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Free Technical Information for Building Inspectors, Contractors and Consumers. Code and Manufacturer's Information Resource





 
CSST Piping
                                      
                                                     


                                                       LIGHTNING STRIKES: 
The following is from a 2007 article : 
               May 2007 -- A Class Action Lawsuit against four manufacturers of a relatively new type of fuel gas tubing has identified the installation of a lightning protection system as a remedy for
the fire 
risk associated with CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) gas  piping systems. CSST
is a type of flexible piping that has been widely used in homes and commercial applications in recent years. Unlike traditional, heavy-walled gas pipes, CSST is extremely thin and therefore susceptible to damage from lightning. Lightning traveling on the CSST can burn holes in the tubing and allow gas leakage and fire. In worse case scenarios, such leaks have led to catastrophic gas explosions. The CSST has been found to be susceptible to damage from direct and even nearby lightning strikes.
CSST has been widely used in recent years because it is easy to install. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) however, no tests on the effects of lightning on CSST were conducted prior to its approval for use. One CSST manufacturer has acknowledged that the installation of a lightning protection system addresses the lightning hazard associated with CSST, yet homes with CSST are rarely equipped with lightning protection systems. Lightning strikes the United States more than 25 million times each year. A single bolt of lightning can carry over 100 million volts of electricity, making the hazard to homes outfitted with CSST a serious concern.






                                                            Resources from Gastight

As an inspector, verifying construction integrity is made easier with products supplied by companies who have a passion for system and installation perfection. Installers must successfully complete the Gastite training program to become a qualified Gastite installer. Additionally, many resources are made available, including hands-on training, to ensure our systems are installed efficiently, effectively, and to code.
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Code Approvals
Recognized as a fuel gas-piping material since 1988, Gastite complies with ANSI LC-1b for "Fuel Gas Piping Systems Using Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)." The Gastite system is listed by several independent third-party laboratories and is recognized by model building codes throughout North America. Gastite is ISO 9001 certified. 
                                                                         
Gastite Sample Specification Sheet - Specification Sheet
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All C.S.S.T. Gas Pipe will need to be bonded and grounded per manufacturer’s instruction from now on.

Gastite Systems have issued a Technical Bulletin #TB2006-04 stating all gastite systems to be installed per bulletin and there instruction. In checking with instruction of Trac Pipe, Wardflex and other makers of C.S.S.T. they also state to bond and ground to there instruction. Also N.F.P.A.54 states the same. As ALL of YOU know you are to go by manufacturer’s instructions.

 
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