CSST Tubing: Standards, Testing & Certification Presented by: - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

CSST Tubing:

Standards, Testing & Certification

Presented by:

Valerie Madarasz, CSA Group June 23, 2016

CSA Group

• One of the largest independent, not-for-profit membership-

based Standards Development Organizations in North America.

• In business since 1919.
• Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory providing Third

Party Certification & Testing, Field Evaluation, and Product Evaluation services

• Global - 37 offices and laboratories in 14 countries.
• U.S. – 10 offices and laboratories in California, Connecticut,

Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.

3,000+

Standards and Codes

8,200

Standards Committee Members

35,000

customers using CSA services

1,800

Highly Dedicated Staff

2

1 Billion

products bear CSA mark worldwide

CSA Group in the U.S.

• 1918: American Gas Association (AGA) formed.
• 1925-1930: Laboratories & research facilities established in Ohio and

California.

• 1993: AGA sold laboratories & research facilities and International Approval

Services (IAS) was formed with Canadian Gas Association (CGA) to manage standards development and testing & certification of gas appliances.

• 1997: Canadian Standards Association (CSA) acquired IAS and the testing

& certification business became CSA International.

• 2003: U.S. laboratories expanded to include testing of electric and plumbing

products.

• 2011: “One CSA” – expanded certification and testing services under name of

CSA Group.

For more information: www.csagroup.org

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What is CSST?

• Flexible, stainless steel pipe used to supply fuel gas in residential,

commercial and industrial buildings.

• Developed in Japan in 1980’s as a safety improvement over rigid black

iron gas pipes that often failed & started fires during earthquakes.

• Not to be confused with flexible connectors that connect moveable

gas appliances to gas supply line.

• Typically found beneath, through & alongside floor joists, inside interior

wall cavities, on top of ceiling joists in attics, or connected to appliances such as water heaters.

• As of 2012, over one billion feet of CSST has been installed in approx.

seven million buildings in the U.S.*

* Source: National Association of State Fire Marshals http://csstsafety.com/

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Rigid Pipe vs. CSST

Rigid Pipe

• Susceptible to breaking during earthquakes & other natural

disasters.

• Has multiple joints that can often leak.
• Most rigid pipe is imported.
• Cheaper than CSST, but requires special equipment and tools.
• Rigid pipe joints and fittings are a recognized cause of gas

leakages, gas fires and explosions*.

• Pipe dope deteriorates over time and can leak when exposed

to lightning strikes. * NFPA Guide to Fire and Explosion Investigations (NFPA 921) Chapter 9

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Rigid Pipe vs. CSST

CSST

• Durable and flexible – ability to be “snaked” around walls.
• Easier and faster to install using typical hand tools.
• Eliminates need for:

– precise on-site measuring, cutting & threading of piping sections – Additional fittings, i.e. joints, elbows, tees & couplings

• Most CSST installed in U.S. is manufactured in the U.S. to a

nationally recognized standard.

• More expensive than rigid pipe.
• Direct bonding required to reduce impact of lightning strikes on

piping systems.

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Manufacturers of CSST

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Standard Development Timeline

• 1983 – Gas Research Institute (GRI) identified CSST as viable

alternative to rigid black iron gas pipe.

• 1986 - American Gas Association (AGA) asked to develop

construction & performance criteria as basis for 3rd party certification.

• 1987- “AGA Requirements for Natural Gas Piping Systems Using

Corrugated Stainless Steel Conduit”, No.1-87 published.

• Referenced in 4th edition of National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54/ANSI

Z223.1 as recognized document for testing & listing CSST systems.

• Reluctance by local code authorities to accept systems not covered

by a nationally recognized safety standard.

• 1989 – AGA applied to American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

for recognition.

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Standard Development Timeline

• AGA 1-87 retitled as proposed “American National Standard for

Fuel Gas Piping Using Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing, AGA LC1”.

• 1991 – First edition approved by ANSI.
• 1994 – Harmonized draft standard for US and Canada processed as

proposed ANSI standard.

• 1997 – First edition of ANSI/IAS LC 1 ● CGA 6.26 harmonized

standard.

