MUELLER EUROPE LTD
Suppliers of: Copper Tube, Plastic Covered Copper Tube, Plastic Coated Copper Tube, Gas Pipes, Copper Pipes, Copper Piping
Mueller Europe is UK’s leader in the manufacturing and distribution of high-performance copper tubes and coils! Our Wednesbury and Yorkshire brands are perfect for a wide range of applications including plumbing, heating, and industrial needs, complemented by our premium Mueller brand for air-conditioning and refrigeration. The reputable brands are made from start to finish in Great Britain. From our European headquarters in West Midlands, we operate the continent’s most modern, sophisticated and sustainable plant in Europe. As part of the larger Mueller Industries Inc., Mueller Europe combines decades of expertise with advanced technology to produce copper tubes and coils that meet the highest industry standards.
Copper Sustainability Partnership
By focusing on sustainability, innovation, quality, and education, Mueller Europe continues to lead in the copper tube manufacturing sector, ensuring that its products not only meet but exceed customer expectations. Through its work with CUSP, Mueller Europe participates in educational and advocacy efforts aimed at highlighting the advantages of copper. This includes engaging with various industry stakeholders, from engineers and architects to consumers, to demonstrate the material’s benefits and versatility. Such initiatives help create a greater understanding and appreciation of copper. Copper is 100% recyclable.
We are also committed to sustainability, implementing environmentally friendly practices in our manufacturing processes. By reducing waste and optimizing resource use, Mueller Europe minimizes its environmental impact while delivering superior premium copper tubes and coils.
Approvals and Certifications:
We take immense pride in our commitment to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Our dedication is recognized through numerous prestigious national and international approvals, setting us apart as leaders in the copper tube industry. Each tube undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee performance and longevity, providing customers with peace of mind.
Wednesbury and Yorkshire Copper Tube holds many national and international approvals for copper tube, including:
- UK Kitemark approvals for plumbing tube and medical gas tubes;
- European CE mark;
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management system;
- plus, the approvals for China, Ireland, Malaysia and the Netherlands.
Copper tubes are manufactured to European specification EN1057 and supplied in 3 different tempers:
- Half-hard (R250) straight lengths
- Hard (R290) straight lengths
- Soft (R220) coils
Wednesbury Copper Tube
Wednesbury’s copper tubes are renowned for their outstanding performance and value, catering to a wide range of needs, whether residential, medical, or industrial. Made in Great Britain and from high-quality copper, these tubes are resilient against corrosion and wear, ensuring a long-lasting performance that stands the test of time.
These versatile tubes are ideal for transporting hot and cold water, central heating systems, and sanitary uses. Wednesbury Copper Tubes are the preferred choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, designed to withstand the rigorous demands of residential and commercial projects alike.
The diverse product lines include the durable plumbing tubes of Table X, the sturdy industrial tubes of Table Y, and the specialized options of Table W. Each product is engineered to meet strict quality standards, ensuring suitability for specific applications.
Table X - Black Label
Available in a variety of tube sizes, ensuring suitability for diverse applications Wednesbury Copper Tube has got you covered. The available sizes include 15mm outer diameter through to 159mm and lengths in 2, 3, 6 and 5.8 metres. These sizes cater to both residential and commercial installations, providing flexibility and adaptability for any project requirements. The finishes include plain copper, Protec yellow PVC coated, Protec white PVC coated, Medical gas and Chrome plated finish.
Table Y – White Label
Available in a range of diameters from 15mm to 108mm and each tube comes in a convenient length of 5.8 metres, providing ample coverage for various installation requirements. It offers several finishes to meet different applications including plain Copper, Protec White PVC coated and Medical gas copper tubes. The PVC coated copper tube finish offers added protection and durability, with the white PVC coating blending seamlessly with modern interiors. The medical gas copper tubes are specifically designed for medical and healthcare facilities, this variant ensures the safe and efficient transport of medical gases. It adheres to strict hygiene and safety standards, making it suitable for critical applications. Soft temper coils are also available from 15mm to 28mm
Table W – Blue Label
These Microbore copper coils are available in a variety of sizes to suit your specific requirements, ranging from 6mm to 10mm. Engineered to stand the test of time these coils offer multiple coating options to match any design preference or requirement. The coils are available in plain copper, Protec white PVC coated, Protec yellow PVC coated and Protec 2000.
Yorkshire Copper Tube
Yorkshire Copper Tube offers an extensive range of copper tube and coils, designed to meet the diverse needs of the industries it works in. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different installation requirements. The brand’s longevity is a testament to its ability to adapt to changing market demands while maintaining its core values of quality and service.
The Yorkex range of Yorkshire Copper Tubes offers versatile and high-quality copper tubing solutions suitable for a variety of applications. Made in Great Britain, Yorkshire Copper Tube is known for its durability, reliability, and ease of installation, these tubes are a popular choice for both domestic and industrial use. Available in different sizes, from 15mm to 159mm and finishes including, plain copper, Kuterlex yellow, white and green, Chrome and medical gas, the Yorkex range meets diverse needs while maintaining exceptional performance standards.Yorkex Yellow Copper Tubes are specially designed for gas applications, easily identifiable by their distinctive yellow finish. This colouring ensures safety and compliance with industry standards, making them an excellent choice for installations where gas is involved.
