Designation: B 280 – 99

Standard Specification for

Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning and
Refrigeration Field Service1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 280; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope * E 3 Test Methods of Preparation of Metallographic Speci-

1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for seam- mens4
less copper tube produced from Copper UNS No. C12200 and E 8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials4
intended for use in the connection, repairs, or alternations of air E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
conditioning or refrigeration units in the field. Determine Conformance with Specifications5
E 53 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper6
NOTE 1—Fittings used for soldered or brazed connections in air E 62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and
conditioning and refrigeration systems are described in ASME Standard
B16.22.
Copper Alloys (Photometric Method)6
NOTE 2—The assembly of copper tubular systems by soldering is E 112 Test Methods for Determining the Average Grain
described in Practice B 828. Size4
NOTE 3—Solders for joining copper tubular systems are described in E 243 Practice for Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Exami-
Specification B 32. The requirements for acceptable fluxes for these nation of Seamless Copper and Copper-Alloy Tubes7
systems are described in Specification B 813. E 255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for
1.2 Values stated in inch-pound units are the standard except Determination of Chemical Composition6
for grain size which is stated in SI units. SI values given in E 527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys (UNS)8
parentheses are for information only. 2.2 ASME Standards:9
1.3 The following hazard statement pertains only to the test B1622 Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder Joint
method described in Section 18.2.4 of this specification: This Pressure Fittings
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user 3. Terminology
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health 3.1 Definitions:
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita- 3.1.1 average diameter (for round tubes only), n—the
tions prior to use. average of the maximum and minimum outside diameters, or
maximum and minimum inside diameters, whichever is appli-
2. Referenced Documents cable, as determined at any one cross section of the tube.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3.1.2 bright anneal, n—a thermal treatment carried out in a
B 32 Specification for Solder Metal2 controlled atmosphere so that surface oxidation is reduced to a
B 153 Test Method for Expansion (Pin Test) of Copper and minimum and the surface remains relatively bright.
Copper-Alloy Pipe and Tube3 3.1.3 coil, n—a length of the product wound into a series of
B 601 Practice for Temper Designations for Copper and connected turns. The unqualified term “coil” as applied to tube
Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast3 usually refers to a bunched coil.
B 813 Specification for Liquid and Paste Fluxes for Solder- 3.1.3.1 bunched, n—a coil in which the turns are bunched
ing Applications of Copper and Copper Alloy Tube3 and held together such that the cross section of the bunched
B 828 Practice for Making Capillary Joints by Soldering of turns is approximately circular.
Copper and Copper Alloy Tube and Fittings3 3.1.3.2 level or traverse wound, n—a coil in which the turns
are wound into layers parallel to the axis of the coil such that

1 4
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on Copper Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
5
and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.04 on Pipe Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
6
and Tube. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.05.
7
Current edition approved September 10, 1999. Published December 1999. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.
8
Originally published as B 280 – 53T. Last previous edition B 280 – 98. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.01.
2 9
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.04. Available from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 E. 47th St.,
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.01. New York, NY 10017.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 B 280
successive turns in a given layer are next to one another. bars, or tube of the Copper UNS10 No. C12200 and shall be of
(Sometimes called “helical coil.”) such soundness as to be suitable for processing into the tubular
3.1.3.3 single layer flat, n—a coil in which the product is products described.
spirally wound into a single disk-like layer. (Sometimes called 5.2 Manufacture:
“pancake coil” or “single layer spirally wound coil.”) 5.2.1 The tube shall be manufactured by such hot or cold
3.1.3.4 double layer flat, n—a coil in which the product is working processes as to produce a homogeneous uniform
spirally wound into two connected disk-like layers such that wrought structure in the finished product. The tube shall be
one layer is on top of the other. (Sometimes called “double cold drawn to the finished size and wall thickness.
layer pancake coil” or “double layer spirally wound coil.”) 5.2.2 Coiled lengths specified O60, soft annealed temper,
3.1.4 lengths, n—straight pieces of the product. shall be bright annealed after coiling, then dehydrated, and
3.1.4.1 specific, n—straight lengths that are uniform in capped, plugged, crimped, or otherwise closed at both ends so
length, as specified, and subject to established length toler- as to maintain the internal cleanness of the tubing under normal
ances. conditions of handling and storage.
3.1.4.2 standard, n—uniform lengths recommended in a 5.2.3 Straight lengths specified H58 hard-drawn temper
Simplified Practice Recommendation or established as a Com- shall be cleaned and capped, plugged, or otherwise closed at
mercial Standard. both ends so as to maintain the internal cleanness of the tubing
3.1.5 tube, seamless, n—a tube produced with a continuous under normal conditions of handling and storage.
periphery in all stages of the operations.
6. Chemical Composition
3.1.5.1 tube, air conditioning, n—a seamless copper tube
conforming to a standard series of sizes (Table 6) and to 6.1 The chemical composition shall conform to the follow-
specified internal cleanness requirements, normally furnished ing requirements for Copper UNS No. C12200:
in drawn temper straight lengths with the ends capped or Copper, min, % Including Silver Phosphorus, Range, %

