Guide Specifications on Plumbing
Part 2 - Products

2.1 - PIPE AND PIPE FITTINGS

  1. Pipe and pipe fittings as used in this specification also refer to tube and tube fittings.
  2. Pipe Threads: ASME B1.20.1 American Standard Tapered Pipe Threads for factory-threaded pipe and pipe fittings.

2.2 - PIPES AND TUBES

  1. General: The application of the following pipe, tube, and fitting materials and joining methods required for specific piping systems applications are indicated in Part 4 "Piping Systems Applications."
  2. Hard Copper Tube: (Drawn Temper)
    1. ASTM B 75, UNS Number C12200, drawn temper, seamless copper tube, wall thickness as specified.
    2. ASTM B 88, Types K, L,and M, drawn temper, seamless copper tube.
    3. ASTM B 280, Type ACR, drawn temper, seamless copper tube.
    4. ASTM B 306, Type DWV, drawn temper, seamless copper tube.
    5. ASTM B 819, Type K and L, drawn temper, seamless copper tube.
    6. ASTM B 837, Type GAS, drawn temper, seamless copper tube.
  3. Soft Copper Tube:(Annealed Temper)
    1. ASTM B 75, UNS Number C12200, annealed temper, seamless copper tube, wall thickness as specified.
    2. ASTM B 88, Types K and L, annealed temper, seamless copper tube.
    3. ASTM B 280, Type ACR, annealed temper, seamless copper tube.
    4. ASTM B 837, Type GAS, annealed temper, seamless copper tube.

2.3 - PIPE AND TUBE FITTINGS

  1. Wrought Copper, Solder-Joint Pressure Fittings: ASME B16.22
  2. Cast Copper Alloy, Solder-Joint Pressure Fittings: ASME B16.18
  3. Wrought Copper, Grooved-End Fittings: Fabricated from ASTM B 75 Seamless Copper Tube.
  4. Cast Copper Alloy, Grooved-End Fittings: ASTM B 584 Bronze Castings.
  5. Mechanical Couplings: ASTM A 536, ductile iron, or ASTM A 47, malleable iron coupling housing fabricated to manufacturer's specifications.
  6. Wrought Copper, Solder-Joint, DWV Drainage Fittings: ASME B16.29
  7. Cast Copper Alloy, Solder-Joint, DWV Drainage Fittings: ASME B16.23
  8. Cast Copper Alloy Flanges: ASME B16.24, Class 150 and 300, flat-face type.
  9. Wrought Copper Alloy Unions: ASME B16.22, wrought copper alloy body, hexagonal stock, metal-to- metal seating surfaces, and solder-joint, threaded, or solder-joint and threaded ends.
    1. Threaded Ends: Threads conforming to ASME B1.20.1.
  10. Cast Copper Alloy Unions: ASME B16.18, cast copper alloy body, hexagonal stock, with ball-and- socket joint, metal-to-metal seating surfaces, and solder-joint, threaded, or solder-joint and threaded ends.
    1. Threaded Ends: Threads conforming to ASME B1.20.1.
  11. Cast Copper Alloy Flare Fittings: ASME B16.26
  12. Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Braze-Joint Pressure Fittings: ASME B16.50
  13. Cast and Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Press-Connect Pressure Fittings: ASME B16.51
  14. Push-Fit Fittings: ANSI/ASSE 1061

THE PROCEDURES BELOW MAY BE USED TO MECHANICALLY FORM BRANCH CONNECTIONS AND COUPLINGS WITHOUT THE USE OF FITTINGS. DELETE IF THESE PROCESSES ARE NOT ALLOWABLE FOR THE SCOPE OF THIS WORK.

  1. Mechanically Formed Outlets: Manufacturer's standard written procedure for forming tee/branch outlet from pipe and tube shall be followed. Mechanically formed outlets shall have a collar with a height not less than three times the thickness of the branch tube wall. The branch shall be notched to conform to the inner curve of the run and shall be dimpled or otherwise impeded from penetrating the run pipe/tube. The branch tube shall also be dimpled or otherwise marked to indicate the location of the notches with respect to the run. Such marking shall be at a sufficient distance from the face of the joint to allow for a visual point of inspection after the joint is brazed. All joints constructed using this method shall be brazed. Brazing filler metals shall conform to the requirements of Article 2.4 "Joining Materials."
  2. Mechanically Formed Couplings: Couplings formed by the expansion of one tube end to form a solder-joint fitting cup may be used. Couplings formed in this manner shall be fabricated using a tool made specifically for this purpose in accordance with the tool manufacturer's standard written procedure. The formed fitting cup shall meet or exceed the dimensional requirements of ASME B16.22 for use with solder-joint connections. Solder filler metals shall conform to the requirements of Article 2.4 "Joining Materials." Fitting cup depths that are less than those required in ASME B16.22 for soldered joints may be used provided that the cup has a minimum depth equal to three times the wall thickness of the tube and the joint is brazed. Brazing filler metals shall conform to the requirements of Article 2.4 "Joining Materials."

