QA

Quick Answer: What Size Copper Tubing For Propane Heater

3/8″ OD Copper tubing 10 feet long can support 49 KBTUH (Thousand BTUs/Hour) of gas flow or supply at 11 inches W.C. with a 0.5″ W.C.

What type of copper tubing do you use for propane gas?

The types K and L copper tube and ACR tube have been used in fuel gas systems for many years. Type L is used for interior distribution systems whileType K is used for underground lines.

How do you size a propane gas line?

pressure less than 1 1/2 psig. fittings factor 1.5 – equivalent pipe length = pipe length + 50% pressure drop 0.5 inches water column. energy content in propane gas 2520 Btu/cu ft. One MBH is equivalent to 1000 BTU’s per hour. 1 CFH ≈ 2.54 MBH. steel pipes schedule 40.

How many BTU can a 3/8 line carry?

Capacity of Pipe (BTU x 1000) at ½ psi Copper Nominal Pipe Size COPPER (in) Pipe Length (ft.) 1/4 (3/8) 35 12 3/8 (1/2) 75 25 1/2 (5/8) 150 50.

Is copper tubing OK for propane?

In 1999, the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) designated that copper tubing and fittings are allowable for gas-distribution systems, including propane.

Can I use SharkBite for propane?

You may damage the pipe if you use sharp instruments to open the SharkBite® PEX packaging. Don’t use natural gas, propane, fuel oil, or any other fluid, chemical or product with it. The SharkBite PEX tubing is not approved or intended for any other use.

What is Type K copper tubing used for?

Type K Copper Pipe: Type K copper pipe has the thickest wall of all the common types. It is used for water distribution, fire protection, oil, HVAC, and many other applications in the construction industry. Type K pipe is available in a rigid and flexible form and can be used with flared and compression fittings.

Can a propane line be too big?

When planning a gas piping system, it is important to draw it on paper and plan it out. You can flow only so much gas (or water) through a given pipe size, so restrictions will manifest themselves as a lack of pressure or volume. Sizing a gas line is not too difficult.

What size is copper gas pipe?

Common sizes are 15 mm and 22 mm. Other sizes include 18 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 42 mm, 54 mm, 66.7 mm, 76.1 mm, and 108 mm outside diameters. Tubing in 8 mm and 10 mm outside diameters is called a “micro bore” and is easier to install, although there is a slightly increased risk of blockage from scale or debris.

What happens if gas line is too small?

An undersized gas system can cause poor performance in the appliances. It could cause the burners to soot, pilots lights and burners to go out, or cause condensate to form in the heat exchanger of the furnace or water heater.

How far can you run a propane line from the tank?

500-gallon propane tanks The minimum distance from any source of ignition is 10 feet. The minimum distance from a property line is 10 feet.

Can you solder copper propane lines?

Any fuel gas lines installed using copper tube must be brazed using a filler metal containing less than 0.05% P (phosphorus) and a melting temperature greater than 1000 degrees F. In no case should solder or “soft-solder” be used to join copper tube and fittings in fuel gas systems.

How many BTUs can a 1 copper pipe carry?

Hot water heat carrying capacities in copper tubes type L. Hot Water Heat Carrying Capacity in Type L Copper Tube (10 3 Btu/hr) 1 ) Nominal tube size (inch) Friction Head (10 – 3 inH2O/ft of tube) 1 104 63 1 1/4 185 112 1 1/2 300 180.

How do you connect copper pipe to propane?

Bury the copper pipe lines at least 12 inches underground if you use them for an outside application. Bury the lines at least 18 inches underground if there is or may be vehicle traffic above them. Attach the modified or new propane line to the tank, and turn on the gas.

What is the difference between Type L and Type K copper tubing?

Type K is the heaviest. Type L is medium weight and used most often for water lines in homes. Type M is thinner and is used underground or for light domestic water lines if local codes allow.

What can I use for propane gas line?

Steel, copper, brass: The most common gas piping is black steel. Galvanized steel, copper, brass or CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) also can be used in some areas, but some utilities specifically prohibit the use of copper. In other areas, the use of copper is widespread.

Can I use PEX for propane?

Yes you can, but because the terms PE and PEX have so often been used interchangeably it’s important to specify your intended use before purchasing polyethylene pipe for your project.

Can you use SharkBite on Copper propane line?

SharkBite fittings are certified for use with: Copper pipe hard drawn Type K, L and M and annealed Type M not to exceed 3/8 nominal, complying with ASTM B88. PEX pipe complying with ASTM F876 or CSA B137. 5.

Should I use Type M or Type L copper?

Type L copper pipe is recommended where you need strength and protection. But for normal “in the wall” household plumbing, Type M copper pipe is just fine. The beefier Type L is often used underground, in hot water heating systems, for commercial plumbing and for gas line (where permitted).

What is the difference between L and M copper tubing?

The key difference between types L and M is their pressure rating and wall thickness. The most common copper pipe sizes are ½ and ¾ inches. Type M ½ inch measures 0.028” in wall thickness whereas type L ½ inch measures 0.04” in wall thickness.

How do I know what size copper pipe I have?

The nominal size of copper pipe, whether supply lines or DWV, is always 1/8 inch less than the OD measurement. For example, copper pipe that measures 5/8 inch OD, is called 1/2- inch pipe. The ID varies because wall thickness varies. Type K has the thickest wall, followed by Type L, Type M and DWV.