How To Size Gas Pipe For A House

Gas Piping Specifications

• Post a QUESTION or Annotate almost LP gas pressure, propane gas pressure, and natural gas pressure in pipe, at regulators, at appliances

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LP or Propane Gas Pressures & Natural Gas Pressure questions & answers:

Questions, answers, FAQs almost the common operating pressures of natural gas and LP or liquid petroleum gas at the gas regulators, in edifice gas piping and at gas appliances.

This article serial gives the standard pressure ranges and pressure settings for LP gas, propane gas, and natural gas fuels, including pressures found in the distribution service pipe, in the in-building gas piping, and at gas fired appliances such every bit gas stoves, wearing apparel dryers, furnaces, boilers, and LP gas or natural gas fired water heaters. Since in that location several ways that people express gas pressures nosotros include more than on description of common LP gas or natural gas system operating pressures in this article.

We as well provide an ARTICLE Alphabetize for this topic, or you tin try the folio top or lesser SEARCH BOX equally a quick fashion to find information you need.

Gas Piping Materials, Sizes, Codes, Specifications for LP or Natural Gas in Residential Systems

Question: James W. Howe on Size of Gas Piping Required

2016/09/26 James due west Howe Jr said:

I was taught to Ever use copper flex with LP gas and black piping with NG. I'k am NOT talking about pressure here! That stated, my supply is 2 100 lb tanks with an "automated switch over valve". The lines from the tanks to the valve are 1/8th inch.

I need to feed a thirty inch five burner gas stove with a convection oven, a gas clothes dryer and a tankless 10L water heater that has a 1/2 inch gas inlet. Instead of running 1/2 inch copper flex with Ts to each appliance, exercise i demand to increase the volume in the organisation to have enough gas to feed all three appliances.

If I was using NG, i'd install at least a 10 human foot slice of 1 i/4 black pipe to build upwardly the volume then run 1/2 inch Ts with 1/2 inch pipage to the appliances. With LP I'd use 3/eight copper flex for the dryer and stove and the 1/ii inch called for for the water heater, BUT, I need to go enough volume first so how should I proceed? All of the answers on your site deal with pressure level and THAT is not the issue here!

Forgot my contact info: jwhowejr@centurylink.cyberspace

[Click to enlarge whatever prototype]

Reply:

Thank you for the comment and question, James, it helps the states realize where we need to piece of work on making our text more articulate or more complete. A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that would permit a more accurate, complete, and administrative answer than we can give by email solitary.

You will find additional depth and particular in articles at our website. See the Article Index link at the end of this article for a library of data about LP and natural gas piping, installations, equipment, pressures, regulators, etc. That said I offer these comments.

At that place's quite a listing of types of piping fabric canonical for utilize in gas piping systems; the distinctions I have seen are nigh the application - location such as in a higher place or below ground rather than the fuel deviation between LP and NG; there have been, historically, opinions about gas piping and corrosion differences between the sources (thence the history of "dirt legs" on NG piping systems.

The list of gas piping materials - role of your question, depending on where the pipe is used, includes aluminum (in some locations and never below ground), brass (yellow - the quondam traditional gas piping constitute indoors in older buildings), copper type 50 or Yard rated for gas systems, fe (black ductile iron) to a higher place ground and possibly below ground in some jurisdictions, PE and PVC for outdoor hush-hush employ, and of course thinwall corrugated, coated flexible copper apparatus connectors.

Watch out: Some jurisdictions such as New York Urban center specifically prohibit apply of some pipage materials such as bandage fe, copper, brass, aluminum, and metallic tubing (with exceptions).

I haven't seen pipage approval distinctions based on fuel but I think some opinions on that stalk from differences in fuel wet and contaminants, hence the "dirt leg" we encounter on older fe gas piping systems; I think that nosotros don't meet galvanized iron because corrosives in NG supplies may cause coating loss and clogging; at the end of the day it's the local plumbing inspector whose give-and-take is constabulary.

See NFPA #58 adopted by many jurisdictions permitting either type of steel pipage as long as it'southward certified to see ASTM A53 steel pipe standards;

Hither'southward an excerpt example from a local city gas code pertaining to natural gas piping. LPG regulations will sometimes differ.