2.4 - JOINING MATERIALS

  1. Pipe Flange Gasket Materials: Suitable for the chemical and thermal conditions of the piping system contents and exterior environment.
    1. ASME B16.21, nonmetallic, flat, asbestos-free, full-face type for Class 150 and 300 cast copper alloy flanges. 1/8-inch maximum thickness, except where thickness or specific material is indicated.
  2. Mechanical Coupling Gasket Materials: Suitable for the chemical and thermal conditions of the piping system contents and exterior environment.
    1. Gasket design shall be such that the entire coupling housing is isolated from the system contents to prevent galvanic action and inhibit galvanic corrosion.
  3. Solder Filler Metal: ASTM B 32.
    1. Alloy Sn95 or Alloy Sn94: Tin (Sn) approximately 95%, and Silver (Ag) approximately 5%, having 0.10% maximum Lead (Pb) content.
    2. Alloy Sb5: Tin (Sn) 95%, and Antimony (Sb) 5%, having 0.20% maximum Lead (Pb) content.
    3. Alloy E: Tin (Sn) approximately 95%, and Copper (Cu) approximately 5%, having 0.10% maximum Lead (Pb) content.
    4. Alloy HA: Tin-Antimony-Silver-Copper-Zinc (Sn-Sb-Ag-Cu-Zn), having 0.10% maximum Lead (Pb) content.
    5. Alloy HB: Tin-Antimony-Silver-Copper-Nickel (Sn-Sb-Ag-Cu-Ni), having 0.10% maximum Lead (Pb) content.
    6. Alloy HN: Tin-Silver-Copper (Sn-Ag-Cu), having 0.10% maximum Lead (Pb) content.
    7. Alloy AC: Tin-Silver-Copper-Bismuth (Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi), having 0.10% maximum Lead (Pb)content.
    8. Alloy OA: Tin-Silver-Copper-Bismuth (Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi), having 0.10% maximum Lead (Pb) content.
    9. Alloy TC: Tin-Copper-Nickel-Silver-Selenium (Sn-Cu-Ni-Ag-Se), having 0.20% maximum Lead (Pb) content.
    10. Alloy AM: Tin-Antimony-Silver-Copper (Sn-Sb-Ag-Cu), having 0.10% maximum Lead (Pb) content.
    11. Alloy WS: Tin-Antimony-Silver-Copper (Sn-Sb-Ag-Cu), having 0.10% maximum Lead (Pb) content.

    SOLDERS HAVING GREATER THAN 0.20-PERCENT LEAD (Pb) CONTENT ARE PROHIBITED FROM USE IN POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS. WHERE LOCAL CODES PERMIT, USE ALLOY Sn50 ONLY FOR NON-POTABLE WATER APPLICATIONS. DO NOT USE FOR ANY PIPING THAT MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH THE POTABLE WATER SYSTEM.

    1. Alloy Sn50: Tin (Sn) 50%, and Lead (Pb) 50%.
  4. Brazing Filler Metals: ANSI/AWS A5.8.

    THE BCuP SERIES FILLER METALS ARE MORE ECONOMICAL THAN THE BAg SERIES FILLER METALS AND ARE BETTER SUITED FOR GENERAL PIPING APPLICATIONS. BAg SERIES FILLER METALS SHOULD ONLY BE SPECIFIED WHEN JOINING DISSIMILAR METALS, OR THE USE OF PHOSPHORUS CONTAINING FILLER METALS IS PROHIBITED, OR THE SPECIFIC MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND FLOW CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BAg SERIES FILLER METALS ARE REQUIRED.

    1. BCuP Series: Copper-Phosphorus alloys. The following brazing filler metals shall be used. Brazing filler metals shall conform to the requirements of the individual piping systems specification in Part 4.
      1. BCuP - 2: Copper (Cu) and Phosphorus (P) 7.0 - 7.5%.
      2. BCuP - 3: Copper (Cu), Phosphorus (P) 5.8 - 6.2%, and Silver (Ag) 4.8 - 5.2%.
      3. BCuP - 4: Copper (Cu), Phosphorus (P) 7.0 - 7.5%, and Silver (Ag) 5.8 - 6.2%.
      4. BCuP - 5: Copper (Cu), Phosphorus (P) 4.8 - 5.2%, and Silver (Ag) 14.5 - 15.5%.
      5. BCuP - 6: Copper (Cu), Phosphorus (P) 6.8 - 7.2%, and Silver (Ag) 1.8 - 2.2%.
      6. BCuP - 7: Copper (Cu), Phosphorus (P) 4.8 - 5.2%, and Silver (Ag) 6.5 - 7.0%.
    2. BAg Series: Silver alloys. The following brazing filler metals shall be used. Brazing filler metals shall conform to the requirements of the individual piping systems specification in Part 4. Cadmium-oxide present in brazing fumes is poisonous and cadmium-free filler metals should be utilized wherever possible.

