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# Chapter 8: Fuel Gas Supply

## 8.1 GENERAL

### 8.1.1 Scope

#### 8.1.1.1

This chapter provides the requirements for safe use of fuel gas for fuel and lighting purposes in buildings.

A number of safety requirements regarding the installation and operation of gas piping systems on consumers' premises are laid down.

#### 8.1.1.2

The requirements of this chapter are aimed at safeguarding life and property in nonindustrial gas piping systems for use with fuel gases such as natural gas (NG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the vapour phase used for fuel or lighting purposes.

#### 8.1.1.3

This chapter does not cover the safety requirements and rules for gas burning appliances. The requirements of National Fuel Gas Code of ANSI (1974 edition) and NFPA 58-1989 of the USA shall apply for such appliances.

#### 8.1.1.4

The requirements of this chapter do not apply to gas piping systems for industrial installation and applications.

#### 8.1.1.5

This chapter covers the aspects of design, fabrication, installation, test, operation, inspection and maintenance of gas piping systems from the point of delivery to the connections with each utilization device. The point of delivery is defined in this chapter as the outlet of the service regulator or the service shutoff valve where there is no meter.

#### 8.1.1.6

Piping systems covered here are limited to a maximum operating pressure of 3.45 kPa (14 inches of water column or 1/2 psig).

#### 8.1.1.7

While applying the provisions of this chapter, reference should also be made to the manufacturers' instructions, gas supply company's regulations and other applicable codes and standards listed in this chapter or required by the authority having jurisdiction.

### 8.1.2 Terminology

This section provides an alphabetical list of all terms used and applicable to this chapter of the Code. In case of any conflict or contradiction between a definition given in this section and that in any other chapter or part of the Code, the meaning specified in this chapter shall govern for interpretation of the provisions of this chapter.

**APPLIANCE :** Any device which utilizes gas to produce heat, light, power, refrigeration or air-conditioning.

**BRANCH LINE :** Gas piping which carries gas from a supply line to the appliance.

**BURNER :** A device for the final conveyance of the gas or a mixture of gas and air, to the combustion zone.

**CONCEALED GAS PIPING :** Gas piping, which, when in place in a finished building would require removal of permanent construction to gain access to the piping.

**CONSUMER'S CONNECTION :** Piping tapped on riser to supply each individual consumer.

**CYLINDER :** A portable container constructed in accordance with a recognized standard/ code such as the ASME code, used for transporting or storing LPG. The maximum size permitted is 454 kg water capacity.

**DIVERSITY FACTOR :** Ratio of the maximum probable demand to the maximum possible demand.

**DRIP :** The container placed at a low point in a piping system to collect condensate from which it may be removed.

**EXPOSED PIPING :** Gas piping which will be in view in the finished structure.

**GAS FITTER :** An employee of the gas supply company authorized to work on gas piping system/installation.

**GAS PIPING SYSTEM :** Piping from the meter, or service regulator when there is no meter, to an appliance or appliances.

**LABELED :** Equipment or materials to which a label, symbol or other certifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory has been attached that maintains periodic inspection of production of labeled equipment or materials and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with nationally recognized standards or the conduct of tests to determine suitable usage in a specific manner.

**LISTED :** Equipment or materials included in a list published by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials and whose labeling indicates either that the equipment or material meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specific manner.

**METER :** An instrument installed to measure the volume of gas delivered through it.

**METER SET ASSEMBLY :** The piping and fitting installed by the gas supply company to connect the inlet side of the meter to the gas service and to connect the outlet side of the meter to the customer's house or yard piping.

**PILOT :** A small flame which is utilized to ignite the gas at the main burner or burners.

**PIPING :** It refers to either pipe or tubing or both. Pipe refers to a rigid conduit of iron, steel, copper, brass, aluminum or plastic. Tubing refers to a semi-rigid conduit of copper, steel, aluminium or plastic.

**PRESSURE REGULATOR :** A device designed to reduce and limit the gas pressure coming from the supply main and to maintain it essentially constant downstream. The regulated pressure shall correspond to that of the gas appliances used. The device may be either adjustable or convertible.

**PURGE :** To free a gas conduit of air, or gas or a mixture of gas and air.

**QUALIFIED INSTALLING AGENCY :** Any individual, firm, corporation, or company which either in person or through a representative is engaged in and is responsible for the installation or replacement of gas piping on the outlet side of the meter or of the service regulator when there is no meter, or the connection, installation or repair of gas appliances, who is experienced in such work, familiar with all precautions required and has complied with all the requirements such as qualification, registration, licensing etc. of the Authority.

