ASTM B88 UNS C12200 Copper Tubes

ASTM B88 UNS C12200 copper tubes are seamless copper water tubes made from copper alloy UNS C12200, which is a commercially pure copper that has been deoxidized with phosphorus, leaving a relatively high residual phosphorus content. It is not susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement, but has relatively low electrical conductivity due to the amount of phosphorus present.

UNS C12200 is the most commonly used copper grade for plumbing and water service. As specified by ASTM B88, UNS C12200 copper tubes can be classified as Type K, Type L, and Type M depending on wall thickness. GNEE supplies a wide variety of ASTM B88 C12200 copper tubes that can be used with solder, flared, or compression-type fittings in various tempers.

Phosphorus is added primarily for its deoxidizing properties, which effectively remove oxygen, reducing the risk of hydrogen embrittlement and enhancing durability. It also improves the alloy's workability, making it easier to bend, form, and weld, while enhancing soldering and brazing characteristics.

Tempers available: O50 (light anneal), O60 (soft anneal), H58 (hard drawn)

Q1: What is the difference between ASTM B88 Type K, Type L, and Type M?
A: Type K has the thickest wall, used for underground water mains and high-pressure systems. Type L has medium wall, the standard for residential and commercial interior plumbing. Type M has the thinnest wall, for low-pressure residential applications where local codes permit. Color codes: Type K = green, Type L = blue, Type M = red.

Q2: What is the difference between C12200 and C11000?
A: C12200 contains 0.015-0.040% phosphorus for deoxidation, making it brazeable and weldable without hydrogen embrittlement. C11000 contains oxygen and cannot be brazed in reducing atmospheres. For plumbing where brazing is required, C12200 is the standard. C11000 has 100% IACS conductivity; C12200 has 85% IACS.

Q3: What is the difference between C12200 and C10200?
A: C10200 is oxygen-free copper (99.95% Cu, 0.001% O max) with 100% IACS conductivity. C12200 contains phosphorus and has 85% IACS conductivity. C10200 is used for high-vacuum and critical electronic applications. C12200 is the standard for plumbing and water service. C10200 costs significantly more and is not typical for plumbing.

Q4: What is TP2 copper tube?
A: TP2 is the Chinese GB/T 18033 grade equivalent to ASTM B88 C12200. Both are phosphorus-deoxidized copper with 0.015-0.040% phosphorus and minimum 99.90% copper. TP2 and C12200 are interchangeable. If you buy TP2 tube from China, it meets the same chemical and mechanical requirements as ASTM B88 C12200 for plumbing applications.

Q5: What is Cu-DHP copper tube?
A: Cu-DHP is the European (ISO/DIN/EN) designation for phosphorus-deoxidized copper. DHP = Deoxidized High Phosphorus. Cu-DHP matches UNS C12200 exactly (0.015-0.040% P, min 99.90% Cu). Cu-DHP is specified in EN 1057 for water tubes. Cu-DHP and C12200 are the same material; only the naming convention differs by region.

Q6: What is the difference between O60 and H58 temper for C12200 tube?
A: O60 is soft annealed – the tube is heated to at least 600°F and cooled slowly, making it ductile and easy to bend or flare in the field. H58 is hard drawn (not annealed) – cold worked for higher strength but cannot be bent without cracking. For plumbing where field bending is required, O60 is used. For straight rigid lines, H58 may be used.

Q7: How are seamless C12200 copper tubes manufactured?
A: Seamless tubes start as high-purity electrolytic copper plates melted and cast into hollow billets. The billet is reheated, then pushed through a die under 1,000-6,000 tons of pressure (extrusion). Multiple cold drawing passes reduce diameter and wall thickness. Finally, the tube is annealed to soft temper or left hard. No welding seam means uniform strength.

Q8: Can C12200 be welded or only brazed?
A: C12200 can be both welded and brazed. For plumbing, brazing (1100-1500°F) or soldering (400-500°F) is standard. Because C12200 contains phosphorus, it is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement during welding. Gas shielded arc welding (TIG) is excellent. C11000 cannot be welded due to oxygen content. C12200 is the weldable copper.

Q9: What is the thermal conductivity of C12200 copper tube?
A: C12200 copper tube has a thermal conductivity of 339 W/m·K at 20°C. This is slightly lower than pure copper (about 390 W/m·K) due to the phosphorus content, but still excellent. For comparison, aluminum is about 205 W/m·K, and stainless steel is about 15 W/m·K. High thermal conductivity makes C12200 ideal for hot water and heat transfer applications.

Q10: Why does C12200 have 85% IACS conductivity?
A: The 0.015-0.040% phosphorus added for deoxidation dissolves in the copper matrix and scatters conduction electrons, reducing electrical conductivity from 100% IACS (pure copper) to approximately 85% IACS. This is an intentional trade-off: lower conductivity is acceptable for plumbing, while weldability and corrosion resistance are critical.

Q11: Is ASTM B88 C12200 tube suitable for underground burial?
A: Yes, Type K (thickest wall) is specifically designed for underground water mains. C12200 has excellent resistance to soil corrosion. The phosphorus deoxidation enhances corrosion resistance. For aggressive soils (acidic or high chloride), additional protection (wrapping or sleeving) is recommended. Type L and Type M are not typically used for direct burial.

Poor packaging destroys even the best copper heat exchanger tube. As a professional copper heat exchanger tube factory serving copper heat exchanger tube USA, Europe, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India, we follow military-grade export packaging standards to ensure zero damage during sea or air freight.

Our Standard Packaging Process:

For U-Bundle Orders: U tube heat exchanger and U tube bundle heat exchanger are placed in dedicated steel jigs inside the crate to prevent bending radius distortion.

Our Certifications & Compliance:

ASTM B111 pdf and ASME SB111 pdf full traceability.

ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.

Third-party inspection accepted: SGS, BV, Lloyds, or TUV.

Copper heat exchanger tube life expectancy testing reports available upon request.

Get Fast Quote & Logistics Plan