2012 NC Fuel Gas Code Level I

NC Fuel Gas Code
2012 NC
Fuel Gas Code
Level I Training
1
Scope and Administration
 Chapter One
2
Overview
 Chapter 1: Administration
 Chapter 2: Definitions
 Chapter 3: General Regulations
 Chapter 4: Gas Piping Installations
 Chapter 5: Chimneys and Vents
 Chapter 6: Specific Appliances
 Chapter 7: Gaseous Hydrogen Systems
 Chapter 8: Referenced Standards
3
Section 101 General
 The scope of the code covers the initial design,

installation, construction, and maintenance of:
– Gas piping systems
– Fuel gas appliances
– Gaseous hydrogen systems
4
Section 102 Applicability
 Existing installations
 Maintenance
 Additions, alternations or repairs
 Change in occupancy
 Historic buildings
 Moved buildings
 Referenced codes and standards
 Requirements not covered by this code
5
Section 106 Permits
 Exception:
– When appliance and equipment replacements and
repairs are needed in an emergency situation, the
permit application will be submitted within the next
working business day of the Department of
Inspection.
6
Definitions
 Chapter Two
7
Chapter 2: Definitions
 Chapter 2 provides an alphabetical listing of

terms that are commonly used throughout the
code.
 Codes, by their very nature, are technical
documents. Every word, term and punctuation
mark can add to or change the meaning of the
intended result. This is even more so with
performance code text where the desired result
often takes on more importance than the
specific words.
8
Definitions
 Anodeless Riser – A transition assembly in

which plastic piping is installed and terminated
above ground outside of a building.
9
Definitions
 Barometric Draft Regulator – A balanced

damper device attached to a chimney, vent
connector, breeching or flue gas manifold to
protect combustion appliances by controlling
chimney draft. A double-acting barometric draft
regulator is one whose balancing damper is free
to move in either direction to protect combustion
appliances from both excessive draft and
backdraft.
10
Barometric Draft Regulator
11
Definitions
 Bonding Jumper – A conductor installed to

electrically connect metallic gas piping to the
grounding electrode system.
12
Definitions
 Direct-vent Appliances –
Appliances that are
constructed and
installed so that all
air for combustion is
derived directly from
the outside atmosphere
and all flue gases are
discharged directly to
the outside atmosphere.
13
Definitions
 Draft Hood – A non-adjustable device built into

an appliance, or made as part of the vent
connector from an appliance, that is designed
to:
1. Provide for ready escape of the flue gases from
the appliance in the event of no draft, backdraft or
stoppage beyond the draft hood,
2. Prevent a backdraft from entering the appliance,
and
3. Neutralize the effect of stack action of the
chimney or gas vent upon operation of the
appliance.
14
 Draft-hood-equipped
Appliance
15
Definitions
 External Masonry
Chimneys – Masonry
chimneys exposed to
the outdoors on one
or more sides below
the roof line.
16
Definitions
 Factory-built
Chimney
A listed and labeled
chimney composed of
factory-made
components,
assembled in the field in
accordance with
manufacturer’s
instructions
and the conditions of the
listing.
17
Definitions
 Gas Convenience Outlet – A permanently

mounted, manually-operated device that
provides the means for connecting an appliance
to, and disconnecting an appliance from, the
supply piping. The device includes an integral,
manually operated valve with a non-displacable
valve member and is designed so that
disconnection of an appliance only occurs when
the manually operated valve is in the closed
position.
18
 Gas
Convenience
Outlet
19
Definitions
 Hazardous Location – Any location considered

to be a fire hazard for flammable vapors, dust,
combustible fibers or other highly combustible
substances.
– The location is not necessarily categorized in the
building code as a high-hazard group classification.
20
Definitions
 Labeled – Appliances, equipment, material or

products to which have been affixed a label,
seal, symbol or other identifying mark of a
nationally recognized testing laboratory,
inspection agency or other organization
concerned with product evaluation that
maintains periodic inspection of the product of
the above-labeled items and whole labeling
indicates either that the appliance, equipment,
material or product meets identified standards
or has been tested and found suitable for a
specified purpose.
21
Definitions
 Oxygen Depletion Safety Shutoff System – A

system designed to act to shut off the gas
supply to the main and pilot burners if the
oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere is
reduced below a predetermined level.
22
Definitions
 Piping System – All fuel piping, valves and

fittings from the outlet of the point of delivery to
the outlets of the appliance shutoff valves.
23
Definitions
 Quick-disconnect Device – A hand-operated

device that provides a means for connecting an
disconnecting an appliance or an appliance
connector to a gas supply and that is equipped
with an automatic means to shut off the gas
supply when the device is disconnected.
24 24
Definitions
 Regulator, Line Gas Pressure – A device

placed in a gas line between the service
pressure regulator and the appliance for
controlling, maintaining or reducing the pressure
in that portion of the piping system downstream
of the device.
25
Definitions
 Transition Fittings, Plastic to Steel – An

adapter for joining plastic pipe to steel pipe. The
purpose of this fitting is to provide a permanent,
pressure-tight connection between two
materials which cannot be joined directly one to
another.
26
Definitions
 Type B Vent – A vent

listed and labeled for
use with appliances
with draft hoods and
other Category I
appliances that are
listed for use with
Type B vents.
27
Definitions
 Unvented Room Heater

An unvented heating
appliance designed for
stationary installation
and utilized to provide
comfort heating. Such
appliances provide
radiant heat or convection
heat by gravity or fan
circulation directly from
the heater and do not utilize
ducts.
28
Definitions
 Valve-appliance Shutoff – A valve located in

the piping system, used to isolate individual
appliances for purposes such as service or
replacement.
29
Definitions
 Vented Appliance Categories – Appliances

that are categorized for the purpose of vent
selection are classified into the following four
categories:
– Category I. An appliance that operates with a non-
positive vent static pressure and with a vent gas
temperature that avoids excessive condensate
production in the vent.
– Category II. An appliance that operates with a
non-positive vent static pressure and with a vent
gas temperature that is capable of causing
excessive condensate production in the vent.
30
Definitions
– Category III. An appliance that operates with a

temperature that avoids excessive condensate
production in the vent.
– Category IV. An appliance that operates with a

temperature that is capable of causing excessive
condensate production in the vent.
31
Definitions
 Venting System – A continuous open

passageway from the flue collar or draft hood of
an appliance to the outside atmosphere for the
purpose of removing flue or vent gases. A
venting system is usually composed of a vent or
a chimney and vent connector, if used,
assembled to form the open passageway.
32
Definitions
 Venting Systems
– Forced-draft venting system – A portion of a
venting system using a fan or other mechanical
means to cause the removal of flue or vent gases
under positive static vent pressure.
– Induced draft venting system – A portion of a
venting system using a fan or other mechanical
means to cause the removal of flue or vent gases
under non-positive static vent pressure.
33
Definitions
 Venting Systems
– Mechanical draft venting system – A venting
system designed to remove flue or vent gases by
mechanical means, that consists of an induced
draft portion under non-positive static pressure or a
forced draft portion under positive static pressure.
34
Definitions
 Venting Systems
– Natural draft venting system – A venting system
designed to remove flue or vent gases under non-
positive static pressure entirely by natural draft.
35
Definition Matching
Column A Column B
1. Piping A. A device placed in the gas line for
System controlling, maintaining and reducing
the pressure.
2. Bonding B. Equipment, material or product with an
Jumper identified mark or nationally recognized
testing laboratory.
3. Valve- C. Chimney exposed to the outdoors on
appliance one or more sides.
Shutoff
4. Exterior D. A value used to isolate individual
Masonry appliances.
Chimneys
5. Labeled E. The fuel piping, valves and fittings from
the outlets to the shutoff valves.
6. Line Gas F. A conductor installed to connect the
Pressure gas piping to the electrode system.
Regulator
36
General Regulations
 Chapter Three
37
Section 301 Appliance Labeling
and Listing
 Each appliance must have a permanent factory-

applied nameplate affixed to it.
 The information on this label allows a code
official to determine compliance and appropriate
sizing of the gas piping system within a
structure.
38
Section 301.5 Label Information
 Required information includes:

– Manufacturer’s name or trademark.
– Model number.
– Serial number.
– Hourly rating in Btu/hr (W).
– Type of fuel approved for use with this appliance.
– Seal or mark of the testing agency.
– Minimum clearance requirements.
39
 Sample
Appliance
Label
40
Section 301.7 Plumbing
Connections
 Plumbing connections to appliances and
equipment regulated by the code must
be in accordance with the 2012 NC Plumbing
Code.
 For example, plumbing connections to gas fired
water heaters shall be in accordance with the
2012 NC Plumbing Code.
41
Section 301.9 Repair
 Repair work must not alter the nature of

appliances and equipment in a way that would
invalidate the listing or conditions of approval.
 For example, replacement of safety control
devices with different devices could alter the
design and operation of an appliance from that
intended by the manufacturer and the listing
agency.
42
Section 301.11 Flood Hazard
 In areas designated as flood hazard areas in

accordance with the requirements of the code,
equipment and appliances must be protected
from water or must be elevated above the
design flood elevation.
 An exception allows appliances and system
components to be located below the design
flood elevation if they are designed for
submersion in floodwaters.
43
Section 301.13 Ducts
 Duct systems used for the movement of

environmental air, and governing the
construction, installation, alteration,
maintenance and repair of these systems is
covered by Chapter 6 of the 2012 NC
Mechanical Code.
44
Section 301.14 Rodentproofing
 This section states the requirements to prevent

rodent infestation of a building.
 North Carolina-specific Section 301.14.1
Foundation and exterior wall sealing, stipulates
that annular spaces around pipes, electric
cables, conduits or other openings in the wall
must be protected against the passage of
rodents by closing such opening with cement
mortar, concrete masonry, silicone caulking or
noncorrosive metal.
45
Section 302 Structural Safety
 The installation of fuel-gas systems must not

adversely affect the structural integrity of the
building components.
 This section dictates the structural safety
requirements that must be applied to any
structural portion of the building that is
penetrated, altered or removed during the
installation, replacement or repair of fuel-gas
systems.
46
Section 302.3 Cutting, Notching and
Boring in Wood Members
 This section and its subsections provide

prescriptive sizes and locations of acceptable
cuts, notches and bored holes in wood framing
members.
 The code permits alterations that do not
significantly weaken the members.
47
 Engineered wood products. Prohibited except

where permitted by the manufacturer’s
recommendations or where the effects of the
alterations are specifically considered in the
design of the member.
 Joist notching and boring. Necessary joist
notching and boring provisions are based on
location and size limitations to ensure that the
structural member can support the load.
48
Cutting, Notching and Boring in Joist
49
Boring Joists
50
 Stud cutting and notching. The load-sharing

characteristics of a wall with studs, sheathing
and plates allow fro the stated limitation for
notches in load-bearing studs—the maximum
notch is not to exceed 25 percent of its depth
unless the stud is reinforced to resist the
anticipated load.
51
 Boring and
Notching
of Studs
52
 Bored holes. This section specifies the limits of

bored holes in wood studs. The 40-percent limit
is for studs in exterior walls and for load-bearing
walls. The 60-percent limit for doubled studs is
also intended for studs in exterior walls and for
load-bearing walls.
53
Section 303 Appliance Location
 Section 303 is a consolidation of the code’s

generally applicable location requirements and
limitations.
 The listing for an appliance or equipment will
often contain location requirements parallel with
or in addition to these sections.
54
Section 303.2 Hazardous Locations
 Gas-fired appliances that are to be installed in a

hazardous location must be approved and listed
for use in that location.
55
Section 303.3 Prohibited Locations
 Fuel-fired appliances can not be located in:

– Sleeping rooms.
– Bathrooms.
– Toilet rooms.
– Storage closets.
– Surgical rooms.
– In a space that opens only into such rooms or
spaces.
56
 Exceptions
– Fuel-fired appliances are permitted if they are:
1. Direct-vent appliances.
2. Vented room heaters, wall furnaces, vented
decorative appliances or decorative appliances
for installation in vented solid fuel-burning
fireplaces and the space has the volume required
by Section 304.5.
57
3. A single wall-mounted,
unvented room heater
with an input rating
6000 Btu/hr installed in
a bathroom that has the
volume required in
Section 304.5.
58
4. Appliance in a dedicated enclosure in which all

combustion air is taken directly from the outdoors
in accordance with Section 304.6 and the
enclosure is equipped with a solid weather-
stripped door and a self-closing device .
59
Appliance Enclosure
60
Section 303.4 Protection from
Vehicle Impact Damage
 Appliances cannot be installed in a location

subject to vehicle impact damage unless they
are protected by an approved means.
 Protection is not required for appliances located
out of the vehicle’s normal travel path.
61
Appliances Protected from
Vehicle Impact
62
Section 304 Combustion, Ventilation
and Dilution Air
 Section 304 describes requirements for the

combustion air necessary for the complete
combustion of fuel gas, dilution of flue gases,
and ventilation of gas-fired appliances and the
space in which they are installed.
63
and Dilution Air
 An inadequate combustion air supply to gas-

fired appliances can compromise safety by
causing incomplete combustion, resulting in
appliance malfunction and production of excess
carbon monoxide.
64
The Chemistry of Ideal Combustion
65
The Chemistry of
Incomplete Combustion
66
and Dilution Air
 Methods for providing combustion air include:

1. All indoor air.
2. All outdoor air.
3. Combination indoor and outdoor air.
4. Mechanical combustion air supply.
5. Engineered design.
67
68
Section 304.5 Indoor Combustion
Air
 There are two methods for determining the
required room volume:
1. Standard method (Section 304.5.1).
• 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu/h of the appliance
input rating
2. Known air-infiltration-rate method (Section
304.5.2).
• Use Equation 3-1 for appliances other than fan-
assisted
• Use Equation 3-2 for fan-assisted appliances
69
Indoor Combustion Air Calculation
70
 Step 1
– Starting with the fan-assisted boilers, use Section
304.5.2, Equation 3-2 to calculate the required
volume for each boiler.
71
 Step 2
– Use Section 304.5.2, Equation 3-1 to calculate the
required volume for each water heater.
72
 Step 3
– Total the volumes required for all appliances.
Boiler 1 5,350
Boiler 2 5,350
Water heater 1 4.500
+ Water heater 2 4,500
19,700 ft3
73
 Step 4
– Determine available (actual) volume in the building.
Basement volume 48 ft x 25 ft x 9 ft = 10,800 ft3

Grade-floor 48 ft x 25 ft x 9 ft = + 10,800 ft3
volume
21,600 ft3
Basement volume < Required volume
10,800 ft2 < 19,700 ft2
Therefore, for inside air to work, the volume of spaces

on the two floors will have to be checked in
accordance with Section 304.5.3.2.
74
 Step 5
– Determine if louvered door opening area is
adequate.
• In accordance with Section 304.10, a wood-
louvered door will have 25 percent free area.
Determine the actual louvered opening area.
30 in x 72 in = 2,160 in2 x 0.25 = 540 in2
• In accordance with Section 304.5.3.2, a minimum
free area of 2 in2/1,000 Btu/h of appliance input is
required. Determine the required area.
75
 Solution
– The combined volumes of both stories is greater
than required.
– However, the louvered door opening area
connecting the stories is inadequate. Possible
solutions include adding outdoor openings in
accordance with Section 304.7 or providing metal
louvers in the door instead of wood.
76
Section 304.6 Outdoor
Combustion Air
 Describes two methods for supplying
combustion air from the outdoors:
– The traditional methods of two direct openings or
duct to the outdoors.
– A newer method using one opening or duct to the
outdoors.
 Spaces that are naturally ventilated with outdoor
air, such as attics or crawl spaces, are
considered as an acceptable alternative to a
direct connection to the outdoors.
77
Section 304.6.1 Two-permanent-
openings Method
 Two openings are intended to:

– Induce a convective air current in the room or
space by admitting cooler, denser air in the
lower opening.
– Allowing the escape of warmer, less dense air
through the upper opening.
78
openings Method
 All combustion air
provided from the
outdoors or via spaces
freely communicating
with the outdoors.
 For example,
ventilated attics and
ventilated crawl
spaces with permanent
openings to the
outdoors .
79
openings Method

provided via two
vertical ducts
extending into a
ventilated attic
that freely
communicates
with the outdoors.
80
openings Method