**RISER :** Piping, usually vertical on most of its length which supplies gas from the service pipe to the different floors of the building.

**SERVICE PIPE :** The pipe which brings the gas from the gas main to the riser in the case of multi-storied building or the meter in the case of an individual house.

**SERVICE SHUTOFF VALVE :** A device that will shut off the gas supply to the controlled, source of burner(s) in the event ignition fails. This device may stop the flow of gas to main burner(s) only or to the pilot(s) and main burner(s) under its supervision.

**VALVE :** A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance.

**VENT PIPE :** A safety device to which certain regulators are connected to release to the atmosphere gas that may escape from the normal circuit when some part of the system is damaged or malfunctions or a safety valve opens.

**WATER HEATER :** An appliance for supplying hot water for domestic purposes other than for space heating.

### 8.1.3 General Precautions

#### 8.1.3.1 Turn Gas Off

All gas piping work or gas appliance installation shall be performed with the gas turned to eliminate hazards from leakage of gas.

#### 8.1.3.2 Notification of Interrupted Service

It shall be the responsibility of the installing agency, when the gas supply is to be turned off, to notify all affected consumers.

#### 8.1.3.3 Before Turning Gas Off

Before turning off the gas to premises for the purpose of installation, repair, test, inspection, replacement or maintenance of gas piping or appliances, all burners shall be turned off. When two or more consumers are served from the same supply system, precautions shall be taken to ensure that only supply to the concerned consumer is turned off.

#### 8.1.3.4 Checking for Gas Leaks

Soap and water solution or other material approved for the purpose, shall be used in locating gas leakage. Use of matches, candles, flames or other sources of ignition shall be prohibited for this purpose.

#### 8.1.3.5 Use of Lights

Artificial illumination used in connection with a search for gas leakage shall be restricted to battery operated flashlights (preferably of the safety type) or approved safety lamps. In searching for leaks, electric switches should not be operated. If electric lights are already turned on, they should not be turned off.

#### 8.1.3.6 Working Alone

An individual shall not work alone in any situation where working practice desires that two or more persons are necessary to carry out the work safely.

#### 8.1.3.7 Handling Liquid from Drips

Liquid which is removed from a drip in an existing gas piping shall be handled with proper precautions, and shall not be left on the consumers' premises.

#### 8.1.3.8 No Smoking

When working on piping which contains or has contained gas, smoking shall be prohibited.

#### 8.1.3.9 Handling of Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids used by the installer shall be handled with proper precautions and shall not be left within the premises from the end of one working day to the beginning of the next.

#### 8.1.3.10 Work Interruption

When interruptions in work occur, the system shall be left in a safe and satisfactory condition.

#### 8.1.3.11

Certain requirements related to work on the gas supply system are listed in Appendix V.

### 8.1.4 Notification of Completion

#### 8.1.4.1

When regulations so require, the completion of installation shall be notified to the gas supply company or the Authority.

## 8.2 GAS PIPING INSTALLATION

### 8.2.1 Piping Plan and Approval

#### 8.2.1.1

Plans for the installation of gas piping system and gas appliances shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the gas supply company and the Authority. Necessary approvals shall be obtained from the gas supply company and the Authority before installation of the gas piping system and the appliances. (See Appendix W).

#### 8.2.1.2

The plan shall include proposed location of the piping, layout and sketch of the piping system, sizes of different branches, and present and future gas demands.

#### 8.2.1.3

Approved plans shall bear the authorized seal and signatures of the gas supply company and the Authority.

### 8.2.2 Size of Piping to Gas Appliances

#### 8.2.2.1

Gas piping shall be sized to ensure adequate supply of gas to meet the maximum demand without undue pressure drop between the meter, or service regulator when there is no meter, and the appliance or appliances.

#### 8.2.2.2

In order to select the gas pipe sizes the following factors shall be considered:

a) Allowable pressure drop from meter, or service regulator when there is no meter, to appliance

b) Maximum gas consumption to be provided

c) Length of piping and number of fittings

d) Specific gravity of the gas

e) Diversity factor

#### 8.2.2.3

The size of each gas piping system shall be determined by standard engineering methods acceptable to the gas supply company and the Authority.

#### 8.2.2.4

Gas pipes smaller than 12 mm in diameter shall not be used.

#### 8.2.2.5

Straight length of piping shall be used as far as practicable. Where these are bends in the pipeline, these should have a radius of at least five times the diameter of the pipe or as approved by the gas supply company.

