CSSTCSSTCorrugated Stainless Steel TubingCorrugated Stainless Steel Tubing

& Lightning Protection& Lightning Protection& Lightning Protection& Lightning Protection

OverviewOverviewWhat is CSST?What is CSST?CompositionCompositionHistoryHistoryManufacturersManufacturersManufacturersManufacturersLawsuitLawsuitStandards & RequirementsStandards & RequirementsDamages/HazzardsDamages/HazzardsRecent EventsRecent EventsFutureFutureFutureFuture

What is CSSTWhat is CSSTA flexible stainless steel piping material A flexible stainless steel piping material used for natural gas & propane installations.used for natural gas & propane installations.g p pg p pUtilized in commercial & residential Utilized in commercial & residential constructionconstructionconstruction.construction.Sizes range from 3/8” up to 2” diameter.Sizes range from 3/8” up to 2” diameter.B d bl d i llB d bl d i llBendable and easy to install.Bendable and easy to install.

Typical InstallationTypical InstallationEntry a larger Entry a larger pipe(CSST orpipe(CSST orpipe(CSST or pipe(CSST or black iron)black iron)Runs to manifoldRuns to manifoldRuns to manifoldRuns to manifoldDistributed to each Distributed to each

i t f Oi t f Opoint of use. One point of use. One pipe for every pipe for every

li tili tiapplicationapplication

CompositionCompositionUsually yellow jacketed.Usually yellow jacketed.Thin stainless steel wall tubingThin stainless steel wall tubingThin, stainless steel, wall tubing.Thin, stainless steel, wall tubing.–– .008” thick on most products.008” thick on most products

HistoryHistoryIntroduced to US in the early 1980’s from Japan.Introduced to US in the early 1980’s from Japan.First recognized by NFPA 54 (Nat’l Fuel Gas Code) First recognized by NFPA 54 (Nat’l Fuel Gas Code) i 1988i 1988in 1988.in 1988.Int’l Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Int’l Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials(IAPMO) rejects CSST in 2000Officials(IAPMO) rejects CSST in 2000Officials(IAPMO) rejects CSST in 2000.Officials(IAPMO) rejects CSST in 2000.IAMPO finally accepts CSST in 2003 into Uniform IAMPO finally accepts CSST in 2003 into Uniform Plumbing Code(UPC) & Uniform Mechanical Plumbing Code(UPC) & Uniform Mechanical g ( )g ( )Code(UMC).Code(UMC).During all the standards development, no testing for During all the standards development, no testing for li h i i i i hi b ildili h i i i i hi b ildilightning resistance or reaction within buildings. lightning resistance or reaction within buildings. Biggest selling point is labor savings for Contractors.Biggest selling point is labor savings for Contractors.E ti t t 55 illi li f t ldE ti t t 55 illi li f t ldEstimates at over 55 million linear feet sold per year.Estimates at over 55 million linear feet sold per year.

ManufacturersManufacturers Trade NameTrade NameW dflWardflex

Tracpipe, Counter-strike

Gastite

Parflex

Proflex CSST

Diamondback Flexible Gas Pipe

Class Action LawsuitClass Action Lawsuit

Most people aware of the settlement and Most people aware of the settlement and associated program?associated program?associated program?associated program?

SettlementSettlementAt time, national At time, national standards very standards very yyvague on how to vague on how to ground.ground.Court settlement Court settlement bonding bonding

i ti trequirements requirements exceeded the exceeded the codescodescodes.codes.

