DEAR TIM: The natural gas lines that are being installed in our new home are not the heavy black iron pipe. I would have preferred to close the pipes when they are not in 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. CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local plumbers to installflexible gas lines in your home. 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). 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. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. An illustration of a magnifying glass. REGULATOR, PRESSURE. Additionally, any piping installed downstream of the structure's point of delivery cannot extend through any other . A flexible appliance connector should be used instead to connect from the CSST to these appliances. Section 10.08 - Traps and Cleanouts. Flexible appliance connectors also have a corrugated pipe except that the corrugation is visible and there is no plastic sheathing. 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. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Toilet Clearances? (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. This valve must be located in the same area as the appliance. An AFV powered by propane or natural gas may only use the Massachusetts Turnpike at or between Interchange 1 in West Stockbridge and Interchange 14 in Weston if the vehicle has a special fuel transportation permit issued by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. 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. 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. Maxwell J. BrunnerLieutenantMenomonee Falls Fire DepartmentEmail- [emailprotected]. Massachusetts Fuel and Gas Code. Policies, Regulations, and Statutes for Plumbers and Gas Fitters | Mass.gov Division of Occupational Licensure Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters State Plumbing Code, Board Policies, Variance Applications, and Other Forms offered by Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Division of Occupational Licensure We look forward to more photos, comments, questions. Generally, you should bury a flexible gas line when it's coming from an outdoor area. (b) Install or cause to be installed a gas appliance in a residence. Some page levels are currently hidden. We will use this information to improve this page. If you need assistance, please contact the Trial Court Law Libraries. Gas Company says Stacked Adapter on Appliance Linevalve. Can you cut into the pipe at a future date to install an added gas appliance? 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. 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). problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. There's signs of flames shooting out of the burner area. You skipped the table of contents section. 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. or more per Range. Protective plates need to be installed to protect flex gas lines from punctures. CSST is not user friendly for a DIY installer. Errant screws or nails used to attach cabinets, trim, pictures, etc. Read More: How to Fight Code Enforcement. CSA design-certifies gas connectors up to 6' (72"). ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. 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. The code prohibits the use of cast iron pipes in residential gas piping installations. Current through Register 1492, March 31, 2023. Watch this video to see what you think about the dangers of the material. . It's not really a do-it-yourself proposition. 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. Need professional help with your project? 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. 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. Section G2415.3 (404.3) prohibits installing pipes through ductwork, clothing chutes, chimneys, elevator shafts and dumbwaiters. Watch this video to see how CSST pipe is installed. 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. Lightning strikes are much rarer, accounting for only a portion of the 1.8% of residential fires caused by natural disasters. Galvanized pipe shall not be used. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. 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. Please let us know how we can improve this page. All Massachusetts agencies must use a minimum of 15% biodiesel (B15) in all on- and off-road diesel engines, provided that the Commonwealth Office of Vehicle Management and other appropriate agencies have determined that a B15 goal is appropriate. The gas piping is known as corrugated stainless steel tubing, or "yellow CSST.". These extremely flexible pipes are made from stainless steel and often come coated in a trademark yellow casing, though they can sometimes be black. Those odds are even lower if you look at how many lightning strikes lead to fires via CSST. All Flex gas lines installed in new homes must be electrically plugged in and grounded to prevent lightning damage. (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). If the CSST isnt properly bonded electrically, this can lead to a disaster. Who Can Help With Running or Installing a Gas Line? Although the manufacturer states that it is completely safe, in fact safer than ridged black pipe, it has some serious issues. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. 21. Copyright Home Inspector Secrets 2023 A typical black iron pipe installation requires a professional to precisely measure, cut, and thread the individual pieces of pipe. Flexible Gas Line | Here's a flexible gas line. I have seen many house defects over the years and saved my clients tens of thousands of dollars. It offers all of the same advantages of the CSST systems. Over the years I have inspected so many homes with flexible gas lines,also known as CSST. #3. 