Why do schools and hospitals use threaded iron pipe instead of copper?

[mike]

Just came back from my sons school and noticed all radiators gas lines and water lines where all bsp threaded pipe it was all quite modern? Why is this? To make the pipes more durable

 

[hammers4spanner]

copper soft iron isnt

iron pipe is tried tested method and is making a slow comeback, gas lines over 2" are welded

 

[Dotty]

Not really making a come back as it never went away. Steel is used in commercial for its strength and durability.

Some heating systems use medium temp hot water, some use steam.

You don't want that going through copper.

 

[Keefy]

Steel is also vandal proof.

 

[BN9Pete]

I went back to my old school last year for a centenary open day, I left this school in 1977, I noticed in one of my old classrooms the same steel pipework running round the class feeding the rads, 3" pipe I think, anyway I used to balance along the pipe while holding onto the window cill, I don't think copper would have lasted this long.

 

[stevetheplumber]

in my school the teachers would have nicked the copper

 

[hammers4spanner]

Not really making a come back as it never went away. Steel is used in commercial for its strength and durability.

Some heating systems use medium temp hot water, some use steam.

You don't want that going through copper.

what i meant was it wasnt flavour of the month for a while , noticed specs i get know suddenly back to barrel

 

[lame plumber]

in most schools the kids would have the copper away