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The baseboard tee features two solder cups and an FNPT outlet. The fitting provides a means of attaching a 1/8-inch vent to the system to bleed out air. Please refer to NIBCO technical data sheets and catalogs for engineering and installation information. In addition to its inherent qualities of beauty, durability and low maintenance, copper's reusability makes it an ideal application in sustainable projects. NIBCO® copper fittings are manufactured in an ISO 9001 certified facility, and backed by a 50-year limited warranty. Because of its longstanding reputation for innovation and precision in design and manufacturing, NIBCO is the preferred brand in the industry.
Copper Fittings Installation Instructions
- Lead-free*
- Dezincification resistant
- Silicon Performance Bronze® alloy
- ASME B16.18 design standards
- NSF/ANSI/CAN-61 and 372
Copper Fittings Installation Instructions
Manufacturer Resources
NIBCO Copper Fittings Catalog
Product Specs
- All Application(s):
- Lead-Free
- All Basic Material:
- Lead-Free
- Classification:
- Solder Pressure Tees
- End Connection:
- Threaded
- Metal End Connection Type:
- C x F x C
- Product Group:
- Fitting
- Product Type:
- Solder Pressure Tees
- System Use:
- Commercial Plumbing, Fire Protection, Heating, HVAC, Industrial, Irrigation, Residential Plumbing, Lead Free*
- Product Subgroup:
- Tee
- Department:
- Plumbing
Nibco BF3880L – Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the Nibco 705-LF baseboard tee used for?
The 705-LF is a copper baseboard tee with two solder cups and a female NPT branch outlet. The branch is there so you can thread in a 1/8 inch air vent and bleed trapped air out of a hydronic baseboard loop. The run passes straight through on soldered copper; the vent is the only threaded connection.
2) Is the Nibco 705-LF tee lead free and approved for potable water?
It's a lead-free fitting made from Silicon Performance Bronze alloy and certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and 372, which are the potable-water and lead-content standards. It's also dezincification resistant, so it holds up in aggressive water.
3) Does the 1/8 inch branch on this baseboard tee take a threaded vent or a soldered one?
Threaded. The center port is female NPT, so a 1/8 inch MNPT coin vent or automatic air vent threads straight in. Use pipe dope or PTFE tape on that joint. The two run ends are solder cups, so they get sweated to copper tube.
4) Will the 3/4 inch 705-LF tee fit standard 3/4 inch baseboard copper?
Yes. The BF3880L is sized 3/4 inch x 1/8 inch x 3/4 inch, and solder pressure fittings are sized to nominal copper tube, so it slips over standard 3/4 inch Type L or Type M tube used in fin-tube baseboard loops.
5) What pipe sizes does the Nibco 705-LF baseboard tee come in?
Two sizes: 1 inch x 1/8 inch x 1 inch (B03890L) and 3/4 inch x 1/8 inch x 3/4 inch (BF3880L). The run ends match the copper tube size, and the 1/8 inch center tap is the same on both for the vent.
6) What standard are Nibco copper solder pressure fittings built to?
The 705-LF is made to ASME B16.18 design standards, which is the cast copper alloy solder-joint pressure fitting spec engineers call out on drawings. It's produced in an ISO 9001 certified facility.
7) Do I solder this tee with the air vent already installed?
No. Sweat the two copper run ends first and let the fitting cool, then thread the 1/8 inch vent into the female NPT port. Vents have soft seats and seals that torch heat will ruin.
8) Can I use the Nibco 705-LF on systems other than baseboard heating?
Yes. It's rated for commercial and residential plumbing, heating, HVAC, fire protection, industrial and irrigation service. Anywhere you need a soldered copper run with a small 1/8 inch threaded tap, it works, though the vent tap size limits the branch to gauges, vents and sensors rather than a real branch line.
How fast can I get the Nibco BF3880L delivered?
Most orders ship the same day from our distribution partners, with quick delivery throughout the
continental
U.S.
Need it urgently? Contact Us for expedited shipping options.
Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit,
reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.
Does the Nibco BF3880L come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The Nibco BF3880L is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
How do I get technical support or installation help for the Nibco BF3880L?
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selection,
installation tips, and troubleshooting. Contact Us
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