SURFACE J1149

REV.
JUN91
VEHICLE
400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001
STANDARD Issued 1963-06
Revised 1991-06

Superseding J1149 DEC87

An American National Standard

(R) METALLIC AIR BRAKE SYSTEM TUBING AND PIPE

Foreword—This Document has also changed to comply with the new SAE Technical Standards Board format.

1. Scope—This SAE Standard covers minimum requirements for two types of metallic tubing and pipe as used in
automotive air brake systems. It includes material and performance specifications, corrosion precautions, and
installation recommendations. Copper tubing is designated Type 1, and galvanized steel pipe Type 2.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Publications—The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified
herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the latest version of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J463—Wrought Copper and Copper Alloys

SAE J476—Dryseal Pipe Threads

2.1.2 ASTM PUBLICATIONS—Available from ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM A 120—Specification for Black and Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Welded and Seamless
Steel Pipe for Ordinary Uses
ASTM A 370—Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
ASTM E 8—Methods of Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
ASTM E 62—Method of Test for Antimony in Copper and Copper Base Alloys
ASTM E 79—Methods for Estimating the Average Grain Size of Wrought Copper and Copper Base Alloys

3. Corrosion Precautions—In the design and selection of air brake system components, adequate provision
shall be made to control corrosion due to galvanic coupling of widely dissimilar metals and alloys when such
materials used for tubing, pipe, fittings, and attaching or supporting parts are in intimate contact with each
other. Also, adequate provision shall be made to protect the tubing, pipe, and fittings from oxygen
concentration cell type of corrosion. Where soft nonmetallic cushions are used to prevent metal-to-metal
contact between supporting components and tubing, pipe, and fittings, the cushioning material shall be such
that it will not absorb and retain significant amounts of water.

4. Installation Recommendations—The tubing or pipe installed in air brake systems shall be supported in such
a manner as to minimize fatigue conditions. Metal-to-metal contact should be avoided by the use of soft
nonmetallic cushions at points of support to control chafing and fretting. Tubing or pipe shall be protected

SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirely
voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”

SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS DOCUMENT: (724) 772-8512 FAX: (724) 776-0243

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SAE WEB ADDRESS http://www.sae.org

Copyright 1991 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
 SAE J1149 Revised JUN91

against road hazards either by installation in a protected location or by providing adequate shielding at
vulnerable areas. Protective loom, where used, shall be both water and acid resistant.

5. Specifications

5.1 Type 1—Copper Tubing—This material specification covers the minimum requirements for seamless
annealed copper tubing that shall be used for automotive air brake lines.

5.1.1 MANUFACTURE—The tubing shall be seamless cold drawn to size and bright annealed as a final operation in
such a manner as to produce a finished product which will meet all requirements of this document.

5.1.2 DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES—The finished tubing shall conform to the dimensions and tolerances shown in
Table 1, for the nominal diameter specified by the purchaser.

TABLE 1—DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES OF AIR BRAKE TUBING

Nominal Outside Outside Outside Outside Wall Wall
Tubing Diameter(1) Diameter(1) Diameter(1) Diameter(1) Thickness Thickness
OD (in) Specified Specified Tolerance± Tolerance± (min) (min)
mm in mm in mm in

1/4 6.35 0.250 0.05 0.002 0.75 0.0295

5/16 7.92 0.312 0.05 0.002 0.75 0.0295
3/8 9.53 0.375 0.05 0.002 0.75 0.0295
7/16 11.10 0.437 0.05 0.002 1.160 0.0455
1/2 12.70 0.500 0.05 0.002 1.160 0.0455
5/8 15.88 0.625 0.05 0.002 1.160 0.0455
3/4 19.05 0.750 0.06 0.0025 1.160 0.0455
1 25.40 1.000 0.06 0.0025 1.160 0.0455
1. The actual outside diameter shall be the average of the maximum and minimum outside diameters as determined at any one cross
section through the tubing.

5.1.3 QUALITY—The finished tubing shall be clean, smooth, and round, free from internal and external mechanical
imperfections, corrosion, scale, seams, and cracks.

