Been on call where supplier issued the A tag citing clause 4.3.7 regarding the furnace pilot tubing leak .i found the gas meter left on.so how we proceed with this kind of situation?bcoz as per the clause 4.3.7 require the pressure test of whole system.that could be really costly for the customer.i email the gas supplier but haven't heard back.
I assume the gas meter was left on for the water heater. Did the inspector disconnect and cap the gas line to the furnace?
QuoteClause 4.3.7 - It shall be the responsibility of the installer of a piping or tubing system to perform pressure tests in accordance with Clause 6.22.2 and to ensure that the piping or tubing system is gas-tight at the completion of the tests.
See Clause 6.22.2(a),
QuoteClause - 6.22.2 Before appliances are connected to a new piping and tubing system containing fittings or joints, a pressure test shall be applied using either air or an inert gas (e.g. nitrogen) in the following manner:
(a) Appliance shut-off valves, meters, regulators and any component not rated for the test pressure being applied, shall not be connected to the piping or tubing system under test.
(b) The test pressure shall be measured by either a pressure gauge or equivalent device and, if a gauge is used, the minimum diameter shall be 3 in (75 mm) and the maximum range shall exceed the test pressure by at least 15% but not more than 300%. The pressure gauge or equivalent device shall be calibrated to read in increments of not more than either 2 psig (14 kPa) or 2% of the maximum dial reading of the pressure gauge, whichever is less.
(c) A pressure recorder when used for this test shall have a maximum range and be calibrated to the requirements of sub-section (b).
(d) The pressure and duration of the test shall be in accordance with Table 6.3.
The pilot tubing leak would not be detected during a pressure test. The pilot tubing is connected to the gas valve which is considered a component not rated for the test pressure being applied.
The inspector was just covering their bases. Even though the inspector found a gas leak at the pilot tubing they issued a warning tag for Clause 4.3.7, which puts the responsibility on you to not only ensure the pilot tubing is leak free but that the entire gas piping system is leak free. Technically as the person engaged in the repair of a gas piping system you become the installer,
QuoteInstaller - any individual, firm, corporation, or company that either directly or through a representative is engaged in the installation, replacement, repair, or servicing of gas piping, venting systems, appliances, components, accessories, or equipment, and whose representative is either experienced or trained, or both, in such work and has complied with the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.
If the inspector capped the gas line to the furnace you could circumvent the pressure test requirement by following Clause 6.22.4.1 after reconnecting the gas piping,
QuoteClause 6.22.4.1 - An addition to an existing piping or tubing system shall be tested as an individual system in accordance with Clause 6.22, except that:
(a) where the addition is:
(i) 20 ft (6 m) or less in length, or
(ii) one continuous length of piping or tubing not containing fittings and the normal working pressure is less than 0.5 psig (3.5 kPa), the addition shall be leak tested in accordance with Clause 6.22.3(e); and
(b) where the addition is accomplished using a welded tie-in, and the new system has been tested in compliance with Clause 6.22, the tie-in weld shall be tested in accordance with Clause 6.22.3(e).
Regardless, the inspector must have made certain the gas piping system was leak free or the gas meter would have been shut off.
A more accurate warning tag would have been using Clause 6.22.3(e),
QuoteClause 6.22.3 - After an appliance(s) is connected, the new system shall be tested in the following manner:
(a) Before turning on the gas for the test, a check shall be made to ensure that any opening from which gas can escape is closed.
(b) Immediately after allowing the gas into the piping or tubing system, a test shall be made to determine that no gas is escaping by carefully watching the lowest volume test dial of the meter
(c) Where a meter is not provided, a working pressure isolated system (supply shut off) test shall be completed and the pressure shall be measured with either a pressure gauge or equivalent device calibrated to read in increments not greater than those specified in Clause 6.22.2(b), with the following exceptions:
(i) for a system where the working pressure is 0.5 psig (3.5 kPa) or less, the pressure gauge or equivalent device (e.g. a manometer) shall be calibrated to read in increments of not greater than 1 in w.c. (250 Pa); and
(ii) for a system where the working pressure exceeds 0.5 psig (3.5 kPa) but does not exceed 5 psig (35 kPa), the pressure gauge or equivalent device shall be calibrated to read in increments of not greater than 2 in w.c. of pressure (0.5 kPa); and
(iii) For this test the gas supply shall be shut off and the contained gas pressure shall be monitored for leakage indicated by a pressure drop.
(d) The test described in subsections (b) and (c) shall be of a 10 minute duration.
(e) Each appliance connection, valve, valve train, and system component shall be checked while under normal operating pressure with either a liquid solution or a leak-detection device to locate any source of a leak.
I would repair the pilot tubing and complete a soap test and a 10 minute dial test and then remove the warning tag.
I liked it better when Clause 4.5.2 was used for every immediate hazard,
QuoteClause 4.5.2 - The use of an appliance, accessory, component, equipment, or material shall be prohibited where a hazard is created.
The inspector didn't cap any gas line.I think your interpretation of the code is excellent. I think I will be confident in my repair.I will fix the lk at the tubing and will do the soap and dial test as per requirement of 6.22.3 (b).
Thx so much