provided via two
vertical ducts
extending into a
ventilated attic
that freely
communicates
with the outdoors.
81
Outdoor Combustion Air Calculation
EXAMPLE
from the
outdoors via attic
 Furnace is 60,000
BTU/h input rating
 Water heater is
40,000 BTU/h input
rating
 Determine the
combustion air
opening requirements
using the two
openings method. 82
Solution
 Total appliance heat input rating = 60,000 +
40,000 = 100,000 BTU/h
 For vertical ducts, each opening must have a
minimum of 1 square inch per 4,000 BTU/h input
per section 304.6.1
 Then, Free opening required = 100,000/4,000
 = 25 square inches
 Then each opening must have a minimum of 25
square inches free opening area. Since these
ducts are routed to the attic, we will assume they
are open and contain no louvers or grilles. Then
two 5 inch x 5 inch ducts would work.
83
EXAMPLE
provided from the
outdoors via sidewall
BTU/h input rating
 Water heater is 40,000
BTU/h input rating
 Determine the
combustion air
using the two
openings method. 84
Solution
 Total appliance heat input rating = 60,000 + 40,000
 = 100,000 BTU/h
 Each opening must have a minimum of 1 square
inch per 2,000 BTU/h input per section 304.6.1
 Free opening area required = 100,000/2,000
 = 50 square inches
 Then each opening must have a minimum of 50
square inches free opening area.
(See next slide for continuation)
85
Combined Indoor/Outdoor
Combustion Air Calculation
 Determine the factors for indoor and outdoor
combustion air in the room displayed.
 A combination of indoor and outdoor
combustion air is to be provided for two natural
draft boilers. The air infiltration rate is not
known.
86
Solution
 Assume the duct openings are covered with
metal louvers. For the purpose of this
calculation, we will use the default free area
value for metal louvers, which is 75 per cent
free area per section 304.10.
 Then the actual required minimum duct area for
each duct becomes:
 50 square inches/0.75 = 66.7 square inches.
 Then two 9 inch x 8 inch horizontal ducts
covered with metal louvers at the exterior wall
would meet the requirement.
87
Section 304.6.2 One-permanent-
opening Method
 Works as well as the traditional two-opening
method.
 Depends on a reduced pressure being created
in the enclosure by the draft created by the
venting system. This reduced pressure causes
combustion air to enter the enclosure through
the single opening.
 This method allows for fewer openings, fewer
ducts, and fewer objections by the owners of
occupants.
88
opening Method
 All combustion
air from the
outdoors - From
either an
opening to the
ventilated attic
that freely
communicates
to the outdoors
or through the
wall to the
outdoors
89
opening Method
 The opening must
commence within
12 inches of the
top of the
enclosure.
 Appliances shall
have clearances of
at least 1 inch from
the sides and back
and 6 inches from
the front of the
appliance.
90
EXAMPLE
provided from a
ventilated attic
BTU/h input rating
 Water heater is
40,000 BTU/h input
rating
 Determine the
combustion air
using the one opening
method. 91
Solution
 Total appliances heat input rating = 60,000 + 40,000

 = 100,000 BTU/h
 The combustion air opening must have a minimum
of 1 square inch per 3,000 BTU/h input per section
304.6.2.
 Free opening area required = 100,000/3,000
 = 33.4 square inches
(Continues on next slide)
92
Solution
 Additionally, the free area of the combustion air
opening must also be greater than the sum of
the areas of the appliances vent connectors.
 For the purposes of this example, assume one
appliance vent connector is 3 inch diameter and
the other is 4 inch diameter.
 Then the total area of connectors combined is:
 Total Area = [3.14 x 3 x3]/4 + [3.14 x 4 x4]/4
 = 19.63 square inches
(Continues on next slide)

93
Solution
 Then the combustion air opening must be

greater than or equal to the greater of 33.4
square inches or 19.6 square inches.
 Then, the combustion air opening must have a
free opening area of 33.4 inches or greater.
 Since the opening is to the attic, we will assume
in this example no louver or grille is present.
 Then a 6 inch x 6 inch duct would be sufficient.
94
Section 304.7 Combination Indoor
and Outdoor Combustion Air
 This method is a combined application of

Section 304.5 and Section 304.6 and allows
credit for the amount of infiltration that exists
and makes up for the shortage with
supplemental outdoor air.
95
 Determine the factors for indoor and outdoor
combustion air in the room displayed.
 A combination of indoor and outdoor
combustion air is to be provided for two natural
draft boilers. The air infiltration rate is not
known.
96
97
 In accordance with Section 304.5.1, the
minimum required volume of the room
containing the boilers would be 50 cubic feet
per 1,000 Btu/h of the applied input rating if all
combustion air is provided from the room.
 Then, the minimum required room volume =
[(90,000 Btu/h + 90,000 Btu/hr)/1,000] x 50
= 9,000 ft3
 The actual room volume is 20 ft x 50 ft x 8 ft =
8,000 ft3
98
 In accordance with Section 304.7.3, Item 1: The
ratio of interior spaces shall be the available
volume of all communicating spaces divided by
the required volume. Determine the ratio of
available (actual) volume to the required
volume.
 Actual Volume 8,000 ft3
 Required Volume 9,000 ft3
 Ratio of Actual Volume to Required
Volume = 8,000/9,000 = 0.89
99
outdoor size reduction factor shall be one minus
the ratio of interior spaces. Determine the
outdoor opening size reduction factor.
 1 – 0.89 = 0.11
100
minimum size of outdoor opening(s) shall be the
full size of outdoor opening(s) calculated in
accordance with Section 304.6, multiplied by
the reduction factor. The minimum dimension of
the openings shall not be less than 3 inches.
Determine the size of the outdoor opening
required as if all combustion air is to be supplied
via the outdoor opening.
101
 Since a single high opening is provided in an
exterior wall, Section 304.6.2 applies and would
require a minimum area of 1 square inch /3,000
Btu/h of total appliance input rating [and
assuming two 6-inch vent connectors, the total
area of the two boiler vent connectors is 56.5
in2].
 Then,
 (90,000 Btu/h + 90,000 Btu/h)/3,000 = 60
square inches required minimum opening area
if all combustion air were from outdoors.
102
 Solution
– Applying the reduction factor calculated earlier, the
actual calculated minimum required area of the
outdoor air opening is 60 in2 x 0.11 = 6.6 in2.
– Since the minimum dimensions must be not less

than 3 inches, the minimum area of a square
opening provided must be 9 in2.
103
Section 304.9 Mechanical
Combustion Air Supply
 This method supplies combustion air by means
of a fan/blower that runs when any of the served
appliances are in a firing cycle.
 The fan/blower must be sized to supply the

required airflow based on the simultaneous
operation of all appliances that are served by
the fans/blowers.
104
Mechanically Supplied
Combustion Air
105
Section 305 Installation
 Manufacturers’ installation instructions are

evaluated by the listing agency verifying
compliance with the applicable standard.
 Manufacturers’ installation instructions are an
enforceable extension of the code and must be
in the hands of the code official when an
inspection takes place.
 Where the code and the manufacturer’s
instructions disagree, the most restrictive
provision must prevail.
106
Section 307 Condensate Disposal
 Section 307 recognizes that gas-fired space

heating appliances are commonly part of space
cooling and conditioning systems and the
condensate drainage provisions of the NCMC
are applicable.
 Condensate relative to combustion of fuel gas
and condensate produced by refrigeration and
cooling coils are addressed.
107
Section 308 Clearance Reduction
for Unlisted Equipment
 Heat-producing appliances and mechanical

equipment, such as chimneys, vents,
appliances, devices and equipment must be
installed with the required minimum clearances
to combustible materials indicated by their
listing label.
108
Section 308 Clearance Reduction
for Unlisted Equipment
 Clearance reduction methods have been

developed for unlisted equipment to allow, in
some cases, reduction of the minimum
prescribed clearance distance while achieving
equivalent protection.
109
Section 309 Electrical
 Gas piping cannot be used as a grounding

electrode.
 Electrical connections between appliances and
the building wiring, including the grounding of
appliances, must conform to NFPA 70.
110
Section 310 Electrical Bonding
 Gas piping that is likely to become energized is

considered to be any gas piping that connects
to one or more appliances that are electrically
powered.
 The metal components of the appliances are
required to be grounded—the metal gas piping
that connects to the appliances should be
grounded as well because the piping has the
same likelihood of being energized as the
appliance components.
111
Chapter 3
 For each of the following diagrams, identify how the
requirement to maintain the structural integrity of the
building members is violated.
112
Chapter 3
113
Chapter 3
114
Chapter 3
 In each of these scenarios, are the
code requirements met?
1. A water heater is located in a closet
that is accessed through a bathroom.
All combustion air is taken from the
building interior in full compliance
with Section 304.5.
115
Chapter 3
2. A wall-mounted, unvented room
heater is installed in a bedroom with
exterior walls. The heater has an
oxygen depletion safety shutoff
device and the bedroom has the
volume required by Section 304.5.
The input rating of the heater is
11,000 Btu/hr.
116
Gas Piping Installations
 Chapter Four
117
Chapter 4: Gas Piping Installations
 Chapter 4 regulates the design and installation

of fuel-gas distribution piping and systems from
the point of delivery of the fuel gas to the
appliances and equipment that consume the
fuel.
 The intent is to minimize the hazards associated
with the use and distribution of highly
flammable/explosive fuel gases.
118
Chapter 4: Gas Piping Installations
 Chapter 4 regulates the design and installation

of fuel-gas distribution piping and systems from
the point of delivery of the fuel gas to the
appliances and equipment that consume the
fuel.
 The intent is to minimize the hazards associated
with the use and distribution of highly
flammable/explosive fuel gases.
119
Section 401.1 Scope
 This chapter and Appendix A regulate aspects

of fuel-gas distribution systems, including:
– Design.
– Installation.
– Testing.
– Repair and maintenance.
120
Section 401.1 Scope
 These provisions do not apply to components

owned by the serving gas utility company but
extend from the point of delivery to the
appliances. Utility piping systems located within
buildings must meet the provisions of the IBC.
121
Scope of Codes
122
Typical Point of Delivery for
Natural Gas Service
123
Section 401.2 Liquefied Petroleum
Gas Storage
 The enforcement of the location of undiluted

