Web Menu

Product Search

Language

Share

Zhejiang Jingliang Copper-Tube Products Co., Ltd

Wholesale Inch Size Copper Tubing

Inch Size Copper Tubing

-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --

The Standard for North American and Global ACR Markets

Inch-sized copper tubing, often referred to as fractional or imperial sizing, is the dominant standard in the North American market and the global Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACR) industry. While much of the world has moved to metric units for plumbing, the HVACR sector remains firmly rooted in inch measurements (e.g., 1/4", 3/8", 1/2"). At Zhejiang Jingliang, we produce a massive range of inch-sized tubing that strictly adheres to American standards such as ASTM B88 (for plumbing) and ASTM B280 (for ACR). These tubes are critical for compatibility with US-made compressors, condensers, and residential HVAC equipment. We utilize the same high-purity C12200 phosphorus-deoxidized copper for these lines, ensuring they meet the high-pressure and high-cleanliness requirements that US building codes and mechanical engineers demand.

In the ACR industry, the precision of inch-sized tubing is paramount. Because the internal volume of the tube directly affects the refrigerant charge and system balance, our manufacturing process maintains extremely tight tolerances on both the outer diameter and the wall thickness. Our inch-sized tubes are "Dehydrated and Capped," a process that removes all moisture and seals the ends to prevent contamination before installation. This is a mandatory requirement for any ACR project in the US and is a standard feature of our production. Whether supplied as soft-annealed pancake coils for field service or hard-drawn straight lengths for commercial installations, our inch-sized copper provides the "perfect fit" for the vast ecosystem of fractional flare fittings, compression nuts, and solder joints that dominate the Western HVAC market. By choosing our ASTM-compliant tubing, you are ensuring your project meets all UL, ASME, and local building safety codes.

Inch Size Technical Parameters & ASTM Specs

PropertyInch/Imperial Specification
Standard Sizes (OD)1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1-1/8" to 4"
ASTM TypesType K (Heavy), Type L (Standard), Type M (Light)
Material GradeC12200 Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper
Standards ComplianceASTM B280 (ACR), ASTM B88 (Plumbing), B819 (Medical)
Temper RangeO60 (Annealed), H58 (Hard), H55 (Half-Hard)
Internal Residue LimitMax 0.0035 g/sq.ft (per ASTM B280)
Tensile Strength30,000 psi (Soft) to 45,000 psi (Hard)
Concentricity±5% of wall thickness
MarkingContinuous ink-mark indicating Standard, Type, and Size

Applications in North American HVAC & Plumbing

Inch-sized copper tubing is the primary material for residential air conditioning (mini-splits and central air) throughout North and South America, as well as the Middle East and parts of Southeast Asia. In the plumbing sector, ASTM B88 Type L and K tubes are the standard for potable water lines, underground service lines, and gas distribution. These tubes are also the standard for medical gas systems in US-built hospitals, following the ASTM B819 "Oxygen-Clean" requirement. In the industrial sector, they are used for pneumatic control lines, lubrication systems, and as cooling lines in US-made heavy machinery and automotive engines. The fractional sizing ensures compatibility with the widespread "NPT" (National Pipe Thread) and flare fittings used in these regions. Furthermore, our inch-sized LWC coils are the preferred choice for US-based appliance manufacturers producing refrigerators, freezers, and ice makers.

Advantages of ASTM Standard Inch Tubing

The primary advantage is "Code Compliance and Safety." In markets like the US and Canada, using non-ASTM compliant tubing can lead to failed inspections and legal liability; our tubing provides the peace of mind that all local codes are met. Another major advantage is "Universal Fitment" with Western HVAC equipment. By using 3/8" or 5/8" tubing, you ensure a perfect, leak-proof seal with standard flare nuts and fittings found on brands like Carrier, Trane, and York. Our "Dehydrated ACR" grade provides the advantage of "Maximum System Life," as it is guaranteed to be free of moisture and contaminants that cause compressor acid. Additionally, copper's natural durability and high recyclability make it a sustainable choice that adds value to any building. For the technician, the consistent wall thickness of our inch tubing means more reliable flares and stronger brazed joints, reducing the need for expensive callbacks and repairs.