sealed. 99.9 0.015–0.040

3.1.5.2 tube, refrigeration service, n—a seamless copper
6.1.1 These limits do not preclude the presence of other
tube conforming to a standard series of sizes (Table 5) and to
elements. When included in the contract or purchase order, and
special internal cleanliness and dehydration requirements,
agreed upon by the manufacturer or supplier and the purchaser,
normally furnished in soft temper coils and with ends capped
limits shall be established and analysis required for unnamed
or sealed.
elements.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 capable of—the test need not be performed by the 7. Temper
producer of the material. However, should subsequent testing
7.1 Product under this specification shall be furnished in
by the purchaser establish that the material does not meet these
either O60 (soft annealed) or H58 (drawn general purpose)
requirements, the material shall be subject to rejection.
temper, as specified in the contract or purchase order and
defined in Practice B 601.
4. Ordering Information
7.1.1 Coils are normally furnished in O60 temper and
4.1 Include this information for contracts or purchase orders straight lengths in H58 temper.
for products furnished to this specification.
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue (for example, 8. Grain Size
B 280 – 99), 8.1 Coiled lengths shall be furnished in the O60 temper and
4.1.2 Dimensions; wall thickness, diameter, and so forth shall have a recrystallized average grain size of 0.035 mm
(Section 13), minimum when determined in accordance with Test Methods
4.1.3 How furnished: coils or straight lengths, E 112.
4.1.4 Temper (for example, O60 or H58),
4.1.5 Size (Tables 4 and 5), 9. Tensile Requirements
4.1.6 Length (Section 13), 9.1 The tube shall conform to the tensile requirements
4.1.7 Quantity (total pieces of each size and type), prescribed in Table 1.
4.1.8 When product purchased for agencies of the U.S.
Government (Section 12).
10
4.2 The following options are available and shall be speci- Refer to Practice E 527 for explanation of unified numbering system (UNS).
fied in the contract or purchase order when required:
4.2.1 Expansion test (Section 10.1), TABLE 1 Tensile Requirements
4.2.2 Cleanness test (Sections 10.2 and 18.2.4), Tensile Strength, Elongation in
Temper Designation
Form min 2 in. (50.8
4.2.3 Certification (Section 22), and Standard Former ksiA MPaB mm), min, %
4.2.4 Test report (Section 23). Coiled lengths O60 soft annealed 30 205 40
Straight lengths H58 drawn general 36 250 ...
purpose
5. Materials and Manufacture A
ksi 5 1000 psi.
5.1 Materials—The material of manufacture shall be billets, B
See Appendix X1.

2
 B 280
10. Performance Requirements TABLE 3 Interior Surface Residue Limits of Straight Lengths

10.1 Expansion Test: Internal Area per Length of Tube, ResidueA

Wall ft2 (m2) Limit per 20-ft
10.1.1 Tube furnished in the O60 soft annealed temper shall Standard
Thickness, in. (6.10-m)
Size, in.
be capable of being expanded in accordance with Test Method (mm)
1 ft (0.305 m) 20 ft (6.10 m)
Straight
B 153 to the following extent: Length, g

