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// CODE SNIPPET

1210.0 Gas Piping Installation

California Plumbing Code 2016 > 12 Fuel Gas Piping > 1210.0 Gas Piping Installation
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1210.1 Piping Underground

Underground gas piping shall be installed with approved clearance from other underground structures to avoid contact therewith, to allow maintenance, and to protect against damage from proximity to other structures. In addition, underground plastic piping shall be installed with approved clearance or shall be insulated from sources of heat so as to prevent the heat from impairing the serviceability of the pipe. [NFPA 54:7.1.1]

1210.1.1 Cover Requirements

Underground piping systems shall be installed with a cover not less than 12 inches (305 mm). Where external damage to the pipe or tubing from external forces is likely to result, the cover shall be not less than 18 inches (457 mm). Where a cover not less than 12 inches (305 mm) cannot be provided, the pipe shall be installed in conduit or bridged (shielded). [NFPA 54:7.1.2.1]

1210.1.2 Trenches

The trench shall be graded so that the pipe has a firm, substantially continuous bearing on the bottom of the trench. [NFPA 54:7.1.2.2]

1210.1.2.1 Backfilling

Where flooding of the trench is done to consolidate the backfill, care shall be exercised to see that the pipe is not floated from its firm bearing on the trench bottom. [NFPA 54:7.1.2.3]

1210.1.3 Protection Against Corrosion

Gas piping in contact with earth or other material that is capable of corroding the piping shall be protected against corrosion in an approved manner. Where dissimilar metals are joined underground, an insulating coupling or fitting shall be used. Piping shall not be laid in contact with cinders. Uncoated threaded or socket-welded joints shall not be used in piping in contact with soil or where internal or external crevice corrosion is known to occur. [NFPA 54:7.1.3]

1210.1.4 Protection Against Freezing

Where the formation of hydrates or ice is known to occur, piping shall be protected against freezing. [NFPA 54:7.1.4]

1210.1.5 Piping Through Foundation Wall

Underground piping installed through the outer foundation or basement wall of a building shall be encased in a protective sleeve or protected by an approved device or method. The space between the gas piping and the sleeve and between the sleeve and the wall shall be sealed to prevent entry of gas and water. [NFPA 54:7.1.5]

1210.1.6 Piping Underground Beneath Buildings

Where gas piping is installed underground beneath buildings, the piping shall be one of the following:
  1. Encased in an approved conduit designed to withstand the imposed loads and installed in accordance with Section 1210.1.6.1 or Section 1210.1.6.2.
  2. A piping or encasement system listed for installation beneath buildings. [NFPA 54:7.1.6]

1210.1.6.1 Conduit with One End Terminating Outdoors

The conduit shall extend into an accessible portion of the building and, at the point where the conduit terminates in the building, the space between the conduit and the gas piping shall be sealed to prevent the possible entrance of a gas leakage. Where the end sealing is of a type that will retain the full pressure of the pipe, the conduit shall be designed for the same pressure as the pipe. The conduit shall extend not less than 4 inches (102 mm) outside the building, be vented outdoors above finished ground level, and be installed so as to prevent the entrance of water and insects. [NFPA 54:7.1.6.1]

1210.1.6.2 Conduit with Both Ends Terminating Indoors

Where the conduit originates and terminates within the same building, the conduit shall originate and terminate in an accessible portion of the building and shall not be sealed. [NFPA 54:7.1.6.2]

1210.1.7 Plastic Piping

Plastic piping shall be installed outdoors, underground only.

