Ultra Controlo Medical gas library

Pipeline systems

Copper vs stainless steel for medical gas pipes

Short answer

For medical gas pipelines, EN 13348 is the European product standard for seamless copper tube, and both NHS England's HTM 02-01 (2026) and Portugal's ACSS ET 03/2006 call for copper; HTM 02-01 mentions stainless steel among materials that may suit other fittings connected to copper pipes, such as valve fittings.

EN 13348:2016 applies to seamless round copper tubes from 6 mm up to 219 mm outside diameter for medical gas or vacuum pipelines at operating pressures up to 2 000 kPa. In Portugal, technical compressed air, which may not be used for therapeutic purposes, falls under a different specification, ACSS ET 08/2010, which allows stainless steel pipe.

What each document says about the pipe

DocumentWhat it says about pipe material
EN 13348:2016 (current, DIN Media listing)Seamless round copper tube, 6 to 219 mm outside diameter, for medical gases or vacuum at operating pressures up to 2 000 kPa
HTM 02-01 (2026), NHS England, Part A, 15.67 to 15.71Rigid copper pipework, Grade CW024A (Cu-DHP) to BS EN 1412, cleaned and degreased for oxygen service in accordance with BS EN 13348; other fittings for connection to copper pipes, for example valve and control panel fittings, of copper, brass, gunmetal, bronze or stainless steel may be suitable
ACSS ET 03/2006 v.2024 (Portugal, medical gases)Copper tube to EN 13348; flexible tubing to NP EN 739 where copper cannot be used, for example in MRI
ACSS ET 08/2010 V.2025 (Portugal, technical compressed air, not medical gases)Deoxidised and degreased copper tube, stainless steel pipe of the AISI 304L or AISI 316L series, or treated aluminium pipe

HTM 02-01 also allows for other materials: alternatives to rigid copper, such as corrugated metal tubing, may be considered where full compliance with BS EN ISO 7396-1 can be demonstrated and the product is CE-marked and validated to the satisfaction of the Authorising Engineer (MGPS) and the Medical Gas Safety Group. It asks manufacturers to comply with BS EN ISO 7396-1 for the production of pipes and all associated materials, including fittings and terminal units.

Joining copper pipe

  • HTM 02-01 says that, apart from mechanical joints, only copper-to-copper joints should be permitted on site, brazed with a silver-copper-phosphorus alloy CP104 to BS EN ISO 17672 and no flux.
  • HTM 02-01 also says brazing should be done with oxygen-free nitrogen as an internal inert gas shield, to prevent oxides forming inside the pipes and fittings.
  • ACSS ET 03/2006 asks for joints brazed with an inert gas (nitrogen) passing inside and solder with at least 40% silver.

The ACSS ET 08/2010 specification for technical compressed air (revised November 2025) excludes medical air and instrument air, which stay under ET 03/2006. See what copper pipe is used for medical gases and why medical gas pipes must be oxygen clean.

The Ultra Controlo accessory range includes a copper shut-off ball valve for isolating medical gas pipeline sections during installation, maintenance or an emergency.

More questions

Can stainless steel pipe be used for technical compressed air in Portuguese hospitals?

ACSS ET 08/2010 (V.2025), the Portuguese specification for technical compressed air, allows stainless steel pipe of the AISI 304L or AISI 316L series; it excludes medical air and instrument air.

Why must medical gas copper pipe be cleaned?

HTM 02-01 (2026) asks for all pipes to be cleaned and degreased for oxygen service and free of particulate matter and toxic residues, in accordance with BS EN 13348.

Sources

Ultra Controlo figures come from its technical datasheets. Third-party facts were read at the source on the date shown.

Reviewed: · Ultra Controlo engineering · Markdown version

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