It is the oxygen in the normal air that is mixed in with the gas that would cause any corrosion. It can also be installed with portions of black iron pipe or copper. While the manufacturers of these products do not require special bonding, the Minnesota Fuel Gas Code makes no exception to the bonding requirements for these products. This means that if something was installed to code, it’s still a code compliant installation today, even if the codes have changed significantly. Whether homeowners know it or not, they share their homes with uninvited guests, like termites, rodents or bats—the three vermin about which homeowners express the most concern. If so, each CSST would need its own ground bond. Electrical protection of CSST from arcing due to lightning strikes is both a code and manufacturer requirement. Building codes have something called ‘grandfathering’. High quality steel construction for superior corrosion resistance To the best of my knowledge, all manufacturers of CSST began implementing specific bonding requirements around 2007. CSST gas pipe has already established itself as a viable alternative to black pipe in a similar way as PEX tubing has done with regards to its’ copper counterpart. For example, the code deals with mechanical protection of CSST in areas where it will be concealed after completion of construction. CSST started being used in the USA in the early 1990s. After some time, however, yellow jacketed CSST started accumulating a documented history of potential damage if there is a nearby lightning strike in the form of arcing. Figure 2 A and B shows an external comparison of a flexible connector and CSST. The reason for the development of CSST was to improve the safety of gas line systems in buildings during earthquakes. natural gas distribution in residences.Copper is less than half the material cost of corrugated stainless steel tube (CSST) and is quicker and easier to install than threaded steel pipe. The manufacturer’s installation instructions, which must be in accordance with the national model codes, are available in print or online. However, local codes are controlling and may differ from . HOME-FLEX CSST Works with stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper tubing Adjustable blade height ensures that tubing outer diameters (O.D.) The video below, produced by Gastite, shows a couple examples of how to properly bond CSST. These factors combine to give copper the lowest installed cost when compared to the other materials. At these locations, it is important to inspect the manner and degree of support given to the tubing runs. You should know what is acceptable in your area. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. The photo below shows the two different materials. Being proactive means you are ready before something happens. Many CSST systems are designed to operate at pressures up to 2 pounds per square inch (psi), compared with the traditional 7 inches of water column pressure. This change makes it much easier to properly bond CSST. The more traditional CSST jacket is yellow and made of polyethylene that provides general protection against weather and household chemicals. Minnesota's 2015 Fuel Gas Code uses the 2012 International Fuel Gas Code, which requires CSST to be bonded anywhere along the electrical service grounding electrode system. For more info on that topic, check out this document on CSST bonding from Pro-Flex. All gas piping systems, regardless of the piping material, are installed in accordance with the local fuel gas or residential code in effect. Look for flexible tubing with a yellow or black jacket that covers the ridges. Well, it turns out that there are some important aspects of the CSST gas piping system that need to be inspected and reported. If it is used, I don't care what brand it is don't use it unless it's been properly grounded. The markings are repeated every 2 feet along the tubing and include the following: trade name/manufacturer, model/part number, listing standard, tubing size, pressure rating, listing organizations, the manufacturing date and the term “gas.” Any CSST without these markings indicates that a non-listed product has been installed in violation of the code, and this should be noted on the inspector’s report. through 1-1/4 in. *PIPE NIPPLE *Pipe components must be made from steel, galvanized steel, black iron, copper and/or November 2018 BONDING WIRE BONDING CLAMP CSST FTG. Flair fittings Much easier to work than steel pipe, uses fewer fittings, and weighs a lot less too. CSST can be used inside but not recommended due to all the lightning strikes popping holes in the lines during storms. Sizing of gas piping is a code requirement affecting many aspects of the piping system layout and choice of accessories. Also, here's an old news clip with me talking to Kare 11 news about CSST bonding: Author: Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech Home Inspections, Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm | Saturday & Sunday: 10 am - 3pm, Minnesota Home Inspection Website Design by One Wheel Marketing, concrete, decks, diamond pier, footing, minnesota, pin foundation, advice, afci, arc-fault circuit interrupters, home inspection, home inspector, Chapter 3 of the 2015 Minnesota Fuel Gas Code, Validation of Installation Methods for CSST Gas Piping to Mitigate Indirect Lightning Related Damage. For example, electrical bonding code requirements have been revised four times over the past 12 years, and