National Standards,Codes & National Standards,Codes & Manufacturer’s RequirementsManufacturer’s RequirementsManufacturer s RequirementsManufacturer s Requirements

NFPA 780NFPA 780--20082008S ti 4 14 C G diS ti 4 14 C G di–– Section 4.14 Common GroundingSection 4.14 Common Grounding

NEC: 250.104(b) Other Metal PipingNEC: 250.104(b) Other Metal Piping“Wh i t ll d i tt h d t b ildi t t t l“Wh i t ll d i tt h d t b ildi t t t l“Where installed in or attached to a building or structure, a metal “Where installed in or attached to a building or structure, a metal piping system(s), including gas piping, that is likely to become piping system(s), including gas piping, that is likely to become energized shall be bonded to the service equipment enclosure, the energized shall be bonded to the service equipment enclosure, the grounded conductor at the service, the grounding electrode conductor grounded conductor at the service, the grounding electrode conductor g , g gg , g gwhere of sufficient size, or the one or more grounding electrodes where of sufficient size, or the one or more grounding electrodes used.”used.”

»» **Not mandatory requirement to bond CSST directly to **Not mandatory requirement to bond CSST directly to grounding system**grounding system**

NEC 110.3(B) Installation & UseNEC 110.3(B) Installation & Use“Li d l b l d i h ll b d i d i h“Li d l b l d i h ll b d i d i h“Listed or labeled equipment shall be used in accordance with any “Listed or labeled equipment shall be used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.”instructions included in the listing or labeling.”

»» **Pretty Vague****Pretty Vague**

National Standards,Codes & National Standards,Codes & Manufacturer’s RequirementsManufacturer’s Requirements

NFPA 54/ANSI Z223 1 2009 EditionNFPA 54/ANSI Z223 1 2009 EditionNFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1 2009 EditionNFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1 2009 Edition–– Section 7.13Section 7.13

“7.13.1 Pipe & Tubing other than CSST“7.13.1 Pipe & Tubing other than CSST””““7.13.2 CSST.7.13.2 CSST. CSST gas piping systems shall be bonded CSST gas piping systems shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system at the to the electrical service grounding electrode system at the point where the gas service enters the the building. The point where the gas service enters the the building. The bonding jumper shall not be smaller than 6 AWG copperbonding jumper shall not be smaller than 6 AWG copperbonding jumper shall not be smaller than 6 AWG copper bonding jumper shall not be smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent.”wire or equivalent.”“7.13.4 Lightning Protection Systems. “7.13.4 Lightning Protection Systems. Where a lightning Where a lightning protection system is installed, the bonding of the gasprotection system is installed, the bonding of the gasprotection system is installed, the bonding of the gas protection system is installed, the bonding of the gas piping shall be in accordance with NFPA 780, piping shall be in accordance with NFPA 780, Standard Standard for Lightning Protection Systemsfor Lightning Protection Systems.” .”

Manufacturers’ Technical BulletinManufacturers’ Technical BulletinManufacturers Technical BulletinManufacturers Technical BulletinAll Manufactures of CSST have a technical All Manufactures of CSST have a technical

bulletin that mirrors NFPA 54 for bonding.bulletin that mirrors NFPA 54 for bonding.

What to What to look look for!for!

Damages & HazzardsDamages & Hazzards

CSST blown out of black iron

Attic Space

CSST b h kCSST run beneath peak in attic space

CSST above master Bedroom

Air TerminalTerminal

Another view ofAnother view of A.T. at peak

Melted 3/8 Copper Air Terminal

Recent EventsRecent Events

MassachusettsMassachusetts–– Nov. 26, 2008 Board of State Examiner of Plumbers & GasNov. 26, 2008 Board of State Examiner of Plumbers & GasNov. 26, 2008 Board of State Examiner of Plumbers & Gas Nov. 26, 2008 Board of State Examiner of Plumbers & Gas

Fitters Temporarily rescind approval of all CSST products in Fitters Temporarily rescind approval of all CSST products in State.State.

–– Feb 4, 2009 Board reinstates previously approved CSST in MA. Feb 4, 2009 Board reinstates previously approved CSST in MA. Citing evidence provided in form of results from testing at Citing evidence provided in form of results from testing at Lightning Technologies.Lightning Technologies.g g gg g g

New York StateNew York State–– July 24, 2008 Building Code Council emergency adoption of July 24, 2008 Building Code Council emergency adoption of y g g y py g g y p

new bonding requirements for CSST.new bonding requirements for CSST.