With a wall thickness significantly greater than that of Yorkex, Kuterlon offers the option of a higher- pressure rating. Kuterlon is supplied both in straight length and coil form and, when supplied with a Kuterlex coating, it is the ideal product for underground applications. Available from 15mm to 108mm and in plain copper and medical gas copper tube and 15mm to 28mm in coils, Yorkshire has you covered. The Kuterlon coils are available in a yellow and white PVC coated finish. The extra wall thickness also allows Kuterlon to be used on certain pressurised steam installations with a maximum working temperature of 205°C.
The Minibore Coils Range is available in multiple sizes to accommodate various installation requirements designed to meet the specific needs of modern plumbing and heating systems. Available in sizes and lengths from, 6mm to 10mm diameter and a variety of finishes including Kuterlex white and yellow PVC coated and plain copper.
Further Yorkshire product information
Medical Gas - CLEANED TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF BS EN 13348 AND HTM 02-01
Yorkshire Medical Gas Tubes are specially cleaned and packed to ensure they are suitable for medical gases and/or vacuum lines. In oxygen lines, spontaneous combustion can take place with any greases or hydrocarbon in the tube, and the cleaning process eliminates this risk. Additionally, the cleaning takes away malodours from any residual lubricants that may taint breathable gases.
Kuterlex - PLASTIC COATED COPPER TUBE TO BS EN 13349 / BS EN 1057
Kuterlex is copper tube coated with a seamless plastic cover which protects the copper tube against aggressive materials. The Kuterlex cover eliminates time-consuming wrapping operations. It is also colour coded to identify the services carried in accordance with UK local authority specifications and BS 1710: 2014, “Specification for identification of pipelines and services”.
Kuterlex Plus - PLASTIC COATED COPPER TUBE TO BS EN 13349 / BS EN 1057
Kuterlex is copper tube coated with a seamless plastics cover, comprising a ribbed inner profile, which protects the copper tube against aggressive materials. The Kuterlex cover eliminates time-consuming wrapping operations. It is also colour coded to identify the services carried in accordance with UK local authority specifications and BS 1710: 2014, “Specification for identification of pipelines and services”.
Kuterlex Gas - PLASTIC COATED COPPER TUBE TO BS EN 13349 / BS EN 1057
Kuterlex Gas products are copper coils and straight lengths coated with a protective yellow seamless plastic cover which safeguards against external corrosion and provides service identification. The Kuterlex plastic cover eliminates laborious wrapping operations and is colour coded to identify the services carried as gasses in accordance with local authority specifications and BS 1710: 2014, “Specification for identification of pipelines and services”.
Further Technical information is available to download from the BPi Download Library or from the manufacturer’s own website.
Study shows plastic pipes installed in homes pose major threat to human life in fire
New study shows plastic pipes installed in homes pose a major threat to human life in a fire
PEX pipes take under three minutes to burn completely, seriously hampering evacuation efforts in a fire.
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MLCP produces 248 times more carbon monoxide than copper pipe when burned for eight minutes, with potentially fatal consequences.
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CSST pipes produce 761 times more smoke than copper pipes within the first four minutes of burning, accelerating fire spread.
A series of tests conducted by The Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) have revealed that plastic pipes pose significant fire safety risks, with three different types of plastic pipe all completely burning in under ten minutes.
Plastic pipes released dangerous amounts of smoke and toxic gases when burned, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide. The tests also revealed that hydrogen cyanide was released from multi-layer composite pipes when burning for just eight minutes.
To encourage plumbers to think twice about the piping materials they install in people's homes, CuSP's Plastic Under Fire campaign exposes the deadly risks associated with plastic pipes in the event of a fire.
The tests, conducted in laboratory conditions, simulated real-life fire scenarios to measure how different pipe materials respond when exposed to flames. The four common types of pipes tested for smoke density, burn time and toxicity included cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CSST), multi-layer composite pipe (MLCP) and copper.
Results show that PEX is the most toxic material when burned, releasing large quantities of harmful gases that threaten our health. During the test, PEX pipes completely burned in under three minutes. In a building fire, this would seriously limit evacuation efforts.
CSST pipes were found to spread fire quickest, producing 761 times more smoke than copper pipes within the first four minutes of burning. High levels of smoke can accelerate fire spread by preheating surrounding areas and significantly reduce visibility during a fire – potentially hampering evacuation efforts. PEX pipes ranked second worst for smoke density, producing 507 times more than copper pipes.
MLCP – a material which has been growing in popularity with plumbers due to its low cost and ease of installation – was found to cause serious safety risks, taking just over five minutes to burn completely. This is an alarmingly rapid rate when compared with copper, which does not burn due to its high melting point of 1,085C – higher than the temperature of most building fires – making it the safest material to install.
The potentially fatal health impacts of plastic pipes cannot be underestimated. When burned for eight minutes, MLCP produced 248 times more carbon monoxide than a copper pipe, and PEX produced 209.5 times more in the same time frame.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can make humans seriously ill when breathed in. Over a short time period, it can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, chest and muscle pain and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide over one-two hours can lead to serious tissue damage or even death.