### 8.2.3 Acceptable Piping Materials

#### 8.2.3.1

Piping material shall be one of the materials listed in Table 8.8.1 conforming to the corresponding standards, or other materials as may be approved by the gas supply company or the Authority.

| **Material**                                | **Standards**                 |
| ------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Steel pipe                                  | ASTM A53; ASTM A106           |
| Steel tubing                                | ASTM A539; ASTM A254          |
| Wrought steel and wrought iron pipe         | ANSI B36.10                   |
| Ductile Iron Pipe                           | ANSI A21.52; ASTM A377        |
| Copper or copper-alloy pipe                 | ASTM B42; ASTM B302           |
| Copper or copper-alloy tubing (Type K or L) | ASTM B75; ASTM B88; ASTM B280 |
| Brass pipe                                  | ASTM B43                      |
| Aluminium-alloy pipe and tubing             | ASTM B210; ASTM B 241         |
| Plastic pipe and tubing                     | ASTM D2513; ASTM D2517        |

**Table 8.8.1** Fuel Gas Pipe Materials

#### 8.2.3.2

Fittings shall be of an approved type and material for gas piping systems accepted to the gas supply company. Bushings shall not be employed.

#### 8.2.3.3

All joints and connections shall be of an approved type and material for gas piping systems acceptable to the gas supply company. Joints and connections shall be gas tight at the test pressure. (see Sec 8.2.9 and 8.2.9.4)

#### 8.2.3.4

Flexible metal pipes or heavy rubber pressure tubing may be used only for direct connections to burners.

### 8.2.4 Fabrication of Piping for Installation

#### 8.2.4.1

Gas pipe or tubing and fittings shall be clear and free from cutting burrs and defects in structure or threading, and shall be thoroughly pushed with chips and scale blown. Defects in pipe or tubing or fittings shall not be repaired when defective pipe, tubing or fittings have been identified. The defective material shall be replaced.

#### 8.2.4.2

Pipe, tubing, fittings and valves removed from any existing installation shall not be used again until they have been thoroughly cleaned, inspected and ascertained to be equivalent to new material.

#### 8.2.4.3

Metallic pipes with threads which are damaged or defective shall not be used.

#### 8.2.4.4

Metallic pipes shall be threaded in accordance with approved standard acceptable to the gas supply company.

#### 8.2.4.5

When used in a corrosive environment, metallic pipes and fittings shall be protected with a corrosion resistant coating.

#### 8.2.4.6

Joints and joining compounds if used in LPG installation shall be resistant to the action of liquefied petroleum gas.

### 8.2.5 Installation of Gas Pipes

#### 8.2.5.1

Installation, repair and replacement of gas piping or appliances shall be performed only by a qualified installing agency or gas fitter.

#### 8.2.5.2

Protection of Piping : Piping shall be buried to a sufficient depth or covered in a manner so as to protect the piping from physical damage. Measures should be taken to protect the piping from physical damage when it passes through flower beds, shrub beds and other such cultivated areas.

#### 8.2.5.3

Protection Against Corrosion : Gas piping in contact with earth or other materials which will corrode the piping shall be protected against corrosion in an approved manner. When dissimilar metals are joined underground, an insulated coupling shall be used. Metallic piping shall not be laid in contact with cinder or ash.

#### 8.2.5.4

Piping Through Foundation Wall : Underground gas piping, when installed below grade through the outer foundation or basement wall of a building, shall be either encased in a sleeve or otherwise protected against corrosion. The piping or sleeve shall be sealed at the foundation or basement wall to prevent entry of gas or water.

#### 8.2.5.5

Piping Underground beneath Buildings : If the laying of gas piping underground beneath buildings cannot be avoided, the piping shall be encased in a conduit. The conduit shall extend into a normally usable and accessible portion of the building and, at the point where the conduit terminates in the building, the space between the conduit and the gas piping shall be sealed to prevent entrance of gas from any possible leakage. The conduit shall extend at least 100 mm outside the building, be vented above grade to the outside and be installed in such a way as to prevent the entrance of water or moisture.

#### 8.2.5.6

Building Structure : The building shall not be weakened by the installation of any gas piping. Existing beams or joists shall not be cut or notched.

#### 8.2.5.7

Piping Supports : Gas piping in buildings, shall be supported with pipe hooks, metal pipe straps, bands or hangers of an approved type and material suitable for the size of piping, and located at specified intervals so that the piping cannot be moved accidentally from the installed position. Gas piping shall not be supported by other piping.

#### 8.2.5.8

Piping Entrance Buildings : When gas pipe enters a building through a wall or floor of masonry or concrete, it shall be sealed against the entrance of water, moisture or gas.

#### 8.2.5.9

Piping in Floors : Piping in solid floors, such as concrete, shall be laid in channels in the floor suitably covered to provide access to the piping with a minimum damage to the building.