liquefied petroleum gas containers is the
responsibility of the North Carolina Department
of Agriculture and Consumer Services in
accordance with Article 5 of Chapter 119 of the
General Statutes.
124
Section 401.5 Identification
 Labeling is required for exposed piping to

prevent it from being mistaken for other piping
and cut or opening unintentionally.
 The piping is identified by a yellow label marked
“Gas” in black letter occurring at intervals of 5
feet or less.
125
 All piping and tubing systems, greater than 0.5

pounds per square inch service pressure, must
be labeled indicating the piping system
pressure, at the beginning, the ends and at
intervals not exceeding 5 feet along its exposed
length.
126
 Exceptions:
– The following are not required to be labeled:
1. Gas lines extending from the undiluted liquefied
petroleum gas storage tanks to the building.
2. Black steel piping, 0.5 pounds per square inch
or less, located at dwelling units.
127
Section 401.9 Meter Location
 When required, a meter is to be provided for the

building or residence served.
 The location is to be such that the meter can be
read, serviced or changed.
 The meter’s location, space requirements,
dimensions and proper clearances must be
acceptable to the local gas company.
128
Section 402 Pipe Sizing
 Gas piping systems must be sized to allow full

simultaneous utilization of all the appliances in
the plan.
 Undersized gas piping systems are not capable
of delivering the required volume of fuel at the
required pressure.
 Inadequate gas pressure can cause hazardous
operation of appliances, including incomplete
combustion, burner malfunction and flashback,
and appliance malfunction and damage.
129
Gas Piping System Plan Review
 The first time gas piping systems are examined

for compliance with the code is at plan review.
Steps to determine if the system is sized
correctly using the table sizing method are:
– Step 1: Determine maximum gas demand.
– Step 2: Determine length to most remote outlet.
– Step 3: Select the correct table.
– Step 4: Locate gas-demand figures.
– Step 5: Locate nominal size of pipe required.
130
What You Need to Know
to Determine Compliance
131
What You Need to Know
to Determine Compliance
132
Section 402.2 Maximum Gas
Demand
 The volume of gas to be provided, in cubic feet
per hour, is to be determined directly from the
manufacturer’s input ratings of the appliances
served.
 Where an input rating is not indicated, the gas
supplier, appliance manufacturer or a qualified
agency should be contacted, or the rating from
Table 402.2 can be used to estimate the volume
of gas to be supplied.
133
Table 402.2 (Partial)
134
Section 402.3 Sizing
 Gas piping must be sized in accordance with

one of the following:
1. Pipe sizing tables or sizing equations (Section
402.4).
2. The sizing tables included in a listed piping
system’s manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Other approved engineering methods.
135
Section 402.4 Sizing Tables
and Equations
 Determine the pipe length using one of the
following table sizing methods:
– Longest length method (Section 402.4.1)
– Branch length method (Section 402.4.2)
– Hybrid pressure (Section 402.4.3)
136
Section 402.4 Sizing Tables
 There are 28 tables in Chapter 4 to help

determine sizing of gas piping. There are five
variables to take into account:
– The type of fuel gas.
– The specific gravity of the gas.
– The gas supply pressure.
– The pressure drop indicated.
– The piping material used.
137
Section 402.4.1 Longest Length
Method
 The longest length method is based on the most
demanding circuit (longest run) and
compensates for pressure losses throughout
the entire system.
 The maximum pipe length from the point of
delivery to the farthest outlet is determined,
including any allowance for the equivalent
length of fittings.
138
Example: Longest Length Method
 Determine the required

pipe size of each
section and outlet of
the piping system
shown, with a
designated pressure
drop of 0.5-inch w.c.
The gas to be used
has 0.60 specific gravity
and a heating value of 1,000 Bth/ft3
139
 Solution
– (1) Maximum gas demand for Outlet A:
140
 Solution
– (2) The length of pipe from the point of delivery to
the most remote outlet (A) is 60 feet. This is the
only distance used.
– (3) Using the row marked 60 feet in Table 402.4(2):
• (a) Outlet A, supplying 35 cfh, requires ½-inch
pipe.
• (b) Outlet B, supplying 75 cfh, requires ¾-inch
pipe.
141
 Solution (cont.)
– (3) Using the row marked 60 feet in Table 402.4(2)
(cont.):
• (c) Section 1, supplying Outlets A and B, or 110
cfh, requires ¾-inch pipe.
• (d) Section 2, supplying Outlets C and D, or 135
cfh, requires ¾-inch pipe.
• (e) Section 3, supplying Outlets A, B, C and D, or
245 cfh, requires 1-inch pipe.
142
 Solution
– (4) If a different gravity factor is applied to this
example, the values in the row marked 60 feet of
Table 402.4(2) would be multiplied by the
appropriate multiplier from Table A.2.4 and the
resulting cubic feet per hour values would be used
to size the piping.
143
Section 402.4.2 Branch Length
Method
 The branch length method is a variation of the
longest-length method. This method involves
multiple piping lengths within a system for
application of the tables or equations, whereas
the longest-length method involves only one
piping length per system.
1. Pipe size of each section of the longest pipe run
from the point of delivery to the most remote
outlet to be determined using the longest run of
piping and the load of the section.
144
Section 402.4.2 Branch Length
Method
2. The pipe size of each section of branch piping not
previously sized to be determined using the
length of piping from the point of delivery to the
most remote outlet in each branch and the load of
the section.
145
Example: Branch Length Method
 Determine the
required semi-rigid
copper tubing size
of each section of
the piping system
shown, with a
designated pressure
drop of 1-inch w.c.
The gas to be used
has 0.60 specific
gravity and a heating value of 1,000 Btu/ft3.
146
Example: Longest Branch Method
 Solution
– (1) Section A
• (a) The length of tubing from the point of delivery
to the most remote appliance is 50 feet, A + C.
• (b) Use this longest length to size Sections A and
C.
• (c) Using the row marked 50 feet in Table
402.4(8), Section A, supplying 220 cfh for four
appliances requires 1-inch tubing.
147
 Solution
– (2) Section B
to the range/oven at the end of Section B is 30
feet, A + B.
• (b) Use this branch length to size Section B only.
402.4(8), Section B, supplying 75 cfh for the
range/oven requires ½-inch tubing.
148
 Solution
– (3) Section C
to the dryer at the end of Section C is 50 feet, A +
C.
• (b) Use this branch length (which is also the
longest length) to size Section C.
402.4(8), Section C, supplying 30 cfh for the dryer
requires 3/8-inch tubing.
149
 Solution
– (4) Section D
to the water heater at the end of Section D is 30
feet, A + D.
• (b) Use this branch length to size Section D only.
402.4(8), Section D, supplying 35 cfh for the water
heater requires 3/8-inch tubing.
150
 Solution
– (5) Section E
to the furnace at the end of Section E is 30 feet,
A + E.
• (b) Use this branch length to size Section E only.
402.4(8), Section E, supplying 80 cfh for the
furnace requires ½-inch tubing.
151
Review of the Sizing Tables
 Schedule 40 Metallic Pipe

– Natural Gas
– Undiluted Propane
152
 Semi-rigid Copper Tubing

– Natural Gas
153
 Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)

– Natural Gas
154
 Polyethylene Plastic Pipe

– Natural Gas
155
 Polyethylene Plastic Tubing

– Natural Gas
156
 Polyethylene Plastic Pipe Sizing Between First

Stage and Second Stage Regulator
157
 Polyethylene Plastic Tube Sizing
158
Which Table Would You Use?
 A gas piping system using Schedule 40 steel

piping with an identified pressure drop of 0.5 in
wc; with a gas pressure of < 0.5 psi (< 3.4 kPa)
and conveying a gas of 0.6 specific gravity.
 Table 402.4(2)
159
Which Table Would You Use?
 A gas piping system using Schedule 40 steel

piping with an identified pressure drop of 1.0 psi
(6.9 kPa), gas pressure of 2 psi(14 kPa) and
conveying a gas of 0.7 specific gravity.
 Table 402.4(3) and Appendix Table A.2.4
160
Branch Length Method
 Determine the minimum required size of the

piping sections in this figure.
161
Activity: Branch Length Method
 Pipe to be sized as follows:

1. Pipe size of each section of the longest pipe run
from the point of delivery to the most remote
outlet must be determined using the longest run
of piping and the load of the section.
162
 Pipe to be sized as follows (cont.):