• 2004 – Second edition - ANSI LC 1 ● CSA 6.26.
• 2014 – Third edition -

ANSI LC 1 ● CSA 6.26-2014

• 2016 – Fourth edition - ANSI LC 1 ● CSA 6.26-2016

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Scope of Standard

• Applies to fuel gas piping systems using CSST.
• Intended for installation in residential, commercial or industrial

buildings.

• Includes following components:

– Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) – Fittings for connection to CSST – Striker plates to protect from threat of puncture – Other components – gas manifolds, gas pressure regulators, manual gas valves, quick disconnect devices, etc.

• Applies to CSST systems in which portions of piping are exposed to
• utdoors to make connections to outdoor gas meters or gas

appliances, on or located in close proximity to building structure.

• Applies to piping systems not exceeding 2 inches based on nominal

inside diameter of tubing.

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Scope of Standard /continued…..

• Applies to piping systems rated at either 5 psi and intended for

exposure to maximum operating pressures not exceeding 6.5 psi,

• r rated at 25 psi and intended for exposure to maximum operating

pressures not exceeding 30 psi.

• Manufacturer has option to certify system to either pressure rating.
• Does not apply to gas connectors for appliances – covered by

separate standards.

• Does not apply to systems intended for use with propane in liquid

state.

• Does not apply to CSST, coated or uncoated, intended for direct

burial underground (only when encased inside an approved conduit

• r as part of approved engineered system, in accordance with local

codes & manufacturer's instructions). Note: CSST is not intended for supply.

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Construction

Construction requirements in the Standard include the following:

– Materials – Gas Pressure Regulators – Manually Operated Gas Valves – Quick Connect Devices & Gas Convenience Outlets – Striker Plates – Instructions – Marking – Installer Training

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Construction - Materials

• New and unused parts and materials only.
• 300 series stainless steel alloy.
• Evidence of:

– composition of materials used in components & piping system and suitability for intended use. – evaluation for resistance to moisture, corrosion, chemicals, sulfur compounds, etc.

• For CSST that includes non-metallic coating or covering:

– coating shall comply with international color designation – yellow. – evidence of testing for flame spread & smoke density as specified in ASTM E84

• Jacket or covering applied to CSST shall be either yellow or black

and marked in a contrasting color.

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Construction - Gas Pressure Regulators

• Piping system for use at gas pressures exceeding 0.5 psi, but

intended for equipment rated for 0.5 psi, shall include gas pressure regulator to limit downstream supply pressure to 0.5 psi.

• Installation instructions must specify that such a regulator is

installed.

• Regulators supplied by manufacturer for use with CSST systems

shall comply with nationally recognized standard for pressure regulators.

• For system pressures up to 5 psi, regulator shall either incorporate

construction that will “lock up” under no-flow conditions to prevent downstream pressure in excess of 5 psi or regulator must be installed with an overpressure protection device.

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Construction - Gas Valves & Quick Disconnect Devices

• Manually operated gas valve supplied as part of gas piping

system shall comply with recognized standards & have pressure rating of not less than 5 psi.

• Or comply with recognized standard for pressures less than

0.5 psi.

• Quick-disconnect device or gas convenience outlet supplied

as part of gas piping system shall comply with recognized standards.

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Construction - Striker Plates

• Striker plates shall be provided by manufacturer to protect

installed CSST from penetration by nails, screws etc., in areas where CSST will be concealed.

• Shall be designed to protect CSST at points of penetration

through a stud, joist, plate, etc.

• Shall include a means for securely mounting/attaching the

striker plate to a permanent part of the structure.

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Construction - Instructions

• Complete, detailed instructions for proper sizing, installation,

inspection & repair of the CSST system shall be provided by the manufacturer.

• Instructions shall be included in a design & installation manual to be

provided with the piping system.

• The manual shall include instructions on all topics in exact

prescribed format shown in Annex A - Minimum design & installation manual requirements.

• Instructions shall include warning to installer than installation

instructions shall be followed as prescribed by the manufacturer.

