What is the appropriate outside diameter of tubing for ice maker connections up to 15 feet?

The appropriate outside diameter of tubing for ice maker connections up to 15 feet is ¼" OD. This size is commonly used because it provides an adequate flow rate of water needed for ice production while also being manageable in terms of flexibility and ease of installation. Tubing with this diameter is sufficient to ensure that the ice maker receives the proper amount of water without being overly large, which can lead to unnecessary complications in installation or less efficient operation.

For clarification, larger diameters may not be suitable due to increased volume, which can lead to potential issues in maintaining adequate water pressure and flow within the system. Additionally, smaller diameters like ⅛" are not practical as they would restrict water flow significantly, leading to inefficient ice production or operational issues for the ice maker. Thus, ¼" OD is the correct and most practical choice for ensuring effective functionality in standard ice maker installations up to the specified distance.