Amerex OEM 50ft Copper Actuation Tubing - 22278
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Wholesale PricingThe Amerex 22278 is a 50-foot coil of precision-manufactured seamless 1/4" O.D. copper actuation tubing for Amerex KP (Kitchen Protection) and IS (Industrial Series) fire suppression systems. When the release module is activated -- whether manually or via thermal detection -- it punctures a nitrogen cartridge and sends a high-pressure pneumatic signal through this tubing to the agent cylinder valves. Any restriction, kink, or leak in this line can delay or prevent the signal from reaching the cylinders, resulting in a failure to discharge.
The 22278 is not standard refrigeration-grade copper. Its 0.049-inch wall thickness is specifically engineered and UL listed to contain the instantaneous pressure surges of 1,800 PSI or more that occur during system actuation without ballooning or splitting. Standard copper tubing may appear identical but does not meet UL 300 wall thickness requirements, and its use voids the system's UL listing. Using genuine Amerex OEM tubing is a requirement for maintaining system compliance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Amerex Corporation |
| Part Number | 22278 |
| Length | 50 feet (coiled) |
| Outside Diameter | 1/4" (6.35 mm) |
| Wall Thickness | 0.049" (1.24 mm) |
| Material | High-quality seamless copper |
| Compatibility | Amerex KP (Kitchen) and IS (Industrial) |
| Certification | UL Listed, OEM Original |
Precision Bending -- No Kinks
All bends must be made with a professional mechanical tubing bender. Hand-bending pinches the internal diameter, increasing resistance to gas flow and potentially dropping the pneumatic signal below the pressure threshold needed to depress the agent cylinder valve stems.
Clean Cut Protocol
Always use a dedicated tubing cutter -- never a hacksaw. Hacksaws generate metal shavings that can migrate into compression fittings and valve bodies, causing a mechanical jam that prevents the pneumatic signal from reaching the cylinders.
Deburring and Reaming
After every cut, deburr and ream the internal edge. This ensures a zero-obstruction flow path for the nitrogen signal and provides a clean seating surface for compression fittings, preventing micro-leaks at connection points.
Support and Vibration Mitigation
Under NFPA 17A, actuation tubing must be securely supported at regular intervals using copper or stainless steel straps. Unsupported spans are subject to vibration fatigue that can crack the tubing wall or loosen compression fittings over time.
Semi-Annual Pneumatic Integrity Check
During 6-year maintenance intervals and after any new installation, pressure-test the actuation line. A leak in the 22278 tubing is a red-tag deficiency. Verify all compression fittings are wrench-tight -- over-tightening can crush the 0.049" wall, while under-tightening allows nitrogen to escape.
Can I use standard refrigeration-grade copper tubing instead?
No. Standard copper tubing may appear identical but does not carry the same UL 300 wall thickness listing as the 22278. Different wall thicknesses alter the hoop stress rating under high-pressure surge conditions. Using non-OEM tubing voids the system's UL listing.
How many cylinders can I actuate with one 50-foot coil?
This depends on the manifold layout and the maximum allowable tubing length specified in the Amerex design manual for your system configuration. A single 50-foot coil is generally sufficient for one- to three-cylinder systems. Always consult the design manual before finalizing the run length.
Is this compatible with Buckeye or Ansul systems?
While the physical dimensions may be similar to tubing used in other systems, fire protection contractors must use the tubing part number specified by the respective manufacturer to maintain the UL and FM safety rating. Mixing actuation hardware across brands is a code violation.
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