5.1.4 MATERIAL—The tubing shall be made from phosphorized, low residual phosphorus copper conforming to
SAE J463, UNS C12200 which has the chemical composition as in Table 2:

TABLE 2—CHEMICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ladle Analysis
Element % by Weight
Copper 99.90 min
Phosphorus 0.015-0.040

5.1.5 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES—The finished tubing shall have mechanical properties as tabulated in Table 3:

TABLE 3—MECHANICAL PROPERTIES, COPPER TUBING

Yield Strength Tensile Strength Elongation in 50 mm (2 in), Elongation in 50 mm (2 in),
MPa (psi) MPa (psi) % min Tubing OD % min Tubing OD
min(1) min 19 mm (3/4 in) and smaller Over 19 mm (3/4 in)

62 (9000) 210 (30 000) 30 40

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 SAE J1149 Revised JUN91

1. At 0.5% extension under load

5.1.6 GRAIN SIZE—The tubing shall be furnished in either of two temper conditions with grain size as tabulated in
Table 4:

TABLE 4—GRAIN SIZE

Temper Grain Size, mm
Light Annealed 0.015-0.040
Soft Annealed 0.040 min

5.1.7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS—The finished tubing shall satisfactorily meet the following performance tests.
Test specimens shall be taken from tubing which has not been subjected to cold working after the anneal of
the finished sized tubing.

5.1.8 FLARING TEST—A test section cut from the finished tubing, having squared and deburred ends, shall
withstand being flared at one end over a polished tapered mandrel of 60 degrees included angle until the
actual average outside diameter is increased 40% without evidence of splitting or flaws. The axis of the
mandrel and axis of the tubing shall be kept parallel during the flaring process and the test may be made in a
die to restrict the expansion to 40%.

5.1.9 PRESSURE PROOF TEST—Unless otherwise specified, tubing supplied under this document shall withstand,
with no evidence of failure, a hydrostatic proof test at a pressure equivalent to a hoop (circumferential) stress
of 62 MPa (9000 psi). The test pressure shall be as determined from Barlow’s formula for thin hollow
cylinders under pressure:
2TS
P = ----------- (Eq. 1)
D
where:

D = outside diameter of tubing, mm (in)

P = hydrostatic pressure, MPa (psi)
S = allowable unit stress of material = 62 MPa (9000 psi)
T = minimum wall thickness of tubing, mm (in)

The test pressure at a yield strength of 62 MPa (9000 psi) for the minimum wall thicknesses allowed are
given in Table 5.

TABLE 5—HYDROSTATIC TEST PRESSURES FOR AIR BRAKE TUBING

Nominal Hydrostatic Hydrostatic Nominal Hydrostatic Hydrostatic
Tubing OD, Test Pressure Test Pressure Tubing OD, Test Procedure Test Procedure
in MPa psi in MPa psi
1/4 1.450 2100 1/2 11.00 1600
5/16 11.70 1700 5/8 8.95 1300
3/8 9.65 1400 3/4 6.90 1000
7/16 12.40 1800 1 5.50 800

5.1.10 AIR PRESSURE TEST—Each length of finished tubing shall be tested at the maximum operating air pressure,
as specified by the purchaser. The tubing shall show no leakage at the test pressure. An electric eddy
current test may be substituted for the air pressure test, providing the rejection limits are such that the
hydrostatic and air pressure requirements can be guaranteed.

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 SAE J1149 Revised JUN91

5.1.11 IDENTIFICATION—Tubing shall be permanently and legibly marked at intervals not greater than 381 mm (15 in)
with the words Air Brake.

5.1.12 METHODS OF TEST—All tests to determine conformance with the foregoing specifications shall be conducted
in accordance with the following ASTM Standards:

5.1.12.1 Chemical Analysis—See ASTM E 62.

5.1.12.2 Grain Size—See ASTM E 79.

5.1.12.3 Tensile—See ASTM E 8.

5.2 Type 2—Galvanized Steel Pipe—This material specification covers the minimum requirements for pipe that
shall be used in automotive air brake lines.

5.2.1 SPECIFICATIONS—Welded or seamless steel pipe shall be Schedule 40, Zinc Coated, (galvanized by the hot
dip process), and manufactured in accordance with ASTM A 120.

5.2.2 DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES—The finished pipe shall conform to the dimensions and tolerances listed for
several nominal sizes in Tables 6A and 6B.