      THE FOLLOWING FOUR FILLER METALS CONTAIN CADMIUM. CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN IN SPECIFYING THESE MATERIALS TO CONSIDER THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE INSTALLER. THESE FILLER METALS SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS OR BY INSTALLERS EQUIPPED WITH THE PROPER PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (RESPIRATORS).

      1. BAg - 1 - Silver (Ag) 44.0 - 46.0%, Copper (Cu) 14.0 - 16.0%, Zinc (Zn) 14.0 - 18.0%, Cadmium (Cd) 23.0 - 25.0%
      2. BAg - 1a - Silver (Ag) 49.0 - 51.0%, Copper (Cu) 14.5 - 16.5%, Zinc (Zn) 14.5 - 18.5%, Cadmium (Cd) 17.0 - 19.0%.
      3. BAg - 2 - Silver (Ag) 34.0 - 36.0%, Copper (Cu) 25.0 - 27.0%, Zinc (Zn) 19.0 - 23.0%, Cadmium (Cd) 17.0 - 19.0%.
      4. BAg - 2a - Silver (Ag) 29.0 - 31.0%, Copper (Cu) 26.0 - 28.0%, Zinc (Zn) 21.0 - 25.0%, Cadmium (Cd) 19.0 - 21.0%.

      THE FOLLOWING BAg SERIES FILLER METALS ARE THE MOST COMMONLY SPECIFIED OF THE BAg SERIES FOR PIPING APPLICATIONS.

      1. BAg - 5 - Silver (Ag) 44.0 - 46.0%, Copper (Cu) 29.0 - 31.0%, Zinc (Zn) 23.0 - 27.0%.
      2. BAg - 7 - (cadmium-free substitute for BAg - 1) Silver (Ag) 55.0 - 57.0%, Copper (Cu) 21.0 - 23.0%, Zinc (Zn) 15.0 - 19.0%.

      THE FOLLOWING BAg SERIES FILLER METALS MAY ALSO BE USED TO JOIN COPPER AND COPPER ALLOY PIPING COMPONENTS, HOWEVER THEY ARE LESS COMMONLY USED THAN THE FILLER METALS LISTED ABOVE.

      1. BAg - 6 - Silver (Ag) 49.0 - 51.0%, Copper (Cu) 33.0 - 35.0%, Zinc (Zn) 14.0 - 18.0%.
      2. BAg - 8 - Silver (Ag) 71.0 - 73.0%, Copper (Cu).
      3. BAg - 20 - Silver (Ag) 29.0 - 31.0%, Copper (Cu) 37.0 - 39.0%, Zinc (Zn) 30.0 - 34.0%.
      4. BAg - 28 - Silver (Ag) 39.0 - 41.0%, Copper (Cu) 29.0 - 31.0%, Zinc (Zn) 26.0 - 30.0%, Tin (Sn) 1.5 - 2.5%.
      5. BAg - 34 - (cadmium-free substitute for BAg - 2, - 2a) Silver (Ag) 37.0 - 39.0%, Copper (Cu) 31.0 - 33.0%, Zinc (Zn) 26.0 - 30.0%, Tin (Sn) 1.5 - 2.5%.
    3. Proprietary filler metals having compositions not conforming to the exact ANSI/AWS A5.8 classifications for BCuP and BAg Series filler metals shall be permitted when used according to the manufacturer's written instructions.
  5. Soldering and Brazing Fluxes: Soldering and brazing fluxes having greater than 0.20-percent Lead (Pb) content are prohibited from use in potable water systems and shall not be used.
    1. Soldering Fluxes: ASTM B 813, liquid or paste type.
    2. Brazing Fluxes: ANSI/AWS A5.31, Type FB3-A or FB3-C.
      1. The use of brazing flux is not necessary if the components being joined are wrought copper tube, wrought copper fittings and the filler metal being used is of the BCuP series.
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This Guide Specification has been prepared for the use of professionals involved in the design, specification, installation and repair of copper and copper alloy piping systems in buildings. It has been compiled from information sources that the Copper Development Association Inc. (CDA) believes to be competent. However, CDA assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind in connection with this document or its use by any person or organization and makes no representations or warranties of any kind thereby.

The requirements contained in this Guide Specification are intended solely as a guide for the design professional and represent minimum recommendations and requirements. These should in no way be substituted for sound engineering practice and judgment. Local codes should be consulted and used to modify this Guide Specification to meet actual project requirements.