Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing & Flexible Appliance Connectors

Once again The Word invites you to travel into the dark realm of subjects that are sometimes misunderstood by home inspectors. The Word hopes you will find
this trip informative and maybe a little entertaining.

This month’s subject is corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) and flexible appliance connectors (FAC). The Word finds this subject
interesting because there seems to be some confusion out there about the differences between these two components and about how they should be installed.

What’s the Difference?

Both CSST and FAC are components that carry gas (natural or propane) from point A to point B. Both are flexible. Both are made from stainless steel. They
even have similar names. FAC are known in the industry as corrugated stainless steel connectors (CSSC). It seems like someone is trying to make things
confusing.

That’s where the similarities end. CSST is a gas distribution system like good old black steel pipe (See Picture 1). FAC are short lengths of tubing that
are intended to connect between the gas distribution pipe (or tubing) and the appliance (See Picture 3).

Here are some ways to distinguish between CSST and FAC. A common CSST sheathing color is yellow. Other common sheathing colors are black and orange. FAC
are often yellow too, and perhaps that’s part of the identification confusion. Other common FAC colors are silver, gray, black, and blue. CSST is usually
larger (¾” and 1”+) than FAC (⅜” and ½”). One good way to distinguish between the two is that FAC are between 1 foot and 6 feet long with a
factory-installed connector on each end. Another good way is that FAC are painted and the corrugation is visible while CSST is sheathed and the corrugation
is not visible.

Uncoated Brass FAC

Some FAC from the 1970s are brass-colored with no paint or coating. These FAC are a known gas leak hazard. You should report their presence and recommend
immediate replacement. They should have been replaced a long time ago regardless. One common manufacturer’s installation instruction is that FAC are
recommended for one-time use with one appliance only. When the appliance is replaced, the FAC should be replaced too. Here’s the CSPC website about these
hazardous connectors. http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/PRHTML97/97003.html

CSST Inspection

One common question about inspecting CSST is about support. One half inch diameter CSST should be supported at least every 6 feet. Sizes ¾ inch and larger
should be supported at least every 8 feet (6 feet in Canada). Measurement is along the CSST, not horizontally. If CSST is installed as in Picture 1,
measurement would be up from the manifold following the CSST. Support is especially important near manifolds and fittings because leaks are more likely at
those points. Support material should be metal straps, hooks, bands, or the building structural components. Plastic supports are usually not
permitted because they might melt during a fire. Plastic supports may be allowed in some areas. The supports should be of sufficient width and strength to
support the CSST without letting it sag or crimp.

Picture 1

Questions about bending CSST are less common, but perhaps they should be more common. Bends will reduce the gas flow and very sharp bends could weaken the
tubing. The recommended minimum bend radius is 3 inches for ¾ inch and smaller diameter CSST and is 5 inches for CSST from 1 to 1½ inches diameter. The
absolute minimum bend radiuses are 1 and 3 inches respectively. See Figure 1. Since the absolute minimum radiuses are allowed, be prepared for push back if
you report bends less than the recommended minimum.

Figure 1

Another common question is whether CSST may enter an appliance cabinet such as a furnace. The answer is yes for interior furnaces, exterior gas packs, and
decorative gas fireplaces. CSST may be installed inside a firebox, including inside a masonry firebox, to supply gas logs; however, the sheathing should be
removed. CSST should not be installed in a firebox to supply a gas log lighter. There is no specific manufacturers’ requirement for a bushing or sleeve to
protect CSST when it enters a cabinet. There is a general requirement to avoid contact with sharp objects and edges. A bushing or other protection should
be installed if CSST is in contact with a metal cabinet. Remember that a shut off valve should be installed within 6 feet of most gas appliances and that a
sediment trap is also required in most cases, so look for these when CSST enters a cabinet.

Movable appliances are a different story. CSST may not connect directly to appliances such as clothes dryers, ranges, and movable outdoor cooking
appliances. Even appliances and equipment installed on (but not secured to) concrete pads or on roofs are defined as movable. Connecting to these
appliances involves terminating CSST in a secured fitting and making the connection to the appliance with rigid pipe or a FAC.

May CSST be installed outdoors? Yes, if it is protected against physical damage and if none of the stainless steel is left exposed. What does protected
against physical damage mean? It’s like what Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart said about pornography, you (or more accurately the building official)
will know it when you (he/she) see it. Outdoors includes roof tops. Like other gas piping, CSST should be elevated above the roof (and ground) at least 3½
inches or more if required by the building official.

May CSST be installed underground or in a concrete slab? Yes, but it should be installed in a non-metallic, watertight sleeve. Manufacturers don’t require
that the sleeve be ventilated (unless there’s a fitting in the sleeve), but local building officials might.

May CSST be installed directly to a gas meter? Yes, but the gas meter should be supported by the building or other independent support and not only by
piping.

May CSST be run through masonry and concrete? Yes, but it should be run through a water- tight, non-metallic sleeve that is at least ½ inch larger than the CSST. The sleeve should be
sealed.

Bonding CSST

For those who have just returned from being stranded on a desert island, here’s a news flash: there are special bonding requirements for most CSST. A
copper bonding conductor #6 or larger should be attached using a listed clamp at the first length of hard pipe after the gas meter, or at the first CSST
fitting. The bonding conductor should run to the grounding connection at the service equipment, the grounding electrode, or the grounding electrode
conductor. This bonding is for lightning protection, not for personnel protection, which is the reason for bonding most other metal.

There are a couple twists to this bonding requirement. One is that Gastite FlashShield brand CSST is not required to be bonded beyond the normal bonding
required of all metal gas pipes. The building official may require bonding FlashShield anyway, but Gastite doesn’t. The other twist is that this bonding
requirement is relatively recent. Older CSST installations may not be bonded according to current requirements and, as the general rule goes, existing
installations need not be improved to current requirements. Still, it’s a good idea to report CSST that isn’t bonded as currently required and warn clients
of the fire risk.

Flexible Appliance Connector (FAC) Inspection

FAC are a good and easy way to connect gas piping to gas appliances. In fact, they are sometimes required in places like earthquake country because they
are less likely to break if the appliance moves during the shaking. There are, however, limits to how and where they may be installed. Here are some of the
most frequently abused limits.

1. A shutoff valve should be at or very near the FAC.

2. Two or more FAC should not be connected to each other (See Picture 2).

Picture 2

3. Bends with a radius smaller than 1½ inches (See Picture 3 and Figure 1) are not allowed nor are right angle bends.

Picture 3

4. Tightly stretched FAC are not allowed (See Picture 4). You should be able to move the FAC at least 2 inches.

5. FAC may not be run into appliance cabinets or through walls, floors, and ceilings.

6. Some FAC may not be listed for use with high pressure gas service (> ½ psi.); check the tag on the FAC if it’s still attached.

Picture 4

7. Most FAC are designed for occasional movement. Use with LP tank bottles and appliances that will be moved frequently is not allowed.

Most FAC are listed for above ground outdoor use. Most manufacturers, however, do not recommend FAC installation around potentially corrosive chemicals
such as chlorine and ammonia. Use at a swimming pool heater and storage of harsh chemicals near a FAC may be questionable.

The Bottom Line

CSST and FAC can look similar, so some confusion by newer inspectors is understandable. They are not the same and it’s important to know the differences
and how each should be installed.

Memo to Vulcan (god of fire): The Word does not reside on Mt. Olympus (just at its base) and welcomes other viewpoints. Send your lightning bolts or emails
to Bruce@DreamHomeConsultants.com. The thoughts contained herein are those of The Word; they are not
ASHI standards or policies.