10.1.1.1 The expanded tube shall show no cracking or other ⁄

38 0.030 (0.762) 0.0824 (0.007 65) 1.65 (0.153) 0.0058
⁄
12 0.035 (0.889) 0.1126 (0.0105) 2.25 (0.210) 0.0079
defects visible to the unaided eye. 5⁄8 0.040 (1.02) 0.1427 (0.0133) 2.85 (0.266) 0.0100
10.1.2 Unless specified in the contract or purchase order, 3⁄4 0.042 (1.07) 0.1744 (0.0162) 3.49 (0.324) 0.0122
7⁄8 0.045 (1.14) 0.2055 (0.0191) 4.11 (0.382) 0.0144
this test is not required to be performed by the manufacturer.
11⁄8 0.050 (1.27) 0.2683 (0.0249) 5.37 (0.498) 0.0188
10.2 Cleanness of Interior Surface: 13⁄8 0.055 (1.40) 0.3312 (0.0308) 6.62 (0.616) 0.0232
10.2.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order, this 15⁄8 0.060 (1.52) 0.3940 (0.0366) 7.88 (0.732) 0.0276
test shall be performed by the manufacturer. 21⁄8 0.070 (1.78) 0.5197 (0.0423) 10.39 (0.846) 0.0364
25⁄8 0.080 (2.03) 0.6453 (0.0599) 12.91 (1.120) 0.0453
10.2.2 After evaporation of the cleaning solvent, the residue 31⁄8 0.090 (2.29) 0.7710 (0.0716) 15.42 (1.43) 0.0540
weight shall not exceed 0.0035 g/ft2 (0.038 g/m2) of the 35⁄8 0.100 (2.54) 0.8966 (0.0833) 17.93 (1.67) 0.0628
interior surface. The maximum amount of residue in grams per 41⁄8 0.110 (2.79) 1.0220 (0.0949) 20.44 (1.90 0.0717
A
tube shall not exceed the limits specified in Tables 2-4. Residue limit 0.0035-g/ft2 (0.038-g/m2) inside area.

11. Nondestructive Testing 13.2 Wall Thickness and Diameter—The tolerances for wall
11.1 Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Examination: thickness and diameter shall conform to the requirements
11.1.1 Each straight length of tube up to and including 31⁄8 specified in Tables 4 and 5.
in. (79.4 mm) in outside diameter, shall be subjected to 13.3 Lengths and Tolerances:
examination. 13.3.1 Standard Lengths and Tolerances—The standard
11.1.2 Tubes that do not actuate the signaling device on the length for coils shall be 50 ft (15.2 m). The length tolerances
testing unit, after having been adjusted to provide information for 50-ft coils shall be +12 in. (300 mm) and –0 in. The
on the suitability of the tube for the intended application, shall standard length for straight lengths shall be 20 ft (6.10 m). The
conform to the requirements of this test. Testing shall be in length tolerances for 20-ft lengths shall be +1 in. (25 mm) and
accordance with Practice E 243. –0 in.
11.1.3 Testing of coiled lengths shall be subject to negotia- 13.3.2 Tubes supplied in other than standard lengths and
tion between the manufacturer and the purchaser. tolerances shall be in accordance with requirements established
11.1.4 For tubes too large for the testing unit, the test by agreement between the manufacturer or supplier and the
method to be used shall be by agreement between the manu- purchaser.
facturer and the purchaser. 13.4 Roundness—For drawn unannealed tube in straight
lengths, the roundness tolerance as specified in Table 6. The
12. Purchases for Agencies of the U.S. Government deviation from roundness is measured as the difference be-
12.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order, tween major and minor diameters as determined at any one
product purchased for agencies of the U.S. Government shall cross section of the tube. Roundness tolerance has not been
conform to the requirements stipulated in the Supplementary established for annealed tube in straight lengths nor for tubes
Requirements. furnished in coils.
13.5 Squareness of Cut—For tube in straight lengths, the
13. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations departure from squareness of the end of any tube shall not
13.1 The standard dimensions and weights per foot for the exceed more than 0.010 in. (0.25 mm) for tube up to and
various nominal sizes are given in Tables 5 and 6. including 5⁄8-in. (15.9-mm) standard size; and not more than
0.016 in./in. (0.016 mm/mm) of outside diameter, for tube
TABLE 2 Interior Surface Residue Limits of Soft Coiled Lengths larger than 5⁄8-in. standard size.
Internal Area per Length of Tube, ResidueA
13.6 For the purpose of determining conformance with the
Wall
Standard
Thickness, in. ft2 (m2) Limit per 50-ft dimensional requirements prescribed in this specification, any
Size, in. (15.2-m) Coil, measured value outside the specified limiting values for any
(mm) 1 ft (0.305 m) 50 ft (15.2 m) g
dimension shall be subject to rejection.
18 ⁄ 0.030 (0.762) 0.0171 (0.001 59) 0.85 (0.0795) 0.0030
⁄
3 16 0.030 (0.762) 0.0333 (0.003 09) 1.67 (0.155) 0.0058 14. Workmanship, Finish and Appearance
14 ⁄ 0.030 (0.762) 0.0498 (0.004 67) 2.49 (0.234) 0.0087
⁄
5 16 0.032 (0.813) 0.6050 (0.006 04) 3.25 (0.302) 0.0114 14.1 The finished tube shall be smooth, free of internal and
⁄
38 0.032 (0.813) 0.0815 (0.007 57) 4.08 (0.379) 0.0143 external mechanical imperfections, and shall have a clean,
⁄
12 0.032 (0.813) 0.1142 (0.0106) 5.71 (0.530) 0.0200
5⁄8 0.035 (0.889) 0.1453 (0.0135) 7.26 (0.675) 0.0254 bright appearance.
3⁄4 0.035 (0.889) 0.1780 (0.0165) 8.90 (0.827) 0.0312
3⁄4 0.042 (1.07) 0.1744 (0.0162) 8.72 (0.810) 0.0305 15. Sampling
7⁄8 0.045 (1.14) 0.2055 (0.0191) 10.28 (0.955) 0.0360
11⁄8 0.050 (1.27) 0.2683 (0.0249) 13.42 (1.24) 0.0470
15.1 The lot size, portion size, and selection of sample
13⁄8 0.055 (1.40) 0.3312 (0.0308) 16.56 (1.54) 0.0580 pieces shall be as follows:
15⁄8 0.060 (1.52) 0.3940 (0.0366) 19.70 (1.83) 0.0690 15.1.1 Lot Size—The lot size shall be 10 000 lbs (5000 kg)
A
Residue limit 0.0035-g/ft2 (0.038-g/m2) inside area. or fraction thereof.

