Top 4 Flex Gas Line Codes (2022 Requirements), Top 5 Flexible Gas Line Manufacturer Requirements, Frequently Asked Questions On Flexible Gas Lines. A qualified electrician or plumber should check the proper installation of the flexible gas line. Bob: Thanks for that important question, I`ll check the data sources. The only specialized tool you need is a flaring tool made to fit the pipe size you are working with. The International Residential Code doesn't specify the wire to be used for bonding, but it ismost commonly a #6 AWG copper conductor and installed where the solid gas pipe gas line first comes into the home. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. These supports basically hold the flex gas line in place and help prevent unwanted movement of the gas line. This section also contains technical sizing tables and equations based on the type of pipe (i.e., metallic, semi-rigid copper tubing, corrugated stainless steel tubing or polyethylene plastic pipe) and the type of gas being piped (i.e., natural gas or undiluted propane). CLICK HERE to get FREE BIDS from Plumbers to install Flexible Gas Lines. Its important that you have your home inspected by a local pro, especially if you arent sure about the status of your gas lines. It's messy and hard work, but I must admit I sort of enjoy it. We will use this information to improve this page. Additionally, any piping installed downstream of the structures point of delivery cannot extend through any other townhouse unit besides the one being served by the piping. The Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters have Temporary banned the use of All Types of CSST Gas Piping Material including the new Counter Strike CSST effective Friday November 28, 2008. I need to install a compression stop valve on 1/2" copper. All flex gas lines installed in new homes are required to be electrically bonded and grounded to prevent fire damage from lightning strikes. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation may not enter into, renew, or renegotiate a contract with a fuel provider for services on the Massachusetts Turnpike without requiring the provider to offer alternative fuel. Protective plates need to be installed to protect flex gas lines from punctures. You are in the right spot! Dominic, short answer: Generally not, but there are flexible gas appliance connectors listed and approved for outdoor use, including some BrassCraft products like the company`s ProCoat stainless steel gas connector. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. Those odds are even lower if you look at how many lightning strikes lead to fires via CSST. Several types of gas installations are exempt from these regulations, including: The size of pipes that must be used in residential piping installations for fuel gas are mandated in Section G2413 (402). But typically, at least one shutoff valve will need to be installed where the flex gas line connects to the 'black iron' or hard gas pipe. Please do not include personal or contact information. Reviewed by Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA. And that's why I am your guide on the intricacies of home maintenance, saving money, and avoiding costly mistakes. Homeowners should check with the manufacturer to see if their CSST has an arc-resistant protective jacket. Thank you for your website feedback! It offers all of the same advantages of the CSST systems. I am a licensed home inspector in Virginia and have inspected thousands of homes. Thank you for your time. Virtually all state and local code authorities permit its use and many contractors are finally embracing it. 20187 Tim Carter. home improvement and repair website. A line pressure regulator that reduces gas pressure from the range of greater than 0.5 psig (3.4 kPa) and less than or equal to 5 psig (34.5 kPa) to a lower pressure. . It's not durable as a traditional black-iron pipe. For comparison, 'black iron' gas pipe will usually last around 50-100 years. We perform original research, solicit expert feedback, and review new content to ensure it meets our quality pledge: helpful content Trusted, Vetted, Expert-Reviewed and Edited. #3. Use this button to show and access all levels. Gas piping shall not penetrate building foundation walls at any point below grade. In regard to your article on the CSST systems being installed in new homes. A qualified electrician or plumber should verify proper installation of the flexible gas line. The CSST has many advantages. Alternative fuel is defined as an energy source that is used to power a vehicle and is not gasoline or diesel. I just saw your article and thought I would provide feedback. A typical black iron pipe installation requires a professional to precisely measure, cut, and thread the individual pieces of pipe. All information is provided "AS IS." The code also provides the method for determining maximum gas demand and adjustments that must be made to compensate for higher altitude installations. If you use copper for gas lines in your home, be sure to paint them yellow and label them with red lettering "GAS LINE" so a future weekend warrior doesn't mistake them for a water line! Casetext, Inc. and Casetext are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7, Section 9A). Additionally, any piping installed downstream of the structure's point of delivery cannot extend through any other . I know as I have installed thousands of linear feet of the heavy material. Accessible and three or six feet long: The flexible connectors cannot pass through walls, floors, or ceilings, and they cannot be hidden. A requirement that installers must use gas shut-off valves comprised of materials compatible with the piping. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. Gas Company says Stacked Adapter on Appliance Linevalve. Flexible appliance connectors also have a corrugated pipe except that the corrugation is visible and there is no plastic sheathing. Before installing gas piping systems to residential structures, be sure to check your local code enforcement ordinances. But before you decide, realize there's a fire and an explosion hazard with this because of lightning! CSST needs to be electrically bonded and grounded to prevent damage to the line. However, we don't get frequent thunderstorms here in central New Hampshire. Let's look at exactly why that happens: CSST is extremely thin compared to the traditional 4 mm black pipe. These fittings are used each time you change directions or join two pieces of straight pipe together. (d . When Was CSST Flexible Gas Line Introduced? The short flexible connector to your gas-fired stove, furnace, or hot water heater is not CSST. Thank you for asking. I agree with Gerry on the furnace. Adding additional gas lines at a future date is not a problem if you plan for the possibility during the original installation. A flexible gas line is an ingenious method of supplying natural gas to fireplaces, furnaces, cooktops, clothes dryers and any other gas appliance. IMAGE LOST by the old version of Clark Van Oyen`s useful comment code now fixed. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. All agencies must purchase the most economical, fuel-efficient, and low emission vehicles appropriate to their mission. (1) Fixture Traps. All of the gas lines that feed each appliance start at a, If you use copper for gas lines in your home, be sure to paint them yellow and label them with. The entrance into the building has to be above grade and then you can pipe down into the crawlspace and run the gas piping. In regard to your article on the CSST systems being installed in new homes. Please let us know how we can improve this page. The CSST must be electrically connected and grounded to avoid damage to the line. These short appliance connectors are usually only 12-72 inches long. Department 248 CMR - BOARD OF STATE EXAMINERS OF PLUMBERS AND GAS FITTERS, Title 248 CMR 5.00 - AMENDMENTS TO NFPA 54, Section 5.05 - Modifications to Chapter 5, Gas Piping System Design, Materials, and Components, Section 5.04 - Modifications to Chapter 4, General, Section 5.06 - Modifications to Chapter 6, Pipe Sizing. In addition, manufacturers require a protective coating to prevent nails from damaging flexible gas lines. 20. 2021 Tim Carter, "A flexible gas line is made from thin-wall stainless steel. And of course, covering a shut-off valve on a gas line behind drywall is probably a red flag for any code compliance inspector. Since the CSST gas line has such a thin metal wall (0.3 mm thick) it is important to protect the gas line from nail punctures. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, 248 CMR 4.00: Massachusetts fuel gas code, is, for 248 CMR 4.00: Massachusetts fuel gas code. Saying that the jurisdiction in charge may refuse it. The CSST systems can be installed one of two ways: The series installation resembles traditional black iron piping. Each end of a piece of pipe must be threaded. Incorporate drip legs at all appliance connections. Flex Gas Lines Need To Be Installed With Supports, Flex Gas Lines Should Be Electrically Bonded And Grounded For Safety, Flex Gas Line Pipe Size Is Based On A Few Factors. I`d be very nervous if I buried a gas valve behind drywall, and even though we both agree that really should mean off. All piping installations must be both visually inspected and pressure tested before being rendered operational. If you need assistance, please contact the Trial Court Law Libraries. Are there advantages to using this pipe? The IRC has two tables to determine pipe size in Chapter 24 for flexible gas lines. If youre wondering what the hype is with flexible gas lines, lets clear some things up. A larger diameter mainline CSST pipe supplies gas to smaller branch tubes that feed each appliance. State fleets must also acquire AFVs according to the requirements of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 and the Massachusetts Office of Vehicle Management (OVM) must approve any light-duty vehicle acquisition. The chapter also provides rules about where and how residential gas piping can be installed. How many turns past finger tight or snug do compression fittings need to go, what's a reasonable range (I know, don't overtighten, but I don't want the things coming apart!)