Exceptions:
  1. Plastic piping shall be permitted to terminate aboveground where an anodeless riser is used.
  2. Plastic piping shall be permitted to terminate with a wall head adapter aboveground in buildings, including basements, where the plastic piping is inserted in a piping material permitted for use in buildings. [NFPA 54:7.1.7.1]

1210.1.7.1 Connections Between Metallic and Plastic Piping

Connections made between metallic and plastic piping shall be made with fittings that are in accordance with one of the following:
  1. ASTM D2513
  2. ASTM F1973
  3. ASTM F2509 [NFPA 54:7.1.7.2]

1210.1.7.2 Tracer Wire

An electrically continuous corrosion-resistant tracer wire (not less than AWG 14) or tape shall be buried with the plastic pipe to facilitate locating. One end of the tracer wire or tape shall be brought aboveground at a building wall or riser. [NFPA 54:7.1.7.3]

1210.2 Installation of Piping

Piping installed aboveground shall be securely supported and located where it will be protected from physical damage. Where passing through an exterior wall, the piping shall be protected against corrosion by coating or wrapping with an inert material approved for such applications. The piping shall be sealed around its circumference at the point of the exterior penetration to prevent the entry of water, insects, and rodents. Where piping is encased in a protective pipe sleeve, the annular spaces between the gas piping and the sleeve and between the sleeve and the wall opening shall be sealed. [NFPA 54:7.2.1]

1210.2.1 Building Structure

The installation of gas piping shall not cause structural stresses within building components to exceed allowable design limits. Approval shall be obtained before beams or joists are cut or notched. [NFPA 54:7.2.2]

    Permission shall be obtained from the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

1210.2.2 Gas Piping to be Sloped

Piping for other than dry gas conditions shall be sloped not less than 1/4 inch in 15 feet (1.4 mm/m) to prevent traps. [NFPA 54:7.2.3]

1210.2.2.1 Ceiling Locations

Gas piping shall be permitted to be installed in accessible spaces between a fixed ceiling and a dropped ceiling, whether or not such spaces are used as a plenum. Valves shall not be located in such spaces.

Exception: Appliance or equipment shutoff valves required by this code shall be permitted to be installed in accessible spaces containing vented appliances.

1210.2.3 Prohibited Locations

Gas piping inside a building shall not be installed in or through a clothes chute, chimney or gas vent, dumbwaiter, elevator shaft, or air duct, other than combustion air ducts. [NFPA 54:7.2.4]

Exception: Ducts used to provide ventilation air in accordance with Section 506.0 or to above-ceiling spaces in accordance with Section 1210.2.2.1.

1210.2.4 Hangers, Supports, and Anchors

Piping shall be supported with metal pipe hooks, metal pipe straps, metal bands, metal brackets, metal hangers, or building structural components; approved for the size of piping; of adequate strength and quality; and located at intervals so as to prevent or damp out excessive vibration. Piping shall be anchored to prevent undue strains on connected appliances and equipment and shall not be supported by other piping. Pipe hangers and supports shall comply with the requirements of MSS SP-58. [NFPA 54:7.2.5.1]

1210.2.4.1 Spacing

Spacing of supports in gas piping installations shall not exceed the distance shown in Table 1210.2.4.1. Spacing of supports for CSST shall be in accordance with the CSST manufacturer's instructions. [NFPA 54:7.2.5.2]

TABLE 1210.2.4.1
SUPPORT OF PIPING
[NFPA 54:TABLE 7.2.5.2]
STEEL PIPE,
NOMINAL SIZE
OF PIPE
(inches)
SPACING OF
SUPPORTS
(feet)
NOMINAL SIZE
OF TUBING SMOOTH-WALL
(inches O.D.)
SPACING OF
SUPPORTS
(feet)
1/2 6 1/2 4
3/4 or 1 8 5/8 or 3/4 6
11/4 or larger
(horizontal)
10 7/8 or 1 (horizontal) 8
11/4 or larger
(vertical)
Every floor
level
1 or longer
(vertical)
Every floor
level
For SI umts: 1 Inch = 25 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm

1210.2.4.2 Expansion and Contraction

Supports, hangers, and anchors shall be installed so as not to interfere with the free expansion and contraction of the piping between anchors. Parts of the supporting system shall be designed and installed so they are not disengaged by movement of the supported piping. [NFPA 54:7.2.5.3]