#### 8.2.5.10

Changes in direction of gas pipe shall be made by the use of approved fittings, factory bends or field bends. Field bends shall be made by employing approved procedures and equipment.

#### 8.2.5.11

Gas piping inside any building shall not be run in or through an air duct, chimney or gas vent, ventilating duct or elevator shaft. Gas piping shall not be taken through inaccessible or concealed areas where its condition cannot be inspected and accumulation of gas due to undetected leakage may create a dangerous condition.

#### 8.2.5.12

Provide Drips where Necessary : A drip shall be provided at any point in the line of pipe where condensation is excessive, a drip should be provided at the outlet of the meter. This drip should be so installed as to constitute a trap wherein an accumulation of condensate will shutoff the flow of gas before it will back into the meter. All drips installed shall be readily accessible for periodical cleaning, inspection or emptying.

#### 8.2.5.13

Cap All Outlets : Each outlet, including a valve or cock outlet, shall be firmly closed gas tight with a threaded plug or cap immediately after installation and shall be left closed until an appliance is connected thereto. Similarly, when an appliance is disconnected from an outlet and the outlet is not to be used again immediately, it shall be firmly closed gas-tight. The outlet shall not be closed with tin caps, wooden plugs, corks or by other improvised means of objects. Use of a listed quick disconnect device is acceptable.

#### 8.2.5.14

Prohibited Devices : Any device that will reduce the flow cross-sectional area or otherwise obstruct the flow of gas shall not be inserted or placed inside the gas pipe or fittings.

#### 8.2.5.15

Branch Pipe Connection : All branch pipe connections and outlets shall be taken from the top or sides of horizontal lines and not from the bottom.

#### 8.2.5.16

Electrical Bonding and Grounding : The gas piping shall be electrically continuous throughout its length and earthed except in sections where cathodic protection system is used for protection against corrosion. The piping shall not be used to ground any electrical equipment.

#### 8.2.5.17

Distance from Electrical Wiring : The distance between the gas piping and electrical wiring system shall be at least 60 mm. They shall be fixed to prevent contact due to movement. The gas piping should be installed below the electrical wiring.

#### 8.2.5.18

Distance from Steam Piping : The gas piping and steam piping, if installed parallel, shall be at least 150 mm apart. The gas piping should preferably be installed below the steam piping.

#### 8.2.5.19

Gas Piping to be Graded : All gas piping shall be graded, not less than 1 in 75 to prevent accumulation of condensate or liquids in the line. All horizontal lines shall grade to drips, and from the risers, to the meter, or service regulator when there is no meter, or to the appliance.

#### 8.2.5.20

The gas piping shall be painted red in order to differentiate it from other piping. Where the piping is exposed to sun rays, it shall be painted silver gray.

#### 8.2.5.21

Documentation shall be maintained for all gas supply installations. (See Appendix W).

### 8.2.6 Pressure Regulators

#### 8.2.6.1

Where the pressure of gas supplied to domestic installation or other low pressure gas piping systems in buildings is in excess of 3.45 kPa, a gas pressure regulator of approved type and size shall be installed in the service pipe of each such system to prevent pressure in excess of 3.45 kPa from being introduced into such a building. If the building pipe is of welded construction the pressure regulator may be located upstream of the gas meter in each consumer's premises. In these cases, the gas pressure in the piping downstream of the gas pressure regulator shall not exceed 3.45 kPa.

#### 8.2.6.2

If installed inside a building, the regulator shall comply with the following :

a) If any of the diaphragms of the regulator ruptures, the gas shall be directed to an outlet vent pipe made of brass or plastic in order to vent the gas out of the building. The vent pipe shall be installed about 1 m above the topmost story of the building in open air. Measures shall be taken to maintain the vent pipe free from any kind of obstruction to ensure spontaneous discharge of the escaping gas to the atmosphere.

b) If the gas pressure at the outlet of the regulator falls below 50 per cent of the operating gas pressure or rises above twice the operating pressure, the gas supply to the pressure regulator shall shut off.

c) In the case of malfunctioning of this safety device, a supplementary device shall connect the low pressure circuit to the vent pipe as soon as the exit pressure reaches 3.45 kPa.

#### 8.2.6.3

The gas supply company shall ensure that the heating value and supply pressure of gas shall not exceed the rated values for the type of gas being supplied.

### 8.2.7 Service Shutoff Valves

#### 8.2.7.1

Service shutoff valves shall be provided on all new services including replacements and shall be installed in a readily accessible location.

