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GENERAL FAQS
Why factory-coated tubing?
The process of factory-coating copper tubing provides many benefits. One key benefit is added corrosion protection. The color of the polyethylene coating helps to identify tube contents quickly (i.e. Gas-Tec is coated yellow for gas). The coating also allows the tubing to be continuously line-marked to help identify tube contents, ASTM specification and size. The tubing is also marked with lot numbers, which allow the tubing to be traced back to the origin of manufacture.
How is the tubing traceable back to the origin of the copper manufacturer?
There is a lot number marked directly on the bare copper and the coating that is unique for all production runs. This code will trace our material back to the test reports of the copper tube. We can provide a copy of these reports to our customers upon request.
What types of connections can I use with Kamco’s factory-coated copper tubing?
For gas and fuel oil lines, the most common connection is a flare type fitting. We recommend the use of a forged type brass flare nut. Copper can also be joined by silver brazing and would require the outer coating be removed approximately 10-12” on either side of the connection prior to applying heat. To reduce the amount of coating to be removed, a heat stop paste can be used.
How flexible is the tubing?
Factory-coated copper is a semi-rigid tubing and care should be taken when bending or forming soft copper tube. Although the tubing is slightly more rigid than standard bare copper, the coating helps keep the tube from kinking during the bending process. Most Gas-Tec tube 5/8" OD and under can be installed without the aid of a special bender. Under ground, the bends are normally made with a wide sweep and a bender is not required. On interior installations where a tight bend is required, the outer coating can be removed in a 10" – 12" section and a standard copper bender can be applied.
Is any additional training required to install factory-coated copper tubing?
No additional training or certification is required because the same guidelines for installation practices on bare copper tubing apply to Kamco’s factory coated tubing.
GAS FAQS
Where can Gas-Tec® be used?
Canada: Type G/Gas tubing can be used both above and below ground anywhere in Canada.
United States: Gas-Tec is approved where copper is approved for distribution of Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
Other: Please check with your local authorities or utilities that approve copper for Natural Gas or Liquefied Petroleum Gas for details.
Can Gas-Tec be used underground?
Yes, our material can be direct buried. In Canada, Gas-Tec G/Gas is currently the only tubing that can be used both above and below ground without any modification. In the United States, most areas allow Gas-Tec Refrigeration grade or Type “L” tubing to be buried, but we recommend our Gas-Tec Type “L” (G/Gas) due to the heavier wall thickness on most sizes.
How cost-effective is Gas-Tec tubing?
Gas-Tec is one of the most cost-effective flexible tubing products available on the market. Combined with the labor savings of installing copper, our product is easily joined using standard flare fittings or by brazing with conventional copper couplings. Underground installations require no transitions or risers and this alone can save you 25-50% over the use of plastic piping and conventional risers on runs under 75'.
OIL FAQS
Is Oil Pro-Tec easy to install?
Yes, Oil Pro-Tec is very easy to install. In many areas, regular factory-coated tubing still needs to be sleeved due to containment concerns. Oil Pro-Tec features unique inner grooves which allow for early leak detection, and therefore eliminate the need for on-site sleeving. The tubing is flexible, easily joins with standard flare fittings and doesn’t require any additional training.
Why is factory-coating better than sleeving on-site?
Many areas that specify sleeving require heavy sleeving materials that are difficult to pull over long lengths of copper tube. Also, on-site sleeving is not a recommended practice in many areas due to the impurities that get trapped between the copper and the coating.
WATER FAQS
Are there any differences in the tubing if I am using it for hot water versus cold water?
The only difference in the tubing is its color. Aqua Shield is factory-coated blue for cold water and available in red for hot. The choice to use red for hot water is currently not a code issue within North America. However, many areas are encouraging the use of colored lines to aid in the identification of contents.
When and why would I use Aqua Shield instead of plastic tubing?
Aqua Shield would be used for water service lines that specify copper and require sleeving due to external corrosion concerns. This is generally found on slab grade homes and municipal water service lines. Type “L” polyethylene coated copper has gained acceptance as an alternative due to its excellent corrosion protection.
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