1210.2.5 Removal of Piping

Where piping containing gas is to be removed, the line shall be first disconnected from sources of gas and then thoroughly purged with air, water, or inert gas before cutting or welding is done. [NFPA 54:7.2.6]

1210.3 Concealed Piping in Buildings

Gas piping in concealed locations shall be installed in accordance with this section. [NFPA 54:7.3.1]

1210.3.1 Connections

Where gas piping is to be concealed, connections shall be of the following type:
  1. Pipe fittings such as elbows, tees, couplings, and right/left nipple/couplings.
  2. Joining tubing by brazing (see Section 1208.5.8.2).
  3. Fittings listed for use in concealed spaces or that have been demonstrated to sustain, without leakage, forces due to temperature expansion or contraction, vibration, or fatigue based on their geographic location, application, or operation.
  4. Where necessary to insert fittings in gas pipe that has been installed in a concealed location, the pipe shall be reconnected by welding, flanges, or the use of a right/left nipple/coupling.

1210.3.2 Piping in Partitions

Concealed gas piping shall not be located in solid partitions. [NFPA 54:7.3.3]

1210.3.3 Tubing in Partitions

This provision shall not apply to tubing that pierces walls, floors, or partitions. Tubing installed vertically and horizontally inside hollow walls or partitions without protection along its entire concealed length shall be in accordance with the following requirements:
  1. A steel striker barrier not less than 0.0508 of an inch (1.3 mm) thick, or equivalent, shall be installed between the tubing and the finished wall and extend not less than 4 inches (102 mm) beyond concealed penetrations of plates, firestops, wall studs, and similar construction features.
  2. The tubing shall be installed in single runs and shall not be rigidly secured. [NFPA 54:7.3.4]

1210.3.4 Piping in Floors

In industrial occupancies, gas piping in solid floors such as concrete shall be laid in channels in the floor and covered to permit access to the piping with minimum damage to the building. Where piping in floor channels is exposed to excessive moisture or corrosive substances, the piping shall be protected in an approved manner. [NFPA 54:7.3.5.1]

Exception: In other than industrial occupancies and where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, gas piping embedded in concrete floor slabs constructed with portland cement shall be surrounded with not less than 11/2 inches (38 mm) of concrete and shall not be in physical contact with other metallic structures such as reinforcing rods or electrically neutral conductors. Piping, fittings, and risers shall be protected against corrosion in accordance with Section 1208.5.6. Piping shall not be embedded in concrete slabs containing quick-set additives or cinder aggregate. [NFPA 54:7.3.5.2]

1210.4 Piping in Vertical Chases

Where gas piping exceeding 5 psi (34 kPa) is located within vertical chases in accordance with Section 1210.5(2), the requirements of Section 1210.4.1 through Section 1210.4.3 shall apply. [NFPA 54:7.4]

1210.4.1 Pressure Reduction

Where pressure reduction is required in branch connections in accordance with Section 1210.5, such reduction shall take place either inside the chase or immediately adjacent to the outside wall of the chase. Regulator venting and downstream overpressure protection shall comply with Section 1208.7.1 and Section 1208.7.5. The regulator shall be accessible for service and repair, and vented in accordance with one of the following:
  1. Where the fuel gas is lighter than air, regulators equipped with a vent limiting means shall be permitted to be vented into the chase. Regulators not equipped with a vent limiting means shall be permitted to be vented either directly to the outdoors or to a point within the top 1 foot (305 mm) of the chase.
  2. Where the fuel gas is heavier than air, the regulator vent shall be vented directly to the outdoors. [NFPA 54:7.4.1]

1210.4.2 Construction

Chase construction shall comply with local building codes with respect to fire resistance and protection of horizontal and vertical openings. [NFPA 54:7.4.2]

1210.4.3 Ventilation

A chase shall be ventilated to the outdoors and at the top. The openings shall have a minimum free area [in square inches (m2)] equal to the product of one-half of the maximum pressure in the piping [in psi (kPa)] times the largest nominal diameter of that piping [in inches (mm)], or the cross-sectional area of the chase, whichever is smaller. Where more than one fuel gas piping system is present, the free area for each system shall be calculated and the largest area used. [NFPA 54:7.4.31

