Can someone explain how I can get around the problem of the chemical reaction between zinc coated steel pipe and copper pipe. I noticed that there are steel plumbing parts that are coated copper color for copper contact. What are they coated with and can I coat parts myself. Thanks in advance.
PET41

What fixture are you working on, water heater? We us dielectric unions or couplings. Dielectric pipe coupling for use in high temperature, corrosive environments - Patent 4345785 (http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4345785.html)

I am trying to support copper pipes that are used in new "indirect heating" system just installed. Copper pipes running parallel and would be sturdier if supported by cross members to each other. The hardware that will will wrap around pipes is galvanized iron coated so it will not react to copper contact. This hardware will be joined by 3/8" threaded zinc plated rod. I want to make sure rod does not react to copper.
TIA
PET41