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Annex A

Minimum design and installation manual requirements

• Introduction
• Description of system and components
• System configurations and sizing
• Installation practices
• General installation
• Fitting assembly
• Routing
• Protection
• Meter Hook-ups
• Appliance connections
• Manifold stations
• Pressure regulators
• Underground installations
• Electrical bonding/grounding
• Inspection, repair & replacement
• Pressure/leakage testing
• Sizing tables

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Construction - Marking

• CSST, manifold and striker plates shall bear the following markings:

– Manufacturer’s name, trademark or symbol – Part number, and – Testing agency mark

• CSST shall bear permanent marking of:

– Rated pressure of 5 psi or 25 psi – Equivalent Hydraulic Diameter (EHD) – The words “FUEL GAS”

• Markings shall appear on tubing at not less than 24 inch intervals.
• Each fitting of piping system shall bear the following markings:

– Manufacturer’s name, trademark or symbol – Fitting size code, and – Testing agency mark

• The fitting part number shall be marked on the fitting carton.
• Each component supplied by manufacturer shall bear a separate date

code marking.

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Installer Training

• Manufacturer shall establish and maintain installer training

program and database of installers who have completed training requirements.

• Identification card shall be supplied and record of installer’s contact

data maintained in database.

• Identification card shall include:

– Manufacturer’s name and phone number – CSST product/brand covered by training – Unique serial number – Installer’s name and date of training – Statement that named installer has completed the manufacturer’s training program to install product/brand

Note: You cannot buy CSST unless you complete manufacturer’s training.

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Performance

Performance addresses 16 performance points and provides Methods of Test for each one:

– Leakage – Pressure Capacity – Flexibility of Tubing – Torsion – Axial Strength – Crushing Strength – Impact Strength – Torsion Strength of Threaded Fittings – Exposure to Elevated Temperatures (fire hazard resistance) – Flow Capacity & Equivalent Hydraulic Diameter (EHD) – Pressure Drop from Bends & Fittings – Effectiveness of Striker Plates – Mechanical Tube Fittings – Resistance to Loosening – Resistance to Outdoor Environment, Extreme Temperature Cycles & Corrosion – Electrical Properties – Resistance and Conductivity – Arc Resistance Jacket or Covering System (optional)

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Performance

• Leakage Test

– Assembly of tubing & fittings shall not leak externally in excess of 1.22 cubic inches/hour of air.

• Flexibility of Tubing Test

– Bending – tubing, fittings & joints shall withstand 6 bending cycles without leakage and visible damage. – Torsion – tubing, fittings & joints shall withstand, without leakage and damage, 6 applications of 90 degree twists in alternate directions.

• Effectiveness of Striker Plates Test

– Striker plates shall effectively protect the installed tubing from puncture or other damage when impacted by driven nails.

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Performance

• Arc Resistant Jacket or Covering System (Optional)

Tubing which has arc resistant jacket or covering system as an alternate direct-bonding means shall comply with the following 4 tests AND be in compliance with local or model codes, including National Electrical Code.

Tests:

• Resistance of jacket materials to extreme temperature cycles.
• Resistance of jacket assembly to corrosion.
• Electrical – robustness against arcing (indirect lightning).
• Resistance to installation damage.

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Code References

The following model codes list CSST as acceptable gas piping:

• ICC

– International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) – International Mechanical Code (IMC) – International Residential Code (IRC)

• Uniform Plumbing Code
• Uniform Mechanical Code
• NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1 National Fuel Gas Code

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NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1 – Electrical Bonding

• NFPA 54 states that 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. Bonding:

– process of making an electrical connection between the grounding electrode and any equipment, appliance, or metal conductor – pipes, plumbing, flues, etc. – may be done by running a separate & dedicated bonding wire from equipment to the electrical ground, or by using the equipment grounding conductor (the third ground wire) of an electrical appliance.

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ANSI LC1 ● CSA 6.26-2016 – Annex B

Guidelines for the direct (electrical) bonding of CSST piping systems

Gas piping is considered to be directly bonded when:

• Bonding jumper is permanently and directly connected to the electrical

service grounding system.

• A single bond connection is made to the building gas piping system

between point of delivery & first CSST fitting, or on first CSST fitting.

• Bonding conductor:

–

not smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent – installed, protected and attached in approved manner in accordance with NEC

• Bonding clamp:

– Must be listed to UL 467 – Attached at one point within piping system to segment of rigid pipe or pipe component,

• r first CSST fitting, such that metal to metal contact is achieved
• CSST should not be directly supported on or by other electrically

conductive systems, including copper water pipe, electric power cables, A/C & heating ducts, communications cable, and structural steel beams.

