NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code (2018)

Ensure a safe fuel gas installation using the 2018 edition of NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1, National Fuel Gas Code.

NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code provides industry-accepted guidance for the safe installation and operation of fuel gas piping systems, appliances, equipment, and accessories. The 2018 edition includes updates based on recognized risks, recent research, and the techniques, materials, developments, and construction practices in use today. From design to installation, maintenance, and inspection -- no matter what aspect of fuel gas safety your job involves, the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas Code is essential.

Update to the 2018 edition of the NFPA 54 for greater confidence in CSST bonding.

Be sure you're working with the most up-to-date information on the National Fuel Gas Code's bonding requirement for corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST). All CSST used for fuel gas piping must be bonded to the building grounding system to prevent damage to the system due to nearby lightning strikes. In the 2018 edition, revisions to piping requirements include allowing listed arc-resistant jacket or coated CSST to use the appliance's electrical grounding connector as the bonding means and recognizing stainless steel smooth wall pipe and tubing products as acceptable piping materials.

Other changes impact contractors, installers, and code officials:

• The minimum allowed wall thickness of carbon and stainless steel pipe is revised to Schedule 10, however joints on Schedule 10 pipe cannot be made with screwed fittings.
• Press-connect fittings are now an acceptable joining method for pipe.
• Revisions to the venting requirements include requiring listing to the appropriate UL standards for plastic venting materials, factory-built chimneys, Type B and BW vents, chimney lining systems, and special gas vents.
• Direct vent clearances to building openings for appliances with an input above 150,000 Btu (44 kW) are to be in accordance with the appliance manufacturer's installation instructions.
• An existing gas appliance installation is required to be inspected for combustion air and venting code compliance when the building structure that it is installed in is modified with specific air infiltration-reducing changes.

Annexes provide a wealth of additional information such as:

• Details on coordinating appliance and equipment design, construction, and maintenance -- including a design and construction checklist
• Steps on checking for leakage and suggested emergency procedures for gas leaks

Never underestimate fuel gas dangers!

The NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1, National Fuel Gas Code provides the most effective means of ensuring fuel gas safety on consumers' premises. Update now for the latest pipe sizing tables; design requirements; installation provisions; inspection, testing, and purging requirements; and venting system rules that address fuel gas risks. (Print, 168 pp., 2018)