TABLE 6A—DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES OF PIPE FOR AIR BRAKE USE, mm

Nominal
Outside Outside Outside Weight
Nominal Diameter Diameter Diameter Inside Wall Wall Threads Plain
Pipe Specified Tolerance Tolerance Diameter Thickness Thickness per ends
Size mm min max (Ref) Specified min in kg/m ± 5%
1/8 10.29 9.50 10.67 6.83 1.73 1.52 27 0.36
1/4 13.72 12.93 14.10 9.25 2.24 1.96 18 0.63
3/8 17.14 16.36 17.53 12.53 2.31 2.03 18 0.85

1/2 21.34 20.55 21.72 15.80 2.77 2.41 14 1.27

3/4 26.67 25.88 27.05 20.93 2.87 2.51 14 1.68
1 33.40 32.61 33.78 26.64 3.38 2.95 11.5 2.50

TABLE 6B—DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES OF PIPE FOR AIR BRAKE USE, in

Outside Outside Outside Weight
Nominal Diameter Diameter Diameter Inside Wall Wall Threads Per ft,(1)
Pipe Specified Tolerance Tolerance Diameter Thickness Thickness per lb
Size mm Plus Minus (Ref) Specified min in ± 5%
1/8 0.405 0.016 0.031 0.269 0.068 0.060 27 0.24
1/4 0.540 0.016 0.031 0.364 0.088 0.077 18 0.42
3/8 0.675 0.016 0.031 0.493 0.091 0.080 18 0.57

1/2 0.840 0.016 0.031 0.622 0.109 0.095 14 0.85

3/4 1.050 0.016 0.031 0.824 0.113 0.099 14 1.13
1 1.315 0.016 0.031 1.049 0.133 0.116 11.5 1.68
1. Nominal Weight Plain Ends.

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 SAE J1149 Revised JUN91

5.2.3 PIPE THREADS—Both ends of lengths of pipe shall be threaded after coating, unless there is specific
authorization to the contrary, to conform to Dryseal American Standard Taper Thread (NPTF). Specifications
for pipe threads are given in detail in SAE J476.

5.2.4 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES—The steel in the finished pipe, including the weld, shall have mechanical
properties as tabulated in Table 7.

TABLE 7—MECHANICAL PROPERTIES,

GALVANIZED STEEL PIPE
Yield Strength, Elongation in
MPa (psi), min 50 mm (2 in), %
170 (25 000) 14-40

5.2.5 PRESSURE PROOF TESTS PER TEST METHOD ASTM A 370, SUPPLEMENT II

5.2.5.1 Hydrostatic Test—Unless otherwise specified, each length of pipe shall be tested at the mill to a
hydrostatic pressure of 4850 kPa (700 psi). For nominal sizes over 25.4 mm (1 in) dia see ASTM A 120.

5.2.5.2 Nondestructive Electric Test—In lieu of the hydrostatic test, if mutually agreeable to purchaser and the
manufacturer, each pipe may be tested by passing it through an electric eddy current tester which is
capable of detecting defects 1.57 mm (0.062 in) in length and one-half the wall thickness, or defects of any
length completely penetrating the wall. Such tests shall be made on the welded seam and the adjacent
metal affected thereby.

5.2.5.3 Corrosion Protection—The inside and outside surface of the pipe shall be coated with zinc by the hot dip
process. The coating shall weight at least 610 g/m2 (2.0 oz/ft2) of total surface. Tests to determine
whether product meets this requirement shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM A 120.

5.2.5.4 Bending—Pipe shall be used for essentially straight runs; however, generous curves having a radius in
excess of 20 times the outside diameter shall be permitted. In no case, shall heat be used to facilitate
bending of pipe.

6. Notes

6.1 Marginal Indicia—The change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating
areas where technical revisions have been made to the previous issue of the report. An (R) symbol to the left
of the document title indicates a complete revision of the report.

PREPARED BY THE SAE FLUID CONDUCTORS AND CONNECTORS TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

SC1—AUTOMOTIVE AND HYDRAULIC TUBE AND FITTINGS

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 SAE J1149 Revised JUN91

Rationale—Not applicable.

Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard—Not applicable.

Application—This SAE Standard covers minimum requirements for two types of metallic tubing and pipe as
used in automotive air brake systems. It includes material and performance specifications, corrosion
precautions, and installation recommendations. Copper tubing is designated Type 1, and galvanized
steel pipe Type 2.

Reference Section

SAE J463—Wrought Copper and Copper Alloys

SAE J476—Dryseal Pipe Threads

ASTM A 120—Specification for Black and Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Welded and Seamless
Steel Pipe for Ordinary Uses

ASTM A 370—Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products

ASTM E 8—Methods of Tension Testing of Metallic Materials

ASTM E 62—Method of Test for Antimony in Copper and Copper Base Alloys

ASTM E 79—Methods for Estimating the Average Grain Size of Wrought Copper and Copper Base
Alloys

Developed by the SAE Fluid Conductors and Connectors Technical Committee SC1—Automotive and
Hydraulic Tube and Fittings

Sponsored by the SAE Fluid Conductors and Connectors Technical Committee