Furthermore, the PEX pipe produced a staggering 5,284 times more carbon dioxide than a copper pipe in eight minutes. Carbon dioxide behaves as an asphyxiant and when inhaled at higher levels, it can cause increased cardiac output, elevated blood pressure and increased arrhythmias. Not to mention the impact of carbon dioxide on the environment – adding to the greenhouse effect and causing global temperature to rise.
Crucially, another test revealed the presence of an additional toxin: hydrogen cyanide. This toxic substance was detected when MLCP was burned, emitting 1.25 mg/m² in 8 minutes, in contrast to the 0 mg/m² produced by copper. Hydrogen cyanide is highly toxic and potentially fatal upon exposure, with symptoms including central nervous system effects, muscular and neurological disturbances. Reactions may include seizures, loss of consciousness, cardiorespiratory depression and in extreme cases, death.
Andrew Surtees, Co-Founder of CuSP, said: "These findings underline the critical importance for manufacturers and installers of considering the fire safety implications of different piping materials. Plastic pipes pose a serious risk both to human life and building structures, producing large amounts of smoke and a series of toxic chemicals in a fire. Particularly in high rise buildings, where fire can spread quickly up vertical voids, the use of plastic pipes could be fatal.
"For plumbers, the choice of what pipe they are installing should not just be about what is the quickest or cheapest option – but about the long-term implications for people and the environment. Copper pipes are proven to limit the spread of fire and produce the least toxic chemicals, making them the safest choice for our buildings and their occupants."
To find out more about why copper pipes are the safest plumbing material in the event of a fire, visit: http://www.cuspuk.com/fire-safety/plastic-under-fire/.
Cu Later, 2024: Why it's time to leave plastic pipes in the past
Cu Later, 2024: Why it's time to leave plastic pipes in the past
By Andrew Surtees, Co-Founder of The Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP)
In 2024, an estimated 220 million tonnes of plastic waste was generated globally – equivalent to 28kg per person. Of that waste, approximately a third (69.5 million tonnes) was mismanaged, ending up in the natural environment.
Meanwhile, the global plastic pipe industry continues to expand at an exponential rate and is projected to reach a staggering $147.2 billion by 2030 due to growing demand in the construction industry.
The impacts of the plastics industry are clear to see, with increasing amounts of plastic waste causing harm to the environment and our health. Yet the use of plastic pipes in construction, medical devices, and other industries continues to increase year-on-year. In fact, the plastics lifecycle is set to contribute as much as 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with the construction sector consuming 20% of all plastics and 70% of all polyvinyl chloride (PVC) produced around the world.
Health risks
Plastic pipes, especially those made from PVC, are a major contributor to microplastic pollution, releasing harmful chemicals into our water systems. Ingesting microplastics has already been linked to serious health concerns, and is known to impact the lungs, gut and brain function. Studies show that the average person unknowingly consumes up to 211,000 microplastic particles annually, primarily through drinking water.
With PVC pipes being the most used type of plastic pipe, they are a common feature in homes and everyday environments, including office buildings and hospitals. Known to release dangerous chemicals such as phthalates and dioxins, this is a serious cause for concern.
Copper pipes are naturally antimicrobial, resistant to corrosion and do not release harmful substances into drinking water, posing a safer option for residential and non-residential buildings.
Fire safety concerns
In addition to the health risks, plastic pipes pose serious fire safety concerns. Plastics are highly combustible and can spread quickly in a fire, with the smoke produced containing hazardous chemicals such as carbon monoxide, which can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin.
The release of these toxic substances during a fire makes plastic pipes particularly dangerous in residential and commercial buildings, as they can worsen fire conditions and increase the risk of long-term health problems. On the other hand, copper has a high melting point of 1,085°C – higher than the temperature of most building fires – making it a safer, fire-resistant option for built environments.
Environmental risks
Used for centuries in plumbing, copper has proven sustainability credentials and continues to outperform plastic in terms of durability and longevity. Nearly 80% of all copper ever mined is still in use today, and opting for 1 ton of recycled copper results in 65% fewer CO2 emissionscompared to using virgin materials – a testament to its sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
With plastic pipe production expected to continue to increase globally in 2025, this alarming fact highlights the urgent need for change in the materials we use for plumbing and construction. Copper is not only a safer alternative to plastic, but its recyclability plays a key role in reducing waste and carbon emissions, and CuSP is dedicated to driving this change forward to create a more sustainable future.
As we face growing environmental, health and fire safety risks from plastic pipes, it's clear that we need to leave plastic behind and embrace safer, more sustainable alternatives like copper. With its durability, recyclability, and minimal environmental impact, copper offers a responsible choice for the future of construction and plumbing. CuSP is committed to driving this change and building a safer and greener environment. Let's work together to transition away from plastic and create a better future for our construction industries.
To find out more about the risks of plastic pipes in construction, please visit: https://www.cuspuk.com/why-copper/copper-vs-plastic-pipes/.