3
 B 280
TABLE 4 Standard Dimensions and Weights, and Tolerances in Diameter and Wall Thickness for Coil Lengths
TolerancesA
B
Standard Size, in. Outside Diameter, in. (mm) Wall Thickness, in. (mm) Weight, lb/ft (kg/m) Average Outside
Wall Thickness, Plus and
Diameter, Plus and Minus,
Minus, in. (mm)
in. (mm)
18 ⁄ 0.125 (3.18) 0.030 (0.762) 0.0347 (0.0516) 0.002 (0.051) 0.003 (0.08)
⁄
3 16 0.187 (4.75) 0.030 (0.762) 0.0575 (0.0856) 0.002 (0.051) 0.003 (0.08)
14 ⁄ 0.250 (6.35) 0.030 (0.762) 0.0804 (0.120) 0.002 (0.051) 0.003 (0.08)
⁄
5 16 0.312 (7.92) 0.032 (0.813) 0.109 (0.162) 0.002 (0.051) 0.003 (0.08)
⁄
38 0.375 (9.52) 0.032 (0.813) 0.134 (0.199) 0.002 (0.051) 0.003 (0.08)
⁄
12 0.500 (12.7) 0.032 (0.813) 0.182 (0.271) 0.002 (0.051) 0.003 (0.08)
5⁄8 0.625 (15.9) 0.035 (0.889) 0.251 (0.373) 0.002 (0.051) 0.004 (0.11)
3⁄4 0.750 (19.1) 0.035 (0.889) 0.305 (0.454) 0.0025 (0.064) 0.004 (0.11)
3⁄4 0.750 (19.1) 0.042 (1.07) 0.362 (0.539) 0.0025 (0.064) 0.004 (0.11)
7⁄8 0.875 (22.3) 0.045 (1.14) 0.455 (0.677) 0.003 (0.076) 0.004 (0.11)
11⁄8 1.125 (28.6) 0.050 (1.27) 0.665 (0.975) 0.0035 (0.089) 0.005 (0.13)
13⁄8 1.375 (34.9) 0.055 (1.40) 0.884 (1.32) 0.004 (0.10) 0.006 (0.15)
15⁄8 1.625 (41.3) 0.060 (1.52) 1.14 (1.70) 0.0045 (0.11) 0.006 (0.15)
A
The tolerances listed represent the maximum deviation at any point.
B
The average outside diameter of a tube is the average of the maximum and minimum outside diameters as determined at any one cross section of the tube.

TABLE 5 Standard Dimensions and Weights, and Tolerances in Diameter and Wall Thickness for Straight Lengths

NOTE 1—Applicable to drawn temper tube only.