2. The pipe size of each section of branch piping not
previously sized must be determined using the
length of piping from the point of delivery to the
most remote outlet in each branch and the load of
the section.
163
 GIVEN:
– Natural Gas
– Specific Gravity 0.60
– Pressure drop 0.5 inches wc for steel pipe and 3
inches wc for CSST
– Supply pressure 9 inches
164
 Using Table 402.4(2), size Sections A through G.
1¼”
1¼”
1”
1”
¾”
¾”
½”
165
 Using Table 402.4(13), size Sections H through N.
13
23
15
18
15
18
13
166
Section 403 Piping Materials
 This section:
– Dictates what materials and components can be
used to construct gas distribution systems.
– Specifies the allowable applications of those
materials.
167
Section 403.4 Metallic Pipe
 This section addresses the traditional metal

pipes used in piping installations:
– Cast iron—is not permitted due to its brittle nature.
– Steel—must be Schedule 40 or heavier.
– Copper and brass—is not permitted where it would
be subject to corrosion.
– Aluminum—not commonly used for gas service
since it corrodes easily.
168
Section 403.5 Metallic Tubing
 This section addresses the types of metal

tubing used in piping installations:
– Steel tubing—used only in industrial applications
and in the construction of appliances.
– Copper and brass tubing—is not permitted where
the gas contains more than an average of 0.3
grains of hydrogen sulfide per 100 standard cubic
feet of gas.
– Aluminum tubing—not commonly used for gas
service since it corrodes easily.
– Corrugated stainless steel tubing—used as an
alternative to more traditional systems.
169
Section 403.6 Plastic Pipe, Tubing
and Fittings
 Plastic pipe and tubing is limited to areas that
are both outdoors and underground because of
the potential hazard associated with using a
material that has is more subject to physical
damage and heat than is metallic pipe.
 Plastic pipe and tubing are widely used for

underground gas distribution systems because
of their ease of installation and resistance to
corrosion.
170
Section 404 Piping System
Installation
 This section regulates the location, installation
and testing of gas piping systems.
171
 Gas piping downstream of the point of delivery

is not permitted to pass through townhouse
units other than the unit served by such piping.
172
Prohibited Townhouse Installation

173
Section 404.4 Piping Through
Foundation Wall
 Underground piping, where installed below
grade through the outer foundation or basement
wall of a building, must be encased in a
protective pipe sleeve, or be protected ay an
approved device or method.
 The annular space between the gas piping and
the sleeve and between the sleeve and the wall
must be sealed.
174
Section 404.5 Protection against
Physical Damage
 To minimize the possibility that nails or screws
are driven into the gas pipe or tube, the shield
plates must extend parallel to the pipe or tube
not less than 4 inches beyond the member on
each side or not less that 4 inches above or
below sole or top wall plates, respectively.
175
Pipe Protection
176
Section 404.8 Isolation
 Metallic piping and metallic tubing that conveys

fuel gas from an LP-gas storage container must
be provided with an approved dielectric fitting to
electrically isolate the underground portion of
the pipe or tube from the above ground portion
that enters a building.
177
LP-Gas Piping Isolation
178
Section 405 Piping Bends and
Changes in Direction
 This section permits making changes in

direction of gas piping through the use of pipe
fittings compatible with the piping material or by
bending the pipe.
 In practice, steel gas piping is rarely bent
because pipe failure at a seam is a possibility
for steel pipe that is bent.
179
Section 406 Inspection, Testing
and Purging
 Prior to operation, all piping installations must
be inspected and pressure tested to check that
the materials, design, fabrication and installation
meet the intent of the code.
 This includes a visual inspection and a pressure
test.
180
and Purging
 Minor repairs or additions can be tested with a
noncorrosive leak-detecting fluid.
 Air is typically used as the test medium.
 The test pressure utilized is 1½ times the
proposed maximum working pressure of the
system, but not less than 3 psig (20 kPa
gauge).
181
and Purging
 Test duration is 10 minutes for most residential
installations, but will be longer for most
commercial installations, and is based on the
volume of the system to be tested.
182
and Purging
 Appliances that are not designed to operate at
or above the test pressure, must be
disconnected from the piping system.
 Fuel gas is permitted for leak checks as long as
the system has been previously pressure
tested.
183
and Purging
 For new gas piping systems, the entire system
must be inspected to determine that there are
no open fittings or ends, and that all valves at
unused outlets are closed and plugged or
capped.
 Test measurement instruments must be
accurate and capable of indicating leakage in
the time period during which the test is
conducted.
184
Section 407 Piping Support
 Piping must be provided with support to

eliminate stresses and strains in piping, fittings,
joints, connectors and appliance gas trains
(controls).
185
Section 408.4 Sediment Trap
 Sediment traps are designed to cause the gas

flow to change direction 90 degrees at the
sediment collection point, causing the solid or
liquid contaminants to drop out of the gas flow.
186
Effective Sediment Trap
187
Section 409 Shutoff Valves
 This section addresses shutoff valves for

meters, buildings, tenant spaces, appliances
and fireplaces.
188
Section 410 Flow Controls
 This section sets forth the minimum

requirements for the MP gas regulators installed
in 2-psi gas piping systems or portions thereof.
189
Hybrid Pressure System
190
Low-pressure (Single) System
191
Section 411 Appliance and
Manufactured Home Connections
 The pipe sizing methods in Chapter 4 size

distribution piping up to, but not beyond, the
outlet; this section sizes the connection
between the outlet and the utilization
equipment.
 The choice of connection type must take into
consideration factor such as appliance
movement, vibration, ambient conditions and
susceptibility to physical damage.
192
Piping System Sizing and Appliance
Connection and Connector Sizing
193
Section 414 Supplemental and
Standby Gas Supply
 All sources of oxygen must be isolated from the

fuel supply to prevent the possibility of creating
a flammable/explosive mixture in the piping
system.
 To prevent air or oxygen from passing back in
the gas piping, a backpressure regulator and
relief valve must be provided.
194
Section 415 Piping Support Intervals
 Piping must be supported at intervals not

exceeding the spacing specified in Table 415.1.
Spacing of supports for CSST must be in
accordance with the CSST manufacturer’s
instructions.
195
196
Section 416 Overpressure
Protection Devices
 Overpressure protection devices are used to
protect appliances from abnormally high gas
pressures that can result from the failure of
pressure regulators in the piping system.
 Section 416 stipulates that overpressure
protection devices be provided to prevent the
pressure in the piping system form exceeding
the pressure that would cause unsafe operation
of any connected and property adjusted
appliances.
197
Chimneys and Vents
 Chapter Four
198
Chapter 5: Chimneys and Vents
 Chapter 5 contains provisions for the

installation, maintenance, repair and approval of
all residential and commercial chimney and
venting systems that convey the products of
combustion from fuel-burning appliances to the
outdoors.
 These provisions are intended to minimize the
hazards associated with the venting of
combustion products produced by fuel-gas-fired
appliances and equipment.
199
Section 501.1 Scope
 Chapter 5, and Appendices B and C, govern the

installation, maintenance, repair and approval of
factory-built chimneys, chimney liners, vents
and connectors and the utilization of masonry
chimneys serving gas-fired appliances.
 Components serving appliances burning other
than fuel gas are regulated by the International
Mechanical Code.
 The construction, repair, maintenance and
approval of masonry chimneys are regulated by
the International Building Code.
200
Section 501.2 General
Section 501.8 Appliances Not
Required to be Vented
 Every appliance must discharge the products of
combustion to the outdoors, except for:
– Ranges
– Built-in domestic cooking units listed and marked
for optional venting.
– Hot plates and laundry stoves.
– Type I clothes dryers
201
Section 501.8 Appliances Not
Required to be Vented
 A single booster-type automatic instantaneous
water heater, where designed and used solely
for the sanitizing rinse requirements of a
dishwashing machine, provided that the heater
is installed in a commercial kitchen having a
mechanical exhaust system.
 Refrigerators.
 Counter appliances.
 Room heaters listed for unvented use.
202
Section 501.8 Appliances Not Required to
be Vented
 Direct-fired makeup air heaters.
 Other appliances listed for unvented use and
not provided with flue collars.
 Specialized appliances of limited input such as
laboratory burners and gas lights.
203
Section 501.7 Connection
to Fireplace
 This section regulates installations where
fireplace chimneys are used as the venting
means for appliances such as room heaters and
fireplace-insert-type heaters.
204
Section 501.9 Chimney Entrance
 To prevent blockage of the connector opening

by debris that has collected at the bottom of the
flue passage, connectors must connect to a
masonry chimney flue at a point not less than
12 inches above the lowest portion of the
interior of the chimney flue.
205
Appliance Categories
206
Section 501.15 Existing Chimneys
and Vents
 When an appliance is disconnected from or
connected to an existing chimney or vent, the
following must be reevaluated for continued
suitability:
– Size.
– Flue passageways.
– Cleanout.
– Clearances.
– Fireblocking.
207
Appliance Replacements Affecting
Existing Appliances
208
Section 502 Vents
 Vents regulated by this section are factory

fabricated and must be listed and labeled.
 The labeling requirement applies to all
components of the system, including:
– Sections of pipe.
– Fittings.
– Terminal caps.
– Supports.
– Spacers.
209
Types of Venting Systems
 There are six types of venting systems:

1. Type B Gas Vent.
2. Type BW Gas Vent.
3. Type L Vent.
4. Chimney.
5. Single-wall Metal Pipe.
6. Plastic Pipe and Stainless-steel Special Venting
Systems.
210
Section 502.2 Connectors Required
 Connectors designed, constructed and installed

in accordance with Section 503 are required
except where a chimney or vent serves a single
appliance and connects directly to that
appliance.
211
Section 502.5 Installation
 Vent systems must be sized, installed and

terminated in accordance with the vent and
appliance manufacturer’s installation
instructions and Section 503.
212
Section 502.6 Support of Vents
 All portions of vents must be adequately

supported for the design and weight of the
materials employed.
 Vent manufacturers supply support parts, and
instructions that contain detailed requirements
for support of vent systems.
213
Section 502.7 Protection Against
Physical Damage
 This section requires protection from nail and

screw penetration for vents in the same manner
that the code protects gas piping and tubing.
214
Plan View of Stud Wall
215
Section 503 Venting of Appliances
 The venting system must be able to withstand

the temperature and pressure ranges generated
by the appliance and to accommodate
condensation, if necessary.
216
Section 503.2.1 Ventilating Hoods
 In commercial and industrial applications only,

appliances can be vented by an exhaust hood
instead of a vent of chimney system.
 The exhaust system will usually exist for some
other purpose such as heat, vapor and/or
smoke capture and containment. It is
convenient and cost effective to allow the
exhaust system to also serve as the venting
means for the combustion products produced
by the process or appliance.
217
Section 503.2.2 Well-ventilated
Spaces
 For industrial occupancies such as factories,
foundries and manufacturing plants that are
located in a large and well-ventilated space,
industrial appliances are permitted to be
operated by discharging the flue gases directly
into the space.
218
Section 503.2.3 Direct-vent
Appliances
 Direct-vent appliances are
vented by a natural or
mechanical draft system
that is designed as part of
the appliance and that
usually requires some
assembling on the job site.
 These appliances must be
installed in accordance with
the manufacturer’s
instructions and
Section 503.8, Item 3.
219
Direct-vent System Components
220
Section 503.2.4 Appliances with
Integral Vents
 Examples of appliances with integral venting
means include:
– Rooftop HVAC units.
– Outdoor makeup air heaters.
– Outdoor heaters for swimming pools.
 These must be installed in accordance with the

manufacturer’s installation instructions.
221
Hot Water Boiler with Integral Vent Rooftop HVAC Unit with
for Outdoor Installation Integral Power Vent
222
Section 503.3 Design
and Construction
 A venting system must be designed and
constructed so as to develop a positive flow
adequate to convey flue or vent gases to the
outdoors.
 This section is stated in performance language
and requires venting systems to convey the
products of combustion to the outdoors.
223
Section 503.3.1 Appliance Draft
Requirements
 A venting system must satisfy the draft
requirements of the appliance in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
 This section requires venting systems to
produce the draft necessary for the operation of
the appliance being vented. An appliance
manufacturer will specify the required type of
venting means, the size and height of a vent or
chimney, or may specify a mechanical draft
system.
224
Section 503.3.3 Mechanical Draft
Systems
 This section applies to externally installed
power exhausters, integrally power-exhausted
appliances and venting systems equipped with
draft inducers.
 The appliances and equipment installed
addressed use auxiliary or integral fans and
blowers to force the flow of combustion
products to the outdoors.
225
Vertical Draft Inducer
226
Horizontal Power Exhausters
227
Vertical Power Exhausters
228
Typical Exhauster Applications
229
Section 503.3.4 Ventilating Hoods
and Exhaust Systems
 This section addresses commercial

occupancies such as restaurant kitchens where
the kitchen exhaust system is used to vent gas-
fired appliances such as booster water heaters
for dishwashers.
 It requires the appliance and the ventilating
hood or exhaust system to be interlocked to
ensure simultaneous operation of the hood or
exhaust system whenever the appliance is
firing.
230
Section 503.3.5 Air Ducts and
Furnace Plenums
 Venting systems cannot extend into or pass
through any fabricated air duct or furnace
plenum.
 This is to eliminate the possibility that the
venting system is subjected to negative or
positive pressures and/or temperature extremes
that could cause the venting system to
deteriorate, fail to produce the required draft,
produce condensations and/or leak combustion
gases.
231
Section 503.3.6 Above-ceiling
Air-handling Spaces
 Vents are permitted to pass through interstitial
spaces of a building used to convey
environmental air such as above-ceiling return
air-handling spaces (plenums), if the
penetration/pass-through conforms to one of the
three described installations.
 The three installations are intended to prevent
pressure differentials between the air-handling
space and the vent interior from causing
leakage of combustion products from the vent.
232
Vents Through Air Plenums
233
Section 503.4 Type of Venting
System to be Used
 A mismatch between an appliance and a vent of
chimney can result in a dangerous operating
condition.
 Table 503.4 identifies the type of venting
system to be used with specific appliances.
234
Section 503.5 Masonry, Metal
and Factory-built Chimneys
 Factory-built chimneys must be installed in

accordance with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. Factory-built chimneys used to vent
appliances that operate at a positive vent
pressure must be listed for such application.
 Metal chimneys must be built and installed in
accordance with NFPA 211.
236
Section 503.5 Masonry, Metal
and Factory-built Chimneys
 Masonry chimneys must be built and installed

in accordance with NFPA 211 and be lined with
approved clay flue lining, a listed chimney lining
system or other approved material that will
resist corrosion, erosion, softening or cracking
from vent gases at temperatures up to 1,800°F.
237
Section 503.5.4 Chimney
Termination
 In order to prevent wind and pressure zones
from reducing the amount of draft produced by
the chimney, low-heat and residential-type
chimneys must extend at least 3 feet above the
roof, measured from the highest point of the
roof penetration.
 They must also be at least 2 feet higher than
any portion of the roof within a 10-foot
horizontal distance.
238
 Typical Termination
Locations for Chimneys
and Single-wall Metal
Pipes Serving
Residential-type and
Low-heat Appliances
239
 Typical Termination
Locations for Chimneys
and Single-wall Metal
Pipes Serving
Residential-type and
Low-heat Appliances
240
Low-heat Chimney Terminations
241
Section 503.5.5 Size of Chimneys
 Chimneys can be sized using one of the

following methods:
1. The provisions of Section 504.
2. Applies only to a single appliance that is factory
equipped with a draft hood. The “seven times rule”
prevents the chimney from being too large, which could
result in poor draft and condensation problems.
3. Limited to only one venting arrangement, this item can
only be used for a chimney that serves two appliances,
both of which must be factory equipped with draft hoods.
4. Approved engineering methods.
5. Other engineering methods approved by the code official.
242
Section 503.5.6 Inspection of
Chimneys
 If a chimney is going to serve a new appliance
installation or a replacement appliance
installation, the chimney must be inspected to
determine whether it is still serviceable and free
of deposits.
 If previously used for venting solid or liquid fuel-
burning appliance or fireplaces, the chimney
must be cleaned.
243
Section 503.5.7 Chimneys Serving
Appliances Burning Other Fuels
 This section covers:

– Solid fuel-burning appliances – each solid fuel-
burning appliance or fireplace must be connected
to a dedicated independent chimney, or a
dedicated independent flue in multiple-flue
chimney constructions.
– Liquid fuel-burning appliances – gas-fired and
oil-fired appliances are allowed to share a chimney
or flue. The system must be engineered or
approved by the code official.
244
 Combination gas and solid fuel-burning

appliances – A dual fuel appliance, gas and
solid fuel, can be served by a single chimney or
flue if the appliance is equipped with a safety
control that monitors chimney spillage.
245
 Combination gas- and oil-fuel-burning

appliances – Can be connected to a single
chimney flue if it is equipped with a manual
reset device to shut off gas to the main burner
in the event of sustained backdraft of flue gas
spillage.
246
Section 503.5.8 Support of
Chimneys
 Because chimneys are very heavy compared to
vents, they need substantial support to carry
their weight and prevent displacement.
 Factory-built chimneys require special support
fittings at offsets to prevent the elbows from
being damaged by bearing the weight of the
chimney sections above the offset.
247
Section 503.5.9 Cleanouts
 If an existing chimney has no cleanout and was

used for oil or solid-fuel appliances, a cleanout
must be added.
 The cleanout must have a tight-fitting cover and
must be installed so its upper edge is at least 6
inches below the lower edge of the lowest
chimney inlet opening.
248
Section 503.5.10 Space
Surrounding Lining or Vent
 If a vent of a chimney liner is installed within a
chimney flue, there will be space between the
vent or liner and the chimney walls. This space
cannot be used to convey vent gases.
 Also, the space between a liner, vent or pipe
can the interior chimney walls cannot be used
as a duct for conveying combustion air.
249
Section 503.6 Gas Vents
 Gas vents must be installed following the

 A Type B-W gas vent must have a listed
capacity not less than that of the listed vented
wall furnace to which it is connected.
 Gas vents installed within masonry chimneys
must be installed in accordance with the
250
Section 503.6 Gas Vents
 Gas vents must terminate according to Section

