Type L (Soft Coils 60')

Product Highlights

• Type L soft annealed copper tube
• Supplied in flexible 60-foot coils
• Medium-wall copper construction
• Heavier wall than Type M copper tube
• Excellent corrosion resistance and long service life
• Flexible coil form can reduce the number of fittings required
• Commonly used in approved residential, commercial, and mechanical piping systems
• Suitable for potable-water distribution where permitted
• Useful for above-ground and approved underground applications
• Compatible with approved soldered, brazed, flared, press, and mechanical joining methods as applicable
• Manufactured to applicable ASTM B88 requirements

Type L is a medium-wall copper water tube classification commonly used in residential, commercial, and mechanical piping systems. It has a heavier wall than Type M and a lighter wall than Type K of the same nominal size.

Soft Type L copper is annealed so the tubing can be bent and formed more easily than hard-drawn straight tube. The coil format allows long continuous runs and can reduce the need for elbows and other directional fittings in many installations.

A 60-foot soft copper coil provides a useful balance between continuous-run capability and manageable handling. Longer coil lengths can reduce the number of joints required compared with shorter tube sections while remaining easier to transport and handle than very large coils.

Soft tubing is especially useful where piping must pass through walls, ceilings, floor cavities, equipment spaces, or areas requiring gradual directional changes.

Type L soft copper tube can be joined using several approved methods depending on tube size, system pressure, service media, temperature, project specifications, fitting manufacturer requirements, and applicable codes.

• Soldered joints: commonly used for many plumbing and potable-water systems where permitted.
• Brazed joints: may be used where greater joint strength or specific system conditions require brazing.
• Flared joints: may be used where compatible with the fitting system and application.
• Press connections: may be used with compatible press fittings specifically approved for soft copper tube.
• Mechanical connections: may be used with approved copper-compatible mechanical fittings.

• Uncoil tubing carefully to prevent kinks, flattening, and twisting.
• Use approved bending tools when tighter bends are required.
• Do not exceed the minimum bend radius recommended for the tubing size.
• Avoid repeated bending in the same location.
• Inspect tubing for dents, flattening, cracks, or handling damage before installation.
• Protect the tubing from sharp edges during routing and installation.
• Support the tubing according to applicable code and system requirements.

• Confirm the required nominal copper tube size before ordering.
• Verify that Type L copper tube is appropriate for the intended application.
• Confirm local plumbing-code and project requirements.
• Inspect the coil before installation.
• Unroll tubing gradually rather than pulling it from the center of the coil.
• Cut tubing square using an approved copper tubing cutter.
• Remove internal and external burrs before joining.
• Clean and prepare joining surfaces according to the selected joining method.
• Use fittings specifically compatible with the selected tube size and temper.
• Use approved solder, brazing alloy, flux, press tools, or mechanical joining procedures as applicable.
• Pressure-test and inspect the completed piping system before placing it into service.
• Installation should be completed by qualified personnel familiar with copper piping systems.