The 2000 edition of the Canadian Standards Association B149 Installation Code permits the use of two Types of copper tube for above ground natural gas systems and propane systems – Type G/GAS tube meeting ASTM B837, and Type L tube meeting ASTM B88.

For underground lines, Type K copper tube, plastic-coated Type G/GAS tube, or plastic-coated Type L tube are required.

Provincial regulatory authorities are expected to adopt these requirements. Local authorities should be consulted before specifying or installing any Type of copper tube.

In Canada, Type G/GAS tube and Types K and L tube are third-party certified by Warnock Hersey (Intertek Testing Services).

Some manufacturers in Canada also supply Type G/GAS tube with a yellow coating for instant identification. After installation, the yellow tube is easy to identify, reducing the risk of confusion with copper lines in plumbing systems and other applications. The tube may be electrostatic spray painted yellow, or jacketted with yellow plastic.

Soft temper (annealed) tube in coils is most commonly used for natural gas and propane systems, because of its flexibility and the long lengths available. There are, however, some contractors who prefer to use hard lengths of tube with capillary fittings and brazed joints.

Please note: In the gas industry, tube and fittings are commonly identified by their Outside Diameter (O.D.). Type G/GAS tube is identified by its actual O.D. However, Types K and L tube are commonly known by nominal sizes which are 1/8" less than their O.D. Please be specific regarding sizes in documents and when ordering, and use O.D.s. For example, 5/8" Type G/GAS, 1/2" Type K (5/8" O.D.), and 1/2" Type L (5/8" O.D.) are equivalent sizes. Metric sizes in this publication are based on CAN/CGA-B149 terminology. In some cases, the values used differ very slightly from ASTM standards, but this does not affect the physical characteristics of the material. If clarification is needed, please contact the CCBDA.

1-1/8 inch size is also available in drawn temper only. Outside diameter is 1.125 in. and wall thickness is 0.050 in.