503.6.4, which duplicates type vent
manufacturers’ instructions and emphasizes
that a vent is a system of components that are
all necessary for proper functioning.
251
 Termination Locations
for Gas Vents with Listed
Caps 12 Inches or Less
in Size at Least 8 Feet
from a Vertical Wall
252
Section 503.7 Single-wall Metal Pipe
 This section addresses single-wall pipe used as

a vent, not single-wall pipe used as a vent
connector.
 Use of single-wall metal pipe is restricted to
very limited applications, and extraordinary
installations precautions are necessary.
253
Section 503.8 Venting System
Termination Location
 This section addresses the terminations of

mechanical draft systems and direct-vent
appliances.
 The location of venting system terminations
must comply with the following:
1. Forced air intakes of a mechanical draft venting
system must be at least 10 feet away from a
mechanical draft termination, or the termination
must be at least 3 feet above the air intake.
254
2. A mechanical draft venting system must terminate

at least 4 feet below, 4 feet horizontally from, or 1
foot above any door, operable window or gravity
air inlet into any building. The bottom of the vent
terminal must be located at least 12 inches above
finished ground level.
255
3. Provides specific distances to allow combustion

gases to dissipate in the atmosphere, thus
avoiding entry into the building through openings.
This item is applicable only to direct-vent
appliances.
4. Through-the-wall vents (for Category II and IV
appliances) must not terminate over public
walkways or over an area where condensate or
vapor could cause a nuisance or hazard, or could
interfere with the proper operation of regulators,
relief valves, or other equipment.
256
Mechanical Draft Venting System
Exhauster Terminations
257
Section 503.9 Condensation
Drainage
 In accordance with Section 503.8, provisions
must be made to collect and dispose of
condensate from venting systems serving
Category II and IV appliances.
 Where local experience indicates that
condensation is a problem, provisions must be
made to drain off and dispose of condensate
from venting systems serving Category I and III
appliances, as well.
258
Section 503.10 Vent Connectors for
Category I Appliances
 A vent connector is necessary to connect an

appliance’s flue outlet to the vent or chimney.
 Vent and chimney connectors can be single- or
double-wall pipes and are usually made from
steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel or
aluminum sheet metal, depending on the
application.
 Section 503.10 regulates the location, length,
size and type of connectors.
259
Listed Bendable Double-wall
Connector
260
Section 503.11 Vent Connectors for
Category II, III and IV Appliances
 Vent connectors for Category II, III and IV

appliances are specified for the venting systems
in accordance with Section 503.4.
261
Section 503.12 Draft Hoods and
Draft Controls
 Draft hoods are integral to or supplied with
natural draft atmospheric-burner gas-fired
appliances other than fan-assisted appliances.
They are classified by the manufacturer as
Category I appliances.
 Draft-hood-equipped appliances are becoming
increasingly rare in the marketplace though they
are still common on conventional tank-type and
tankless water heaters and 80 percent efficient
boilers.
262
Section 503.12 Draft Hoods and
Draft Controls
 This section regulates the
installation, location, clearance
and draft control devices
associated with draft-hood-
equipped appliances.
263
Section 503.13 Manually Operated
Dampers
 Because manual dampers rely on operation by
a human and humans forget, they cannot be
placed in the vent connector for any appliance.
 Fixed baffles cannot be classified as manually

operated dampers.
264
Section 503.14 Automatically
Operated Vent Dampers
 Automatic vent dampers are safer than

manually operated dampers.
 They must be installed following the
manufacturer’s installation instructions, and
must be listed and labeled.
265
Automatic Vent Dampers
266
Section 503.15 Obstructions
 Devices that retard the flow of vent gases

cannot be installed in a vent connector, chimney
or vent.
 The following are not considered as
obstructions:
– Draft regulators and safety controls specifically
listed or designed and installed in accordance with
approved engineering methods.
267
Section 503.15 Obstructions
 The following are not considered as

obstructions (cont.):
– Listed heat reclaimers and automatically operated
vent dampers.
– Approved economizers, heat reclaimers and
recuperators.
– Vent dampers serving listed appliances.
268
Section 503.16 Outside Wall
Penetrations
 Where vents penetrate outside walls of
buildings, the annular spaces around the
penetrations must be permanently sealed using
approved materials to prevent entry of
combustion products into building.
269
Section 504 Sizing of Category I
Appliance Venting Systems
 The following definitions are necessary for

application of the vent sizing tables in this
section:
– Appliance Categorized Vent Diameter/Area
– Fan-assisted Combustion System
– FAN Min.
– FAN Max.
270
Section 504 Sizing of Category I
Appliance Venting Systems
 The following definitions are necessary for

application of the vent sizing tables in this
section (cont.):
– NAT Max.
– FAN + FAN.
– FAN + NAT.
– NA.
– NAT + NAT.
271
Section 504.1 Definitions
 Appliance Categorized Vent Diameter/Area –

The minimum vent area/diameter permissible
for Category I appliances to maintain a non-
positive vent static pressure when tested in
accordance with nationally recognized
standards.
272
 Fan-assisted
Combustion System –
An appliance equipped
with an integral
mechanical means to
either draw or force
products of combustion
through the combustion
chamber or heat
exchanger.
273
 FAN Min – The minimum input rating of a

Category I fan-assisted appliance attached to a
vent or connector.
 FAN Max – The maximum input rating of a
Category I fan-assisted appliance attached to a
vent or connector.
 NAT Max – The maximum input rating of a
Category I draft-hood-equipped appliance
attached to a vent or connector.
274
 FAN + FAN – The maximum combined

appliance input rating of two or more Category I
fan-assisted appliances attached to the
common vent.
 FAN + NAT – The maximum combined
appliance input rating of one or more Category I
fan-assisted appliances and one or more
Category I draft-hood-equipped appliances
attached to a vent or connector.
275
 NA – Vent configuration is not allowed due to

potential for condensate formation or
pressurization of the venting system, or not
applicable due to physical or geometric
restraints.
 NAT + NAT – The maximum combined
appliance input rating of two or more Category I
draft-hood-equipped appliances attached to a
vent or connector.
276
Section 504.2 Application of Single-
appliance Vent Tables 504.2(1)
through 504.2(6)
 The application of Tables 504.2(1) through
504.2(6) are subject to the following
requirements:
– Vent obstructions.
– Minimum size.
– Vent offsets.
– Zero lateral.
– High-altitude installations.
– Multiple input rate appliances.
277
Section 504.2 Application of Single-
appliance Vent Tables 504.2(1)
through 504.2(6)
– Liner system sizing and connections.
– Vent area and diameter.
– Chimney and vent locations.
– Corrugated vent connector size.
– Vent connector size limitation.
– Component commingling.
– Draft hood conversion accessories.
– Table interpolation
– Extrapolation prohibited
– Engineering calculations.
278
Example: Table Interpolation
 2009 IFGC Commentary—Examples 1 and 2,

page 5-75
279
Section 504.3 Application of Multiple
Appliance Vent Tables 504.3(1)
through 504.3(7)
 The application of Tables 504.3(1) through
504.3(7) are subject to the following
requirements:
– Vent obstructions.
– Connector length limit.
– Connectors with longer lengths.
– Vent connector manifold.
– Common vertical vent offset.
– Elbows in vents.
– Elbows in connectors.
280
through 504.3(7)
– Common vent minimum size.
– High-altitude installations.
– Connector rise measurement.
– Vent height measurement.
– Multistory height measurement.
– Multistory lowest portion sizing.
– Multistory common vents.
– Multistory common vent offsets.
– Vertical vent maximum size.
– Multiple input rate appliances.
281
through 504.3(7)
– Liner system sizing and connections.
– Chimney and vent location.
– Connector maximum and minimum size.
– Component commingling.
– Draft hood conversion accessories.
– Multiple sizes permitted.
– Table interpolation.
– Extrapolation prohibited.
– Engineering calculations.
282
Section 505 Direct-vent, Integral
Vent, Mechanical Vent and
Ventilation/Exhaust Hood Venting
283
Section 506 Factory-built Chimneys
 Factory-built chimneys can be used with gas-

fired appliances if allowed by the chimney
manufacturer.
 The sizing tables in Section 504 do not apply to
factory-built chimneys, so sizing must be
engineered or as specified by the chimney and
appliance manufacturers’ instructions.
284
Factory-built Chimney
285
Specific Appliances
 Chapter Six
286
Chapter 6: Specific Appliances
 Chapter 6 regulates the design, installation and

location of specifically named gas-fired
appliances, such as furnaces, boilers, water
heaters, heaters, cooking and lighting
appliances and clothes dryers.
 It stipulates that the specific appliances must be

listed and labeled and installed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
287
Specific Appliances Covered in this
Module
 Decorative Appliances for Installation in
Fireplaces (Section 602)
 Vented Gas Fireplaces (Section 604)
 Vented Gas Fireplace Heaters (Section 605)
 Vented Wall Furnaces (Section 608)
 Floor Furnaces (Section 609)
 Forced-air Warm-air Furnaces (Section 618)
 Unvented Room Heaters (Section 621)
 Cooking Appliances (Section 623)
288
Section 602 Decorative Appliances
for Installation in Fireplaces
 Include gas log sets that are designed to