yet the manufacturer’s instructions have remained basically unchanged throughout that same period. the first downstream CSST fitting . Post Edit: Check out my latest post on this topic from 11/22/16: http://structuretech1.com/csst-bonding-requirements-final-update/. If the soft copper tubing isn't kinked or damaged, you can reuse it to connect your new appliance. manufacturer’s requirements. That means that the bonding conductor for CSST can be connected to the metallic water piping coming into the home, a ground rod at the exterior, or anywhere else on the service grounding electrode system. The bonding jumper shall be not smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent. CSST easily snakes into attic and basements areas, around corners and bends, and through walls. When CSST is installed without being properly bonded to current standards, there is an increased risk for damage to the material from a nearby lightning strike. Appliance connection requirements depend on the type and location of the appliance. Use a ridgid copper tube cutter to cute csst corrugated stainless steel gas line. The installer makes the choice of piping, and there is no code preference given to one material over another. There have been some strategic shifts in ASHI’s staffing recently and I’m excited to introduce you to some of the members of the ASHI team. The other end of that wire shown above went into the main electric panel. The corrosion may also be accelerated by heat and moisture. To add a line in the future you need to have an extra gas port on the manifold within the panel. The best analogy I can think of to describe this material is that CSST is to steel gas pipes what PEX is to copper tubing, or Romex® is to rigid metal conduit. The bonding jumper shall not be smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent. I'm literally making one - Answered by a verified Plumber. However, the home inspector should consider stating in their final inspection report what they can identify regarding the CSST installation as well as this statement, which is required in a few states (Oklahoma, Texas, California, Virginia and Maryland): “Manufacturers believe the product is safer if properly bonded and grounded as required by the manufacturer’s installation instructions. There is an unacceptable risk of fire from a nearby lightning strike with older systems. CSST has become very popular in some countries as it is a very thin and thus flexible tube that allows for easy installation in crawl spaces, inside walls, and in the attic. The clamp must not be installed on the CSST jacket, and it must have a metal-to-metal interface with the underlying piping. Soft copper was approved for interior gas piping in many towns and cities. According to representatives of the lightning protection industry, the relative thinness of CSST tubing compared to black iron, copper or aluminum gas pipes presents an unknown risk of the effects of a … The extra arcing protection can be provided in at least one of the following three ways: Code compliance on CSST bonding varies widely around the United States where different adopted codes, different editions of codes and state amendments have made enforcement difficult to predict. What about existing installations? If you do not get corrugated stainless steel tubing and you do not want black iron pipe, you should consider soft copper. In addition, appliance connections can be inspected for compliance with critical code requirements. Can I Use Soft Copper for Gas Lines? Bonding of CSST Gas Piping This is a relatively new, flexible material that is approved for the distribution of natural gas inside of homes. Copper (TV Series 2012–2013) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. How can you know if you have CSST in your home? American homeowners aren’t living alone. For Gastite® and FlashShield™ CSST 7.1 CSST Capacity Tables - Natural Gas Table 7-1 Maximum Capacity of Gastite®/FlashShield™ Flexible Gas Piping in Cubic Feet Per Hour of Natural Gas with a Gas Pressure of 0.5 psi or Less and a Pressure Drop of 0.5"WC (based on a 0.60 specific gravity gas) Tubing Tubing Length (ft) What does proper bonding look like? 932 Lee Street Des Plaines IL, 60016 p: 847-759-2820, Communicate Proactively to Boost Your Business. The line pressure regulator is often associated with a distribution manifold, which must be located in an accessible location for inspection and maintenance. The bottom line is that if you have a home with CSST, you should make sure it’s properly bonded to today’s standards, regardless of whether the installation ‘met code’ when it was originally installed. Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is used in many countries throughout the world as a practical way to distribute gas within houses and other installations. While the old method for bonding CSST required a connection at the main electric panel, this is no longer required in Minnesota. Common locations where CSST can be examined include meter connections, appliance connections, tubing runs in unfinished basements, crawl spaces and attics, garages and certain tubing runs outdoors above ground. The diagram below shows an example of what this would look like when properly installed to today’s standards. This requires that any paint or coating on the piping be removed before attaching the clamp. CSST bonding requires a single clamp on the piping system that connects to the electrical grounding system with at least a #6 copper