#### 8.2.7.2

Service shutoff valves shall be located upstream of the meter if there is no regulator or upstream of the regulator if there is one.

#### 8.2.7.3

All gas piping installation operating at pressure greater than 3.45 kPa shall be provided with shutoff valve of approved type installed on the service pipe outside the building.

#### 8.2.7.4

Underground shutoff valves shall be located in a covered durable kerb box, manhole, vault, or stand pipe which is designed to permit ready operation of the valve. The covers so provided shall be clearly marked "GAS".

#### 8.2.7.5

Every gas outlet shall have an individual shutoff valve. The shutoff valve shall be accessible and adjacent to the appliance.

### 8.2.8 Existing Work

#### 8.2.8.1

Nothing herein shall prohibit the continued use of an existing gas piping system without further inspection or test unless the Authority has reason to believe that defects which make the system dangerous to life or property exist.

### 8.2.9 Inspection of Services

#### 8.2.9.1

No person shall use or permit the use of a new system or an extension of an old system of gas piping in a building or structure before the same has been inspected and tested to ensure that the system is safe and a certificate has been issued by the Authority. (See Appendix W).

#### 8.2.9.2

Test of Piping for Tightness : Before any system of gas piping is finally put in service, it shall be carefully tested to assure that it is gas tight and safe. Where any part of the system is to be enclosed or concealed, this test should precede the work of closing in. To test for tightness, the piping may be filled with fuel gas, air or inert gas, but not with any other gas or liquid. Oxygen shall never be used.

#### 8.2.9.3

Before appliances are connected, the piping systems shall be tested at a pressure of at least 155 mm mercury for a period not less than 10 minutes without showing any pressure drop. The source of pressure shall be isolated before the pressure tests are performed.

#### 8.2.9.4

Systems for undiluted LPG shall withstand the pressure test in accordance with the Sec 8.2.9.3 except as follows: when appliances are connected to the piping system, the system shall be tested at a pressure of not less than 255 mm nor more than 360 mm water column for a period of not less than 10 minutes without showing any pressure drop. The source of pressure shall be isolated before the pressure tests are performed.

#### 8.2.9.5

The Authority shall, within a reasonable time after being requested to do so, inspect and test the gas piping system that is ready for such inspection and test. If the system is found to comply with the requirements of inspection and test as laid down, it shall issue the certificate.

#### 8.2.9.6

It shall be unlawful to supply gas in a building before the required certificate has been issued (see Sec 8.2.9.5 above), except that the Authority may give temporary permission for a limited time to supply and use gas before such an installation has been fully completed and the certificate issued.

### 8.2.10 Check of Leakage

#### 8.2.10.1 Close All Gas Outlets

Before supplying gas under pressure into any piping, all openings and outlets from which gas can escape shall be closed.

#### 8.2.10.2 Check for Leakage

No matches, flames or other sources of ignition shall be used to check for gas leakage from meters, piping or appliance. Checking for gas leakage with soap and water solution shall be recommended (see Sec 8.1.3.4 and 8.1.3.5 also).

#### 8.2.10.3 Checking for Leakage with Meter

Immediately after supplying gas into the piping, the system shall be checked to ascertain that no gas is escaping. This may be checked by carefully watching the test dial of the meter to determine whether the gas is flowing through the meter. Under no circumstances shall a leakage test be performed using a gas meter without ascertaining the operability of the meter immediately prior to such test.

#### 8.2.10.4 Checking Leakage not using a Meter

This can be performed by attaching to an appliance orifice, a manometer or equivalent device (gauge) so that it can be read in increments of 2.5 mm water column and momentarily turning on the gas supply and observing the gauging device for pressure drop with gas supply shutoff. No drop in pressure shall occur during a period of 3 minutes thereafter.

#### 8.2.10.5 When Leakage is Indicated

If the meter test hand moves or a pressure drop on the gauge occurs, all appliances or outlets supplied through the systems shall be checked to ensure that they are shut off and do not leak. If they are shut off firmly there is a leak in the piping system. The gas supply shall be shut off until the necessary repairs have been made, after which the test specified in Sec 8.2.10.3 or 8.2.10.4 above shall be repeated.

### 8.2.11 Purging

#### 8.2.11.1 Purging All Gas Piping

After piping has been checked, all gas piping shall be fully purged. Piping shall not be purged into the combustion chamber of an appliance. A suggested method for purging the gas piping to an appliance is to disconnect the pilot piping at the outlet of the pilot valve.

#### 8.2.11.2 Lighting Pilots

After the gas piping has been fully purged, all appliances shall be purged and the pilots lighted. The installing agency shall satisfy itself that all piping and appliances are fully purged and safe for use before leaving the premises.