? This valve must be located in the same area as the appliance. ct hit from a hot bolt of lightning will bore a hole in a traditional black iron pipe. A device placed in a gas line for reducing, controlling and maintaining the pressure in that portion of the piping system downstream of the device. By July 1 of each year, OVM must compile a report detailing the progress made towards these requirements. & RockLife part of the Bonavox Foundation, Youngest Legal Marriage Age in United States, Wilson Huhn the Five Types of Legal Argument (3D Ed. (2023 Code Placement), Gas Water Heater Vent Pipe Codes (2023 Requirements), Dryer Vent Installation Code (2023 Requirements), Exit Sign Placement (2023 Building Code Requirements), Toilet Clearance Code (2023 Requirements), Sewage Ejector Pump Code (2023 Requirements), 15 Residential Stair Codes (Handrail Height, Width, Risers), 11 Gas Shutoff Valve Code Requirements (2023 Code Guide), 10 Water Heater Installation Code Requirements (2023 Guide), And some frequently asked questions on flexible gas lines. Maxwell J. BrunnerLieutenantMenomonee Falls Fire DepartmentEmail- [emailprotected]. Some plumbers will tell you it's faster and cheaper to install this new CSST piping. Individual plumbing fixtures shall be separately trapped by a water seal trap placed as close as possible to the fixture outlet. I have to check. I have seen three fires in our own community as a result of CSST failure. Many U.S. states and foreign countries use the IRC for their building code, sometimes with matching language. For more information, including funding amounts and how to apply, see the MassDEP Apply for a DERA Open Solicitation Grant website. If CSST is installed along drywall or in an area where nails can be used, it must be protected by a metal coating. 404.6 Underground penetrations prohibited. Cast iron is only permitted for flanges, valves, strainers, and filters. The regulation also mandates that steel and wrought iron pipe be marked with labels reading "Gas" and "ASTM D 2513." I am having to replace all the plumbing in my house , and will be using pex . And even if the CSST is made with an arc-resistant jacket, your local city or state may still require bonding. I have seen many house defects over the years and saved my clients tens of thousands of dollars. It must also be recommended for that use by the manufacturer (so no after-market repurposing is allowed). Please let us know how we can improve this page. Because the CSST snakes its way around bends and obstructions as one solid piece of tubing, you only have a fitting at each end of the line. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, Policies, Regulations, and Statutes for Plumbers and Gas Fitters, is, Policies, Regulations, and Statutes for Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Call a local architect or plumber instead of trying to read all that mumbo jumbo. She has written extensively for publications and websites in the business, management and legal fields. Mod. Clothes dryer installation must be performed by a qualified installer. Each year, the Executive Office for Administration and Finance and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) must set minimum percentage requirements for E85 use in state flexible fuel vehicles, depending on the availability of the fuel in the state. As you said, the new CSST is installed like electrical wire. Copyright may only utilize welded pipes and fittings when: 5.6.2.7 Galvanized. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, metallic piping joints and fittings which do not otherwise meet the requirements of this section may be utilized if approved by the Board or otherwise have met the product acceptance requirements of 248 CMR 3.04(1): Board Required Product-acceptance. Flex corrugated pipelines have been involved in a number of legal disputes over the years. 21. Read More: How to Locate Underground Gas Lines Before You Dig. There's no where in gas code that says flexible gas connectors are illegal to a hot water heater in Mass. It is important to bury the flexible gas line to secure the transportation of gas into your house. These are two short pieces of the flexible stainless-steel gas lines or CSST. in Speech from Catawba College and a J.D. Dominic, short answer: Generally not, but there are flexible gas appliance connectors listed and approved for outdoor use, including some . If you care to, read an article that was published in April of 2003 in the Dallas News regarding banning this installation in the city of Frisco, Collin County, Texas. Building Codes requiring bonding of CSST flexible gas lines came into practice no earlier than 2007. Funding for eligible project costs is available for local or state agencies and public colleges and universities that reduce diesel emissions by converting engines to alternative fuels, retrofitting exhaust controls, purchasing new vehicles, or adding idle reduction equipment. Errant screws or nails used to attach cabinets, trim, pictures, etc. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. What Is The Code For Dryer Vent Installations? 1995-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. You should also see the citations both in this article and in the references at the bottom of the page. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They have worked well for many years. pagoda | Dec 19, 2006 09:54am | #4. A lock icon ( Can you cut into the pipe at a future date to install an added gas appliance? CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter. Since CSST is a very thin metal with a thickness of about 0.3 mm, it is more sensitive to lightning. Sep 3, 2015. (a)Welding shall not be construed as the practice of gas-fitting, however, a licensed plumber or gas fitter may not utilize welded pipes and fittings unless they conform to the specifications cited in subsections 5.6.2.2 and A.5.5.1 (1). The connector shall be used in accordance with the terms of its listing and shall be in the same room as the equipment. You don't solder it like water lines. A typical black iron pipe installation has many 90-degree, tee, and coupling fittings. What are the Two Gas Line Install Choices? In short, flexible gas lines are perfectly safe as long as they're properly installed. To see if you have CSST, look for long stretches of yellow-jacketed, flexible tubing in your basement, crawlspace, or attic. Additional terms and conditions apply. In short, flexible gas lines are perfectly safe as long as theyre properly installed. The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for improper installation, and does not provide in any great detail, of detrimental or catastrophic failure if done so. HEVs and AFVs must be acquired at a rate of at least 5% annually for all new motor vehicle purchases so that not less than 50% of the motor vehicles the Commonwealth owns and operates will be HEVs or AFVs by 2018. Who Can Help With Running or Installing a Gas Line? It's not really a do-it-yourself proposition. Some page levels are currently hidden. As you can see, there is a significant multi-year gap in which Building Codes did not require proper bonding of flexible gas lines. Click to see a larger view, and you`ll see that I quoted it exactly. That said, when CSST pipes burst, the pipe turns into a potential giant lightning rod. Is 1/2 turn past finger tight a good place to start for both fittings (are the big ones and the small ones the same)? All rights reserved. Re: Running gas line under the deck. A CSST that is not correctly grounded or bonded can leak natural gas or become ignited, leading to a major fire hazard. Code expert Glenn Mathewson describes 10 common water-heater code issues, including confusion about drip pans and drains, unsupported expansion tanks and plastic vents, lack of combustion air, and more. The minimum test duration shall be one hour and the maximum test duration shall be 24 hours, irrespective of system design. Hey, I'm Arie and I created this site. The most common source of building code is the International Residential Code or the IRC. The gas piping is known as corrugated stainless steel tubing, or "yellow CSST.". Keep in mind running, installing, or repairing a gas line often involves two different fields of expertise. That would never happen with a piece of traditional black iron pipe. International Residential Code The chapter also provides rules about where and how residential gas piping can be installed. How tight to make compression fittings for stop valve on copper? Flexible connectors are allowed to be used to connect appliances to gas pipelines. However, new homes with CSST require electrical bonding or grounding to protect against lightning strikes. (Reference Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance Administrative Bulletin 13, 2006). Home Inspector Secrets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Visit SEVERAL firehouses to get different opinions. d) A flexible appliance connector shall not be used on gas pressure in excess of V2 pound per square inch gauge (P.S.i.G.). This guide isn't meant to detail every code, and I have summarized a few of the most important codes for flex gas lines from the IRC Chapter 24 Fuel Gas. Flexible gas line code is a set of government regulations that controls flex gas line installations. That's why it's important to check with your local code enforcement and review the applicable requirements for your project before beginning a residential gas piping project. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Subscribe to the FREE Ask the Builder newsletter to receive professional advice for your home. Some of these violations can be life-safety hazards, so avoiding these mistakes is crucial. This type of gas line tubing is very popular among builders and contractors because of its ease of use, flexibility and its ability to save on labor installation costs especially over black iron pipe. Tell them you think you have CSST and that you want to make sure it's been properly grounded. I suggest you look up the article in the Dallas News if you want more details. You're now the proud owner of some wonderful corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST). If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. DEAR BETSY: Congratulations! The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding for projects that reduce diesel emissions in Massachusetts. Generally, all systems must be sized and installed so as to keep a sufficient flow of gas to meet the maximum demand for each appliance inlet.