The pipe is extremely durable and rarely has a lightning strike cause a fire in a house with black iron pipe. Lightning strikes have caused numerous fires in residential homes as a result of CSST failing. Yellow Gas Piping in Your Home May Pose a Safety Risk Flexible Gas Line Code (2023 CSST Requirements) Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. These local governments may have other ordinances or regulatory codes. I have this flexible gas line in my own home in central New Hampshire and never worry about it at all. CSA design-certifies gas connectors up to 6' (72"). Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles, Photo: Cavan Images / Cavan / Getty Images. 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. organizations or governmental authorities for further information and access to definitive versions of these important laws. International Residential Code 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Flex lines are all the hvac guys are running inside the house. The CSST systems can be installed one of two ways: The series installation resembles traditional black iron piping. Residential Gas Piping Rules | Legal Beagle Over the years I have inspected so many homes with flexible gas lines,also known as CSST. These supports basically hold the flex gas line in place and help prevent unwanted movement of the gas line. 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)? 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. She has written extensively for publications and websites in the business, management and legal fields. 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. (Reference Massachusetts Department of Transportation Laws and Rules 700 CMR 7.07). 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. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7, Section 9A). Electrically bonding the CSST will ground the gas line and help prevent damage and subsequent fire risk. You are in the right spot! 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. 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. To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives. Section 10.08 - Traps and Cleanouts. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Water Heater Installations? Perhaps the biggest one is labor savings. 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. My first suspicion would be that the tubing acts like a lightning rod of sorts. As you can see, there is a significant multi-year gap in which Building Codes did not require proper bonding of flexible gas lines. You should also see the citations both in this article and in the references at the bottom of the 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. Flexible gas connector tubing is intended for limited movement after installatin. Use this button to show and access all levels. The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters ("Board") has voted to provide this interpretation to its licensees and inspectors with regard to the installation of corrugated stainless steel tubing ("CSST") installed underground exterior to a building. 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. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, 248 CMR 4.00: Massachusetts fuel gas code, is, for 248 CMR 4.00: Massachusetts fuel gas code. (Reference Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance Administrative Bulletin 13, 2006). You skipped the table of contents section. I could be wrong. A typical black iron pipe installation has many 90-degree, tee, and coupling fittings. Please limit your input to 500 characters. For more information, including funding amounts and how to apply, see the MassDEP Apply for a DERA Open Solicitation Grant website. The IRC has two tables to determine pipe size in Chapter 24 for flexible gas lines. Flexible connectors are allowed to be used to connect appliances to gas pipelines. 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. Can You Use A Flexible Gas Line On A Furnace? (Find Out Now!) 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. In the state of Massachusetts, the connector length is currently restricted to a maximum of 36". Some plumbers will tell you it's faster and cheaper to install this new CSST piping. Black iron is so much thicker that it may actually take a lightning strike better. This code came in as a response to damage to flexible gas lines and fires in homes struck by lightning. Building Codes requiring bonding of CSST flexible gas lines came into practice no earlier than 2007. Propane Laws and Incentives in Massachusetts - Energy Separate Trapping Required: a. 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. To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives. Please limit your input to 500 characters. 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. 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. There are requirements for inspection, testing, and purging of pipe installations. The thin walls of CSST might not seem to handle as much of a strike as black iron. Thoughts on pipe and g. First and foremost look at your local codes to prevent an insurance policy void , god forbid something goes wrong. CCST usually lasts about 30 years. If you need assistance, please contact the Trial Court Law Libraries. If CSST is installed along drywall or in some area where nails may be used, it needs to be protected with metal plating. Home Inspector Secrets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Watch this video to see what you think about the dangers of the material. To add a line in the future you need to have an extra gas port on the manifold within the panel. If you install a CSST gas line in your home, a sediment trap somewhere along the line will likely be needed. What Is The Code For Dryer Vent Installations? To see if you have CSST, look for long stretches of yellow-jacketed, flexible tubing in your basement, crawlspace, or attic. If you need assistance, please contact the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. suggestions. Old homes with flexible gas lines were up to code when the home was built. What Is The Code For Water Heater Installations? Clothes dryer installation must be performed by a qualified installer. Over the years, I have inspected so many homes with flexible gas lines, also known as CSST. Lets look at exactly why that happens: CSST is extremely thin compared to the traditional 4 mm black pipe. 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. The manufacturer will specify where and when shutoff valves will need to be required. 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. It must also be recommended for that use by the manufacturer (so no after-market repurposing is allowed). (c) Import into the commonwealth a gas appliance for use in, or in connection with, a residence. 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. And that's why I am your guide on the intricacies of home maintenance, saving money, and avoiding costly mistakes. 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. Soft copper is approved for interior residential gas piping in many cities and towns. Re: Running gas line under the deck. GAS PIPING GUIDELINES FOR HOMEOWNERS - City of Dubuque 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. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Bathroom Fan Venting? 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 Many of my fellow contractors who install gas lines thought it was unsafe. It's vital to follow all instructions provided by CSST manufacturers and to BOND the tubing electrically. may only utilize welded pipes and fittings when: 5.6.2.7 Galvanized. That said, when CSST pipes burst, the pipe turns into a potential giant lightning rod. Mod. Galvanized pipe shall not be used. b. Top 4 Flex Gas Line Codes (2022 Requirements), Top 5 Flexible Gas Line Manufacturer Requirements, Frequently Asked Questions On Flexible Gas Lines. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Always verify the flexible gas line code with your local state or city and with the manufacturer. However, we don't get frequent thunderstorms here in central New Hampshire. Traps and Cleanouts, 248 Mass. Reg. 10.08 - Casetext In addition, manufacturers require protective plating to prevent nails from damaging the flexible 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. In addition, manufacturers require a protective coating to prevent nails from damaging flexible gas lines. Read Also >> What Is The Code For Range Hood Venting? For comparison, 'black iron' gas pipe will usually last around 50-100 years. As you said, the new CSST is installed like electrical wire. The chapter also provides rules about where and how residential gas piping can be installed. I know as I have installed thousands of linear feet of the heavy material. It shall be unlawful to:. If CSST is installed along drywall or in an area where nails can be used, it must be protected by a metal coating. 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. One of two tables in the International Residential Code that governs pipe size for CSST. Photo at left: coated corrugated flexible stainless steel gas connector tubing. Flexible gas lines (known as CSST) are safe to use if properly installed in a home. It offers all of the same advantages of the CSST systems. Some page levels are currently hidden. Make your practice more effective and efficient with Casetexts legal research suite. Section 5.05 - Modifications to Chapter 5, Gas Piping System Design CLICK HERE to get FREE BIDS from Plumbers to install Flexible Gas Lines. I responded to this very interesting email with a few thoughts of my own. Spending hundreds of dollars more for black iron pipe may be well worth it in the long run if you have a house fire. Thank you for your website feedback! Copyright Home Inspector Secrets 2023 Annie Sisk is a freelance writer who lives in upstate New York. 248 CMR 4.00: Massachusetts fuel gas code | Mass.gov A flexible gas line is an ingenious method of supplying natural gas to fireplaces, furnaces, cooktops, clothes dryers and any other gas appliance. Can you put two hoses together? 5.7.6 Limitation. 5.6.8.5 Other Fittings. When it comes to house fires, you shouldnt worryobsessively at leastabout your CSST.