ASTM B88
ASTM B88 Seamless Copper Water Tube
ASTM B88 is the standard specification for seamless copper water tubes used for:
Potable water systems
Hot & cold water distribution
HVAC & refrigeration lines
Sanitary plumbing and drainage systems
ASTM B88 covers copper tubes produced by the seamless process, designed for durability, corrosion resistance, and long service life in residential, commercial, and industrial installations.
Key Features
Excellent corrosion resistance in water & plumbing environments
High thermal conductivity ideal for heating & cooling systems
Seamless manufacturing ensures leak-proof integrity
Long service life with low maintenance
Suitable for potable water (Lead-free, safe, hygienic)
Technical Specification
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM B88 |
| Product Form | Seamless Copper Water Tube |
| Material | UNS C12200 (Phosphorus-Deoxidized, High Residual Phosphorus Copper) |
| Manufacturing Process | Seamless, Drawn Temper |
| Available Types | K, L, M (Soft/Hard) |
| Temper | Hard-drawn or Soft-annealed |
| Testing | Eddy current, Hydrostatic test |
| Applications | Water distribution, HVAC, plumbing |
ASTM B88 Size & Dimensions
Type K – Heaviest Wall Thickness (Green)
| Nominal Size (in.) | Outside Diameter (in.) | Wall Thickness (in.) | Inside Diameter (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 0.375 | 0.030 | 0.315 |
| 3/8 | 0.500 | 0.035 | 0.430 |
| 1/2 | 0.625 | 0.040 | 0.545 |
| 5/8 | 0.750 | 0.042 | 0.666 |
| 3/4 | 0.875 | 0.049 | 0.777 |
| 1 | 1.125 | 0.065 | 0.995 |
| 1 1/4 | 1.375 | 0.065 | 1.245 |
| 1 1/2 | 1.625 | 0.072 | 1.481 |
| 2 | 2.125 | 0.083 | 1.959 |
| 2 1/2 | 2.625 | 0.095 | 2.435 |
| 3 | 3.125 | 0.109 | 2.907 |
| 4 | 4.125 | 0.134 | 3.857 |
Type L – Medium Wall Thickness (Blue)
| Nominal Size (in.) | Outside Diameter (in.) | Wall Thickness (in.) | Inside Diameter (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 0.375 | 0.030 | 0.315 |
| 3/8 | 0.500 | 0.035 | 0.430 |
| 1/2 | 0.625 | 0.040 | 0.545 |
| 5/8 | 0.750 | 0.042 | 0.666 |
| 3/4 | 0.875 | 0.045 | 0.785 |
| 1 | 1.125 | 0.056 | 1.013 |
| 1 1/4 | 1.375 | 0.056 | 1.263 |
| 1 1/2 | 1.625 | 0.060 | 1.505 |
| 2 | 2.125 | 0.070 | 1.985 |
| 2 1/2 | 2.625 | 0.080 | 2.465 |
| 3 | 3.125 | 0.090 | 2.945 |
| 4 | 4.125 | 0.109 | 3.907 |
Type M – Light Wall Thickness (Red)
| Nominal Size (in.) | Outside Diameter (in.) | Wall Thickness (in.) | Inside Diameter (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 0.375 | 0.025 | 0.325 |
| 3/8 | 0.500 | 0.030 | 0.440 |
| 1/2 | 0.625 | 0.028 | 0.569 |
| 5/8 | 0.750 | 0.030 | 0.690 |
| 3/4 | 0.875 | 0.032 | 0.811 |
| 1 | 1.125 | 0.035 | 1.055 |
| 1 1/4 | 1.375 | 0.042 | 1.291 |
| 1 1/2 | 1.625 | 0.045 | 1.535 |
| 2 | 2.125 | 0.058 | 2.009 |
| 2 1/2 | 2.625 | 0.067 | 2.491 |
| 3 | 3.125 | 0.072 | 2.981 |
| 4 | 4.125 | 0.083 | 3.959 |
Types of ASTM B88 Copper Tube
- Type K (Green color code)
- Type L (Blue color code)
- Type M (Red color code)
Common Grades
Applications
Potable water distribution
Hot and cold-water plumbing
HVAC and refrigeration systems
Fire sprinkler systems (Type L & K)
Solar water heating systems
Radiant heating & cooling systems
Underground water services (Type K)