Hello. I'm new here and apologize in advance if this has been asked and answered before, but I was unable to find it. Thank you in advance for anyone who can help answer this question.
I ran into an issue while having my house converted from Propane to Natural Gas. The utility company noted that the Gastite supply line to my fireplace, which runs through the brick wall of the chimney, is only protected by being wrapped in protective tape. It is not sleeved as is required by CSA B149.1:20. (I am in Ontario, if that makes a difference)
Section 6.6.13 of B149.1 states that "Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) and fittings shall be protected against physical damage in accordance with the manufacturer's certified installation instructions and with this code".
The current (January 2020) Gastite Design and Installation guide Section 4.3.8 states that a sleeve 1/2" larger in diameter than the CSST shall be used when routing through masonry.
I'm fully on board with bringing this up to code, now that the issue has been identified. I just want to say that up front. I'm not trying to justify doing nothing.
My question is: Is this a new addition to B149.1 with the release of the 2020 edition? Or has the use of a sleeve been a required installation method for some time?
I don't have access to earlier versions of B149.1 or the Gastite guide, however the release notes for B149.1:20 don't mention 6.6.13 being a new section. My gasfitter (who installed the fireplace in 2015) told me they have never heard of this requirement for Gastite installation.
I'm hoping one of you fine folks on here can help me understand whether this is a case of bringing an old installation up to current code, or whether the original installation should have been done this way in the first place.
Thank you
The installer is right when we follow the B149.1 Gas Code Clauses 6.16.8 and 6.16.9. CSST is in fact tubing.
QuoteClause 6.16.8 - When piping or tubing passes through an exterior wall above ground, it shall be sealed watertight and the portion of piping or tubing that runs through the wall shall be sleeved or double wrapped with a pipe wrap tape.
Clause 6.16.9 - When piping or tubing passes through masonry or concrete, the portion of piping or tubing that runs through this material shall be sleeved or double wrapped with a pipe wrap tape.
But we must follow Clause 6.16.13 like you mentioned and Clauses 4.1.3 and 4.1.4.
QuoteClause 4.1.3 - An appliance, accessory, component, equipment, or any other item shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's certified instructions and this Code.
Clause 4.1.4 - Where a conflict exists between the manufacturer's certified installation instructions and this Code, the most stringent of the two shall prevail.
I posted the 2011 Design and Installation Guide and the requirement to sleeve is under Section 4.3.8 on Page 57. Maybe you can switch to copper and avoid having to sleeve it with a conduit. There may be bonding requirements with CSST as well.
Thank you!
Were there issues with CSST installations in the past? That is the only reason that I can think of for why Clause 6.6.13 calls it out specifically when it would otherwise fall into the definition of tubing.
Do you know if Clauses 4.1.3, 4.1.4, and 6.6.13 were also in the 2010 and 2015 editions of B149.1? I feel like if they were, then when the fireplace was installed in 2015 the Gastite should have been run through a conduit at that time.
Yes, in 2010 the B149.1-10 Clause 6.16.13 existed as Clause 6.16.12. This Clause was introduced in the 2005 Edition.
Clauses 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 also existed.
The problem with csst is that if you read the manual there is actually so many restrictions with using that stuff. Just because the installer didn't hear of it, doesn't mean that it didn't exist. Maybe he didn't know about it. Am I guilty of having done that in the past as a previous installer?? Hell ya. So I do blame him but I don't. Is that csst piping run on the exterior of your home under 6' high off the ground unprotected? If so, that's not to manu specs either! If a person actually sat down and read the user manuals one would be surprised on the restrictions.
100% agree hvacpimp
Manuals for some brands have changed several times over the years.
Bonding for example. Don't assume you know lol they probably changed it ... Again 😁