Installation and Inspection of CSST Gas Piping Systems gas piping systems.pdf · 1) Equi-potential bonding of all metallic systems 2) Direct bonding of piping to grounding electrode

Installation and Inspection of CSST Gas Piping Systems

October 2013


October 2013

This presentation is based on accepted standard industry practices and is not intended to represent the requirements or products from any particular CSST manufacturer. Photographs and illustrations used are not intended to restrict other possible methods or installation practices. The requirements for the installation and protection of CSST systems is affected by changes to both model and state codes and the user is cautioned to review the latest installation instructions from the CSST manufacturer before attempting any CSST installation.


CSST from Inspector’s Point of View


Standard Yellow **Arc-Resistant Black

**Omega Flex only sells CounterStrike in US.


National Standard ANSI LC-1 Performance-based standard Listed system installed in

accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and local code

Recent updates include: - Revised installer training - Electrical properties testing - Add pressure up to 25-PSI - Arc-resistant jacket coverage

CSST Product Standard


CSST Fitting Design & Assembly


Manufacturer’s Design and Installation Guide

1. Used in conjunction with state regulations and local codes

2. Defer to Design Guide if no coverage in state or local regulations

3. If conflict exists, then more stringent practice should be applied

4. Frequently updated to reflect changes in codes and technology


Installer Requirements

Meets minimum qualifications for plumber set by local authority having jurisdiction Attends and passes CSST manufacturer’ training program. Training card must be presented to inspector upon request. Maintains professional proficiency through approved continuing education


Protection from Puncture Threats

Only CSA certified strike protection devices may be used.

- Listed hardened striker plates

- Schedule 40 steel pipe sleeve

- Supplemental protection methods may also be used

The best protection is to install the tubing in areas that do not require protection from mechanical threats.

Use the 3-C Rule: Constrained: Concealed: Close



- Dented or kink tubing - Line splices - Listed strike plates - Meter connection - Appliance connection - Pressure test

Inspection and Repair


Inspection Checklist


Bonding for Electrical and Lightning Protection

Installation and Inspection of CSST

Gas Piping Systems

Total lightning strokes in US per year: 43,500,000* No house, equipment or material safe from direct lightning strike [*USPLN: 2005-2009]


• Average annual number of U.S. home fires by cause*: - All 1 & 2 family house fires: 374,000

- All fires caused by electric distribution: 22,400 - All fires caused by lightning: 4,300 - All fires caused by fuel gas: 3,280 (1050 leaks & breaks) - Fires caused by lightning/wires: 280 - Fires caused by lightning/fuel gas: 188

Lightning damage to gas piping is an uncommon event compared to other causes of fires.

[* NFPA Statistical Data]


Gas Piping Systems What are the root causes?

Changes in house construction/size/location Loss of metal piping

Loss of copper wire for communications

Loss of metal conduit for electric wiring


Gas Piping Systems

Metallic appliance flue (in stead of

brick/clay chimneys) which rise above the roofline. Metal vent acts like lightning rod not directly connected to the electrical grounding system.

Unintended Consequences


Gas Piping Systems Lightning does not discriminate. It seeks all pathways to ground.

It will damage all mechanical/electrical systems.


Gas Piping Systems Arcing damage impacts all metallic

systems including wiring and all gas piping materials.

Damage not due to lightning induced voltage levels, but due to large differential in voltage potential.


Gas Piping Systems

Model Code and Standards

• National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) • National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) • Lightning Protection Std. (NFPA 780) • ANSI Standards

• 50 states and 50 codes

No requirements for lightning protection


Gas Piping Systems

Nationally recognized standards No requirements for lightning

resistance No prescribed national test method

for lightning resistance Same for mechanical and electrical

equipment Listed products installed in

accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and local code

Product Standards


Gas Piping Systems National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)

Bonding of Piping Systems and Exposed Structural Steel (B) Other Metal Piping. Where installed in or attached to a building or

structure, metal piping system(s), including gas piping, that is likely to become energized shall be bonded to the service equipment enclosure, the grounded conductor at the service, the grounding electrode conductor where of sufficient size, or to the one or more grounding electrodes used. The bonding jumper(s) shall be sized in accordance with 250.122 using the rating of the circuit that may energize the piping system(s). The equipment grounding conductor for the circuit that is likely to energize the piping shall be permitted to serve as the bonding means. The points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be accessible.


Equipment Grounding Conductor EGC sized to protect against ground faults

Bonding wire sized based on size of branch circuit

12 AWG wire not designed to handle large DC voltage or high frequencies associated with lightning


Gas Piping Systems 2009 & 2012 NFGC: Bonding CSST

CSST. CSST gas piping systems shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system. The bonding jumper shall connect to a metallic pipe or fitting between the point of delivery and the first downstream CSST fitting. The bonding jumper shall not be smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent. Gas piping systems that contain one or more segments of CSST shall be bonded in accordance with this section.