1210.5 Maximum Design Operating Pressure

The maximum design operating pressure for piping systems located inside buildings shall not exceed 5 psi (34 kPa) unless one or more of the following conditions are met:
  1. The piping system is welded.
  2. The piping is located in a ventilated chase or otherwise enclosed for protection against accidental gas accumulation.
  3. The piping is located inside buildings or separate areas of buildings used exclusively for one of the following:

    1. Industrial processing or heating
    2. Research
    3. Warehousing
    4. Boiler or mechanical equipment rooms
  4. The piping is a temporary installation for buildings under construction.
  5. The piping serves appliances or equipment used for agricultural purposes.
  6. The piping system is an LP-Gas piping system with a design operating pressure exceeding 20 psi (138 kPa) and in accordance with NFPA 58. LP-Gas systems designed to operate below -5°F (-21°C) or with butane or a propane-butane mix shall be designed to either accommodate liquid LP-Gas or to prevent LP-Gas vapor from condensing back into liquid. [NFPA 54:5.5]

1210.6 Appliance Overpressure Protection

The maximum operating pressure for piping systems serving appliances designed to operate at 14 inches water column (3.5 kPa) inlet pressure or less shall be 2 pounds-force per square inch gauge (psig) (14 kPa) unless an over-pressure protection device designed to limit pressure at the appliance to 2 psig (14 kPa) upon failure of the line gas pressure regulator is installed.

1210.7 Gas Pipe Turns

Changes in direction of gas pipe shall be made by the use of fittings, factory bends, or field bends. [NFPA 54:7.5]

1210.7.1 Metallic Pipe

Metallic pipe bends shall comply with the following:
  1. Bends shall be made with bending equipment and procedures intended for that purpose.
  2. Bends shall be smooth and free from buckling, cracks, or other evidence of mechanical damage.
  3. The longitudinal weld of the pipe shall be near the neutral axis of the bend.
  4. The pipe shall not be bent through an arc of more than 90 degrees (1.57 rad).
  5. The inside radius of a bend shall be not less than six times the outside diameter of the pipe. [NFPA 54:7.5.1]

1210.7.2 Plastic Pipe

Plastic pipe bends shall comply with the following:
  1. The pipe shall not be damaged, and the internal diameter of the pipe shall not be effectively reduced.
  2. Joints shall not be located in pipe bends.
  3. The radius of the inner curve of such bends shall be not less than 25 times the inside diameter of the pipe.
  4. Where the piping manufacturer specifies the use of special bending equipment or procedures, such equipment or procedures shall be used. [NFPA 54:7.5.2]

1210.7.3 Elbows

Factory-made welding elbows or transverse segments cut therefrom shall have an arc length measured along the crotch of not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) for pipe sizes 2 inches (50 mm) and larger. [NFPA 54:7.5.3]

1210.8 Drips and Sediment Traps

For other than dry gas conditions, a drip shall be provided at a point in the line of pipe where condensate is capable of collecting. Where required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or the serving gas supplier, a drip shall also be provided at the outlet of the meter. This drip shall be so installed as to constitute a trap wherein an accumulation of condensate will shut off the flow of gas before it will run back into the meter. [NFPA 54:7.6.1]

1210.8.1 Location of Drips

Drips shall be installed in such locations that they will be readily accessible to permit cleaning or emptying. A drip shall not be located where the condensate is likely to freeze. [NFPA 54:7.6.2]

1210.8.2 Sediment Traps

The installation of sediment traps shall comply with Section 1212.8. [NFPA 54:7.6.3]

