While the old method for bonding CSST required a connection at the main electric panel, this is no longer required by the national fuel gas code. CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) is a commonly found type of gas line, which home inspectors will check when examining proper bonding. Bonding and grounding both ensure that electrical currents are not conducted through pipes, which can cause a fire hazard. In order to tell if a gas line is bonded, you will need to visually inspect the bonding material. So let's take a look at the different. A Damaged gas or propane line can leak gas, causing a fire and / or explosion.
Here is a short timeline of the existence of CSST's: - 1990 – CSST launch in U. S. market. NEC also allows you to bond the piping to the equipment grounding conductor, of the circuit that is likely to energize it. This code came in as a response to damage to flexible gas lines and fires in homes struck by lightning. Sidebar: Terms to Know. CSST gas lines are covered in California Plumbing Code Section 1211. This is because they are connected to a bonded (if properly installed) gas-distribution system. Where there's a possibility that any metallic piping on a premises might come in contact with a "hot" wire or become energized, you must bridge all nonmetallic breaks with a bonding jumper and ground the entire piping system to the grounding electrode system. Other rules require what size the grounding wire needs to be. One aspect of maintaining a safe gas line is to ensure the line is grounded. TracPipe® CounterStrike® has been designed with a proprietary jacket material in place of the standard yellow jacket. You can bond CSST inside or outside. Additionally, bond wires should be inspected regularly and replaced if they become damaged or corroded in order to maintain optimal safety levels.
Those short lengths of tubing are not required to be bonded and grounded separately. Although these companies safely and efficiently provide natural gas to homes and businesses all over the country, there are some rules that need to be followed to prevent unnecessary risks and protect people from dangerous situations. For more about CSST, read our article The California Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing Act. But in 2022, we noticed a sudden uptick in observing grounding wires connected directly to the gas meter. Black iron/galvanized pipe. The process also prevents sparking by giving electricity a safe place to go and preventing build-ups or arcs that could potentially damage gas lines.
Generally, bonding materials for gas lines start at around $10 for basic copper wiring and can go up to several hundred dollars depending on the complexity of the job. In accordance with section 310. In case any stray electricity gets into the components, electricity will flow through the bonded components rather than gather in any one component. This should not be confused with unbonded CSST flexible gas lines being safe. Modern electrical and building standards require gas piping to be able to withstand the energy of a lightning strike, whether the strike is direct or indirect. This meant that CSST manufacturers had to perform even more rigorous testing on direct bonding, in order to be sure that there is going to be a massive reduction in possible damage caused by CSST, if lighting strikes happened. If an isolated section of metallic water (or gas) piping accidentally becomes charged, a shock or fire hazard may occur. As for bonding the gas pipe, according to the National Electrical Code, metal piping systems that are "likely to become energized" must be bonded (250. Their testing shows bonding will largely mitigate the risk for only "indirect" lightning strikes (those that do not hit the home). CSST either has a yellow jacket or a black jacket. It may also lead to electrical shock injuries. In more recent years, however, all manufacturers of CSST have made it a point to release technical bulletins to CSST installers ensuring they are aware that yellow CSST must be bonded and showing how it must be done.
Look for flexible tubing with a yellow or black jacket that covers the ridges. The placement improves electrical safety by providing a low path of resistance in case of a short circuit. CSST is a Gas-Distribution System. Then using special equipment, a professional locater can detect the voltage in the wire to trace the path of the gas pipe. Additional Information on CSST and bonding.