simulate wood fires.
 The applicable test standard is ANSI Z21.60 or
Z21.84.
 The label indicates that an independent agency
has conducted inspections at the plant to verify
that all units conform to the specifications that
the quality control manual sets for fabricating
the gas appliances.
289
Section 604 Vented Gas Fireplaces
 These appliances are self-contained and do not

rely on a fireplace to contain or vent them. They
are referred to as “gas fireplaces” and are
subject to ANSI Z21.50.
 They are vented directly through the wall or roof
and conventionally with Type B vent or factory-
supplied vent material.
290
Direct-vent Decorative Appliance
291
Section 605 Vented Gas
Fireplace Heaters
 These appliances are
designed with more
emphasis on space
heating while maintaining
the decorative features.
They must comply with
minimum thermal
efficiency requirements.
 The applicable test
standard is ANSI Z21.88
 Must also comply with Section 602.2.
292
Section 608 Vented Wall Furnaces
 These appliances are a type of room heater
usually designed to be installed within a 2- by 4-
inch stud cavity in frame
construction. They are
typically used in cottages,
room additions and homes
in mild climates.
 They must be tested in
accordance with
ANSI Z21.86/CSA 2.32.
 Venting must be in
accordance with Section 503.
293
Section 609 Floor Furnaces
 Floor furnaces are vented appliances that are
installed in an opening in
the floor. They heat the
room by gravity
convection and direct
radiation.
 They can pose a fire
hazard if care is not taken
to keep them clear of
materials or furnishings.
 Floor furnaces shall be tested in accordance
with ANSI Z21.86/CSA 2.32.
294
Section 618 Forced-air
Warm-air Furnaces
 These are considered to be
central heating units and
consist of burners or heating
elements, heat exchangers,
blowers and associated
controls.
 They must be tested in
accordance with
ANSI Z21.47 or UL 795.
295
Section 621 Unvented Room
Heaters
 These heaters are limited-size gas-fired space
heaters that discharge the combustion
byproducts into the space being heated.
 They must be listed and labeled and installed
following the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. They must be tested in accordance
with ANSI Z21.11.2.
296
Heaters
 One or more unvented room heaters shall not

be used as a sole source of comfort heating in a
dwelling unit.
 Unvented room heaters shall not have an input
rating exceeding 40,000 Btu/h.
 Unvented room heaters shall not be installed
within Groups A, E, and I occupancies.
297
Heaters
 The aggregate input rating of all unvented

appliances installed in a room or space shall not
exceed 20 Btu/h per cubic foot of volume of
such room or space.
 Unvented room heaters shall be equipped with
an oxygen-depletion-sensitive safety shutoff
system that shuts off the gas supply to the
appliance main and pilot burners.
298
Heaters
 An unvented gas-log heater shall not be

installed in a factory-built fireplace unless the
fireplace system has been specifically tested,
listed and labeled for such use in accordance
with UL 127.
 Ventless firebox enclosures used with unvented
log heaters shall be listed as complying with
ANSI Z-21.91.
299
Unvented Room Heater
300
Section 623 Cooking Appliances
 This section addresses cooking appliances in all
occupancies that are designed for permanent
installation, including, but not limited to:
– Ranges.
– Ovens.
– Stoves.
– Broilers.
– Grills.
– Fryers.
– Griddles.
– Barbecues.
301
Section 623 Cooking Appliances
 These appliances shall be tested in accordance
with ANSI Z21.1, ANSI Z21.58, or ANSI Z83.11
and shall be installed in accordance with the
 Cooking appliances designed, tested and
labeled for use in commercial occupancies shall
not be installed within dwelling units or within
any area where domestic cooking operations
occur.
 Cooking appliances installed within dwelling
units or within any area where domestic cooking
operations occur shall be listed and labeled as
household-type appliances for domestic use.
302
Commercial Oven
Domestic Range
303
Gaseous Hydrogen
Systems
 Chapter Seven
304
Chapter 7: Gaseous Hydrogen
Systems
 Provides for the installation of hydrogen
systems to reduce the hazards that are
associated with flammable gases and those that
are unique to hydrogen.
 The use of hydrogen as a fuel for power
generation and vehicles is expected to grow in
the near future as the technology continues to
advance and a hydrogen infrastructure is built.
305
Chapter 7: Gaseous Hydrogen
Systems
 The use of hydrogen systems is very new—
when encountered, the code official may have
to contact a hydrogen-system expert.
306
A Hydrogen-powered Vehicle
307
Section 702 General Definitions
 Gaseous Hydrogen System – An assembly of

piping, devices and apparatus designed to
generate, store, contain, distribute or transport a
nontoxic, gaseous hydrogen containing mixture
having at least 95-percent hydrogen gas by
volume and not more than 1-percent oxygen by
volume.
308
 Gaseous Hydrogen System (cont.) –

Gaseous hydrogen systems consist of items
such as compressed gas containers, reactors
and appurtenances, including pressure
regulators, pressure relief devices, manifolds,
pumps, compressors and interconnecting piping
and tubing and controls.
309
 Hydrogen Cutoff Room – A room or space

which is intended exclusively to house a
gaseous hydrogen system.
 Hydrogen-generating Appliance – A self-
contained package or factory-matched
packages of integrated systems for generating
gaseous hydrogen. Hydrogen-generating
appliances utilize electrolysis, reformation,
chemical or other processes to generate
hydrogen.
310
Hydrogen-generating Appliance
311
Section 703 General Requirements
 This section intends to minimize the potential for

explosions by limiting the source of hydrogen
gas and by requiring sufficient ventilation to
dissipate any leakage.
312
Section 704 Piping, Use
and Handling
 All hydrogen system components must be listed
for the application unless specifically approved
by the code official.
 All components must be carefully chosen as
suitable for the application, especially because
of the extreme flammability, small molecule
size, lack of detectable odor and high pressure
associated with hydrogen.
313
Section 705 Testing of Hydrogen
Piping Systems
 After installation, field-erecting piping, tubing,

hose and hose assemblies must be tested and
proved hydrogen gas-tight for the rated
pressure and temperature of the gas conveyed
in that portion of the system.
 Inspection of piping installations is intended to
be a visual observation of the system and the
testing procedure.
314
Referenced Standards
 Chapter Eight
315
Chapter 8: Referenced Standards
 Chapter 8 contains a comprehensive list of

standards that are referenced in the code.
 It is organized to make locating specific
document references easy.
316
Chapter 8: Referenced Standards
317
Thank You for
Your Participation
318

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NC Fuel Gas Code

 The scope of the code covers the initial design,

 Chapter 2 provides an alphabetical listing of

 Anodeless Riser – A transition assembly in

 Barometric Draft Regulator – A balanced

 Bonding Jumper – A conductor installed to

 Draft Hood – A non-adjustable device built into

 Gas Convenience Outlet – A permanently

 Hazardous Location – Any location considered

 Labeled – Appliances, equipment, material or

 Oxygen Depletion Safety Shutoff System – A

 Piping System – All fuel piping, valves and

 Quick-disconnect Device – A hand-operated

 Regulator, Line Gas Pressure – A device

 Transition Fittings, Plastic to Steel – An

 Type B Vent – A vent

 Unvented Room Heater

 Valve-appliance Shutoff – A valve located in

 Vented Appliance Categories – Appliances

– Category III. An appliance that operates with a

– Category IV. An appliance that operates with a

 Venting System – A continuous open

 Each appliance must have a permanent factory-

 Required information includes:

 Repair work must not alter the nature of

 In areas designated as flood hazard areas in

 Duct systems used for the movement of

 This section states the requirements to prevent

 The installation of fuel-gas systems must not

 This section and its subsections provide

 Engineered wood products. Prohibited except

 Stud cutting and notching. The load-sharing

 Bored holes. This section specifies the limits of

 Section 303 is a consolidation of the code’s

 Gas-fired appliances that are to be installed in a

 Fuel-fired appliances can not be located in:

4. Appliance in a dedicated enclosure in which all

 Appliances cannot be installed in a location

 Section 304 describes requirements for the

 An inadequate combustion air supply to gas-

 Methods for providing combustion air include:

Basement volume 48 ft x 25 ft x 9 ft = 10,800 ft3

Therefore, for inside air to work, the volume of spaces

 Two openings are intended to:

 All combustion air

 All combustion air

(See next slide for continuation)

 Total appliances heat input rating = 60,000 + 40,000

(Continues on next slide)

(Continues on next slide)

 Then the combustion air opening must be

 This method is a combined application of

– Since the minimum dimensions must be not less

 The fan/blower must be sized to supply the

 Manufacturers’ installation instructions are

 Section 307 recognizes that gas-fired space

 Heat-producing appliances and mechanical

 Clearance reduction methods have been

 Gas piping cannot be used as a grounding

 Gas piping that is likely to become energized is

 Chapter 4 regulates the design and installation

 Chapter 4 regulates the design and installation

 This chapter and Appendix A regulate aspects