Gas Piping Systems New England State Codes

• Maine: NFPA 54-2009: bond all CSST • New Hampshire: NFPA 54-2009: bond all CSST • Vermont: NFPA 54-2006 • Massachusetts: MA 248 CMR: per manufacturer’s instructions • Rhode Island: NFPA 54-2009 with state amendment on “black” CSST • Connecticut: CT Building Code: per manufacturer’s instructions • New York: NY Fuel Gas Code: IFGC-2009: bond all CSST


Gas Piping Systems

1) Equi-potential bonding of all metallic systems

2) Direct bonding of piping to grounding electrode system Downstream of point of delivery Single point of attachment required Bonding clamp on pipe or fitting Conductor at least 6 AWG copper Conductor as short as practical Connect to grounding electrode system per NEC

CSST Manufacturer’s Bonding Requirements*

[* No product is immune from lightning damage.]


Gas Piping Systems Bonding Clamp* Attachment

* Bonding Clamps listed to UL 467


Gas Piping Systems Bonding Gas Systems After “Point of Delivery”


Gas Piping Systems Bonding Clamp* Attachment

* Bonding Clamps listed to UL 467


Gas Piping Systems Bonding Requirements

Gas piping systems that contain one or more segments of CSST shall be bonded.


Gas Piping Systems Bonding Clamp Attachment

Do not bond gas piping to copper water piping just to avoid long bonding conductor.


Gas Piping Systems Bonding Connections

Gas piping shall not be used as a grounding electrode


Gas Piping Systems Bond Connection to Grounding System


Gas Piping Systems Bond Connection to Grounding System


Gas Piping Systems Bond to Intersystem Termination or Panel Box

bonding terminal


Gas Piping Systems Bond to Intersystem Termination


Gas Piping Systems Bonding Conductor Sizing

Conductor at least 6 AWG copper or 4 AWG aluminum Conductor single or multi-strand Conductor length and gauge are inter-related, but length is not specified in the NEC


Gas Piping Systems Ground Connection of Grounding Electrode(s)

Earth resistance reading at ground rod must be less than 25 Ohms or a second driven rod must be installed. Earth resistance can vary based on soil type, season and type of electrode.


Gas Piping Systems Avoid Direct Contact with Metallic Systems


Gas Piping Systems

Lightning entry point Equi-potential bonding Bonding location Length of conductor Proximity of other pathways Grounding electrode system Code requirements

Bonding Effectiveness Factors


Gas Piping Systems Bonding Effectiveness Research

• Bond is effective (no arcing damage to CSST) • Indirect and partial direct lightning strikes • Lightning energy 8/20 and 10/350 up to 10kA • No damage for long conductors (up to 50-m) • Lightning entry point varied • Clamp location not significant factor • Multiple bonding not justified


Gas Piping Systems

Listing Criteria developed by ICC-ES and lightning experts Jacket has PMG listing from ICC-ES and IAPMO-ES CSA listed in accordance with ANSI LC-1 Three products available

Arc-resistant Protective Jacket*


WARDFLEX II


Gas Piping Systems Arc-resistant Protective Jacket is fully tested*



Gas Piping Systems

• The Authority Having Jurisdiction decides which contractor and/or licensed tradesman is qualified to install the bonding conductor between the electrical system and the gas piping.

• NH: the plumbing/mechanical contractor and/or licensed electrician is permitted to do the bonding.

• On retrofit job, plumbing contractor should pull both plumbing and

electrical permit, but get separate inspections.

Who Does the Bonding?


Gas Piping Systems

Plumbing inspector must look for presence of bonding on

new CSST system and reject system without proper connection. Alert plumbing contractor of code requirement.

Electrical inspector should inspect like copper water piping

(250.104) in accordance with state code and/or the CSST manufacturer’s instructions.

Who Does the Inspection?


Gas Piping Systems

Lowes and Home Depot

Consumer access to CSST No training at POP

Consumer can self-certify

Beyond reach of code enforcement

What About Big-Box Stores?


Gas Piping Systems Public Awareness

• NPGA gas customer mail insert

• NASFM CSST legacy program

• NAIC call center project • CSST web site

www.CSSTSafety.com

http://www.csstsafety.com/


Gas Piping Systems

CSST systems used safely for 23 years according to manufacturer instructions and code requirements

Training and inspection are essential elements of safe installations Mechanical and electrical protection is required Direct bonding is effective and will reduce impact of lightning strikes

on gas piping system. Use arc-resistant jacket in lieu of bonding where approved Bonding performed by “qualified” contractor Gas industry seeking updates to building codes and standards

Summary

Questions and Answers?

Bob Torbin [email protected] (413) 388-2390

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Installation and Inspection of CSST Gas Piping Systems gas piping systems.pdf · 1) Equi-potential bonding of all metallic systems 2) Direct bonding of piping to grounding electrode