" (3) A listed connector in compliance with ANSI Z21.24, Standard for Connectors for Gas Appliances. Installers should follow the recommendations of appliance manufacturers in installing gas piping or connecting to piping installations. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Galvanized pipe shall not be used. A line drawing of the Internet Archive headquarters building faade. (d . An illustration of a magnifying glass. The CSST systems can be installed one of two ways: The series installation resembles traditional black iron piping. Call a local architect or plumber instead of trying to read all that mumbo jumbo. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Please let us know how we can improve this page. (Reference Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance Administrative Bulletin 13, 2006). Tell them you think you have CSST and that you want to make sure it's been properly grounded. And that's why I am your guide on the intricacies of home maintenance, saving money, and avoiding costly mistakes. The list below contains summaries of all Massachusetts laws and incentives related to ethanol. 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. Short answer: Generally not, but there are some flexible gas appliance connectors listed and approved for outdoor use, including some BrassCraft products like the company`s ProCoat stainless steel gas connector. 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. 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. View our Privacy Policy here. Thank you for your website feedback! Incorporate drip legs at all appliance connections. (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. 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. We look forward to more photos, comments, questions. I have seen many house defects over the years and saved my clients tens of thousands of dollars. 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. 2021 Tim Carter, "A flexible gas line is made from thin-wall stainless steel. 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. Gas piping shall enter and exit a building at a point above grade and the . The IRC has two tables to determine pipe size in Chapter 24 for flexible gas lines. CLICK HERE to get FREE BIDS from Plumbers to install Flexible Gas Lines. A CSST that is not correctly grounded or bonded can leak natural gas or become ignited, leading to a major fire hazard. If CSST is installed along drywall or in an area where nails can be used, it must be protected by a metal coating. 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. This is often the easiest system to adapt at a future date. I have to check. Studies have confirmed that a lighting strike near a home can puncture the membrane of CSST as result of the power surge. These local governments may have other ordinances or regulatory codes. Flexible appliance connectors also have a corrugated pipe except that the corrugation is visible and there is no plastic sheathing. #3. We welcome your comments and Protective plates need to be installed to protect flex gas lines from punctures. pagoda | Dec 19, 2006 09:54am | #4. A lock icon ( The provisions of this section shall only apply to premises owned gas meters, which are comprised of a secondary meter and meter assembly installed on the downstream portion of the gas piping system of a serving gas supplier's meter. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Bathroom Fan Venting? We have reviewed our content for bias and company-wide, we routinely meet with national experts to educate ourselves on better ways to deliver accessible content. The minimum test duration shall be one hour and the maximum test duration shall be 24 hours, irrespective of system design. Lightning strikes are much rarer, accounting for only a portion of the 1.8% of residential fires caused by natural disasters. CSST needs to be supported at certain intervals with clips or straps. Since CSST has a much thinner wall than traditional black iron gas pipe, it should be protected from damage when outside and above ground. Pipe and Fittings in excess of four inches in diameter shall be welded. Watch this video to see what you think about the dangers of the material. If properly installed, your chance of a fire from CSST is as rare as a lightning strike. In addition, manufacturers require a protective coating to prevent nails from damaging flexible gas lines. We respect your email privacy. That said, when CSST pipes burst, the pipe turns into a potential giant lightning rod. If you have questions on the article I mentioned, you may contact the Dallas News. It's not really a do-it-yourself proposition. Click to see a larger view, and you`ll see that I quoted it exactly. 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. International Residential Code The requirements of IRC's Chapter 24 do not apply in a municipality, county or parish that has not adopted its provisions. Most U.S. municipalities have adopted the provisions of the International Residential Code, Chapter 24. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Stairs? Many U.S. states around 2006 enacted a CSST gas line code that requires electrical bonding of CSST such as this example in Virginia. OVM, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, will set new minimum standards for vehicle fuel economy and work with agencies to acquire vehicles that provide the best value for the Commonwealth on a total cost of ownership basis. A shut-off valve must be installed at the rigid piping connection. Hey, I'm Arie and I created this site. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Flexible gas line code is a set of government regulations that controls flex gas line installations. I remember when the material was first introduced in 1989. You simply pull the material between two points and cut it to length with simple tubing cutters. All agencies must purchase the most economical, fuel-efficient, and low emission vehicles appropriate to their mission. This code is updated every 3 years and it is known as a model code. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Its important that you have your home inspected by a local pro, especially if you arent sure about the status of your gas lines. 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. The list below contains summaries of all Massachusetts laws and incentives related to propane. It's feeding 1/4" OD soft copper tubing. Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles, Photo: Cavan Images / Cavan / Getty Images. All piping installations must be both visually inspected and pressure tested before being rendered operational. The pipe is extremely durable and rarely has a lightning strike cause a fire in a house with black iron pipe. Can gas connectors be placed underground? Table of Contents Contact Thank you for asking. I suggest you look up the article in the Dallas News if you want more details. Only a direct hit from a hot bolt of lightning will bore a hole in a traditional black iron pipe. Lets look at exactly why that happens: CSST is extremely thin compared to the traditional 4 mm black pipe. Make your practice more effective and efficient with Casetexts legal research suite. Since CSST is a very thin metal at around 0.3-mm thick, it is more vulnerable to lightning strikes. It's important to realize you need to think about overall safety. If CSST is installed along drywall or in some area where nails may be used, it needs to be protected with metal plating. Special instructions for appliances inst alled in the S tate of Massachusetts: This appliance can only be installed in the State of Massachusetts by a Massachusetts licensed plumber or gas fitter. I know as I have installed thousands of linear feet of the heavy material. Clothes dryer installation must be performed by a qualified installer. Photo at left: coated corrugated flexible stainless steel gas connector tubing. It is important to bury the flexible gas line to secure the transportation of gas into your house. Although there have been a few concerns with this type of pipe over damage from nearby lightning strikes. I could be wrong. The regulation also mandates that steel and wrought iron pipe be marked with labels reading "Gas" and "ASTM D 2513." suggestions. (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). Copyright 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. Read More: How to Locate Underground Gas Lines Before You Dig. This code came in as a response to damage to flexible gas lines and fires in homes struck by lightning. Alternative fuel is defined as an energy source that is used to power a vehicle and is not gasoline or diesel. Flexible gas lines (also known as corrugated stainless steel tubing - CSST) have been installed in millions of homes in the U.S. and around the world. The current home I live in here in central New Hampshire had these flexible gas lines installed in 2001. These are two short pieces of the flexible stainless-steel gas lines or CSST. And that`s why I wanted to create this guide to educate homeowners about the potential dangers of flexible gas lines and update them with the current code. Traditional black iron pipe takes a lot of time to cut and thread. 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. Please do not include personal or contact information. The safest would be a plug at the outlet port on this gas valve itself. (Reference Massachusetts Department of Transportation Laws and Rules 700 CMR 7.07). Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, State Plumbing Code, Board Policies, Variance Applications, and Other Forms, CSST Installed Above Ground Exterior to a Building, Maximum Temperature for Hand Sinks in Commercial Kitchens, Minimum Drain Size With Multiple Shower Heads, Safe Waste Pans for Water Heatersand Storage Tanks, Creation of Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (M.G.L Chapter 13, Sections 36 to 38), Licensing Provisions for Registration of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (M.G.L. Some of their arguments never made sense to me. Flex lines are all the hvac guys are running inside the house. As you can see, there is a significant multi-year gap in which Building Codes did not require proper bonding of flexible gas lines. I would like to install the pex type manifold systym as I need to replace all of the old plumbing , there are several brands-Apollo , Viega , Wirsbo , manabloc ect . 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. Sediment traps are short pieces of pipe that capture 'sediment' and other particles that are in gas. It's messy and hard work, but I must admit I sort of enjoy it. You may freely link 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. The maximum allowed bending radius is usually 3-inches for 3/4" CSST and up to 5-inches for 1" or larger CSST. Individual plumbing fixtures shall be separately trapped by a water seal trap placed as close as possible to the fixture outlet. Sign up to my newsletter to receive expert advice for your home! The CSST`s electrical bonding grounded the gas line and prevented subsequent damage and fire hazards. There are lots of instances of houses that have been destroyed in gas fires because CSST pipe was ruptured by a lightning strike. For more information, including funding amounts and how to apply, see the MassDEP Apply for a DERA Open Solicitation Grant website. 1995-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. CSST needs to be electrically bonded and grounded to prevent damage to the line. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. You can also see the pipe sizing chart for the manufacturer Gastite here. We write helpful content to answer your questions from our expert network. If you have an older home with CSST, it is important to verify that the electrical bonding and grounding exists and is working properly. Betsy F., Augusta, GA, Pipe Threading Compound To Permanently Seal Black Iron - Great Video, Sizing Gas Lines - Tim Carter Can Draw Your Gas Line Plan. OVM, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, will set new minimum standards for vehicle fuel economy and work with agencies to acquire vehicles that provide the best value for the Commonwealth on a total cost of ownership basis. And of course, covering a shut-off valve on a gas line behind drywall is probably a red flag for any code compliance inspector. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. 20. 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. I was afraid of CSST because of the thin nature of the pipe. I am a licensed home inspector in Virginia and have inspected thousands of homes. Are there advantages to using this pipe? I am having to replace all the plumbing in my house , and will be using pex . Take a look at GAS BTUH, CUBIC FEET & ENERGY, where we cite authoritative sources and (among others): One cubic foot (0.028 cubic meters) of natural gas contains about 1,050 BTUs Thank you for pointing out some confusion. If you have an older home with CSST, it is important to check that the electrical bonding and grounding are in place and working properly. Connections are made with common flare fittings that tighten with standard wrenches. One of two tables in the International Residential Code that governs pipe size for CSST. The thin walls of CSST might not seem to handle as much of a strike as black iron. Virtually all state and local code authorities permit its use and many contractors are finally embracing it. If your house was built in the United States between the early 90s and mid-2000s, you likely have natural gas piping made from corrugated stainless steel tubinga popular, flexible replacement for black steel pipes. Flexible gas connector tubing is intended for limited movement after installatin. Read more about our editorial standards. If this happens, the electricity from the lightning can arc, puncture a hole in the line, ignite the gas inside, and cause a fire. The short flexible connector to your gas-fired stove, furnace, or hot water heater is not CSST. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Dryer Vent Installations? Flex lines are all the gas company will use for new connections other than the rigid pipe going up to meters. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. You're now the proud owner of some wonderful corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST). Please let us know how we can improve this page. The Valves shall: Current through Register 1493, April 14, 2023. 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).

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