### 8.2.12 Turning Gas On

#### 8.2.12.1

A person who is an employee of the gas supply company and authorized by the gas supply company, shall turn on the gas at a service shutoff valve or at any valve that controls the supply of gas to more than one consumer.

#### 8.2.12.2

Gas shall not be turned on at any meter valve without specific permission from the gas supply company or the Authority if any of the following conditions are found:

a) If the gas piping, appliances or meter supply through the meter valve are known to leak or otherwise be defective;

b) If required inspection of the piping or appliance has not been performed;

c) If the gas supply company or the Authority has requested that the gas be left turned off;

d) If the meter valve is found shutoff for some reason not known to the gas fitter.

#### 8.2.12.3

Gas shall not be turned on at any branch line valve if any of the conditions listed in Sec 8.2.12.2 above are found. Where a branch line valve is found closed, a gas fitter shall again turn the gas on at such valve only if measures to prevent leakage are taken and no other unsafe conditions are created thereby.

#### 8.2.12.4

Gas shall not be turned on at either the meter valve or the service line unless all keys/cocks or valves installed on all outlets in the piping system are closed or all outlets in the piping system are capped or plugged.

### 8.2.13 Rules for Shutting Off the Gas

#### 8.2.13.1

The gas fitter shall put the gas off to any appliance, pipe or piping system and shall leave the gas turned off, until the cause for interruption has been removed in any one of cases mentioned below:

a) If ordered to do so by the Authority;

b) If leakage of gas is found, which appears to be sufficient to cause fire, explosion or asphyxiation;

c) If an installation is found to be such as to seriously endanger life and property;

d) If any condition exists which threatens interruption of gas supply that may cause burner failure or otherwise lead to dangerous conditions.

#### 8.2.13.2

Before turning off the gas at the meter, for the purpose of installation, repair, replacement, test, inspection or maintenance of piping or appliances, all burners and pilot valves on the premises supplied with gas through the meter shall be turned off and the meter test hand observed for a sufficient length of time to ascertain that there is no flow of gas through the meter. Where there is more than one meter on the premises, the desired meter is to be turned off by taking proper precautions.

### 8.2.14 Provision for Meter Location

#### 8.2.14.1

The meter location shall be such that the meter can be easily read and the connections are readily accessible for servicing. Location, space requirements, dimensions and type of installation shall be acceptable to the gas supply company and be approved by the same.

#### 8.2.14.2

Gas piping at multiple meter installations shall be clearly marked by a metal tag or other permanent means provided by the installing agency, designating the building or the part of the building being supplied.

## 8.3 USE OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG)

### 8.3.1

The cylinders used for the storage and transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shall conform to the standards approved by the Authority.

### 8.3.2

The handling, use, storage and transportation of liquefied petroleum gas in cylinders exceeding 500 ml of water capacity shall be done in accordance with the standards approved by the Authority and the guidelines of the gas supply company.

### 8.3.3 LPG Cylinder Installation

#### 8.3.3.1

Personnel engaged and responsible for the installation of cylinders, equipment and piping should understand the characteristics of LPG and be trained in good practice of handling, installing, inspection, test and maintenance of installation.

#### 8.3.3.2

The joining compounds used in the piping system shall be resistant to the action of liquefied petroleum gas. Hemp and similar materials shall not be used at the joint. In any joint in which the thread provides a gas seal, joining compound shall be used on the male thread.

#### 8.3.3.3

Fire extinguishers of dry powder or carbon dioxide type and water and sand filled buckets are recommended to be kept near the LPG cylinder installations including premises where they are stored. The guidelines of the LPG supply company and the Authority shall be followed in this respect.

#### 8.3.3.4

Liquefied petroleum gas shall not be transferred from the cylinders in which it is supplied to any other container.

### 8.3.4 Cylinder Location

#### 8.3.4.1 Stationary Installations

a) Stationary installation not exceeding 40 kg of LPG may be installed indoors on any floor. Recommended minimum floor area per installation is 5 m².

b) Stationary installations each not exceeding 40 kg of LPG may be installed indoors on any floor within the same workspace provided the minimum distance between two such installations is 3 m. Recommended minimum floor area per installation is 5 m² and the total quantity of all such installations should not exceed 200 kg.

c) Stationary installation not exceeding 80 kg of LPG may be installed indoors on any floor provided the floor area per installation is not less than 12 m².

d) Stationary installations each not exceeding 80 kg of LPG may be installed within the same workspace provided the minimum distance between two such installations is 3 m. Recommended floor area per installation is 12 m² and the total quantity of all such installations should not exceed 200 kg.

