ASTM B 88 : 2009

1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for seamless copper water tube suitable for general plumbing, similar applications for the conveyance of fluids, and commonly used with solder, flared, or compression-type fittings. The type of copper water tube suitable for any particular application is determined by the internal or external fluid pressure, by the installation and service conditions, and by local requirements. Means of joining or bending are also factors which affect the selection of the type of tube to be used.

Note 1—Annealed tube is suitable for use with flared or compression fittings, and with solder-type fittings, provided rounding and sizing of the tube ends is performed where needed.

Note 2—Drawn temper tube is suitable for use with solder-type fittings. Types K and L tube, in the drawn temper, are suitable for use with certain types and sizes of compression fittings.

Note 3—This specification is the inch-pound companion to Specification B88M; therefore, no SI equivalents are presented in the specification.

Note 4—Fittings used for soldered or brazed connections in plumbing systems are described in ASME B16.18 and ASME B16.22.

1.2 The tube shall be produced from the following coppers, and the manufacturer has the option to supply any one of them, unless otherwise specified.

1.3 The assembly of copper plumbing or fire sprinkler systems by soldering is described in Practice B828.

1.4 Solders for joining copper potable water or fire sprinkler systems are covered by Specification B32. The requirements for acceptable fluxes for these systems are covered by Specification B813.

1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 15, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.