1210.9 Outlets

Outlets shall be located and installed in accordance with the following requirements:
  1. The outlet fittings or piping shall be securely fastened in place.
  2. Outlets shall not be located behind doors.
  3. Outlets shall be located far enough from floors, walls, patios, slabs, and ceilings to permit the use of wrenches without straining, bending, or damaging the piping.
  4. The unthreaded portion of gas piping outlets shall extend not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) through finished ceilings or indoor or outdoor walls.
  5. The unthreaded portion of gas piping outlets shall extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) above the surface of floors or outdoor patios or slabs.
  6. The provisions of Section 1210.9(4) and Section 1210.9(5) shall not apply to listed quick-disconnect devices of the flush-mounted type or listed gas convenience outlets. Such devices shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. [NFPA 54:7.7.1]

1210.9.1 Cap Outlets

Each outlet, including a valve, shall be closed gastight with a threaded plug or cap immediately after installation and shall be left closed until the appliance or equipment is connected thereto. Where an appliance or equipment is disconnected from an outlet, and the outlet is not to be used again immediately, it shall be capped or plugged gastight.

Exceptions:
  1. Laboratory appliances installed in accordance with Section 1212.3.1 shall be permitted.
  2. The use of a listed quick-disconnect device with integral shutoff or listed gas convenience outlet shall be permitted. [NFPA 54:7.7.2.1]

1210.9.1.1 Appliance Shutoff Valves

Appliance shutoff valves installed in fireplaces shall be removed and the piping capped gastight where the fireplace is used for solid-fuel burning. [NFPA 54:7.7.2.2]

1210.10 Branch Pipe Connection

Where a branch outlet is placed on a main supply line before it is known what size pipe will be connected to it, the outlet shall be of the same size as the line that supplies it. [NFPA 54:7.8]

1210.11 Manual Gas Shutoff Valves

An accessible gas shutoff valve shall be provided upstream of each gas pressure regulator. Where two gas pressure regulators are installed in series in a single gas line, a manual valve shall not be required at the second regulator. [NFPA 54:7.9.1]

1210.11.1 Valves Controlling Multiple Systems

Main gas shutoff valves controlling several gas piping systems shall be readily accessible for operation and installed so as to be protected from physical damage. They shall be marked with a metal tag or other permanent means attached by the installing agency so that the gas piping systems supplied through them are readily identified. [NFPA 54:7.9.2.1]

1210.11.1.1 Shutoff Valves for Multiple House Lines

In multiple-tenant buildings supplied through a master meter, through one service regulator where a meter is not provided, or where meters or service regulators are not readily accessible from the appliance or equipment location, an individual shutoff valve for each apartment or tenant line shall be provided at a convenient point of general accessibility. In a common system serving a number of individual buildings, shutoff valves shall be installed at each building. [NFPA 54:7.9.2.2]

1210.11.2 Emergency Shutoff Valves

An exterior shutoff valve to permit turning off the gas supply to each building in an emergency shall be provided. The emergency shutoff valves shall be plainly marked as such and their locations posted as required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. [NFPA 54:7.9.2.3]

1210.11.3 Shutoff Valve for Laboratories

Each laboratory space containing two or more gas outlets installed on tables, benches, or in hoods in educational, research, commercial and industrial occupancies shall have a single shutoff valve through which such gas outlets are supplied. The shutoff valve shall be accessible and shall be located within the laboratory or located adjacent to the laboratory's egress door and shall be identified. [NFPA 54:7.9.2.4]

1210.12 Prohibited Devices

No device shall be placed inside the gas piping or fittings that will reduce the cross-sectional area or otherwise obstruct the free flow of gas, except where an allowance in the piping system design has been made for such a device and where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. [NFPA 54:7.10]

1210.13 Systems Containing Cas-Air Mixtures Outside the Flammable Range

Where gas-air mixing machines are employed to produce mixtures above or below the flammable range, they shall be provided with stops to prevent adjustment of the mixture to within or approaching the flammable range. [NFPA 54:7.11]

1210.14 Systems Containing Flammable Gas-Air Mixtures

Systems containing flammable gas-air mixtures shall be in accordance with NFPA 54.
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