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ASTM B88 & B280 Explained: Copper Tubing Standards for Plumbing & HVAC
August 7, 2025 Accounting ics

ASTM B88 & B280 Explained: Copper Tubing Standards for Plumbing & HVAC

ASTM B88 vs. B280 Copper Tubing: What’s the Difference?

If you’re working with copper tubing for plumbing or HVAC applications, you’ve likely seen references to ASTM B88 and ASTM B280. But what do these standards actually mean — and how do they affect your project?

 What Is ASTM B88?

ASTM B88 is the standard for seamless copper water tubing used in:

  • Residential & commercial plumbing
  • Potable water systems
  • Some low-pressure HVAC work
  • There are three wall thickness types under B88:
  • Type K (thickest)
  • Type L (medium)
  • Type M (thin)
  • All B88 copper tubing must meet strict specs for:
  • Wall thickness
  • Pressure ratings
  • Dimensional tolerance
  • Cleanliness for water systems

What Is ASTM B280?

ASTM B280 is the standard for refrigeration-grade copper tubing used in:

  • HVAC and A/C systems
  • Refrigerant lines
  • Commercial cooling setups
  • Key features of B280 copper:
  • Dehydrated & nitrogen-purged
  • Clean interior to avoid contamination
  • Designed to handle high-pressure refrigerants like R-410A

Which Standard Should You Use?

  • Application
  • Use This Standard
  • Plumbing / Potable Water
  • ASTM B88
  • HVAC / Refrigerant Lines
  • ASTM B280

✅ At CopperTubingSales.com, we carry copper tubing that meets both standards — just check the product details to confirm compliance.

Need copper that meets ASTM B88 or B280?
We’ve got you covered. Browse our full selection of tubing here.   https://www.coppertubingsales.com/collections/all

Next article Type K vs. Type L vs. Type M Copper Tubing – Which Should You Choose?

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