Copper Alliance HSDG Australia

Copper Tube Specification
Copper tubes are impervious to oxygen, insecticide, solvents and toxins.
Introduction
Copper tube is manufactured to AS 1432
Australian Standard using high grade
material and modern extruding and
drawing technology to provide excellent
products for water, gas and sanitary waste
in both domestic, commercial and industrial
application.
Copper tubes are Quality Certified by
independent organisations (CAB’s) to
comply with AS 1432. CAB’s
(Conformity Assessment Bodies) in
Australia are organisations recognised by
JAS-ANZ to conduct product certification
in accordance with the Plumbing Code of
Australia. CAB’s conduct annual audits of
the manufacturing sites to ensure ongoing
manufacturing meets the standard AS 1432.
Copper tube manufactured for plumbing,
gasfitting and drainage applications
enhance the internal surface of the tube to
provide superior internal bore characteristic
that offer improved corrosion resistance.
The inherent strength of copper tube
provides protection to external damage;
puncture, abrasion and vibration whilst
offering a wide operating range for internal
pressure and vacuum.
Copper tubes are impervious to oxygen,
insecticide, solvents and toxins. Copper
tubes are considered non-flammable and
does not emit toxic fumes during a fire.
The advantage of copper tubes in plumbing
services has been proven whilst offering
the design engineer and plumber a product
that incorporates full flow fittings, very little
resistance to the flow of water and gas as
the fitting does not reduce the internal bore
of the tube. This unique design provides for
higher flow rates with minimum resistance
compared to non-metallic piping systems.
Copper tubes are UV resistance and does
not degrade or become brittle from being
installed in direct sunlight.
Copper tubes are free from rodent attack,
this is very important given that many
remote locations where plumbing services
systems are installed.
A prominent feature of copper tube when
used in heated water systems is that
material does not creep with age and
has 7-15 times less lineal expansion
than other materials. Copper tubes
continue to perform at elevated
temperature making it ideal where
uncontrolled heat sources are encountered.
Copper tube has a proven track record for
plumbing services systems when installed
correctly in accordance with this design
manual, AS/NZS 3500 and AS 4809.
Note:
The terminology applying to the
specification of copper tube is derived
from the European designation –
dimension, as opposed to using American
standards terminology being pipe.
Copper Tube Properties
Copper tubes are made from high residual
phosphorus deoxidised copper and is
classified as C12200 Alloy. Refer Table 4.1.
A general description of C12200
phosphorus deoxidised copper has
been made weldable and brazeable by
deoxidising with phosphorus. It is widely
used as flat products and tubing, especially
where brazing and welding is required.
Phosphorous significantly reduces
the conductivity, which may go low as
75% IACS, but raises the softening
temperatures when work hardened and
promotes fine grain size. It has excellent
drawing characteristics and resistance to
pitting corrosion when exposed to severe
weather and water environments.
Hydraulic Services Design Guide - 5 th Edition March 2022
Chapter Four
22
www.copper.com.au