Tolerances

Standard Size, in. Outside Diameter, in. (mm) Wall Thickness, in. (mm) Weight, lb/ft (kg/m) AverageA Outside Diam-
WallB Thickness, Plus and
eter, Plus and Minus, in.
Minus, in. (mm)
(mm)
⁄
38 0.375 (9.52) 0.030 (0.762) 0.126 (0.187) 0.001 (0.025) 0.003 (0.08)
⁄
12 0.500 (12.7) 0.035 (0.889) 0.198 (0.295) 0.001 (0.025) 0.004 (0.09)
5⁄8 0.625 (15.9) 0.040 (1.02) 0.285 (0.424) 0.001 (0.025) 0.004 (0.10)
3⁄4 0.750 (19.1) 0.042 (1.07) 0.362 (0.539) 0.001 (0.025) 0.004 (0.11)
7⁄8 0.875 (22.3) 0.045 (1.14) 0.455 (0.677) 0.001 (0.025) 0.004 (0.11)
11⁄8 1.125 (28.6) 0.050 (1.27) 0.655 (0.975) 0.0015 (0.038) 0.004 (0.13)
13⁄8 1.375 (34.9) 0.055 (1.40) 0.884 (1.32) 0.0015 (0.038) 0.006 (0.14)
15⁄8 1.625 (41.3) 0.060 (1.52) 1.14 (1.70) 0.002 (0.051) 0.006 (0.15)
21⁄8 2.125 (54.0) 0.070 (1.78) 1.75 (2.60) 0.002 (0.051) 0.007 (0.18)
25⁄8 2.625 (66.7) 0.080 (2.03) 2.48 (3.69) 0.002 (0.051) 0.008 (0.20)
31⁄8 3.125 (79.4) 0.090 (2.29) 3.33 (4.96) 0.002 (0.051) 0.009 (0.23)
35⁄8 3.625 (92.1) 0.100 (2.54) 4.29 (6.38) 0.002 (0.051) 0.010 (0.25)
41⁄8 4.125 (105) 0.110 (2.79) 5.38 (8.01) 0.002 (0.051) 0.011 (0.28)
A
The average outside diameter of a tube is the average of the maximum and minimum outside diameters as determined at any one cross section of the tube.
B
The tolerances listed represent the maximum deviation at any point.

TABLE 6 Roundness Tolerance 15.1.2.1 In the case of tube furnished in coils, a length
NOTE 1—Applicable to drawn unannealed straight length tube only. sufficient for all necessary tests shall be cut from each coil
Roundness Tolerance Percent of
selected for purpose of test. The remaining portion of these
t/D (Ratio of Wall Thickness to Nominal Nominal Outside Diameter (Ex- coils shall be included in the shipment, and the permissible
Outside Diameter) pressed to Nearest 0.001 in. or variations in length on such coils shall be waived.
0.010 mm)
15.2 Chemical Composition:
0.01 to 0.03, incl 1.5 15.2.1 The sample shall be taken in approximately equal
Over 0.03 to 0.05, incl 1.0
Over 0.05 to 0.10, incl 0.8 weight from each piece selected in 15.1.2 and prepared in
accordance with Practice E 255. The minimum weight of the
composite sample shall be 150 g.
15.1.2 Portion Size—Sample pieces shall be selected to be 15.2.2 Instead of sampling in accordance with Practice
representative of the lot as shown in Table 7. E 255, the manufacturer shall have the option of sampling at
the time castings are poured or from the semifinished product.
When the composition is determined during the course of
TABLE 7 Sampling Schedule
manufacture, sampling of the finished product is not required.
NOTE 1—Each sample piece shall be taken from a separate tube. 15.2.3 The number of samples taken during the course of
Number of Pieces in Lot Number of Sample Pieces to be Taken manufacture shall be as follows:
1 to 50 1 15.2.3.1 When samples are taken at the time the castings are
51 to 200 2 poured, at least one sample shall be taken for each group of
201 to 1500 3 castings poured simultaneously from the same source of
Over 1500 0.2 % of total number of pieces in the lot, but not
to exceed 10 pieces molten metal.
15.2.3.2 When samples are taken from the semifinished

