be close since my company goes all over the USA.
Thanks Larry

[Usge]

I was at local Homedepot last night...bought 10' 1inch "M". Don't know if they had M in 2inch, but I think so. I paid 25 bucks for the 1 inch M (10'). Guess it just depends on where you live. Maybe they can order it for you? If not..there is always on line. I know mcmaster carr has it...but they are expensive$$$.

[ozone39]

FYI...ACR is available in both copper pipe and tube..ACR does not refer to the diameter of pipe. ACR means Air Condition Ready..which is a nitrogen purged and cleaned pipe...also used in medial gas applications....

[Usge]

ACR pipe/tubing is measured by OD not ID ..ie., not nominal. So, if you buy 3/8inch ACR tubing, the "outside" of it is 3/8inch...not the inside and standard copper fittings will not work on it.

http://www.sizes.com/materls/pipeCopper.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

The reason not to use it has nothing to do with it's original intended purpose (ie., airconditioning, refrig, etc), or it's composition (ie., copper), but because it's "the wrong size" and will not fit other standard connections/fittings, pipe, etc.

[ozone39]

That's funny, I've been installing medical gas for 20 years now.. And when I order 1" ACR copper pipe it has an OD of 1 1/8"..No disrespect...but you have to decipher between tube and pipe when ordering the stuff, because it comes in both..ACR is available in both pipe and tube....Keep in mind refrigeration ACR is generally sized off tubing (OD), medical gas ACR is based of pipe size (ID) unless you are in a level 3 situation were tubing (OD) can be used. So in a sense if you order 1/2" pipe ACR, it would be the equivalent of 5/8" tubing. 7/8" pipe ACR = 1" tubing and so on if you want to look at it that way...I added a link from Muller Industries to help better explain.... http://www.muellerindustries.com/wudfs/curwat.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow ..Also keep in mind that the only available schedule of ACR pipe is type L......

[Usge]

Edit 7-14 for clarity:

And no disrespect taken at all. Appreciate the info. But, let me see if I can sum it up all of the info in some way that can cover everything for those looking for shopping advice: Any copper tube/pipe that is designated as K, L, or M measured by nominal ID will work fine and work with corresponding size standard copper fittings . K being thickest/heaviest and most expensive. M being lightest/thinnest least expensive.

Anything that does "not" have any of the above designations (K, L, or M), and is measured only in OD (outside diameter), you need to be careful that you know/understand the sizing difference between the 2 ...and that it will work for your intended application and with whatever connections/unions/fittings you already have. The outside diameter of nominal size is 1/8" larger than stated size (ie., 3/8" nominal is 1/2" OD). So, if you are using OD sized pipe, you need to use 1/8" smaller (next size down) copper fitting. 1/2" OD tube fits 3/8" copper fitting. Compression and other fittings may be sized differently, you need to check.

Lastly, In my own experience, some standard ACR (air-cond, refrig) coil that they sell, made in china, is not accurate to its OD size specification. It even says so on the box...ie., Actual OD may vary by xxxx based on manf tolerances. Avoid "this" type. Any copper tubing, despite any other designation, that is listed with an L, K or M, is fine...even if it also gives it's size by OD. (which would be 2 different sizes ...nominal(ID) and OD. ie., XXX/L nominal 3/8", OD 1/2".
I just got back from homedepot. Bought 10 feet of M 1/2" copper for 9 bucks. They were out of M 3/8". But, they had the Meuller soft annealed/ 10' of L nominal 3/8", 1/2" OD ....for 24.99