e) Stationary installation not exceeding 320 kg of LPG may be installed indoors in an enclosed section of a building or a room reserved exclusively for this purpose and ventilated at low level directly to the outside air.

f) Stationary installation above 320 kg (200 kg in case provision as in (e) above is not possible) but not exceeding 1000 kg shall be installed outdoors on the ground level only. A minimum distance of 3 m shall be maintained between such an installation and any building, public place, roadways and other surroundings. The installation shall be protected against weathering by sun, rain, etc. and from tampering by unauthorized persons. A suitable shade of approved type and material may be provided for the purpose. Adequate ventilation at ground level to the outside air shall be provided. The distance between any such installations shall be 3 m unless separated by a solid wall of fire resistant material up to at least 1 above the height of the manifold valve.

g) Cylinders shall be placed upright with the valve uppermost.

h) Cylinders shall not be installed below ground level and shall be at least 1 m away from drains, culverts or entrances leading to cellars and other depressions in which gas might accumulate.

i) Cylinders shall be placed on a firm and dry base such as concrete or brick floor. For outdoor installations the base shall be elevated.

j) Cylinders shall not be placed close to steam pipes or any other source of heat and shall be protected from the weather and direct sun. Cylinders shall be placed at a distance of 3 m from any other source of heat which is likely to raise the temperature of cylinders above the room temperature unless separated by metal sheet or masonry partition.

k) When cylinders are being connected or disconnected, there shall be no open flame or any source of ignition near by and smoking shall be prohibited.

#### 8.3.4.2 Portable Installations

When portability of cylinders is desired, the following requirements shall be met:

a) The sum total capacity of the cylinders connected to each manifold shall not exceed 80 kg of LPG. The total quantity of gas thus installed in a workspace shall not exceed 200 kg.

b) The regulator shall be connected directly to the cylinder valve or to a manifold which shall be connected to the cylinder valve by means of rigid connections to have the regulator firmly secured.

c) At any time the total quantity of gas at portable installations shall not exceed the limits in proportion to the floor area specified in Sec 8.3.4.1 (a) to (d).

### 8.3.5 Manifolds and Pressure Regulators

#### 8.3.5.1

If pressure regulators, manifold headers, automatic change over devices, etc. are connected to cylinders by flexible or semi-flexible connections, they shall be rigidly secured. Copper tube pigtails and reinforced high pressure hoses are considered to be flexible or semi-flexible connectors for such application.

#### 8.3.5.2

Pressure regulator fitted with a safety valve shall be either :

a) installed in the open air, or

b) vented to the open air by means of a metal vent pipe connected to the safety valve discharge line.

#### 8.3.5.3

Precautions shall be taken that safety valve outlets do not get blocked with dust or other substances.

#### 8.3.5.4

Suitable line shutoff valves shall be provided with each appliance or burner when more than one appliance are connected to the gas supply. Both ends of the connection to portable appliances shall be firmly attached with clips. These shall be resistant to the action of LPG.

#### 8.3.5.5

The manifold headers which do not have to be taken off in normal use should be braced or welded using material conforming to approved standards and having a melting point not less than 540°C.

#### 8.3.5.6

Instructions to Consumers : Necessary instructions dealing with the following aspects shall be supplied by the LPG supply company to each consumer in the form of a manual:

a) operation of the whole system;

b) how to recognize and detect gas leakage;

c) action to be taken in case of leakage;

d) action to be taken in case of fire; and

e) action to be taken in case of damage to, or failure of any part of the installation.

#### 8.3.6

For detailed information regarding installation of LPG cylinders in commercial, educational and institutional premises, the LPG supply company shall be consulted.

## 8.4 INSTALLATION OF SPECIFIC APPLIANCES

### 8.4.1 General

#### 8.4.1.1

Gas appliances, accessories, and equipment shall be "Approved". Listed and labeled appliances are acceptable.

#### 8.4.1.2

It shall be ascertained whether the appliance has been designed for use with the gas to which it will be connected. No attempt shall be made to convert the appliance from the gas specified on the rating plate for use with a different gas without consulting the gas supply company or the appliance manufacturer for complete instructions.

#### 8.4.1.3

Safety shutoff devices of the complete shutoff type shall be installed on manually controlled water heaters and automatically controlled appliances, except domestic ranges.

#### 8.4.1.4

Gas appliances shall not be installed in any location where flammable vapours are likely to be present or accumulate, unless the design, operation and installation are such as to eliminate the possibility of ignition of the flammable vapours.

#### 8.4.1.5

Appliances shall be vented in accordance with the instructions of their manufacturers or the procedures of the gas supply company.

