Copper has a max temp?

[hollowdp]

So I just got my 50' of 3/8" copper tubing to build my immersion chiller from coppertubingsales.com. I can't say enough about their customer service, the first coil got lost somewhere in the bowels of DHLs sorting facility and they sent me a new one no questions asked immediately. Anyways, it gets here and on the box it says there's a maximum temperature of 180*F. Well since I plan on throwing it in during the boil this presents a bit of a problem. Is this just a warning to prevent it from igniting or burning something it comes in contact with or is it going to melt in my boil kettle?

 

[AiredAle]

Copper has a melting point of 2000 F, so don't worry. There may be a subtle change in mechanical properties at 180 F but it has no effect on our uses of copper in brewing. Don't forget one name for a boil kettle is a boiling copper, because before stainless steel was introduced, copper was the standard material of construction for brewery equipment. Use and don't worry.

 

[KwaiLo]

Temp ratings on closed systems usually go hand in hand with a pressure rating. That temp rating is likely the highest recommended temp at max system pressure.

 

[hollowdp]

Thanks guys. I fully intended to use it but being curious I had to know why there would be a max temp rating. The box is labeled refrigeration line which I assume would be used in a closed system so the pressure theory makes sense.