Flex Gas Connector identification

[Dave Hahn]

This flex connector was installed on a 2004 model-year gas-fired furnace.
The connector "looks" older than this furnace, and if so, would be incorrect as it should be replaced whenever disconnected.
I haven't seen this type of connector before (or often) and while it makes me think of the "Ameri-Flex" flex connector recall, I'm pretty sure it's not.

Can anyone identify the manufacturer of this connector, with any qualified insight whether it might be an older connector and/or be part of any recall?

Dave

[Markus Keller]

A couple things,
- that does look like one of the old brass connectors; If I had a better brain I could remember what years the SS and yellow coated ones came in to replace those.
- A lot of Muni's don't allow flex of any kind to a furnace, has to be hardpiped
- I noticed the old brass valve on the side, those are notorious leakers. I check them with my sniffer, rarely does one not leak.
Hope that helps.

[Bob Harper]

That metal ring or the nuts should be stamped with the identity. If no identifiable marks then it should be replaced. However, as you said, flex connectors should not be reused per the mfrs. Also per mfrs., should not penetrate appliance cabinet. It can be either in or out but not through. Must be sized for load. Longer flex hoses have considerable pressure drop and may not provide adequate flow.

The recalled connectors have a visible portion with a brazed joint instead of just pressed on nuts.

HTH,

[Nolan Kienitz]

Who cares what type of flex connector it is?

It is not allowed to be passed through the side-wall of a furnace ... period.

There is supposed to be black iron from the furnace manifold through the side-wall and then the flex connection can be attached ... assuming it is of an approved product for the local AHJ.

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

Uncoated brass appliance connectors would be 20 or more years old, are not safe and should NEVER BE USED - THEY ARE DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS, and replaced whenever found. Most Gas Utilities will refuse to turn on the gas to a residence that has these (utility "red tag"). Brass connectors have come apart, split, leaked, causing gas leaks that have led to fires and explosions, causing property damages, injuries to persons, and deaths, every year.

"Water Heater" connectors (corregated copper tube) with brass ends are for potable water plumbing - NOT GAS.



The corregated tubing pictured has been flexed dangerously right near the end piece - if not already split it will likely soon. MK has already mentioned old style not to present standards, notorious leakers (defective) gas shut off valve.

The dark discoloration is often found were corrosion holes are present in the tubing of dangerous corregated brass connectors and improperly used dangerous copper potable water heater connectors illegally used for gas.

Uncoated or coated stainless steel appliance connectors are the standard. You should not see brass ends on gray or yellow coated SS Appliance Connectors, or on Uncoated SS appliance connectors.

There are also coated brass appliance connectors in the market place, some have been recalled.

Furnace being fixed in place, and the connector having been COILED INSIDE THE APPLIANCE makes this additionally suspect and unsafe.

[Galen L. Beasley]

The Consumer Product Safety Commision has issued a safety bulletin on older Brass Gas Connectors Danger: Certain older gas connectors may be dangerous (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/gasconn.html)

[Dave Hahn]

Thanks for all the great feedback.

Careful Nolan
Who cares what type of flex connector it is? It is not allowed to be passed through the side-wall of a furnace ... period.

There is supposed to be black iron from the furnace manifold through the side-wall and then the flex connection can be attached ... assuming it is of an approved product for the local AHJ.
While I don't advocate it, I have it on good authority that it IS permitted under certain conditions:

"Thank you for your inquiry. We do permit the Dormont Gas Connector to pass through the furnace cabinet as long as the connector is protected against damage. So basically the knockout hole in the furnace cabinet must have a gasketing or grommet material to prevent “metal-to-metal” rubbing of the connector against the furnace wall. This position is consistent with NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code) Section 9.6.1 (8):

Thanks for choosing Dormont!

Mike Angus
Director - New Product Development
Dormont Manufacturing Company
A Watts Water Technologies Company
6015 Enterprise Drive
Export, PA 15632
Phone (724) 387-3411
Fax (412) 291-3172
E-Mail: mangus@dormont.com "