4
 B 280
product, a sample shall be taken to represent each 10 000 lbs 18.1.1 Chemical composition, in case of disagreement, shall
(5000 kg) or fraction thereof, except that not more than one be determined as follows:
sample per piece shall be required. Element Test Method
15.3 Other Tests—Specimens for all other tests shall be
Copper E 53
taken from two of the sample pieces selected in 15.1.2. In the Phosphorus E 62
event only one sample piece is selected, all specimens shall be
taken from that piece. 18.1.2 The test method(s) to be followed for the determina-
tion of element(s) required by contractual or purchase order
16. Number of Tests and Retests agreement shall be as agreed upon between the manufacturer
16.1 Tests: and the purchaser.
16.1.1 Chemical composition shall be reported as the aver- 18.2 The tubes shall conform with the physical and me-
age of results from at least two replicate determinations for chanical properties and other requirements in this specification
each specified element and each determination must meet when tested in accordance with the following appropriate test
specification requirement. method or practice:
16.1.2 Tensile and grain size shall be reported as the average Test Test Method
of results from the specimens tested and all specimens must
Grain size E 112
conform to specification requirements.
Tensile E8
16.1.3 Specimens for all other tests must meet specification Expansion (pin test) B 153
requirements. Electromagnetic (eddy-current) test E 243
Cleanness Section
16.2 Retest: 18.2.4
16.2.1 When test results obtained by the purchaser fail to
conform with the product specification requirement(s), the
manufacturer or supplier shall have the option to perform a 18.2.1 Grain size, in case of dispute, shall be determined by
retest. the intercept method.
16.2.2 Retesting shall be as directed in the product specifi- 18.2.2 Tensile strength shall be determined in accordance
cation for the initial test except for the number of test with Test Methods E 8.
specimens which shall be twice that normally required for the 18.2.2.1 Whenever test results are obtained from both full-
test. Test results for all specimens shall conform to the product size and machined specimens and they differ, the test results
specification requirement(s) in retest and failure to comply from the full-size specimens shall prevail.
shall be cause for lot rejection. 18.2.2.2 Test results are not seriously affected by variations
in speed of testing. It is not prohibited to use a considerable
17. Specimen Preparation
range of testing speeds, however, the rate of stressing to the
17.1 Chemical Analysis—Preparation of the analytical yield strength shall not exceed 100 ksi/min. Above the yield
specimens for the determination of chemical composition shall strength the movement per minute of the testing machine head
be the responsibility of the reporting laboratory. under load shall not exceed 0.5 in./in. of gage length (or
17.2 Grain Size: distance between grips for full-section specimens).
17.2.1 The specimen(s) shall be prepared in accordance
18.2.3 Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Test—Each tube up
with Test Methods E 3.
to and including 31⁄8 in. (79.4 mm) in outside diameter, shall be
17.2.1.1 The surface of the specimen shall approximate a
subjected to an eddy-current test. Testing shall follow the
radial longitudinal section of the tube.
procedures in Practice E 243. Tubes shall be passed through an
17.3 Tensile—Tensile test specimens shall be of the full
eddy-current test unit adjusted to provide information on the
section of the tube and shall conform with the requirements of
suitability of the tube for the intended application.
the Test Specimen section of Test Methods E 8, unless the
limitation of the testing machine precludes the use of such 18.2.3.1 Either notch depth or drilled hole standards shall be
specimen in which case test specimen conforming to Type No. used.
1 of Fig. 13 in Test Methods E 8 shall be used. (a) Notch depth standards, rounded to the nearest 0.001 in.
17.4 Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Test—Tubes for this shall be 22 % of the wall thickness. The notch depth tolerance
test require no special preparation. shall be 60.0005 in.
17.5 Expansion Test—Test specimens shall be prepared in (b) Drilled holes shall be drilled radially through the wall
accordance with the Test Specimen section of Test Method using a suitable drill jig that has a bushing to guide the drill,
B 153. care being taken to avoid distortion of the tube while drilling.
The diameter of the drilled hole shall be in accordance with the
18. Test Methods following and shall not vary by more than +0.001, –0.000 in.
18.1 Chemical Composition: of the hole diameter specified.

