Thread: appliance connector on exterior

This is an appliance connector, not CSST.

Are flexible appliance connectors approved for use on exterior like this? I did a few quick searches and I mostly come up with discussions on CSST

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Originally Posted by John Dirks Jr

This is an appliance connector, not CSST.

Are flexible appliance connectors approved for use on exterior like this? I did a few quick searches and I mostly come up with discussions on CSST

Hi John,

That's a really good question. I see them outdoors fairly regularly, but never really gave it a second thought.

I just did a little research on the Watts site and did find this one ANSI standard on a specification sheet of a particular gas appliance connector. I did not see it on all of the spec sheets that I looked at, so I am guessing that not all connectors are created equal. If you look at the left side of the brochure, below "Features"

http://media.wattswater.com/ES-D-GAC_Generators.pdf

CSA Group Certificate of Compliance to Product Standards
ANSI Z21.75/CSA 6.27 ? Connectors for Outdoor Gas Appliancesand Manufactured Homes

Knowing all of the ANSI standards is not going to be within the scope of a home inspector and looking up every item in a home would take hours. So, I am not sure how to answer this one. Now that I know, I will probably make sure my report disclaims verification of ANSI certifications.

This is being used as "piping" which flex connectors are not. They are "connectors". That means you must use approved gas "piping" to within 6 feet of gas utilization equipment: 6ft for ranges and dryers/ 3ft all else. Thus a 6 ft. "connector" can only be used to connect gas dryers and gas ranges-period. Some flex oonnectors are approved for outdoor use and some are not. See mfrs. tag. This LP cylinder is too close to that building opening. A leak could flood right in through that window. LP is heavier than air and hugs the ground. Another aspect is the derating for the flexible corrugations. You pay a heavy penalty for that flex.
BTW, the ANSI on "Flexible Gas Appliance Connectors" is Z21.24. I have a copy but I can't share it.

Originally Posted by Bob Harper

This is being used as "piping" which flex connectors are not.

Bob,

How does that work with manufactured/mobile homes? Most of the time, the utility (natural gas) meters are connected to the home with some kind of flexible connector. The spec sheet that I posted references manufactured homes, but not others.

Is it simply that manufactured homes are under a different code? What I typically see with propane installations at site-built homes is soft copper between the tank and regulator.

Gas Connectors are not a substitute for gas piping.

Only one appliance connector of six feet or less in length can be used per appliance.
Do not use an appliance connector to connect directly to an LP-gas tank.
The gas appliance flex connector is not gas piping.


TSSA
Gaseous Fuels
Code Adoption Document Amendment
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
Background:
Added sub-clause (c) to 6.18.3.2 to include another common location for shut-off valve

Gunnar, soft copper is approved as piping. Mobile homes are regulated by HUD and therefore not subject to the typical local gas codes. As for the LP tank location and piping to the second stage regulator, check with the LP supplier on your state LPG codes.

Originally Posted by Bob Harper

Gunnar, soft copper is approved as piping. Mobile homes are regulated by HUD and therefore not subject to the typical local gas codes. As for the LP tank location and piping to the second stage regulator, check with the LP supplier on your state LPG codes.

Hi Bob,

Thank you for confirming.

Originally Posted by Bob Harper

Gunnar, soft copper is approved as piping. Mobile homes are regulated by HUD and therefore not subject to the typical local gas codes. As for the LP tank location and piping to the second stage regulator, check with the LP supplier on your state LPG codes.

So these connectors can only be used for mobile homes?

Originally Posted by Caren James

So these connectors can only be used for mobile homes?

Caren,

Not sure what you are asking.

1) Connectors may be used for gas valve to appliance connections indoors.

2) Some connectors appear to be approved to connect a manufactured/mobile home to the meter.

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

Caren,

Not sure what you are asking.

1) Connectors may be used for gas valve to appliance connections indoors.

2) Some connectors appear to be approved to connect a manufactured/mobile home to the meter.

Alright. Got it. Thank for clarifying!