Metallurgically joined by gas-fired torch or electric resistance soldering or brazing, copper's metallic-bonded joints are quickly executed and leak-free. Copper system fittings are typically smaller than those for steel or plastics, and are readily available in standard tube sizes and a variety of patterns. In most cases, these do not require special plating or painting when used with copper tubing.
In general, a single hanger suffices to support each horizontal length of tubing.Ī full range of hangers and supports is available in various metals. No additional or special hold-downs are required to maintain alignment under pressure. With copper's rigidity and light weight, fewer hangers and supports are required than for plastic piping systems.
With easy-to-use portable hand tools, bending, cutting, and joining can be accomplished in limited-space areas.Ī state-of-the-art tool for forming tee connections and outlets in a run of copper facilitates shop or field assembly by decreasing the number of joints in a system, reducing installation costs by as much as 25%. Shipping, storing, and handling of copper offer none of the problems of steel's heavy weight or plastic's fragility.Ĭopper's ease of handling and ductility permit unmatched freedom of design and either shop or field fabrication. Back to Top Installation Ease and Versatility Copper, Easy to Install, Increases Design Options and Decreases Costsįrom initial delivery to installation of the last sprinkler head, copper's light weight, ductility, and rigidity help get the job done quickly. Copper's water-carrying capacity remains effective throughout the life of the system under normal and extreme environmental conditions, such as wide temperature ranges and fire itself. The NFPA 13-approved use of ¾-inch copper tube in applications in which the minimum size requirement for steel is 1.Ĭopper, unlike plastics, does not deteriorate nor become brittle and subject to fatigue failures.An increase in the permitted number of sprinklers for copper lines of two-inch and larger, in pipe schedule systems.