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. When using a flexible gas connector, it must not exceed 3 feet (36 inches) in length. Our commitment is to provide clear, original, and accurate information in accessible formats. Incorporate drip legs at all appliance connections. Just because a home is exempted from current code requirements doesn't mean that the existing flexible gas line installation is safe. 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. A lock icon ( 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. 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. Generally, the gas lines can be damaged due to any type of environmental or external damage and pose a serious risk to the house. I`d be very nervous if I buried a gas valve behind drywall, and even though we both agree that really should mean off. Table of Contents Contact i'm trying to figure out if flexible lines are allowed for domestic water and natural gas in MA. What Is The Code For Dryer Vent Installations? Adding additional gas lines at a future date is not a problem if you plan for the possibility during the original installation. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. Virtually all state and local code authorities permit its use and many contractors are finally embracing it. 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. However, we don't get frequent thunderstorms here in central New Hampshire. 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. These are traditional black iron pipes that I installed in 1987. What are the Two Gas Line Install Choices? If you need assistance, please contact the Trial Court Law Libraries. Homeowners should check with the manufacturer to see if their CSST has an arc-resistant protective jacket. Hey, I'm Arie and I created this site. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Read More: How to Locate Underground Gas Lines Before You Dig. You can practically tie it in a knot it's so flexible. Studies have confirmed that a lighting strike near a home can puncture the membrane of CSST as result of the power surge. Traditional black iron pipe takes a lot of time to cut and thread. 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. A CSST that is not correctly grounded or bonded can leak natural gas or become ignited, leading to a major fire hazard. You can also see the pipe sizing chart for the manufacturer Gastite here. Separate Trapping Required: a. 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 AFV must conform to applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Are there advantages to using this pipe? 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. Tell them you think you have CSST and that you want to make sure it's been properly grounded. Some page levels are currently hidden. " (3) A listed connector in compliance with ANSI Z21.24, Standard for Connectors for Gas Appliances. Gas Company says Stacked Adapter on Appliance Linevalve. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". For comparison, 'black iron' gas pipe will usually last around 50-100 years. What's more, the threaded joints on both sides of the fitting can also be potential leak points. That would never happen with a piece of traditional black iron pipe. Additionally, any piping installed downstream of the structure's point of delivery cannot extend through any other . Is Flexible Gas Line Legal in Massachusetts. However, new homes with CSST require electrical bonding or grounding to protect against lightning strikes. 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. Please do not include personal or contact information. may only utilize welded pipes and fittings when: 5.6.2.7 Galvanized. Sediment traps are short pieces of pipe that capture 'sediment' and other particles that are in gas. View our Privacy Policy here. A flexible appliance connector should be used instead to connect from the CSST to these appliances. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Hundreds of thousands of houses have these corrugated appliance connectors in service right now. What Is The Code For Water Heater Installations? Those odds are even lower if you look at how many lightning strikes lead to fires via CSST. I have seen many house defects over the years and saved my clients tens of thousands of dollars. I have to check. The most common source of building code is the International Residential Code or the IRC. You're now the proud owner of some wonderful corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST). 5.7.6 Limitation. I remember when the material was first introduced in 1989. This code came in as a response to damage to flexible gas lines and fires in homes struck by lightning. Read More: How to Fight Code Enforcement. A qualified electrician or plumber should check the proper installation of the flexible gas line. can puncture this pipe. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. 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.). That said, when CSST pipes burst, the pipe turns into a potential giant lightning rod. My first suspicion would be that the tubing acts like a lightning rod of sorts. By July 1 of each year, OVM must compile a report detailing the progress made towards these requirements. 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. The minimum test duration shall be one hour and the maximum test duration shall be 24 hours, irrespective of system design. 5.6.8.5 Other Fittings. 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. 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. If you have ANY DOUBTS about flexible gas lines or CSST, visit a local firehouse and talk to the team leader that's on duty. CSST should never be directly connected to movable appliances like dryers, washers, and ovens. The code also provides the method for determining maximum gas demand and adjustments that must be made to compensate for higher altitude installations. To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives. What is this material? Section G2415.3 (404.3) prohibits installing pipes through ductwork, clothing chutes, chimneys, elevator shafts and dumbwaiters. This material was approved for residential use in 1988 by the National Fuel Gas Code. I agree with Gerry on the furnace. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I am having to replace all the plumbing in my house , and will be using pex . 