We are getting ready to run some air lines in our shop so we can have multiple hook-ups. Do you guys use tubing, copper, or something else. The tubing I found so far was rated for 150 psi, I was hoping to get something a little stronger than that, any advice would be helpful. thanks

Pipe if you can swing the money, otherwise 150 PSi is fine, if your using it for air tools. thats the rated WP, not BP.


Tom

copper. But it was less expensive back then....

If I were going to do it again today, Id use PEX without a doubt. :cool:

PVC can be dangerous if used for shop air lines, but this has been discussed many times.

I thought about PEX, because we have some left over from when we put the radiant heat in the floor. but ive read bad things about PEX being used for air, but maybe it was just the wrong kind.

I plan on using sch 80 pvc or sch40

@ 70 ish degrees most sch 40 is rated for 600+ psi

and we run 2" sch 80 at work at 150+ psi all day.... in fact most pressure sewer and STEP sewers around here do

Copper.

Pex is cheap 28 cents a foot for half inch and itll hold any shop pressure just fine.

I plan on using sch 80 pvc or sch40

@ 70 ish degrees most sch 40 is rated for 600+ psi

and we run 2" sch 80 at work at 150+ psi all day.... in fact most pressure sewer and STEP sewers around here do

You don't want PVC for air. It is not the pressure that is the problem. It is the shock. When a high volume tool stops it creates a shock wave from the sudden stopping and that is what will burst the PVC.

I used 3/4" pipe only because I found about 30' of it under the shed when I moved it. T's and fittings were available at any hardware store and I know it will last forever. Whenever I move something or deside I need the line different, I just unscrew and add a few nipples etc.

Copper. My compressors are set for 175psi and no problems after 15 years.

I would use sched 40 blk pipe with cast fittings. The cast fittings will take a 300 psi pumper truck. Just make sure you install a tee with a nipple and cap at each point of air use and where it attaches to the compresser. This system will handle the pressure you are looking for and will last for many many years. Just pull the caps one a year to drain any condensate.
Good Luck

http://www.rapidairproducts.com

pex is not UV protected so eventually ultraviolet will break it down, also depending on what type of connection style you plan on using they have very different pressure ratings. Either BI pipe or copper is the only safe way to go IMO

pex is not UV protected so eventually ultraviolet will break it down, also depending on what type of connection style you plan on using they have very different pressure ratings. Either BI pipe or copper is the only safe way to go IMO

It will be inside so thats really not an issue.