Many of my fellow contractors who install gas lines thought it was unsafe. A qualified electrician or plumber should verify proper installation of the flexible gas line. CSST is not user friendly for a DIY installer. Many U.S. states and foreign countries use the IRC for their building code, sometimes with matching language. That would never happen with a piece of traditional black iron pipe. If you do have a leak, these fittings are almost always readily accessible for adjustment. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Many U.S. states around 2006 enacted a CSST gas line code that requires electrical bonding of CSST such as this example in Virginia. Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles, Project Assistance & Funding Opportunities, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6C, Section 75 and Chapter 90, Section 1, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Laws and Rules 700 CMR 7.07, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7, Section 9A. Photo: Serhii Ivashchuk / iStock / Getty Images. How tight to make compression fittings for stop valve on copper? Section G2415.3 (404.3) prohibits installing pipes through ductwork, clothing chutes, chimneys, elevator shafts and dumbwaiters. An older home is likely exempted (grandfathered-in) from current CSST gas line code, but homeowners that have flexible gas lines should have it evaluated by a qualified plumber or electrician. Is it Easy to Install Additional Gas Lines? Watch this video to see what you think about the dangers of the material. Our commitment is to provide clear, original, and accurate information in accessible formats. Want to learn all about flex line gas code and proper installation? If the CSST isnt properly bonded electrically, this can lead to a disaster. What's more, the threaded joints on both sides of the fitting can also be potential leak points. To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives. 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. 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. What Is The Code For Dryer Vent Installations? 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. The cost to run a gas line is $20 per linear foot, and gas leak repairs will cost around $200, though this price will significantly increase if you need wall or ground excavation. If you have lots of pipes to run, this may be the way to go. For as long as I have been in the home building business, we always used similar brass appliance connector tubing when gas was supplied to a clothes dryer, a cooktop, or a gas range. Re: Running gas line under the deck. Is Flexible Gas Line Legal in Massachusetts. In some U.S. states such as in Massachusetts, CSST is required to have a metal cover to protect it from lighting and the elements when outside. Each of the cast fittings can be the source of a leak. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be ct hit from a hot bolt of lightning will bore a hole in a traditional black iron pipe. All of the gas lines that feed each appliance start at a central distribution point or manifold. 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. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Cast iron is only permitted for flanges, valves, strainers, and filters. Over the years, I have inspected so many homes with flexible gas lines, also known as CSST. Electrically bonding the CSST will ground the gas line and help prevent damage and subsequent fire risk. The list below contains summaries of all Massachusetts laws and incentives related to propane. Protective plates need to be installed to protect flex gas lines from punctures. For comparison, 'black iron' gas pipe will usually last around 50-100 years. I've had no issues with them at all and I even had to do a kitchen remodel where I extended an existing line. A lock icon ( (Reference Massachusetts Department of Transportation Laws and Rules 700 CMR 7.07). I agree with Gerry on the furnace. Need professional help with your project? CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Some CSST manufacturers will require a minimum of flex line support every 4-feet, but other companies may only need support every 8-9 feet. 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. There's no where in gas code that says flexible gas connectors are illegal to a hot water heater in Mass. Let's look at exactly why that happens: CSST is extremely thin compared to the traditional 4 mm black pipe. A flexible gas line is an ingenious method of supplying natural gas to fireplaces, furnaces, cooktops, clothes dryers and any other gas 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. Flex corrugated pipelines have been involved in a number of legal disputes over the years. When Was CSST Flexible Gas Line Introduced? WARNINGRISK OF FIRE To reduce the risk of severe injury or death, follow all installation instructions. Those odds are even lower if you look at how many lightning strikes lead to fires via CSST. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Flexible gas line code is a set of government regulations that controls flex gas line installations. suggestions. The gas piping is known as corrugated stainless steel tubing, or "yellow CSST.". Tell them you think you have CSST and that you want to make sure it's been properly grounded. 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. (Reference Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance Administrative Bulletin 13, 2006). Flex corrugated gas lines have been involved in a number of lawsuits over the years. Speaking of the status of your gas lines, knowing which kind you have is key to determining whether or not your home is at risk of a gas line fire or leak. A larger diameter mainline CSST pipe supplies gas to smaller branch tubes that feed each appliance. 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. Agencies may apply for exemptions from the biodiesel and E85 fuel use requirements if the agencies demonstrate that the alternative fuel is not available within a reasonable distance, cannot be purchased by state vehicle operators through state procurement, or the price of the alternative fuel is cost prohibitive, as determined by DOER. The CSST systems can be installed one of two ways: The series installation resembles traditional black iron piping. 