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). There are requirements for inspection, testing, and purging of pipe installations. Is it safe to use? In addition, manufacturers require a protective coating to prevent nails from damaging flexible gas lines. At about 0.2 mm, or the thickness of two sheets of paper, the odds of lightning surging through improperly grounded and bonded CSST rise. For more information, including funding amounts and how to apply, see the MassDEP Apply for a DERA Open Solicitation Grant website. Many of my fellow contractors who install gas lines thought it was unsafe. CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter. 5.1.1 Installation of Piping Systems over Five Million BTU/hr. 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. I check and clarify or correct the above article accordingly. Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles, Photo: Cavan Images / Cavan / Getty Images. 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. (Reference Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance Administrative Bulletin 13, 2006). pagoda | Dec 19, 2006 09:54am | #4. To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives. (c) Import into the commonwealth a gas appliance for use in, or in connection with, a residence. It is also important to note that the IRC leaves out a lot of installation details for CSST and says to follow manufacturer instructions. We welcome your comments and Mod. 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. ct hit from a hot bolt of lightning will bore a hole in a traditional black iron pipe. We will use this information to improve this page. 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. 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. 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. 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. The list below contains summaries of all Massachusetts laws and incentives related to ethanol. They're a new flexible stainless steel piping system that is installed like electrical wire. We are incredibly worried about the state of general information available on the internet and strongly believe our mission is to give voice to unsung experts leading their respective fields. The CSST systems can be installed one of two ways: The series installation resembles traditional black iron piping. Use this button to show and access all levels. 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. in Speech from Catawba College and a J.D. I would have preferred to close the pipes when they are not in use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Home Building Code Flex Gas Line Code. It shall be unlawful to:. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Who Can Help With Running or Installing a Gas Line? 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. Old homes with flexible gas lines were up to code when the home was built. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Take a look at the entire pipeline to see if you can intercept the gas supply and shut it down in a more accessible location far in front of the problematic site. Please let us know how we can improve this page. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. You skipped the table of contents section. Only a direct hit from a hot bolt of lightning will bore a hole in a traditional black iron pipe. Bob: Thanks for that important question, I`ll check the data sources. Please limit your input to 500 characters. An illustration of a magnifying glass. 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. I responded to this very interesting email with a few thoughts of my own. She has written extensively for publications and websites in the business, management and legal fields. 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. You don't solder it like water lines. suggestions. Please limit your input to 500 characters. CCST usually lasts about 30 years. The maximum allowed bending radius is usually 3-inches for 3/4" CSST and up to 5-inches for 1" or larger CSST. from USC. A parallel CSST manifold system mimics an electric panel. It is important to bury the flexible gas line to secure the transportation of gas into your house. She holds a B.A. 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. Always verify the flexible gas line code with your local state or city and with the manufacturer. Flex lines are all the gas company will use for new connections other than the rigid pipe going up to meters. All Flex gas lines installed in new homes must be electrically plugged in and grounded to prevent lightning damage. When Was CSST Flexible Gas Line Introduced? to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Gas piping shall not penetrate building foundation walls at any point below grade. 5.5.1.1 Gas Pressure Boosters. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The connector shall be used in accordance with the terms of its listing and shall be in the same room as the equipment. 1995-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Yes, you can use approved soft copper for gas line work. Many U.S. states around 2006 enacted a CSST gas line code that requires electrical bonding of CSST such as this example in Virginia. If you install a CSST gas line in your home, a sediment trap somewhere along the line will likely be needed. They have worked well for many years. 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. 20187 Tim Carter. Flexible gas lines are made from corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CSST). 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. Call a qualified, licensed plumber to install a gas line. Photo at left: coated corrugated flexible stainless steel gas connector tubing. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles, Project Assistance & Funding Opportunities, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6C, Section 75 and Chapter 90, Section 1, Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance Administrative Bulletin 13, 2006, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7, Section 9A. Can you cut into the pipe at a future date to install an added gas appliance? Let's get to it! All flex gas lines installed in new homes are required to be electrically bonded and grounded to prevent fire damage from lightning strikes. Dominic, short answer: Generally not, but there are flexible gas appliance connectors listed and approved for outdoor use, including some . A larger diameter mainline CSST pipe supplies gas to smaller branch tubes that feed each appliance. 21. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. 