What are the standard tempers available for copper tubes under this code?

The code specifies three tempers: Annealed (O), Half-Hard (H/2), and Hard-Drawn (H) (Clause 5.1).

What is the minimum copper content required?

For Deoxidized High Phosphorus (DHP) grade copper, the minimum content of Copper + Silver is 99.90% (Table 1).

What is the purpose of the drift expanding test?

The drift expanding test (Clause 10.3) ensures that the tube material is ductile enough to be expanded or 'flared' for making mechanical joints without cracking.

How are the tubes supposed to be marked?

Each straight length of tube must be marked with the manufacturer's name/trademark and the temper designation. Bundles or coils should have a tag with this info plus the tube dimensions (Clause 13).

IS 12444

: 1993

Copper Tubes for Plumbing - Specification

CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMMEP · Aluminium and Non-Ferrous Metals

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This standard specifies the requirements for solid drawn (seamless) copper tubes intended for use in plumbing services, including water supply and sanitation. It covers material composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, tolerances, and testing methods for three tempers: annealed (soft), half-hard, and hard-drawn (hard).

Specifies the requirements for seamless copper tubes intended for plumbing and water services.

Quick Reference Values

Minimum Copper + Silver Content (DHP Grade)99.90%

Phosphorus Content (DHP Grade)0.015 to 0.040%

Minimum Tensile Strength (Annealed Temper 'O')205 MPa

Minimum Tensile Strength (Hard-Drawn Temper 'H')275 MPa

Minimum Elongation (Annealed Temper 'O')40%

Tolerance on Mean OD (up to 28mm, Hard Drawn)±0.06 mm

Practical Notes

Annealed (soft) temper tubes are flexible and can be bent and flared easily, making them suitable for complex installations with fewer fittings. Hard-drawn (hard) temper tubes are rigid and used for long straight runs.

While specified for plumbing, these tubes are also widely used for medical gas pipelines and HVAC refrigerant lines due to copper's excellent corrosion resistance and reliability.

Ensure the use of appropriate solder and flux (or brazing alloys) compatible with copper to prevent joint failures and galvanic corrosion.