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. 5.5.1.1 Gas Pressure Boosters. I responded to this very interesting email with a few thoughts of my own. 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. may only utilize welded pipes and fittings when: 5.6.2.7 Galvanized. More on this in a just a moment. All agencies must purchase the most economical, fuel-efficient, and low emission vehicles appropriate to their mission. Section G2415.5 (404.5) provides that concealed connections or fittings must be limited solely to threaded elbows, tees and couplings, as well as brazed or welding fittings. Thoughts on pipe and g. First and foremost look at your local codes to prevent an insurance policy void , god forbid something goes wrong. A requirement that installers must use gas shut-off valves comprised of materials compatible with the piping. The flexible gas line code in the IRC doesn't explicitly state how often it needs to be supported, but it says you must follow manufacturer instructions on spacing. Call a qualified, licensed plumber to install a gas line. If CSST is installed along drywall or in an area where nails can be used, it must be protected by a metal coating. Generally, you should bury a flexible gas line when it's coming from an outdoor area. Use this button to show and access all levels. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. This valve must be located in the same area as the appliance. Over the years I have inspected so many homes with flexible gas lines,also known as CSST. Use an approved pipe thread compound applied to the male threads only (keep at least 2 threads back from end of pipe). I am a licensed home inspector in Virginia and have inspected thousands of homes. It's messy and hard work, but I must admit I sort of enjoy it. As a general rule, however, at least one shut-off valve should be installed, when the flexible gas line is connected to the "black iron" or hard gas line. organizations or governmental authorities for further information and access to definitive versions of these important laws. Diversity factor is an important factor determining the correct gas piping size to be used for supplying domestic ranges in multiple family dwellings; it applies to domestic ranges only and shall not apply to any other gas appliances. Chapter 24 prohibits the reconditioning or reuse of any pipe, fittings or valves, unless theyre free of debris and are suited to the intended purpose. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Water Heater Installations? Section 2401.1 (101.2) governs the applicability of the provisions of Chapter 24, which covers fuel gas piping systems, fuel-gas appliances and related accessories, venting systems and combustion air configurations that are most commonly found in single-family and duplex-type dwelling structures. Thank you for asking. Saying that the jurisdiction in charge may refuse it. CSST needs to be supported at certain intervals with clips or straps. The code prohibits the use of cast iron pipes in residential gas piping installations. Thank you for your website feedback! MassDEP prioritizes projects that benefit environmental justice communities. You skipped the table of contents section. Generally, appliance manufacturers will provide specifications for pipe size that are often dependent on British Thermal Unit (BTU) inputs such as furnaces or boilers. Always verify the flexible gas line code with your local state or city and with the manufacturer. If youre wondering what the hype is with flexible gas lines, lets clear some things up. Old homes with flexible gas lines were up to code when the home was built. We will use this information to improve this page. Lets look at exactly why that happens: CSST is extremely thin compared to the traditional 4 mm black pipe. Flexible gas lines are made from corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CSST). As you can see, there is a significant multi-year gap in which Building Codes did not require proper bonding of flexible gas lines. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Range Hood Venting? & RockLife part of the Bonavox Foundation, Youngest Legal Marriage Age in United States, Wilson Huhn the Five Types of Legal Argument (3D Ed. Chris, if the gas valve is in front (before) of the flexible gas connection, this is the most important thing close this valve. 2014), Why Was Law and Order Los Angeles Cancelled. 404.6 Underground penetrations prohibited. However, we don't get frequent thunderstorms here in central New Hampshire. However, newer CSST (usually black jacketed, not yellow) has an arc-resistant jacket that is already considered bonded when installed to a grounded appliance such as a furnace. 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. A line drawing of the Internet Archive headquarters building faade. Requirements for an ASME Boiler Pressure Vessel, How to Locate Underground Gas Lines Before You Dig, ICC Publish Access: International Residential Code - Chapter 24 - Fuel Gas, ICC Public Access: International Fuel Gas Code, Archive.org: Full text of "ICC IRC (2012): International Residential Code", Legal Beagle: How to Locate Underground Gas Lines Before You Dig, Legal Beagle: How to Get a General Contractor's License, Legal Beagle: How to Fight Code Enforcement, Legal Beagle: General Conditions in a Construction Contract, Legal Beagle: Requirements for an ASME Boiler Pressure Vessel, LNG (liquefied natural gas) installations, Temporary LP gas piping for buildings under, Portable LP gas appliances that arent connected to any fixed piping system, A prohibition against gas piping that penetrates any of the structures foundation walls at any point thats below grade; and. One of two tables in the International Residential Code that governs pipe size for CSST. Separate Trapping Required: a. These fittings are used each time you change directions or join two pieces of straight pipe together. It offers all of the same advantages of the CSST systems. If you are not able to get CSST tubing and can't handle working with black iron pipe, consider using soft copper. Sep 3, 2015. Additionally, the project inspector must approve the use. Installation procedures and alerts for flexible gas appliance connections You will see a number of manufacturer`s warnings and safety risks, including: Do not install flexible gas connectors in multiple or grouped sets use a single flexible connection line between the appliance and the gas supply connection point. If you have additional questions about codes specific to your area, contact your local building code officer. Keep reading! According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking is by far the number one cause of house fires nationwide, making up 50.2% of residential fires. View our Privacy Policy here. And that's why I wanted to create this guide, to educate homeowners on the potential hazards of flexible gas lines and to bring them up on current code. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Building Codes requiring bonding of CSST flexible gas lines came into practice no earlier than 2007. Repeated bending, flexing, extreme vibration, stretching, can cause metal fatigue, cracks, holes and dangerous gas leaks. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This material was approved for residential use in 1988 by the National Fuel Gas Code. 248 CMR 4.00 through 8.00, collectively the Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code, governs theinstallation of fuel gas piping systems, fuel gas utilization equipment, and related accessoriesthroughout the Commonwealth. By July 1 of each year, OVM must compile a report detailing the progress made towards these requirements. The IRC has two tables to determine pipe size in Chapter 24 for flexible gas lines. The number 1600 quoted in a note in the table above comes from the source we see in note 4 BrassCraft Gas Products, 39600 Orchard Hill Pl, Novi, MI 48375, USA +1 248-305-6000, Website: www.brasscraft.com/Below is a copy of the Company`s original information on flexible gas interconnections. She holds a B.A. In general, expect an estimated quote of $250 to correct the existing CSST and about $4,000 to replace it. All Flex gas lines installed in new homes must be electrically plugged in and grounded to prevent lightning damage. Incorporate drip legs at all appliance connections. Flexible gas lines (known as CSST) are safe to use if properly installed in a home. or more per Range. If you need assistance, please contact the Trial Court Law Libraries. A parallel CSST manifold system mimics an electric panel. Section G2415.3 (404.3) prohibits installing pipes through ductwork, clothing chutes, chimneys, elevator shafts and dumbwaiters. A CSST that is not correctly grounded or bonded can leak natural gas or become ignited, leading to a major fire hazard. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Flexible gas connector tubing is intended for limited movement after installatin. In regard to your article on the CSST systems being installed in new homes. 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. Website operating (c) Gas piping systems with pressures over 70 P.S.I.G. 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. To see if you have CSST, look for long stretches of yellow-jacketed, flexible tubing in your basement, crawlspace, or attic. This flexible gas line has a very thin metal wall that is only about 0.3mm thick and can become a fire hazard if not properly 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!)? The current home I live in here in central New Hampshire had these flexible gas lines installed in 2001. If you need assistance, please contact the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. The code also provides the method for determining maximum gas demand and adjustments that must be made to compensate for higher altitude installations. Most U.S. municipalities have adopted the provisions of the International Residential Code, Chapter 24. Virtually all state and local code authorities permit its use and many contractors are finally embracing it. CSST should never be directly connected to movable appliances like dryers, washers, and ovens. A CSST that is not correctly grounded or bonded can leak natural gas or become ignited, leading to a major fire hazard. 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). When using a flexible gas connector, it must not exceed 3 feet (36 inches) in length. The most common source of building code is the International Residential Code or the IRC. This is a long time, no doubt, but not as long as traditional black steel pipes, which can last up to 75 years. Flex Gas Line Should Not Be Connected To Movable Appliances, Protective Plating Should Be Installed When CSST May Be Punctured, The Maximum Allowable Bending Radius of Flex Gas Lines, Sediment Trap Will Likely Need To Be Installed, Where To Place Smoke Detectors? If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. I happen to be a master plumber and given the choice, I'd install traditional threaded black iron pipe. It is also important to note that the IRC leaves out a lot of installation details for CSST and says to follow manufacturer instructions. 5.1.1 Installation of Piping Systems over Five Million BTU/hr. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6C, Section 75 and Chapter 90, Section 1). When purchasing new motor vehicles, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must purchase HEVs or AFVs to the maximum extent feasible and consistent with the ability of such vehicles to perform their intended functions. In short, flexible gas lines are perfectly safe as long as theyre properly installed. The regulation also mandates that steel and wrought iron pipe be marked with labels reading "Gas" and "ASTM D 2513." 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.). (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7, Section 9A). What is the code that prohibits connecting flexible gas connectors? (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6C, Section 75 and Chapter 90, Section 1). 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. shoprite curbside pickup,
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