#### 8.4.1.6

Gas appliances shall be firmly supported. They shall not exert undue strain on the connected piping and connections.

#### 8.4.1.7

The installing agency shall conform with the appliance manufacturer's specific recommendations in completing an installation that will provide satisfactory performance and serviceability. The installing agency shall also leave the manufacturer's installation, operating and maintenance instructions in a readily accessible location on the premises for reference and guidance of the Authority, servicemen, and the consumer or operator.

#### 8.4.1.8

Every gas appliance shall be located with respect to building construction and other equipment so as to permit ready access to the appliance. Sufficient clearance shall be maintained to permit cleaning of heating surfaces, replacement of parts, adjustment and maintenance.

#### 8.4.1.9

Gas appliances shall be connected by one of the following :

a) Rigid pipe

b) Semi-rigid tubing extensions of a tubing/piping system

c) Listed appliance connectors

d) Semi-rigid tubing in lengths up to 2 m that are in the same room as the appliance

e) Listed gas hose connectors as approved.

The connector or tubing shall be protected against physical damages.

Aluminum-alloy tubing and connectors shall be factory coated to protect against external corrosion where they are in contact with masonry, plaster or insulation or are subject to frequent wettings by such liquids as water (except with), detergents or sewage.

#### 8.4.1.10

Any appliance connected to a piping system shall have an accessible manual shutoff valve installed upstream on the union or connector and within 2 m of the appliance it serves.

#### 8.4.1.11

Appliance connectors may be connected to the building piping by means of a listed quick disconnect device, and when installed indoors, a manual shutoff valve shall be installed upstream of the quick disconnect device.

#### 8.4.1.12

Electrical connection between gas appliances and the building wiring shall conform to the accepted electrical code.

#### 8.4.1.13

No devices using or dependent upon electricity shall be used to control or ignite a gas supply if of such type failure of the electricity would result in the escape of unburned gas, or in failure to reduce the supply of gas under conditions which would normally result in its reduction, unless other means are provided to prevent the creation of dangerous temperatures, pressures or the release of gas.

### 8.4.2 Cookers/Burners

#### 8.4.2.1

A listed (labeled) cooking appliance or accessory may be installed in accordance with its listing and the manufacturer's instruction.

#### 8.4.2.2

Listed cookers/burners when installed on combustible floors shall be set on their own bases or legs firmly and shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer's instructions. In absence of clearance information, the appliance shall be installed in consultation with the gas supply company. The clearances shall not interfere with the flow of combustion air, accessibility for operation and servicing.

#### 8.4.2.3

Unlisted appliances shall be installed with at least a 150 mm clearance at the back and sides to combustible material. Combustible floors under unlisted appliances shall be protected in an approved manner.

#### 8.4.2.4

Appliances shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 750 mm to combustible material or metal cabinets.

#### 8.4.2.5

Appliances shall be installed so that the top or oven racks are level.

### 8.4.3 Illuminating Appliances

#### 8.4.3.1

Listed (labeled) illuminating appliances shall be installed in accordance with their listing and manufacturer's instructions.

#### 8.4.3.2

Unlisted illuminating appliances may be used when acceptable to the Authority and they shall be installed in accordance with the guidelines of the Authority.

#### 8.4.3.3

Illuminating appliances designed for wall or ceiling mounting shall be firmly attached to substantial structures in such a manner that they are not dependent on the gas piping for support.

#### 8.4.3.4

Illuminating appliance designed for post mounting shall be firmly attached to a post which has proper strength and rigidity. Posts shall be rigidly erected.

### 8.4.4 Water Heaters

#### 8.4.4.1

Water heaters, with the exception of those having direct vent system shall not be installed in bathrooms, bedrooms or any occupied rooms normally kept closed.

#### 8.4.4.2

Water heaters shall be located as close as practicable to the chimney or gas vent. They should be located so as to provide short runs of piping to fixtures.

#### 8.4.4.3

Listed (labeled) water heaters shall be installed in accordance with their listing and manufacturer's instructions for clearance. Unlisted water heaters shall be installed with a clearance of 300 mm on all sides and at their rear and they shall be installed with the approval of the Authority following its guidelines.

#### 8.4.4.4

Water heaters shall be connected in a manner to permit observations, inspection, maintenance and servicing.

#### 8.4.4.5

Water heaters shall be fitted with limiting switches for pressure and temperature and also with temperature, pressure and vacuum relief devices in accordance with nationally recognized standards for such devices.

***

## Related Appendices

**Appendix V** — Work on the Gas Supply System

**Appendix W** — Documentation for the Piping Installation