conductor (as shown in Figure 4), and an appropriate clamp to one of the permitted connections to the grounding system. These materials include steel pipe, copper pipe/tubing, CSST and polyethylene pipe (for underground only). While much of the CSST is typically installed in concealed locations, there can and will be locations where it will be visible for inspection. HOME-FLEX Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing HOME-FLEX Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing or CSST is great for installation of gas appliances. It was invented in the 1980’s in Japan. They are not a substitute for reading the HOME-FLEX System Design & Installation Manual. CSST is a flexible gas line material that has been used in millions of homes across the United States and the world. Some manufacturers of CSST offer a product with a black outer "arc-resistant" jacket, which is designed to show that it's an arc-resistant product. Proper bonding and grounding of the product can only be determined by a licensed electrical contractor.”. Cutting Edge Solutions – this web site is filled with information related to CSST bonding requirements. While black pipe still stands strong in the gas market, flexible gas pipe has been gaining rapidly, surpassing the 1 billion ft mark (installed in the US) in the years 2015-2016. Also, if your electrician tells you that bonding the CSST may increase the risk of a lightning strike or is safe because it meets code, simply thank them for their time and call a different electrician. To view the current requirement, click the following link to view Chapter 3 of the 2015 Minnesota Fuel Gas Code, and scroll all the way down to the bottom to view section 310.1.1. The most common issue that home inspectors find with CSST is a system that hasn’t been properly bonded. The nice thing about being a home inspector is that we don’t need to get hung up on code requirements. In 1997, the Company introduced TracPipe ®, the finest CSST system on the market that when properly installed makes likelihood of damage to the system from natural occurrences very slight. In other areas, the use of copper is widespread. The code also allows different piping materials to be combined in a given piping system. The manufacturers of CSST have changed their installation requirements because they’ve learned that the old methods weren’t good enough. Additional Information on CSST and bonding, Basics of CSST – a brief description, a brief history, and some basic installation requirements, CSST: Direct Bonding Required for All Brands. Moveable appliances are connected to the piping system using a flexible appliance connector located downstream of the appliance shut-off valve (which must be securely fastened to the building structure). If something is deemed unsafe due to a change in accepted residential construction standards, our Standards of Practice requires us to report on it. The orientation of the regulator is also a checklist item for the inspector to ensure proper functioning. CSST runs from the gas meter or propane source to gas appliances through the basement, walls and attic, depending on the type of construction. The most common issue that home inspectors find with CSST is a system that hasn’t been properly bonded. These two products are manufactured based on different standards and different purposes, and they have different markings. They still need to be bonded. Maybe soft copper. To be proactive means that you make things happen instead of waiting for things to happen. 1/4 in. The Apollo CSST Tube Cutter cuts thin walled stainless steel or copper tubing ranging from 1/4 in. This material is not to be confused with an appliance connector, which might have a yellow coating that follows the contours of the ridges. Corrosion is a chemical reaction between metal and oxygen. A parallel CSST manifold system mimics an electric panel. Often, gas appliances are upgraded with bigger units, which can affect pipe sizing or create a problem in the appliance operation. – In many CSST installations, the CSST tubing is not bonded to a ground, which is a violation of the manufacturers’ current installation instructions, which require that the gas system be directly bonded to the electrical system’s grounding system with 6 AWG copper wire, near the … Metal hangers are currently required, but plastic clips have been permitted in the past. There needs to be a separate bonding wire connected either to the rigid gas piping before the CSST, or directly to one of the CSST nuts. That won't stop me from recommending this important safety upgrade, however. The home inspector cannot possibly inspect for mechanical protection if neither the tubing run nor the striker plate can be seen without removing permanent building structure. A. This arrangement is known as a gas load center (as shown in Figure 3) and must include the following components: Typically, these gas load centers are located in garages, basements, attics and mechanical rooms. All of the gas lines that feed each appliance start at a central distribution point or manifold. So, what is left to inspect? Validation of Installation Methods for CSST Gas Piping to Mitigate Indirect Lightning Related Damage - the conclusion of this report says "With a sufficiently short bonding conductor, arcing is suppressed entirely, and the possibility of an arc discharge perforation is eliminated.". Older CSST generally had a yellow insulation jacket. The best analogy I can think of to describe this material is that CSST is to steel gas pipes what PEX is to copper tubing, or Romex® is to rigid metal conduit. Yes, you can use approved soft copper for gas line work. Much of the gas piping system is typically hidden behind walls, between floors or underground, which prevents any examination or identification or both. Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) gas piping systems shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system at the point where the gas service enters the boiling. The home inspector has no way of confirming any of the choices made by the plumber when sizing the piping system. Flexible connectors are not the same as CSST, although (to the untrained eye) the two products have a similar external appearance. Fuel gas code requirements (NFPA 54, ICC and IAPMO), beginning with the 2009 editions, mandate the installation of extra bonding for all CSST piping systems. Original Air Date: April 25th, 2013.Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing is a gas piping material that is commonly used in newer homes. Two such examples of these products are CounterStrike and FlashShield. Fixed appliance connections normally include a shut-off valve, sediment trap and a pipe nipple/union combination or a flexible appliance connector. to 1-1/4 in. The use of 2 psi requires the installation of a line pressure regulator somewhere in the house between the gas meter and the appliances to permit the redistribution of the fuel gas to individual supply lines. Galvanized steel, copper, brass or CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) also can be used in some areas, but some utilities specifically prohibit the use of copper. As shown in Figure 1, identification markings are required and provide useful information to the code official, the installer, the homeowner and the home inspector. Also includes an extra blade. Natural gas does not [itself actually] corrode anything, including copper. home-flex csst installation videos These videos provide an overview of HOME-FLEX installation practices. The fuel gas code recognizes four different piping materials for the distribution of either natural or liquefied petroleum (LP) gas. There are five brands of CSST commercially available in the United States, and two kinds of protective jackets. However, new CSST jacket technology, other standard lightning protection methods or a combination can also be utilized. Re: CSST to copper Is that a plastic manifold? If the manifold is metal, and the copper is bonded, then no bond is needed at the manifold. and 1 in. The inspector is not required to make any determination of whether bonding is required, if bonding has been performed or if the bonding has been performed correctly or effectively. What the home inspector must learn is how to identify those requirements that are beyond his or her responsibility from those that should be reported. The 6-roller design delivers a superior cut and prevents walking. CSST needs to be bonded. It is not mentioned in the 2011 NEC by name, but Informational Note No. ASHI has been creating a team that is focused on meeting members’ needs and continuing to improve our services to you as you serve your communities. If you own a newer home or you've recently had gas lines added to your home, there’s a good possibility that CSST was used. Steel, copper, brass: The most common gas piping is black steel. Unless there is an obvious and detectable operational problem with an appliance or regulator, the confirmation of proper pipe sizing is considered outside the responsibility of the home inspector. The 'adapter' is designed to connect from 1/2" Female Iron Pipe to 1/2" CSST bonding requires a single clamp on the piping system that connects to the electrical grounding system with at least a #6 copper conductor (as shown in Figure 4), and an appropriate clamp to one of the permitted connections to the grounding system. FTGFTGFTGFITTI BONDING WIRE BONDING CLAMP brass. To that end, it is important for home inspectors to understand the common and best practices associated with CSST, and how to recognize and note them on their inspection report. Being proactive can be a key to setting your business apart from others. The home inspector should take note of at least four important items: CSST can be installed throughout a house through a wide variety of pathways, including wall cavities, attic, basement and crawl spaces, underground, above ground, between floors and in open exposed surface areas of the structure. There have been a few changes to CSST bonding rules since then, and there is still a lot of bad information circulating about CSST bonding and safety requirements, so it's time for an update on that topic. CSST is short for Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing.. CSST needs to be bonded. CSST = Corrugated stainless steel tubing. For more information on bonding and electrical arcing, visit the following websites: Home inspectors can contact the individual CSST manufacturer to ask site-specific questions on installations that do not comply with these general practices, or to get guidance on code interpretations affecting the piping system installation. Gas piping systems that contain one or more segments of CSST shall be bonded in accordance with this section. This is needed any time CSST is installed, even if it's just a small amount. step that is required with standard (yellow) CSST products. 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