What type of copper pipe is used for AC?

Author: Laisha King  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Type L Copper Pipe It is widely used in both residential and commercial AC installations. Advantages: Versatility: Type L pipes are suitable for a wide range of applications, from residential to light commercial use. Cost-Effective: More affordable than Type K pipes while still offering good durability.

What type of copper pipe is used for air conditioning?

Flexible copper pipe which is also referred to as refrigeration tubing is a soft copper pipe used to connect between the indoor and the outdoor units in AC systems. It is highly flexible, capable of being bent into forms without the need of many joints.

Should I use Type L or type M copper pipe?

Type L is thicker, more durable, and ideal for high-pressure systems or long-term use, making it a safer choice for most residential and commercial applications. Type M is thinner, more affordable, and works well for low-pressure systems but may not last as long.

What kind of copper is used in HVAC?

Q: What type of copper tubing is used in HVAC systems? A: Type K copper tubing and Type L copper tubing can both be used in HVAC systems.

Can you use Type L copper for HVAC?

Type L Copper Pipe: Type L copper pipe is used for interior plumbing, fire protection, and some HVAC applications. It is available in rigid and flexible forms and can be used with sweat, compression, and flare fittings.

Types of Copper Pipe

Can you use plumbing copper fittings for HVAC?

In commercial settings, copper fittings are used for plumbing, HVAC systems, and fire sprinkler systems because their quick installation reduces labor time and costs. The fittings' durability and leak-proof nature mean less frequent maintenance, keeping commercial operations running smoothly.

What is thicker Type K or Type L copper?

Each type represents a series of sizes with different wall thicknesses. Type K tube has thicker walls than Type L tube, and Type L walls are thicker than Type M, for any given diameter. All inside diameters depend on tube size and wall thickness.

Can you use type K copper for refrigeration?

K copper tube type is excellent for outdoor and underground plumbing, HVAC, and refrigeration applications where strength and durability are essential.

What is the small copper line from an air conditioner?

What is the small copper line from an air conditioner? That's the liquid line.. It's the liquid refrigerant going out to the evaporator to expand and make the cooling… The large copper line is the spent refrigerant gas coming back to the condenser to be liquified so it can again go out to the evaporator…

How to tell the difference between plumbing copper and refrigeration copper?

In summary, plumbing copper pipes have standardized and well-defined wall thicknesses based on their type, whereas refrigeration copper pipes are designed with variable wall thicknesses tailored to their high-pressure application needs.

Where is Type L copper used?

Type L copper pipes come in hard pipes or flexible rolls. Hard Type L pipes are commonly used indoors to supply potable water, carry hot water, and supply water to sprinkler systems.

Which copper pipe for air compressor?

Compressed Air

Use copper tube of Types K, L or M determined by the rated internal working pressures as shown in Tables 14.3a-c, e. Brazed joints are recommended.

Which pipe is best for AC?

Copper as a metal has highly anti-corrosive properties compared to aluminium. During the cooling process, pipes comes in contact with air which causes oxidation within these pipes. Copper can better handle oxidation and corrosion for longer periods ultimately gives air conditioners a longer lifespan.

What is the thickness of copper pipe for air conditioner?

Copper Air Conditioning Pipes, Size: 2"-3", Thickness: 0.4 Mm - 15 Mm.

What pipe is used for air conditioning?

In the air conditioning piping for building facilities, two main types of pipes are primarily used: carbon steel pipes for piping (SGP) and copper pipes for general refrigerant piping. For drain and wastewater applications, vinyl chloride pipes are used.

Which copper pipe is used in AC installation?

Type L Copper Pipe

It is widely used in both residential and commercial AC installations. Advantages: Versatility: Type L pipes are suitable for a wide range of applications, from residential to light commercial use. Cost-Effective: More affordable than Type K pipes while still offering good durability.

What type of copper is used for AC?

Type K copper pipes have thicker walls compared to other common types of copper tubing. They're commonly found in HVAC units, but can also be used for water distribution, oil, and more. Type K can be rigid or flexible, and is great for high-pressure applications.

Can you use hard copper for AC lines?

Long Runs and Precision: Copper hard pipes are often used for longer runs of refrigerant lines. They offer better structural integrity and are less likely to kink or bend over extended distances.

What type of copper pipe is used for refrigerant?

Type L copper tubing is a thick-walled, high-pressure-rated copper tubing that is ideal for refrigeration and air conditioning applications. Type L tubing is made from a higher grade of copper than the standard Type M copper tubing, which is thinner and more commonly used in residential plumbing applications.

What is the difference between drawn and annealed copper pipe?

Annealed copper goes through the same drawing process as hard-drawn copper but is heat-treated soon after as part of the manufacturing process. The heat makes annealed copper easier to work with, bend and shape, making for a “softer” and less brittle wire.

How do you identify type K copper?

Distinguished by green markings, Type K pipe is available in both rigid form and in flexible rolls. You'll often find flexible rolls of Type K used for underground water mains because they are easier to run in a trench, require no fittings, and can be used with compression and flared fittings.

What type of copper pipe is used in residential homes?

Type L copper pipe has a thicker wall compared to Type M, providing greater strength and durability. It is commonly used for both hot and cold water distribution, as well as for general plumbing purposes. Type L copper pipe is suitable for residential, commercial, and institutional applications.

How long does Type K copper pipe last?

K-type piping lasts for at least 100 years. It is the thickest copper piping and is used for water mains in cities and for other non-residential plumbing applications. This pipe can withstand even higher pressure than L-type, but it is not necessary to have this level of durability for your home's plumbing.

Do they make type K copper fittings?

The Copper Type K Instrumentation Fittings are annealed to toughen, and it helps to remove the internal stress- they are double ferrule type fittings that provide leakage free seals at various tubing connections.

Previous article
Can a handyman fix a faucet?
Next article
Does having a fire extinguisher lower insurance?