Nonferrous piping choice: Which material is commonly selected for applications requiring nonferrous construction due to corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication?

Introduction / Context:
Nonferrous materials contain little to no iron and often provide superior corrosion resistance and workability for certain services. Designers frequently choose among copper, aluminum, and plastics depending on pressure, temperature, and medium.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Application calls for nonferrous construction.
• Common building services include potable water, refrigeration, and HVAC.
• Material must be easy to form, join, and maintain.

Concept / Approach:
Copper tubing is a classic nonferrous choice: it resists corrosion in potable water systems, brazes/solders readily, and has predictable pressure ratings. It is stocked in standard sizes and compatible with a wide range of fittings and valves.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Check plumbing standards; copper tube types K, L, and M are widely specified for water services.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Steel pipe / Iron tubing: Ferrous materials, not nonferrous.
• PVC pipe: Nonmetallic but the prompt emphasizes nonferrous construction, commonly implying metals like copper or aluminum; copper is the industry-standard answer.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating nonferrous strictly with nonmetallic; while plastics are nonferrous, the conventional interpretation in construction favors metals like copper for this phrasing.

Final Answer:
Copper tubing