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. Chris, if the gas valve is in front (before) of the flexible gas connection, this is the most important thing close this valve. To see if you have CSST, look for long stretches of yellow-jacketed, flexible tubing in your basement, crawlspace, or attic. I'm here to help you maintain, inspect, and renovate your home! Flexible gas line code is a set of government regulations that controls flex gas line installations. A qualified electrician or plumber should verify proper installation of the flexible gas line. Top 4 Flex Gas Line Codes (2022 Requirements), Top 5 Flexible Gas Line Manufacturer Requirements, Frequently Asked Questions On Flexible Gas Lines. In regard to your article on the CSST systems being installed in new homes. If you have an older home with CSST, it is important to verify that the electrical bonding and grounding exists and is working properly. Some of these violations can be life-safety hazards, so avoiding these mistakes is crucial. Keep reading! Additionally, the project inspector must approve the use. Please republish the image if you can. Use an approved pipe thread compound applied to the male threads only (keep at least 2 threads back from end of pipe). Each of the cast fittings can be the source of a leak. CSA design-certifies gas connectors up to 6' (72"). DEAR TIM: The natural gas lines that are being installed in our new home are not the heavy black iron pipe. The IRC has two tables to determine pipe size in Chapter 24 for flexible gas lines. Galvanized pipe shall not be used. 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 short flexible connector to your gas-fired stove, furnace, or hot water heater is not CSST. And even if the CSST is made with an arc-resistant jacket, your local city or state may still require bonding. Accessible and three or six feet long: The flexible connectors cannot pass through walls, floors, or ceilings, and they cannot be hidden. 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 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? Additional terms and conditions apply. If you are not able to get CSST tubing and can't handle working with black iron pipe, consider using soft copper. Any material not explicitly listed in the standards specifications must be specifically tested for the purpose intended, to make sure that the material is safe and will function as intended. It offers all of the same advantages of the CSST systems. We write helpful content to answer your questions from our expert network. (c) Gas piping systems with pressures over 70 P.S.I.G. Watch this video to see how CSST pipe is installed. wimpy. The code prohibits the use of cast iron pipes in residential gas piping installations. Section 10.08 - Traps and Cleanouts. The chapter also provides rules about where and how residential gas piping can be installed. 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 current home I live in here in central New Hampshire had these flexible gas lines installed in 2001. The only specialized tool you need is a flaring tool made to fit the pipe size you are working with. Flex gas lines or CSST typically have a lifespan of around 30-years. Please do not include personal or contact information. If you do have a leak, these fittings are almost always readily accessible for adjustment. The Valves shall: Current through Register 1493, April 14, 2023. 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 112, Sections 61 to 65E), Water Filtration and Water Dispensing Systems, Adjustment and Replacement of Gas Controls, Limited LP Installers Connecting Propane Tanks, contact the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Read more about our editorial standards. Lets look at exactly why that happens: CSST is extremely thin compared to the traditional 4 mm black pipe. CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local plumbers to installflexible gas lines in your home. Chapter 142, Sections 1 to 22; M.G.L. Plumbers and homeowners will need to follow the manufacturer's requirements and they should not bend the CSST too far. WARNINGRISK OF FIRE To reduce the risk of severe injury or death, follow all installation instructions. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A line drawing of the Internet Archive headquarters building faade. MassDEP prioritizes projects that benefit environmental justice communities. 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. It's not durable as a traditional black-iron pipe. 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!)? Since CSST is a very thin metal with a thickness of about 0.3 mm, it is more sensitive to lightning. In the state of Massachusetts, installation must be performed by a qualified or licensed contractor, plumber, or gasfitter qualified or licensed by the state. Flexible gas line code is a set of government regulations that controls flex gas line installations. 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. 2021 Tim Carter, "A flexible gas line is made from thin-wall stainless steel. The list below contains summaries of all Massachusetts laws and incentives related to 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. 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). These short appliance connectors are usually only 12-72 inches long. All of these steps are very time-consuming. Website operating You simply pull the material between two points and cut it to length with simple tubing cutters. Perhaps the biggest one is labor savings. Cast iron is only permitted for flanges, valves, strainers, and filters. 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. It's messy and hard work, but I must admit I sort of enjoy it. We look forward to more photos, comments, questions. In addition to the permit requirements of 248 CMR 3.00: General Provisions Governing the Conduct of Plumbing and Gas Fitting Work Performed in the Commonwealth, for gas installations of over 5,000,000 BTU/hr the following is required: 5.1.3 Dual Fuels Installed in Buildings and Structures. It's vital to follow all instructions provided by CSST manufacturers and to BOND the tubing electrically. To get a quote, contact a local home inspector or licensed electrician near you to inspect your gas lines. Joining two or more connectors is not permitted by installation codes or product standards. If you need assistance, please contact the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Casetext, Inc. and Casetext are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.
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