How is the thickness of copper measured in HVAC applications?

The thickness of copper in HVAC applications is commonly measured in ounces per square foot. This method considers the weight of the copper sheet, allowing HVAC professionals to easily standardize and specify materials for installations. One ounce represents the weight of a square foot of copper, which provides a practical way to express thickness in a way that closely aligns with the way it is used in the industry.

This measurement is valuable because it relates directly to the gauge of the material, which can influence factors such as durability, conductivity, and ease of installation. Typically, one ounce of copper per square foot corresponds to a specific thickness—approximately 0.0014 inches. Since copper is frequently used in ductwork, piping, and other applications, this measurement method ensures consistency across projects and materials.

Other measurement methods, such as pounds per square foot or pounds per square inch, are less commonly utilized for expressing the thickness of copper sheets in this context, making ounces per square foot the standard in HVAC applications.