Packaging, Inventory, and North American Shipping

We maintain a huge stock of ASTM B280 and B88 sizes, enabling fast shipping to the Americas and other imperial-standard regions. Payment is accepted via T/T or L/C. We package our inch-sized coils in heavy-duty cardboard boxes (often with US-style labeling) and our straight lengths in "Master Bundles" for efficient container transport. For the US market, we offer 10ft and 20ft straight lengths and 50ft/100ft coils, which are the industry standards. Every shipment is accompanied by a detailed Mill Test Certificate (MTR) verifying compliance with the specific ASTM standard and chemical grade C12200. We coordinate with shipping lines to provide competitive rates to major ports like Los Angeles, Houston, New York, and Toronto. Our packaging is designed to be "Retail-Ready" for distributors, including barcodes and clear size markings for warehouse management.

  • Q: What is the difference between ACR tubing and Plumbing tubing?
  • A: ACR tubing (ASTM B280) is measured by its Actual Outside Diameter and is dehydrated/capped. Plumbing tubing (ASTM B88) is measured by its Nominal size (which is 1/8" smaller than the actual OD) and is not necessarily dehydrated.
  • Q: Can I use Type L plumbing tube for air conditioning?
  • A: While the wall thickness is often the same, plumbing tube is not cleaned to ACR standards. Using it in a refrigeration system could introduce moisture and oils that damage the compressor.
  • Q: Is 7/8" OD the same as 22mm?
  • A: They are very close (7/8" is ~22.22mm), but they are not the same. Fittings for 22mm will not fit a 7/8" pipe correctly. Always use the size specified by your equipment manufacturer.
ABOUT US
30+YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
About Us

A Reliable Partner of the Copper Tube Industry

Zhejiang Jingliang Copper-Tube Products Co., Ltd is China Inch Size Copper Tubing and Inch Size Copper Tubing Factory, which established in 1994, has been deeply involved in the copper tube industry for over three decades. The company primarily produce various specifications of products such as copper tubes, brass tubes, copper square tubes, fin copper tubes, copper capillary tubes, condenser copper tubes, copper evaporator tubes, and conductive rods, which are of quality and have earned the trust and acclaim of customers both domestically and internationally.

Wide Applications:

These products are widely used in various fields including air conditioning, refrigeration, heat exchange, sanitary ware, automotive, machinery, electric furnaces, and chemical industries.

Convenient Transportation:

Strategically located in Tangpu Town, renowned as the “home of copper tubes” in East China. Our company enjoys a prime location, adjacent to the Shangsan Expressway and National Highway 104, and is conveniently situated just over 70 kilometers from Hangzhou and Ningbo, ensuring easy accessibility and a business position.

Strong Financial Resources:

With its strong financial resources and advanced copper tube processing technology, our company holds an advantageous position in market share, brand value, technological content, and product quality, becoming a preferred supplier for many listed groups.

Large Scale Production:

The company occupies an area of over 20,000 square meters, with a construction area of 12,800 square meters. In 2022, our annual production exceeded 7,500 tons, with a value output of up to 450 million yuan, demonstrating our strong production capacity and market competitiveness.

Comprehensive Industry Chain:

Jingliang has now developed into a complete industrial chain integrating smelting, extrusion, drawing, precision rolling, and annealing. It has been awarded multiple honors, including "Top Ten Copper Tube Enterprises" and "Leading Taxpayer in the Copper Tube Industry".

Smart Manufacturing:

Jingliang Copper-Tube Products will better integrate the concept of factory construction into its corporate development strategy, insist on refining technology and polishing products more finely, and the future of "intelligent manufacturing".

Genuine Cooperation:

Zhejiang Jingliang Copper-Tube Products Co.,Ltd warmly welcomes friends from all walks of life to visit and offer guidance. We look forward to joining hands with you to create a brilliant future together.

Message Feedback

  • Metric Size Copper Tubing
  • AC & Refrigeration Copper Tubing
  • Sanitary Copper Tubing
  • Dehydrated Copper Tubing
    • X Facebook
    Products News