IN, VA, MN & GA code changes for bonding of CSST. IN, VA, MN & GA code changes for bonding of CSST.

Moving ForwardMoving ForwardMoving ForwardMoving Forward

Scope of workScope of workScope of workScope of work–– Plumbing installer to subcontract grounding work to electrical?Plumbing installer to subcontract grounding work to electrical?

LSA proposal to NFPA Research FoundationLSA proposal to NFPA Research Foundation–– Try and find arc sensitivity value.Try and find arc sensitivity value.

Lightning TechnologiesLightning Technologiesd id iTested TracpipeTested Tracpipe

Test Data requested by the LSA twice…no responseTest Data requested by the LSA twice…no response

As an industry As an industry –– We should exceed what all the We should exceed what all the yycurrent Codes & Standards require.current Codes & Standards require.–– USE THE SETTLEMENT SCHEMATIC AS OUR USE THE SETTLEMENT SCHEMATIC AS OUR

GUIDELINE FOR BONDING TOP & BOTTOM!!GUIDELINE FOR BONDING TOP & BOTTOM!!GUIDELINE FOR BONDING TOP & BOTTOM!!GUIDELINE FOR BONDING TOP & BOTTOM!!

CreditsCreditsTorbin,Robert, “CSST: Direct Bonding Required For All Brands”, Dec 2008Torbin,Robert, “CSST: Direct Bonding Required For All Brands”, Dec 2008Torbin,Robert, CSST: Direct Bonding Required For All Brands , Dec 2008Torbin,Robert, CSST: Direct Bonding Required For All Brands , Dec 2008Mass.Gov, Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, “Official Notice of Mass.Gov, Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, “Official Notice of Board of State Examiner of Plumbers and Gas Fitters” Nov. 26, 2008, Feb 4, Board of State Examiner of Plumbers and Gas Fitters” Nov. 26, 2008, Feb 4, 20092009Ci i C f Cl k C AR C N CIVCi i C f Cl k C AR C N CIV 20042004 211 “S i l i d211 “S i l i dCircuit Court of Clark County, AR, Case No. CIVCircuit Court of Clark County, AR, Case No. CIV--20042004--211 “Stipulation and 211 “Stipulation and Settlement Agreement.Settlement Agreement.Bonded Lightning Protection, Argyle, TX “ Grounding and Bonding Bonded Lightning Protection, Argyle, TX “ Grounding and Bonding requirements of TPV as specified in Settlement Agreement”requirements of TPV as specified in Settlement Agreement”q p gq p gNAHB Research Center, Report Number 5737NAHB Research Center, Report Number 5737--01 080307 “Corrugated 01 080307 “Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing for Fuel Gas Distribution in Buildings and Concerns Stainless Steel Tubing for Fuel Gas Distribution in Buildings and Concerns over Lightning Strikes,” Aug 2007over Lightning Strikes,” Aug 2007New York State Dept of Code Enforcement and Administration AndrewsNew York State Dept of Code Enforcement and Administration AndrewsNew York State Dept of Code Enforcement and Administration, Andrews, New York State Dept of Code Enforcement and Administration, Andrews, Raymond, Asst. Dir. Code Development, Emergency Meeting Minutes, July, Raymond, Asst. Dir. Code Development, Emergency Meeting Minutes, July, 20082008Carmody, Mike, “Concerns about CSST Gas Lines Carmody, Mike, “Concerns about CSST Gas Lines –– “Grounded in Reality?”“Grounded in Reality?”FAQ Titeflex.comFAQ Titeflex.com“TB2008“TB2008--01, Technical Bulletin”, Gastite System, Titeflex Corpration, July 01, Technical Bulletin”, Gastite System, Titeflex Corpration, July 15, 2008.15, 2008.“Lightning Safety Recommendations for Gas Piping Systems” Omegaflex“Lightning Safety Recommendations for Gas Piping Systems” OmegaflexLightning Safety Recommendations for Gas Piping Systems , Omegaflex, Lightning Safety Recommendations for Gas Piping Systems , Omegaflex, Power & Systems Innovation, Inc, Orlando, FLPower & Systems Innovation, Inc, Orlando, FLGoodsen, Mark, Hergenrether, Mark, “Investigating the Causal Link between Goodsen, Mark, Hergenrether, Mark, “Investigating the Causal Link between Lightning Strikes, CSST and Fires” Lightning Strikes, CSST and Fires”

