Copper tube and fittings have been produced for plumbing applications since 1920. Seamless copper tube is made in diameters DN6 to DN250 and has been used throughout the world for conveyance of fluids.
Put copper to the test. After all, it has been in use for 2000 years. See how it measures up to the following questions.

CAN ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS MATCH THE DIVERSITY OF COPPER?
Not likely, as copper tube systems are suitable for use in domestic, commercial and industrial hot and cold water supply, fire services, gas, steam, medical, air lines, heating systems, air conditioning and refrigeration. The one material does the lot. Alternative tube products do not match copper’s application range.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COPPER TO INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS?
Every plumbing tradesperson is trained to install copper. This maximises workforce flexibility, ensures trouble free jobs and minimises the need for supervision. On the other hand, because of their individual designs, many alternative systems require specialised training and additional supervision which may limit labour flexibility and increase costs.
Copper tubes and fittings are available Australia wide. This allows purchasing flexibility, competitive prices, minimum stock holding and speedy delivery.

HOW DO DESIGNERS BENEFIT FROM SPECIFYING COPPER SYSTEMS?
Based on the AS/NIS3500 National Plumbing Code equivalent size requirements, of all plumbing pipe materials, copper takes up the minimum amount of space due to its small outside diameter, slim-line fittings and small radius bends. Space costs money - copper minimises the use of space!
The wide range of interchangeable jointing systems and sizes offers options to suit all situations, including live line tapping, work in progress modifications and retrofitting.
Copper systems can be specified with confidence as they have been, and continue to be, used worldwide.

DO THE PROPERTIES OF COPPER WEIGH UP AGAINST ALTERNATIVES?

PROPERTY	COPPER	SYNTHETIC SYSTEM
Purity	Copper 99.90% minimum	Secret recipes
Strength	220 MPa (soft)	Sorne 10 times less
Temperature - working	200°C maximum	70°C t o 100°C (formula dependent)
Expansion	0.0177 mm/m°C	4 to 11 times more
Resistance to bacteria	Excellent	Significantly less
Exposure to direct sunlight	Suitable	Not suitable
Permeability	Not permeable	Permeable by fluids
Safe Working Pressure (DN15 to DN32)	4470 kPa to 2335 kPa at 125°C	1230 kPa to 480 kPa at80OC ( formula dependent)
Flow Rate - Tube constant	C = 150	C = 150
Flow Rate - Fittings	Smooth	Insert fittings give high losses
Bending Radius	1 x D	8 to 10 x D
Jointing Systems	Multiple options	Only one per system
Recyclability	100% recyclable	Scrap pollution

WHERE DOES QUALITY START?
For customers of the Co-op, quality is paramount. Concern for quality starts because our manufacturers provide technical support for our products and Kembla Tube and Fittings products sold to the Co-op meet StandardsMark Authorization Manual. Product is indelibly marked with specification details traceability.
Check for the marks of quality!

WHY SELECT COPPER FOR PLUMBING SYSTEMS OPERATING UNDER
You know what you get with copper!