248 CMR 3.00: General provisions governing the conduct of plumbing and gas fitt, 248 CMR 4.00: Massachusetts fuel gas code, 248 CMR 7.00: Large gas utilization equipment, 248 CMR 10.00: Uniform state plumbing code, 248 CMR 11.00: Education and experience standards and requirements for licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. 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. 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. DominicThank you for asking if we can use CSST or equivalent flexible gas line connectors outdoors or not. It is also important to note that the IRC leaves out a lot of installation details for CSST and says to follow manufacturer instructions. 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. All Massachusetts agencies must use a minimum of 15% biodiesel (B15) in all on- and off-road diesel engines, provided that the Commonwealth Office of Vehicle Management and other appropriate agencies have determined that a B15 goal is appropriate. Call a local architect or plumber instead of trying to read all that mumbo jumbo. 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. Flexible gas lines are made from corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CSST). Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. You may freely link Some plumbers will tell you it's faster and cheaper to install this new CSST piping. We respect your email privacy. Is it Easy to Install Additional Gas Lines? What are the Two Gas Line Install Choices? If you have questions on the article I mentioned, you may contact the Dallas News. Please do not include personal or contact information. The requirements of IRC's Chapter 24 do not apply in a municipality, county or parish that has not adopted its provisions. The minimum test duration shall be one hour and the maximum test duration shall be 24 hours, irrespective of system design. A flexible gas line is an ingenious method of supplying natural gas to fireplaces, furnaces, cooktops, clothes dryers and any other gas appliance. Gas pressure boosters may be installed in that portion of the gas piping system extending from the outlet of the meter set assembly to the inlet of the equipment requiring elevated or increased pressure when the following conditions have been satisfied: 5.6.2.2.1 Welding of Steel and Wrought Iron Pipe. 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. Building Codes requiring bonding of CSST flexible gas lines came into practice no earlier than 2007. Finally, most local building codes mandate that a licensed contractor must install gas piping, as these kinds of projects are not suitable for inexperienced or amateur builders. Over the years, I have inspected so many homes with flexible gas lines, also known as CSST. I call them out on black iron piping only. Black iron is so much thicker that it may actually take a lightning strike better. For 15 years our company has published content with clear steps to accomplish the how, with high quality sourcing to answer the why, and with original formats to make the internet a helpful place. To get a quote, contact a local home inspector or licensed electrician near you to inspect your gas lines. Chapter 142, Sections 1 to 22; M.G.L. In addition, manufacturers require protective plating to prevent nails from damaging the flexible gas lines. Keep in mind running, installing, or repairing a gas line often involves two different fields of expertise. Click to see a larger view, and you`ll see that I quoted it exactly. 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. The flexible connector cannot be longer than 36". It's feeding 1/4" OD soft copper tubing. I was afraid of CSST because of the thin nature of the pipe. How Much Does It Cost to Run or Fix a Gas Line? These local governments may have other ordinances or regulatory codes. Flexible gas lines (known as CSST) are safe to use if properly installed in a home. 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. 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. organizations or governmental authorities for further information and access to definitive versions of these important laws. For comparison, 'black iron' gas pipe will usually last around 50-100 years. 20187 Tim Carter. In short, flexible gas lines are perfectly safe as long as theyre properly installed. Is it safe to use? Clothes dryer installation must be performed by a qualified installer. Saying that the jurisdiction in charge may refuse it. Is that toilet piping contraption normal? 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. 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. Flexible Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) will also be allowed as per the manufacturer's guidelines. For more information, including funding amounts and how to apply, see the MassDEP Apply for a DERA Open Solicitation Grant website. The only specialized tool you need is a flaring tool made to fit the pipe size you are working with. In the state of Massachusetts, installation must be performed by a qualified or licensed contractor, plumber, or gasfitter qualified or licensed by the state. In the minds of many, installing a tank water . It shall be unlawful to:. As you said, the new CSST is installed like electrical wire. Incorporate drip legs at all appliance connections. Read More: How to Locate Underground Gas Lines Before You Dig. The code also provides the method for determining maximum gas demand and adjustments that must be made to compensate for higher altitude installations. Website operating This code is updated every 3 years and it is known as a model code. The connector shall be used in accordance with the terms of its listing and shall be in the same room as the equipment. See connectors that are listed CSA according to ANSIZ21.75/CSA 6.27 Connectors for outdoor gas appliances and prefabricated homes (folder #204593) Please find your question and my detailed answer now at the end of the above article on this page. Since CSST has a much thinner wall than traditional black iron gas pipe, it should be protected from damage when outside and above ground. 