August 21, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
McLean, VA— The Copper Development Association (CDA) is thrilled to announce the publication of ASTM B1029: Standard Practice for Making Press-Connect Joints with Seamless Copper and Copper Alloy Tube and Press Fittings. This new standard provides a crucial framework for the installation of copper press fittings, ensuring consistent, high-quality practices across plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC/R applications.
As a leading authority in copper piping, CDA has long been instrumental in shaping industry standards. CDA helped develop ASTM B828 for solder fittings over 20 years ago, setting the benchmark for that technology. In response to the growing use of press fittings and the increasing number of manufacturers in the market, CDA has once again partnered with ASTM. The result is ASTM B1029, a comprehensive standard that upholds the highest levels of performance and reliability for the installation of copper press fittings.
"Press-connect technology is a great alternative for our industry, providing engineers and installers with a reliable, predictable, and efficient flameless joining methods,” said Marcus Elmer, Vice President at CDA. “The Copper Development Association is dedicated to driving innovations that enhance the performance and safety of copper piping systems. The standardization of press-connect technology is a major leap forward, enabling consistent, high-quality installations that meet the demanding requirements of today’s construction and industrial sectors."
Addressing Industry Needs
The introduction of ASTM B1029 comes in response to several pressing issues within the industry:
- Diverse Installation Practices: Different press fitting manufacturers, both domestic and international, have varied installation practices and training materials.
- Best Practices for Installers: There has been a need for clear, consensus-based guidelines for installers to follow when working with press fittings.
To tackle these challenges, ASTM B1029 has been developed as a consensus standard, offering a unified set of best practices for consultants, engineers, and contractors. This new standard will serve as a minimum requirement for manufacturers' installation and training protocols and will provide building owners with a reliable reference to train their service teams.
Resources for Installers and Building Owners
To assist installers in understanding and applying the new standard, CDA is preparing a new instructional video, set to be released before the end of the year. In the meantime, the existing video, “How-to: Install Copper Press-Connect Systems,” remains a valuable resource. Additionally, the Copper Tube Handbook offers comprehensive guidance on copper piping systems.
Implementation and Training
ASTM B1029 is effective immediately and available for purchase through ASTM International. Installers can reach out to CDA for training, compliance information, and to share best practices related to the new standard. Engineers and building owners can now incorporate “ASTM B1029” into their specifications for press fittings, ensuring that installations adhere to the latest guidelines.
For further details on ASTM B1029 and how to comply with the new standard, please visit www.copper.org.
###
About Copper Development Association
The Copper Development Association is the not-for-profit trade association of the North American copper industry, chartered to bring the value of copper and its alloys to society through pre-competitive research, market development/promotion, and education, as well as technical and end-user support.
###