New Mexico Pipe Fitter Journeyman (JPF) Practice Exam

Is it true that copper and red brass pipe is considered tubing, and the outside diameter is the same as steel pipe up to 12 inches?

1. True

2. False

3. Only true for sizes over 12 inches

4. Not applicable

The correct answer is: False

Copper and red brass pipe indeed have different characteristics compared to steel pipe, especially regarding their classification and sizing. While both copper and brass can be used in similar applications, they are categorized differently than steel, particularly when considering the outside diameter (OD) measurements. In plumbing and piping systems, the sizing standards for copper and brass differ from those for steel and other materials. Copper and brass pipes are categorized based on the nominal size which does not have the same OD as the equivalent nominal size steel pipe. For instance, a 1-inch copper pipe has a smaller outside diameter than a 1-inch steel pipe. This means that it is not correct to say that copper and red brass pipe is considered tubing in a way that their outside diameter matches that of steel pipe, especially for sizes under or equal to 12 inches. It is essential for installations and fittings to take these differences into account to ensure proper connections and system performance. Therefore, the statement is false.