5
 B 280
Tube Outside Diameter, Diameter of Drilled 18.2.4.3 Remove a cap, or plug, and pour the solvent into a
in. Holes, in. Drill Number suitable clean weighed container. With adequate exhaust, the
1⁄4 to 3⁄4, incl 0.025 72
solvent in the container shall be evaporated to near dryness at
Over 3⁄4 to 1, incl 0.031 68 a low temperature on a hot plate or sand bath. Caution:
Over 1 to 11⁄4, incl 0.036 64 Overheating is likely to cause charring of the residue.
Over 11⁄4 to 11⁄2, incl 0.042 58
Over 11⁄2 to 13⁄4, incl 0.046 56 18.2.4.4 Place the container in a drying oven with the
Over 13⁄4 to 2, incl 0.052 55 temperature set at 105 6 5°C for 10 min to complete the drying
process. When dry, remove the container, cool in a desiccator,
Tube Outside Diameter, Diameter of Drilled
mm Holes, mm Drill Number and weigh.
18.2.4.5 A blank determination with the same volume of
6.0 to 19.0, incl 0.635 72
Over 19.0 to 25, incl 0.785 68
solvent as that poured from the cleaned tube shall be made.
Over 25 to 32, incl 0.915 64 18.2.4.6 Subtract the weight of the blank residue from the
Over 32 to 38, incl 1.07 58 weight of the tube cleaning solvent residue. The corrected
Over 38 to 45, incl 1.17 56
Over 45 to 50, incl 1.322 55
weight shall then be calculated to grams of residue per internal
area of the tube as follows:
18.2.3.2 Alternatively, at the option of the manufacturer, C5A–B (1)
using speed-insensitive eddy-current units that are equipped to
select a fraction of the maximum imbalance signal, the where:
following percent maximum imbalance signals shall be used: A 5 weight of blank container plus residue,
Standard Tube Size, Maximum Percent Imbalance Signal B 5 net weight of empty container, and
in. Magnitude C 5 weight of solvent residue from blank, g.
Up to 3⁄8, incl 0.2 G 5 @~E – F! – C#/D (2)
⁄ to 2, incl
12 0.3
Over 2 to 3, incl 0.4 where:
E 5 weight of container plus residue from tube,
Standard Tube Size, Maximum Percent Imbalance Signal
mm Magnitude
F 5 net weight of container,
C 5 weight of residue from solvent blank,
Up to 9, incl 0.2 D 5 internal area of sample tube, ft2 (see Tables 2 and 3),
13 to 50, incl 0.3 G 5 weight of residue from tube, g.
Over 50 to 76, 0.4
incl
19. Significance of Numerical Limits
18.2.3.3 Tubes that do not activate the signalling device of
19.1 For purposes of determining compliance with the
the eddy-current tester shall be considered as conforming to the
specified limits for requirements of the properties listed in the
requirements of this test. At the option of the manufacturer,
following table, an observed value or a calculated value shall
tubes with discontinuities indicated by the testing unit are not
be rounded as indicated in accordance with the rounding
prohibited from being reexamined or retested to determine
method of Practice E 29:
whether the discontinuity is cause for rejection. Signals that are
Property Rounded Unit for Observed or Calculated Value
found to have been caused by minor mechanical damage, soil
or moisture, shall not be cause for rejection of the tubes Chemical composition nearest unit in the last right-hand place of
provided the tube dimensions are still within prescribed limits figures of the specified limit
Tensile strength nearest ksi (5 MPa)
and the tube is suitable for its intended application. Elongation nearest 1 %
18.2.4 Cleanness Test: Grain size:
Up to 0.055 mm, incl nearest multiple of 0.005 mm
18.2.4.1 In performing this test, care must be exercised to Over 0.055 to 0.160 nearest 0.01 mm
clean the outside surface of the end of the sample to be mm, incl
immersed in the solvent. The sample must be prepared in such
a manner as to prevent the inclusion in the residue of copper 20. Inspection
chips or dust, resulting from cutting of the sample. Because of 20.1 The manufacturer, or supplier, shall inspect and make
test limitations, it is not required that straight tubes 13⁄8 in. (35 tests necessary to verify the product furnished conforms to
mm) and over be tested full length. For such tubes, it is not specification requirements.
prohibited to test a shorter length to a minimum of 5 ft (1500 20.2 Source inspection of the product by the purchaser shall
mm) with a corresponding reduced maximum permissible be agreed upon between the manufacturer, or supplier, and the
residue limit based upon 0.0035 g/ft2 (0.038 g/m2) of sample purchaser as part of the purchase order. In such case, the nature
interior surface. of the facilities needed to satisfy the inspector representing the
18.2.4.2 Cap, or plug, one end of the tube and fill with purchaser that the product is being furnished in accordance
solvent to one eighth of its capacity. Cap, or plug, the filling with the specification shall be included in the agreement. All
end and roll tube on horizontal supports to thoroughly wash the tests and the inspection shall be conducted so as not to interfere
inside surface. A minimum quantity of 100 mL shall be used unnecessarily with the operations of the works.
for diameters up to 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) and shall be increased 20.3 By mutual agreement, the manufacturer or supplier has
proportionally for the larger sizes. the option of conducting the final inspection simultaneously.