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Electrical Bonding of CSST – Why the Need?

• When installing CSST, care must be taken to maintain as much

separation as reasonably possible from other electrically conductive systems.

• Trained electricians and other professionals should consult local

building codes as to required separations for CSST from conductive systems, including metallic chimney liners, metallic appliance vents, metallic ducting and piping, and electrical cables.

• Bonding and grounding of CSST gas piping systems can

significantly reduce the risk of damage and fire from a lightning strike.

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Lightning Strikes – Who’s at Risk?

• 23 states have high lightning risk, including:

– Alabama – Arkansas – Florida – Georgia – The Carolinas – Mississippi – Tennessee – Texas

Red/Orange/Yellow – highest risk Green/Blue/Gray – lowest risk Source: National Lightning Detection Network

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Indirect Lightning Strikes

• Most damage is from indirect strikes.
• Indirect lightning is defined as lightning that strikes one place but

"induces consequences remotely“.

• For example, a nearby lightning strike that does not strike a structure

directly can cause all electrically conductive systems in the structure to become energized.

• Lightning does not discriminate – it seeks all pathways to ground.

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Lightning Strike Damage to Buildings

• Lightning can damage all mechanical/electrical systems.
• Arcing damage impacts all metallic systems, including wiring & all gas

piping materials.

• Ungrounded flues, chimneys & fireplaces represent a major hazard,

irrespective of fuel gas piping type.

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Lightning Strikes - Building Codes & Standards

• Threat of lightning to building is outside scope of mandated national

building codes.

• National Electrical Code only deals with safe use of electricity.
• NFPA 80 – Standard for Installation of Lightning Protection Systems

(LPS) exists, but installation not mandatory.

• Onus is on building owner to perform lightning assessment under NFPA

780 to determine if building should have LPS installed.

• Without LPS, building structures, electrical and mechanical systems

vulnerable to lightning strike

• Most buildings in U.S. not designed or built to withstand damage from

lightning.

• No building, equipment or material is safe from direct lightning

strikes.

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Lightning Strikes and Resulting Fires

• Average annual number of lightning strikes in the U.S. –

43,500,000*

• Average annual number of residential fires in the U.S. –

403,980**

– Fires caused by fuel gas: 3,280 (leaks and breaks) – Fires caused by lightning/wires: 280 – Fires caused by lightning/fuel gas: 188

• Lightning damage to fuel gas piping is an uncommon event

compared to other causes of fires.

*US Precision Lightning Network

**NFPA Statistical Data

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Conclusions

• CSST fuel gas piping systems used safely in U.S. for over 25 years.
• ANSI LC 1 ● CSA 6.26-2016 is a robust performance-based standard

with rigorous safety tests for third-party listing.

• Not a DIY product – CSST should NOT be installed by home owner.
• Training and inspections are crucial for safe installations.
• Building & Fire inspectors need to insist on issuing permits and

demand proof of installation by trained & certified installers.

• Direct bonding will reduce impact of lightning strikes on CSST fuel

gas piping systems.

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Conclusions

• Arc-resistant CSST products are available that are equivalent to

bonding, but bonding still required per NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1.

• Gas industry actively:

– seeking updates to building codes and standards – working on public awareness

• ANSI LC 1 ● CSA 6.26 Technical Sub-Committee meets regularly to

discuss changes to the standard based on industry feedback.

• 2016 version updated to address:

– Revised installer training – Arc-resistant jackets – Jacket color

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Resources

• National Association of State Fire Marshalls

– https://naosfm30.wildapricot.org/

• CSST Safety - http://www.csstsafety.com/
• CSST Facts - http://www.csstfacts.org/csst-safety-facts/fire-safety/

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CSA Group Key Contacts

Valerie Madarasz, US Mark Awareness Program Coordinator: valerie.madarasz@csagroup.org 1-877-977-2358 ext. 88396 Lisa Reiheld, US Mark Awareness Manager: lisa.reiheld@csagroup.org 1-877-977-2358 ext. 88082

• r

regulator.relations@csagroup.org

1-888-242-9235

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