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?

✅ 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