Non-Standard Gas Line Hook-up

David Tontarski · 03-08-2012, 05:50 PM

The homeowner installed a gas fireplace in their family room, and as they now have an electric range installed in their kitchen, they ran an appliance connector up through up through the floor from the basement, to tap into the now out of service shut off valve in the kitchen behind the electric range.

I called it out as a non-standard hook-up with potential safety issues and recommended it be corrected.

I'm looking for the specifics on why this is wrong - including applicable code cites.

Any input would be appreciated.

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**Corey Friedman** · 03-08-2012, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by David Tontarski

The homeowner installed a gas fireplace in their family room, and as they now have an electric range installed in their kitchen, they ran an appliance connector up through up through the floor from the basement, to tap into the now out of service shut off valve in the kitchen behind the electric range.

I called it out as a non-standard hook-up with potential safety issues and recommended it be corrected.

I'm looking for the specifics on why this is wrong - including applicable code cites.

Any input would be appreciated.

Hello Dave,

Flexible gas connectors are not permitted to be concealed per IRC 2421.1.2 in addition to manufacturer instructions. Check out http://media2.wattswater.com/IOM-D-RES-1132.pdf as an example (see safety precautions, line item 4).

Sincerely,

Corey

**paul hardy** · 03-09-2012, 10:51 AM

here are a few from the 2006 IFGC

411.1.3 Connector installation.

Appliance fuel connectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and Sections 411.1.3.1 through 411.1.3.4.

411.1.3.3 Prohibited locations and penetrations.

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

Exception: Fireplace inserts that are factory equipped with grommets, sleeves or other means of protection in accordance with the listing of the appliance.

401.4 Additional appliances.

Where an additional appliance is to be served, the existing piping shall be checked to determine if it has adequate capacity for all appliances served. If inadequate, the existing system shall be enlarged as required or separate piping of adequate capacity shall be provided.

**Fred Weck** · 03-09-2012, 01:30 PM

^^^ They've got it.
What happened to the thread you could post in if you haven't posted in awhile?

**Bob Harper** · 03-09-2012, 02:14 PM

In the application shown/ described, this flex connector is being used in lieu of 'piping' so for that reason alone, it is not allowed. Flex connectors must always connect to the appliance at one end.

The listed instructions pretty much cover approved applications but a clarification or two are in order:

"Concealed location"- A location that cannot be accessed without damaging permanent parts of the building structure or finish surface. Spaces above, below or behind readily removable panels or doors shall not be considered as concealed.--2009 IRC Ch 24 definitions.

In the case with factory built gas fireplaces, the connector's ends must be accessible for inspection and turning wrenches. If its buried in chase, then the one end would not meet the criteria. The AHJ might allow something that looks like the OP's pic if the upper end attached directly to the appliance with the penetration of the appliance's outer wrap protected with a conduit/ sleeve/ insulation chinking. Note that if there is not a listed shutoff at the junction to the fireplace then one would have to provided elsewhere that meets the three criteris per the 2009 IRC: have ready access, serves only that one appliance and is labeled.

**Fred Weck** · 03-09-2012, 02:16 PM

This AHJ wouldn't:
411.1.3.3 Prohibited locations and penetrations.

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

**Bob Harper** · 03-09-2012, 02:28 PM

If the flex connector's listing allowed penetration of walls, floors or partitions with prescribed protection the AHJ has the option of accepting or rejecting but the code alone would not flunk this application over the listing.

FWIW, 95% probably would not allow a flex connector to penetrate a wall/ floor or ceiling if they saw it. Its just sometimes hard to see them from the curb.....

**Fred Weck** · 03-09-2012, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by Bob Harper

Its just sometimes hard to see them from the curb.....

Nice...

**paul hardy** · 03-10-2012, 07:27 AM

Bob I believe the code alone would prohibit this installation look at the sections from the code (06 IRC same as 06 IFGC) it states the listing and code sections both control the installation.

G2422.1.2 (411.1.3) Connector installation.

Appliance fuel connectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and Sections G24221.2.1 through G2422.1.2.4.

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.

Exception: Fireplace inserts that are factory equipped with grommets, sleeves or other means of protection in accordance with the listing of the appliance.