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NOTICE: Gas line grounding and bonding is a responsibility of an electrician. Texas did not expect or require a private inspector (non-electricians) to identify gas line bonding until 2015 with the adoption of Form 7-5.

CSST - Corrugated Stainless Steel Gas Piping Fire Hazards

What is especially alarming is that most gas line and lightning fire articles appear to be concentrated in Texas. (see sidebar on right)

The following is a small sampling of many articles.

Fire in the Attic - http://www.nbcdfw.com/investigations/Corrugated-Stainless-Steel-Tubing-306680481.html

Fire Marshal, Family Blame Fatal Fire on Corrugated Tubing - http://www.nbcdfw.com/investigations/Fire-Marshal-Family-Blame-Fatal-Fire-on-Corrugated-Tubing-Industry-Says-its-Safe-242845981.html

Home Gas Pipe Causing House Fires? - http://www.fox23.com/news/news/local/part-1home-gas-pipe-causing-house-fires/ndc7c/

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/lightning-strike-fires-reignite-debate-over-gas-pipe-safety-n55006

Experts Say Flexible Gas Line Lightning-Related Fires Continue in Spite of New Safety Measures - http://www.nbcdfw.com/investigations/Experts-Say-Flexible-Gas-Line-Lightning-Related-Fires-Continue-in-Spite-of-New-Safety-Measures-246966451.html

Lightning Induced CSST Fires - http://goodsonengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/p379-Goodson-TB1140_web.pdf

https://www.cozen.com/admin/files/SAdocs/CSST-TF_brochure.pdf

Brennen Teel Death - http://www.btfgaslinesafety.org/the-tragedy/

http://www.btfgaslinesafety.org/learn/

http://www.forthepeople.com/class-action-lawyers/csst-lawsuits/

http://www.csstdanger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CSST-Myths.pdf

www.goodsonengineering.com/wp.../p379-Goodson-TB1140_web.pdf

http://csstsafety.com

http://www.csstsafety.com/CSST-lightning.html

Bonding and grounding of a CSST system might reduce the risk of fire from a lightning strike but does not eliminate it.

CSST Safety Day in Texas - Proclomation by the Governor - http://csstsafety.com/CSST-Safety-Day-Texas.html

The Senate of the United States Warns about CSST - http://csstsafety.com/CSST-senate-res.html

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE FIRE MARSHALS (NASFM) LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE YELLOW CSST SAFETY CAMPAIGN - http://csstsafety.com/CSST-NASFM-statement.html

The National Association of Homebuilders Know About CSST Concerns - http://www.nahb.org/en/research/legal-issues/~/media/053CFAF590D544A4B4DF8E8290393CC7.ashx

Common Hazards

A gas connector is used to get from the gas piping to the appliance – that’s all. If you see two connectors joined together, it’s an improper installation.  This material is not a flexible gas line.  It’s a gas connector.

Gas Connectors should never disappear into a concealed location or pass through a wall, floor, ceiling, or cabinet, it’s an improper installation. The whole line has to be in the same visible space.  Only approved gas pipe (e.g; black iron pipe, galvanized pipe, etc.) can be run through walls, floors, cabinets, etc.

Old gas connectors should be replaced. They should not be reused (per the manufacturer). The current standard for gas appliance connectors is ANSI Z21.24. Don’t reuse gas connectors. According to every manufacturer, gas connectors should never be reused.  When a gas appliance is replaced, the connector should be replaced at the same time.

Only stainless steel is allowed as natural gas contains water which is corrosive to the older brass connectors.

Copper gas lines. If you have a copper gas line in your home you should have it replaced. Natural gas containing hydrogen sulfide (the rotten egg smell) is corrosive to copper. A copper gas line connected with solder is a worst case senario for trouble as the joints have have a low melting point.

In older homes with the non-vented gas heater with open flames in the wall they are commonly piped with a copper gas line. (Copper gas line tubing run outside to lamps or BBQ pits is not disallowed.)

Articles:

Validation of Installation Methods for CSST Gas Piping to Mitigate Lightning Related Damage

http://www.nfpa.org/Assets/files/AboutTheCodes/54/GTI%20CSST%20Final%20Report%20Amended%209-5-13.pdf
 

Jury Rues That CSST is a Defective Product in Landmark case

www.CSST_Product_Liability_Suit.pdf

Other than CSST gas piping there is a history of other installed gas piping that is a hazard which is not widely known.

Many of these connectors may still be in use (in 30 year or older homes), and the CPSC is warning consumers to have their gas line connectors inspected. Because it is very difficult to tell just by looking at it whether a connector has been soldered, the CPSC recommends that ANY uncoated brass connector be replaced immediately by a new stainless steel connector or a new plastic-coated brass connector.

There is no lightning proof building.

This type of old style gas wall heater is commonly piped with a copper gas line. This is also considered a gas space heater.

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