straight copper pipe 1/2 inch is hard-drawn copper tube in rigid straight lengths, with an outside diameter of 12.7 mm. It is often used for the suction (gas) line of small wall split AC units and liquid lines on larger systems.
Straight tube keeps long runs neat and easy to support. In addition, it brazes to standard 1/2 inch copper fittings, so elbows, tees and couplers of the same size fit directly.
What is straight copper pipe?
Straight copper pipe is hard-drawn copper tube supplied in rigid lengths. In refrigeration and air conditioning, copper tube is named by its actual outside diameter in inches, so 1/2 inch tube measures 12.7 mm across the outside.
Hard-drawn tube stays straight and neat on long runs, risers and plant room headers. It is usually joined by brazing with copper fittings. Soft annealed copper in rolls, by contrast, bends by hand and is often flared.
Further reading
- Copper tubing: types and sizes (Wikipedia)
- How brazing joins metals (Wikipedia)
- How vapour-compression refrigeration works (Wikipedia)
Key terms explained
- ACR copper tube
- Copper tube made for air conditioning and refrigeration. It is cleaned inside and named by its outside diameter, as set out in standards such as ASTM B280.
- Outside diameter (OD)
- The measured width across the outside of the tube. ACR tube is named by its OD, so 5/8 inch tube measures 15.88 mm across.
- Suction and liquid lines
- The two refrigerant pipes between indoor and outdoor units. The larger suction line returns cool gas to the compressor, and the smaller liquid line carries liquid refrigerant to the indoor coil.
- Hard-drawn copper
- Copper cold drawn to a stiff temper. It holds its shape in straight lengths, but it needs annealing before it can be bent tightly or flared.
- Annealed (soft) copper
- Copper that has been heat treated to make it soft. It bends by hand or with a bender and is supplied in coils.
- Brazing
- Joining metals with a filler rod that melts above about 450 degrees Celsius. Copper refrigeration joints are usually brazed, often with a nitrogen purge inside the pipe.
Features and benefits
- Rigid straight lengths that stay neat on long runs and risers.
- Named by outside diameter, so it matches ACR copper fittings.
- High thermal conductivity for coil and heat exchanger work.
- Copper resists corrosion in most indoor and outdoor conditions.
- Brazes to copper elbows, tees and couplers.
- Fully recyclable metal.
Technical specifications
| Product | Straight Copper Pipe 1/2 Inch (12.7 mm) |
|---|---|
| Outside diameter | 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) |
| Form | Straight lengths |
| Temper | Hard-drawn |
| Material | Copper |
| Wall thickness | Confirm with quote |
| Length per piece | Confirm with quote |
| Joining | Brazing with copper fittings |
| Matching insulation | 1/2 inch Armaflex tube |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
Wall thickness and pressure rating depend on the batch. Tell us the refrigerant and quantity, and we will confirm current stock.
Applications of straight copper pipe 1/2 inch
- Ducted and packaged AC. Forms suction and liquid lines on ducted, cassette and packaged units.
- Split AC line runs. Carries refrigerant between indoor and outdoor units where long straight runs suit.
- Cold rooms. Connects cold room evaporators to condensing units outside.
- Supermarket display cases. Feeds refrigerant to chilled and frozen display cabinets.
- Multi-compressor racks. Builds suction and discharge headers on compressor racks.
- Chiller plant. Forms refrigerant pipework on air-cooled and water-cooled chillers.
- Condensing unit connections. Joins condensing units to remote coils and expansion valves.
- Heat pump systems. Carries refrigerant in air-source and water heating heat pumps.
- Dairy milk coolers. Forms refrigerant lines on bulk milk cooling tanks.
- Ice makers and water coolers. Forms refrigerant lines in ice machines and drinking water coolers.
- Coil and heat exchanger repair. Replaces damaged tube on evaporator and condenser coils.
- Process cooling. Carries refrigerant in industrial process cooling equipment.
- Hot and cold water lines. Carries domestic water where copper plumbing is specified.
- Solar water heating. Connects solar collectors to hot water cylinders.
- Compressed air lines. Carries compressed air in workshops where copper is specified.
How to choose and install
- Check the line sizes in the equipment maker manual, then order tube with the matching outside diameter.
- Confirm the wall thickness suits the refrigerant pressure, especially on R410A and R32 systems.
- Cut with a tube cutter, not a hacksaw, then deburr so no chips enter the system.
- Braze joints with a dry nitrogen purge inside the tube to prevent oxide scale.
- Use long-radius elbows for direction changes, or anneal the tube before bending.
- Keep tube ends capped until use, so dust and moisture stay out.
- Insulate suction lines with Armaflex tube of the same size to stop condensation.
Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts
- Gases, oils and parts togetherRefrigerants, compressor oils, copper pipe, driers and tools come from one counter, so a repair needs one trip.
- Brands technicians knowOur range includes names such as Danfoss, Maxron, Suniso and Emkarate.
- Compatibility checksWe point out refrigerant, oil and voltage compatibility before you buy, which helps avoid costly mistakes.
- Tools for the whole jobGauges, flaring kits, brazing torches and gas are stocked alongside the parts they install.
- Visit or collect in NairobiOur store is at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, in the Industrial Area, so you can see parts before you buy or collect your order.
- Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
- Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
- Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
- Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
- Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya, and we also supply buyers in Uganda and Tanzania.
Related products and accessories
Browse more: Copper pipes rolls · Insulation · AC and refrigeration tools · Refrigeration Gases.
Ordering from Sparks Plumbing Experts
We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. You can collect from our store at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, Nairobi, or ask us about delivery to your site. Send your quantities and specifications, and we will reply with prices and availability.
Request a Quote WhatsApp 0726 086 895
Frequently asked questions
What is the outside diameter of straight copper pipe 1/2 inch?
It is 12.7 mm. ACR copper is named by outside diameter, so measure an existing tube with a caliper to confirm the match.
Where is straight copper pipe 1/2 inch used?
It is often used for the suction (gas) line of small wall split AC units and liquid lines on larger systems. Always follow the line sizes in the equipment manual.
Can straight copper pipe 1/2 inch be bent?
Hard-drawn tube is stiff. Use long-radius copper elbows, or anneal the tube first and bend it with a bender made for 1/2 inch tube.
What length is straight copper pipe 1/2 inch supplied in?
Length per piece depends on the batch. Tell us how many metres you need, and we will confirm the lengths in stock.
What details do you need to quote copper pipes?
Tell us the tube size, whether you need rolls or straight lengths, the quantity and the refrigerant. A photo of the old part, a nameplate or a drawing also helps. Then call or WhatsApp 0726 086 895, or use the quote form on this page.
Do you deliver copper pipes outside Nairobi?
Yes. We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. Delivery or courier arrangements are agreed when you confirm the order.
How much does a copper pipe cost in Kenya?
The price depends on the size, the form (roll or straight), the quantity and current copper prices. Therefore, send your list with a quote request and we will reply with current figures.
How is straight copper pipe joined?
Refrigeration joints are usually brazed with copper fittings, such as elbows, tees and couplers. Hard-drawn tube is not flared unless the end is annealed first.
Is this copper pipe suitable for R410A and R32?
These refrigerants run at higher pressure, so the tube wall must be rated for them. Tell us the refrigerant, and we will confirm the wall thickness of the stock we offer.
Do I need to insulate copper refrigeration pipe?
Yes for suction lines, because cold copper sweats and gains heat. Fit Armaflex insulation tube of the same size over the pipe.
Should I keep copper pipe ends capped?
Yes. Keep the ends sealed until installation, so dust and moisture stay out of the refrigerant system.
Can copper pipe be used for drinking water?
Yes. Copper has long been used for hot and cold water lines. However, for refrigeration work, keep ACR tube clean and capped and use it only for refrigerant.
People also search for
copper pipe sizes in mm
ACR outside diameters: 1/4 inch is 6.35 mm, 3/8 inch 9.52 mm, 1/2 inch 12.7 mm, 5/8 inch 15.88 mm, 3/4 inch 19.05 mm and 7/8 inch 22.23 mm.
copper pipe roll vs straight copper pipe
Rolls are soft and bend easily, so they suit split AC installs. Straight lengths are rigid and suit long runs, risers and headers.
AC copper pipe size for 12000 BTU
Many 9,000 to 12,000 BTU wall splits use a 1/4 inch liquid line with a 3/8 or 1/2 inch suction line. Check your unit manual, because it varies by model.
how to flare copper pipe
Cut square, ream the burr, slide on the flare nut, then form the flare with a flaring tool sized to the tube.
how to braze copper pipe
Clean and fit the joint, purge with dry nitrogen, heat evenly with a brazing torch, then feed the brazing rod.
copper vs aluminium AC pipe
Copper is easier to braze and repair on site. Aluminium is lighter and cheaper, but it is harder to join and repair.
Type L vs ACR copper
Type L is a plumbing tube named by nominal size. ACR tube is named by outside diameter and cleaned for refrigeration use.
does AC copper pipe need insulation
Suction lines need insulation to stop condensation and heat gain. On split units the liquid line is usually insulated as well.
how long does copper pipe last
Installed correctly, copper lines often last for decades. Vibration, rubbing and poor joints are the usual causes of leaks.
Copper pipe price in Kenya
Prices change with size, model and quantity. Request a quote from Sparks Plumbing Experts for current figures.
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