FEATURES 15

Class 2 – Medium Class 2 copper pipes are half-hard, heavy gauge tubes with excellent bending qualities. This class can be used underground under normal conditions i. e. non-aggressive soils. These tubes are suitable for general use in domestic plumbing services.

Class 3 – Heavy Class 3 copper pipes are heavy, thick-walled, half-hard copper tubes with excellent bending qualities. These tubes are designed specifically for underground use where soil movement takes place. These are heavier-gauge tubes than those of class 2 and are particularly suitable for underground use.

Class 0( Extra light) Class 1( Light)

Class 2( Medium) Class 3( Heavy)

Hard drawn Thin walled Half hard Heavy gauge Half hard Heavy gauge Heavy Thick walled Half hard

Above ground ×

Above ground ×

Above and below ground Below ground

Figure 1: The different types of copper pipes.

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Always look at the bylaws of the jurisdiction you are working in to see if any relate to working with copper piping – this will influence your installation.

Note: SANS 460, ref 6.2.1 requires that the class and size of the copper pipe you are using is stamped on the pipe.

The following information shall appear in legible and indelible marking on each straight tube at intervals of length not exceeding 1m: a) the manufacturer ' s name or trade name or trade mark; b) the nominal outside diameter followed by the letters OD; and c) the class.

The marking on copper piping, as required by SANS 460.

How to connect copper pipes There are two main methods of joining copper pipes: Note: Always use compliant plumbing products and fittings, in the case of copper pipes the following copper-based fittings for copper tubes are required.

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February 2026 Volume 31 I Number 12 www. plumbingafrica. co. za