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. CLICK HERE to get FREE BIDS from Plumbers to install Flexible Gas Lines. These short appliance connectors are usually only 12-72 inches long. Many of my fellow contractors who install gas lines thought it was unsafe. Call a qualified, licensed plumber to install a gas line. It's important to realize you need to think about overall safety. If you need assistance, please contact the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Generally, appliance manufacturers will provide specifications for pipe size that are often dependent on British Thermal Unit (BTU) inputs such as furnaces or boilers. The list below contains summaries of all Massachusetts laws and incentives related to propane. Bob: Thanks for that important question, I`ll check the data sources. When Utility/Natural Gas and Undiluted Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane Gas) systems are installed within the same building or structure, the following additional conditions must be satisfied as well as those conditions required for each individual fuel system: 5.4.2.3 Diversity Factor for Domestic Ranges. Is Flexible Gas Line Legal in Massachusetts. And of course, covering a shut-off valve on a gas line behind drywall is probably a red flag for any code compliance inspector. However, new homes with CSST require electrical bonding or grounding to protect against lightning strikes. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That would never happen with a piece of traditional black iron pipe. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. CCST usually lasts about 30 years. To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives. Additional terms and conditions apply. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7, Section 9A). I just saw your article and thought I would provide feedback. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6C, Section 75 and Chapter 90, Section 1). (a) Separate Traps for Each Fixture. A CSST that is not correctly grounded or bonded can leak natural gas or become ignited, leading to a major fire hazard. wimpy. We write helpful content to answer your questions from our expert network. Can gas connectors be placed underground? To see if you have CSST, look for long stretches of yellow-jacketed, flexible tubing in your basement, crawlspace, or attic. This is a long time, no doubt, but not as long as traditional black steel pipes, which can last up to 75 years. Are any known to be better than the rest , I will be using a 12 vlave systym , seems to be all around the same price , just under $200.0, Plumbing, Piping, Water Heating, Wells, Air & Water Filtration and Conditioning, Troubleshooting a Refrigerator Water Line, Water leaking after first A/C use of the year. There's no where in gas code that says flexible gas connectors are illegal to a hot water heater in Mass. The International Residential Code does not specify the wire to be used for bonding, but it is most often a copper conductor #6 AWG and is installed where the gas line of the solid gas line first enters the house. CSST needs to be electrically bonded and grounded to prevent damage to the line. These supports basically hold the flex gas line in place and help prevent unwanted movement of the gas line. 20. Is there another alternative gas piping material? (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6C, Section 75 and Chapter 90, Section 1). Multi-family Dwellings Diversity Factor in Percent of Total Load for Domestic Gas Ranges with connected Load Ratings of 63,000 Btu/hr. These fittings are used each time you change directions or join two pieces of straight pipe together. My first suspicion would be that the tubing acts like a lightning rod of sorts. The safest would be a plug at the outlet port on this gas valve itself. ct hit from a hot bolt of lightning will bore a hole in a traditional black iron pipe. When using a flexible gas connector, it must not exceed 3 feet (36 inches) in length. 1995-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter. Table of Contents Contact Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please limit your input to 500 characters. If you are not able to get CSST tubing and can't handle working with black iron pipe, consider using soft copper. There are lots of instances of houses that have been destroyed in gas fires because CSST pipe was ruptured by a lightning strike. 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. Massachusetts Court System This is a part of: 248 CMR Regulation 248 CMR 4.00: Massachusetts fuel gas code 248 CMR 4.00 through 8.00, collectively the Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code, governs the installation of fuel gas piping systems, fuel gas utilization equipment, and related accessories throughout the Commonwealth. If properly installed, your chance of a fire from CSST is as rare as a lightning strike. 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. An AFV powered by compressed natural gas or propane may only use Massachusetts tunnels if the vehicle conforms to applicable federal regulations and industry standards, displays required markings to identify its alternative fuel system, and is not used to transport fuel. I agree with Gerry on the furnace. 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. from USC. Installers should follow the recommendations of appliance manufacturers in installing gas piping or connecting to piping installations. Adding additional gas lines at a future date is not a problem if you plan for the possibility during the original installation. I responded to this very interesting email with a few thoughts of my own. Hundreds of thousands of houses have these corrugated appliance connectors in service right now. Please do not include personal or contact information. This is often the easiest system to adapt at a future date. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Sediment traps are short pieces of pipe that capture 'sediment' and other particles that are in gas. MassDEP prioritizes projects that benefit environmental justice communities. Section G2403 (202) further clarifies what the code means by "fuel gas": A natural gas, manufactured gas, liquefied petroleum gas or mixtures of these gases. The chapter's rules apply to the piping system from the point of delivery to the outlet of the appliance shutoff valves. 248 CMR 3.00: General provisions governing the conduct of plumbing and gas fitting work performed in the Commonwealth. I am about to buy a new gas range to replace the old electric one. Flex lines are all the hvac guys are running inside the house. 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. Sorry. I suggest you look up the article in the Dallas News if you want more details. International Residential Code However, we don't get frequent thunderstorms here in central New Hampshire. Please limit your input to 500 characters. When it comes to house fires, you shouldnt worryobsessively at leastabout your CSST. If CSST is installed along drywall or in some area where nails may be used, it needs to be protected with metal plating. All rights reserved. Virtually all state and local code authorities permit its use and many contractors are finally embracing it. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. 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. Copyright A qualified electrician or plumber should check the proper installation of the flexible gas line. Thank you for your website feedback! Traditional black iron pipe takes a lot of time to cut and thread. She holds a B.A. Separate Trapping Required: a. Spending hundreds of dollars more for black iron pipe may be well worth it in the long run if you have a house fire. A line drawing of the Internet Archive headquarters building faade. Visit SEVERAL firehouses to get different opinions. (c) Gas piping systems with pressures over 70 P.S.I.G. Thank you for asking. I'm here to help you maintain, inspect, and renovate your home! can puncture this pipe. Flex lines are all the gas company will use for new connections other than the rigid pipe going up to meters. Make your practice more effective and efficient with Casetexts legal research suite. Plumbers and homeowners will need to follow the manufacturer's requirements and they should not bend the CSST too far. 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. Section G2415.3 (404.3) prohibits installing pipes through ductwork, clothing chutes, chimneys, elevator shafts and dumbwaiters. Tell them you think you have CSST and that you want to make sure it's been properly grounded. It must also be recommended for that use by the manufacturer (so no after-market repurposing is allowed). All information is provided "AS IS." What Is The Code For Dryer Vent Installations? Lightning has caused many house fires that have flexible gas lines.". Gas piping shall enter and exit a building at a point above grade and the . Flexible gas connector tubing is intended for limited movement after installatin. A shut-off valve must be installed at the rigid piping connection. We welcome your comments and Connections are made with common flare fittings that tighten with standard wrenches. 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. It's vital to follow all instructions provided by CSST manufacturers and to BOND the tubing electrically. Lets look at exactly why that happens: CSST is extremely thin compared to the traditional 4 mm black pipe. Many homeowners scratch their heads when they see bending yellow gas lines in their homes instead of the traditional black steel pipes. If CSST is installed along drywall or in an area where nails can be used, it must be protected by a metal coating. When you use CSST, you can minimize potential gas leaks. Our commitment is to provide clear, original, and accurate information in accessible formats. Use an approved pipe thread compound applied to the male threads only (keep at least 2 threads back from end of pipe). Correcting an existing installation can cost as little as $100, while replacing CSST with black pipe can cost several thousands of dollars. 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. Flexible gas line code is a set of government regulations that controls flex gas line installations. Photo at left: coated corrugated flexible stainless steel gas connector tubing. 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. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Dryer Vent Installations? CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local plumbers who install gas lines. Homeowners should check with the manufacturer to see if their CSST has an arc-resistant protective jacket. 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)? " (3) A listed connector in compliance with ANSI Z21.24, Standard for Connectors for Gas Appliances. There are requirements for inspection, testing, and purging of pipe installations. One of two tables in the International Residential Code that governs pipe size for CSST. suggestions. WARNINGRISK OF FIRE To reduce the risk of severe injury or death, follow all installation instructions. (d . 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. In general, expect an estimated quote of $250 to correct the existing CSST and about $4,000 to replace it. These are two short pieces of the flexible stainless-steel gas lines or CSST.

Jokes About The Name Kelly, Articles I