6
 B 280
21. Rejection and Rehearing 24.2 Hard Straight Lengths:
21.1 Rejection: 24.2.1 The name or trademark of the manufacturer and the
21.1.1 Product that fails to conform to the requirements of mark indicative of Type L or ACR shall be permanently
the product specification when inspected or tested by the incised on each tube at intervals not greater than 11⁄2 ft (0.455
purchaser, or purchaser’s agent, is subject to rejection. m). Tube in the hard temper straight lengths shall be further
21.1.2 Rejection shall be reported to the manufacturer or identified throughout its length by means of a continuous
supplier promptly and in writing. blue-colored stripe, symbol, or logo not less than 3⁄16 in. (4.76
21.1.3 The manufacturer or supplier has the option of mm) in height, including a legend repeated at intervals not
making a claim for a rehearing in case of dissatisfaction with greater than 3 ft (0.910 m). The legend shall include ACR,
the results of the test. name or trademark of the manufacturer, or both, the outside
21.2 Rehearing—As a result of product rejection, the manu- diameter, and country of origin.
facturer or supplier has the option to make claim for retest to
24.2.2 Such color marking is not applicable to tube fur-
be conducted by the manufacturer or supplier and the pur-
chaser. Samples of the rejected product shall be taken in nished in coils.
accordance with the product specification and tested by both NOTE 4—Other information is not prohibited from inclusion in either
parties as directed in the product specification, or, alternatively, incise mark of ink marking at the option of the manufacturer.
upon agreement by both parties, an independent laboratory
shall be selected for the tests using the test methods prescribed 25. Packaging and Package Marking
in the product specification.
25.1 Packaging—The product shall be separated by size,
22. Certification composition, and temper. The product shall be prepared for
22.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order, the shipment in such a manner as to ensure acceptance by common
purchaser shall be furnished certification that samples repre- carrier for transportation at the lowest rate applicable and to
senting each lot have been either tested or inspected as directed afford protection from normal hazards of transportation.
in this specification and requirements have been met. 25.2 Package Marking—Each shipping unit shall be legibly
marked with the purchase order number, UNS copper desig-
23. Test Report (Mill) nation, temper, size, total length or piece count, or both, and
23.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order, a name of the supplier. The specification number shall be shown
report of test results shall be furnished. when specified.
24. Product Identification
26. Keywords
24.1 Coils—The name or trademark of the manufacturer
and ACR shall be permanently incised on each tube, 1⁄4-in. 26.1 air conditioning tube; field service tube; refrigeration
diameter and larger, at intervals not greater than 11⁄2 ft (0.455 tube; seamless copper tube
m).

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

The following supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by the purchaser in the
inquiry, contract, or order, for agencies of the U.S. Government.

S1. Referenced Documents S1.1.3 Military Specification:11

S1.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date MIL-C-3993 Packaging of Copper and Copper-Base Alloy
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the Mill Products
extent referenced herein:
S1.1.1 Federal Standards:11 S2. Quality Assurance
Fed. Std. No. 102 Preservation, Packaging and Packing
S2.1 Responsibility for Inspection—Unless otherwise speci-
Levels
Fed Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies) fied in the contract or purchase order, the manufacturer is
Fed Std. No. 185 Identification Marking of Copper and responsible for the performance of all inspection and test
Copper-Base Alloy Mill Products requirements specified. Except as otherwise specified in the
S1.2 Military Standard:11 contract or purchase order, the manufacturer has the option to
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage use his own or any other suitable facilities for the performance
of the inspection and test requirements unless disapproved by
the purchaser at the time the order is placed. The purchaser
11
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, shall have the right to perform any of the inspections or tests
700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS. set forth when such inspections and tests are deemed necessary

7
 B 280
to ensure that the material conforms to prescribed require- in the contract or purchase order, in accordance with the
ments. requirements of MIL-C-3993.
S4.1.2 Civil Agencies—The requirements of Fed. Std. No.
S3. Identification Marking
102 shall be referred for definitions of the various levels of
S3.1 All material shall be properly marked for identification packaging protection.
in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 185 except that the ASTM
S4.2 Marking:
specification number and the alloy number shall be used.
S4.2.1 Military Agencies—In addition to any special mark-
S4. Preparation for Delivery ing required by the contract or purchase order, marking for
S4.1 Preservation, Packaging, Packing: shipment shall be in accordance with MIL-STD-129.
S4.1.1 Military Agencies—The material shall be separated S4.2.2 Civil Agencies—In addition to any special marking
by size, composition, grade, or class and shall be preserved and required by the contract or purchase order, marking for
packaged, Level A or C, packed, Level A, B, or C as specified shipment shall be in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 123.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. METRIC EQUIVALENTS

X1.1 The SI unit for strength properties now shown is in stress is the newton per square metre (N/m2), which has been
accordance with the International System of Units (SI). The named the pascal (Pa) by the General Conference on Weights
derived SI unit for force is the newton (N), which is defined as and Measures. Since 1 ksi 5 6 894 757 Pa, the metric
that force which when applied to a body having a mass of one equivalents are expressed as megapascal (MPa), which is the
kilogram gives it an acceleration of one metre per second same as MN/m2 and N/mm2.
squared (N 5 kg · m/s2). The derived SI unit for pressure or

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee B05.04 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(B 280 – 98) that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Nonmandatory language has been deleted and replaced

with mandatory language.

The American Society for Testing and Materials takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection
with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
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views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

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