Thread: Flex connector below cabinet?

Are flexible connectors allowed to routed below kitchen cabinets? This connector is for a gas cooktop. Obvious concerns are physical damage from items being stored below.

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Trent,
Flex connectors can not be routed through anything, cabinets, walls or partitions. They can go from a shut off to the appliance.
NFPA 54 9.9.1.8 2006 edition
Jack

They do need to be attached to the back wall. Supports/protect.
Not a very neet Install job.

Best

Ron

Originally Posted by Trent Tarter

Are flexible connectors allowed to routed below kitchen cabinets? This connector is for a gas cooktop. Obvious concerns are physical damage from items being stored below.

TT: Photo #2 shows a disallowed installation.

G2422.1.2.3

(411.1.3.3) Prohibited locations and penetrations.

Connectors shall not be concealed within, or extended
through, walls, floors, partitions, ceilings or appliance housings.

As to the physical damage concerns, it is a judgement call:

G2422.1.1 (411.1.2) Protection from damage.

Connectors
and tubing shall be installed so as to be protected against physical
damage.

That would have been a simple install with black pipe. A tee, nipple, cap, an two lengths and you're done.

Looks a bit amateur if you ask me - I wonder if it was installed by the appliance vendor.

Originally Posted by Trent Tarter

Are flexible connectors allowed to routed below kitchen cabinets? This connector is for a gas cooktop. Obvious concerns are physical damage from items being stored below.

Trent,

OK in the cabinet. However, I agree with jack and AD, not through the hole in the shelf.

Originally Posted by Corn Walker

That would have been a simple install with black pipe. A tee, nipple, cap, an two lengths and you're done.

Looks a bit amateur if you ask me - I wonder if it was installed by the appliance vendor.

CW: Most likely.

OK I am easily confused so please explain. It is hard piped into the cabinet. Flex csst pipe is then run up through the shelf to the stove top.
Damage to the flex could possibly occur from placing items in the cabinet. I don't like the idea of the flex running through the shelf but I see nothing that says you can't. 1/2" clearance around the diameter of the tube is required. Floppy steel conduit could protect it. CSST approves running through cabinets, walls, floors, etc.
Is the code talking about "appliance connector" not running through partitions, etc. ?

I see flex in cook top cabinets all the time in all new construction, should this be called out.
I see this run through the floor into fireplace compartments?
I see it run through walls, joist, etc.?

Originally Posted by Mike Schulz

OK I am easily confused so please explain. It is hard piped into the cabinet. Flex csst pipe is then run up through the shelf to the stove top.

Mike,

Let me tell you all of the ways I am confused... Never mind, I won't.

The flex in the pic is not CSST, it is a flexible appliance connector. CSST is approved to run through walls, flexible connectors are not.

Originally Posted by Mike Schulz

Damage to the flex could possibly occur from placing items in the cabinet. I don't like the idea of the flex running through the shelf but I see nothing that says you can't. 1/2" clearance around the diameter of the tube is required. Floppy steel conduit could protect it. CSST approves running through cabinets, walls, floors, etc. Is the code talking about "appliance connector" not running through partitions, etc. ?

Yes, the connector could be damaged by pots & pans. As AD said, it really isn't addressed in the code. As for through the shelf, I think it is a matter of interpretation. "Partition" might cover shelves.

Originally Posted by Mike Schulz

I see flex in cook top cabinets all the time in all new construction, should this be called out.

I believe it should be reported, if the flex is run through the cabinet. I have only seen the flex connected to a pipe fitting under the cook top, which is fine.

Originally Posted by Mike Schulz

I see this run through the floor into fireplace compartments?

I believe that should be reported.

Originally Posted by Mike Schulz

I see it run through walls, joist, etc.?

Once again, I believe it should be reported.

That piece running into the wall is a connector. Black pipe should have extended into the cabinet to allow access for repair. The rest is OK but csst needs protection. AND I always recommend installation of EFV(excess flow valves) as well as bonding. Was it bonded?
Also, that cssst hanging against an outlet is also a BAAAAAAAAAAAD idea.

Originally Posted by wayne soper

Also, that cssst hanging against an outlet is also a BAAAAAAAAAAAD idea.

Arrggh!

It is not CSST! That yellow flexible thingy in both pics is a flexible appliance connector. CSST is a different animal (or tubing, actually).

Flexible appliance connector listed to ANSI Z21.24. This is NOT CSST. Gunnar, Aaron, et al get a gold star.
Bob

Thanks Gunnar, the confusion came in because It looks like CSST, it all makes sense now. How can you see from those pictures that its not csst?

Originally Posted by Mike Schulz

Thanks Gunnar, the confusion came in because It looks like CSST, it all makes sense now. How can you see from those pictures that its not csst?

Mike,

The yellow sheath on CSST is, umm, a sleeve that can be cut/removed. Actually, it must be cut back to allow the brass fitting to be attached. The yellow coating on the appliance connector is adhered, like it is factory sprayed or dipped. The flexible appliance connectors have the brass fittings attached. Primarily, I have never seen CSST used between the gas shutoff valve and an appliance. It is used as a piping material instead of black iron.

If you go to the gastite website, you should be able to see the difference.

Now that you pointed that out it comes to light for me. here is what I am use to seeing in new construction and the appliance connector is quite distinguishably different.

dang it, I keep forgetting to add the picture......argggg

I was off only 2 KB and it would not upload. I think more people would post if they did not have to spend so much time resizing pictures. I know it holds me back from contributing.

Mike,

Yes. I forgot to mention that some are uncoated (like the one in your pic), some are yellow coated and I have also seen black coated. Not sure, but I assume different manufacturers use different colors.

Someone posted a link to an online utility that will resize pictures. I cannot recall the name of the site. I tend to take small pics because they are only 3" in my reports, so a large pic is pointless.

Bob,

Is that an acceptable location for that regulator?

Trent,

That cord and plug set should not go through the cabinet either.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Bob,

Is that an acceptable location for that regulator?

Trent,

That cord and plug set should not go through the cabinet either.

JP: And, though it surely pains me to have to say it, unless you consider this to be a "range", then it is also required to have a sediment trap. OK, maybe I won't go there again, but I'm just saying . . .

Originally Posted by A.D. Miller

JP: And, though it surely pains me to have to say it, unless you consider this to be a "range", then it is also required to have a sediment trap. OK, maybe I won't go there again, but I'm just saying . . .

Aaron,

You are "almost right" ...

Those cooktops also fit into that exception.

You are "almost right" ...

JP: And, that's just almost where I want to be . . .