CreditsCreditsNFPA 54, NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas CodeNational Fuel Gas Code, 2009 Edition, 2009 EditionNFPA 780, NFPA 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems,Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, 2008 Edition2008 EditionNFPA 70, NFPA 70, National Electrical Code,National Electrical Code, NEC 2008 NEC 2008 IAMPO, Uniform Mechanical Code 2006IAMPO, Uniform Mechanical Code 2006IAMPO, Uniform Plumbing Code 2003IAMPO, Uniform Plumbing Code 2003TruTru--Flex Technical Bulletin, “Electrical Bonding ProFlex Technical Bulletin, “Electrical Bonding Pro--Flex CSST, July 25, 2008Flex CSST, July 25, 2008, g, g , y ,, y ,Product Alert Product Alert –– Ground and Bond, Parflex Flexible gas Piping System, Parker Hannifan Ground and Bond, Parflex Flexible gas Piping System, Parker Hannifan Corp.Corp.“Design and Installation Guide, Gastite Systems”, Titeflex Corp, November 2008 “Design and Installation Guide, Gastite Systems”, Titeflex Corp, November 2008 “Technical Bulletin “Technical Bulletin -- #TB8029#TB8029--07”, Metal Fab Inc., March 2, 200707”, Metal Fab Inc., March 2, 2007Wardflex Technical BulletinWardflex Technical Bulletin

Photo CreditsPhoto CreditsPhoto CreditsPhoto CreditsBonded Lightning Protection, Argyle, TXBonded Lightning Protection, Argyle, TXCharles Ackerman, East Coast Lightning Equipment, Winsted, CTCharles Ackerman, East Coast Lightning Equipment, Winsted, CTDonan Engineering Co., Louisville, KYDonan Engineering Co., Louisville, KYWE Energies, “Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing Policy RequirementsWE Energies, “Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing Policy RequirementsDavid McAfee, PE, SFPE, Fire Protection EngineeringDavid McAfee, PE, SFPE, Fire Protection Engineering“Design and Installation Guide, Gastite Systems”, Titeflex Corp, November “Design and Installation Guide, Gastite Systems”, Titeflex Corp, November 20082008“Lightning Safety Recommendations for Gas Piping Systems”, Omegaflex,“Lightning Safety Recommendations for Gas Piping Systems”, Omegaflex,R b C A i d Li h i R d C Mill N YR b C A i d Li h i R d C Mill N YRobert Cooper, Associated Lightning Rod Company, Millerton, N.Y.Robert Cooper, Associated Lightning Rod Company, Millerton, N.Y.Goodsen, Mark, Hergenrether, Mark, “Investigating the Causal Link between Goodsen, Mark, Hergenrether, Mark, “Investigating the Causal Link between Lightning Strikes, CSST and Fires”, Fire and Materials 2005 Delegate Lightning Strikes, CSST and Fires”, Fire and Materials 2005 Delegate Handbook San Francisco CAHandbook San Francisco CAHandbook, San Francisco, CAHandbook, San Francisco, CAWardflex Website, Wardflex Website, www.wardflex.comwww.wardflex.comTracpipe Website, www.tracpipe.com Tracpipe Website, www.tracpipe.com