New NG gas piping can be of Schedule 40 steel pipage with threaded fittings, Type Fifty rigid copper tubing with brazed fittings, Blazon Fifty soft copper tubing with flared fittings, or flexible CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) with manufacturer provided fittings. - Metropolis of Brownton, MN 55312 www.cityofbrownton.com (outside Minneapolis/St. Paul MN).

Bottom line: to comply with piping materials choices you demand to observe out what local building or plumbing inspectors will accept as rules vary by jurisdiction.

I agree that 1/8" diameter is not probable to provide adequate menstruum rates to multiple appliances nor over distance. Typically the plumber connecting multiple appliances uses a larger line to bring gas into the building.

Also see GAS PRESSURES LP vs NATURAL GAS - the dwelling page for this topic.

There nosotros discuss gas pressure drop in long runs or small piping sizes. You'll come across that pressure and pipe size and commitment rates are connected. P1V1 = P2V2.

Even for curt piping runs at that place are recommended minimum pipe diameters. None of them in current standards for gas piping is 1/8".

Gas tank switchover valves for multiple LP tank installations

For other readers, Automatic or manual switchover valves: I'm indeed not sure that we're talking near the same device, nor that it has to practice with gas piping size and pressure.

Switchover valves used, e.g. in Australia, Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and other countries switch between two LP tanks so that as fuel runs low in one LP tank the homeowner can switch to the total tank. Nosotros also call those also "changeover valves". A changeover valve is especially useful when the empty LP tank is to be physically swapped-out for a total one.

Changeover valves are sold in both manual and automatic forms. Some changeover valves are combined with a gas regulator as shown in our photograph above. Shown is a Winntec Model 6020 P1.0-15.6 Q6.R280 LP gaws regulator and changeover valve combined. This changeover valve is sold at plumbing and heating suppliers and at some RV suppliers such as campingworld.com.

Reader follow-upward: you practise know what NPT stands for, correct?

019/09/26
James Said:

Why practice [-es everyone I ask] seem to accept to always become back to talk about pressure. My run is only about 10 feet so force per unit area IS Not an effect! I also have to judge that you are completely unfamiliar with an automated switch over valve. I realize that they are seldom used anymore, simply if you don't have cognition of them, you lot should have passed the question to someone who does.

The last i knew, I alive in the good 'ol USofA and in this land, we have something chosen the National plumbing Code. Since I am not a licensed plumber, i exercise not have a copy so asked a question of a website that I thought could requite me a reasonable reply.

To my dismay that is Not the example. Thank you, but no thanks, i'll seek my answers elsewhere! By the style, the outlet on the automated switch over valve is 1/2 inch NPT…you do know what NPT stands for, right? jwh,jr

Moderator reply: please be careful nigh quick, shallow "answers" to questions involving life-safety

Of form force per unit area will be compatible throughout a organization until appliances are using fuel. Then the pressure level drop will depend on the length and size of piping. And use of a switchover or equally we prefer changeover valve on LP tanks does not amend the requirements for gas piping sizing based on the flow requirements.

Sorry that our initial reply was confusing for yous. We have readers in over 50 countries and then we don't assume that we know where they live. "National Plumbing Code" itself is a standard that varies by country.

But in the U.S., the National Plumbing Lawmaking is non the all-time resource for answering your question. Instead you'll want to run across NFPA 54 that you can access for free, online. We include the necessary information to do so at the end of this commodity.

Distressing also to see you so aggravated that your e-mail digresses to insults. We try our all-time to serve millions of readers a month, finding information if we don't already accept it, researching for authoritative, unbiased sources and eschewing arm-waving opinion.

Sometimes, depending on how your question has been worded, its length and content, we may not correctly sympathise the central question.

Nosotros also understand the natural wish of a reader who says "never mind all that malarkey, but TELL ME THE Respond". But sometimes the questioner appears to us to be facing life safety hazards every bit well as building code and standard, permits, or licensing bug that we think requires a fleck more information to come with a reasonable and safe solution to a problem.

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We are dedicated to making our information equally accurate, complete, useful, and unbiased equally possible: nosotros very much welcome critique, questions, or content suggestions for our web articles. Working together and exchanging information makes us meliorate informed than any individual can be working alone.

Watch out: It'due south more important to understand that besides high or besides low gas pressures are dangerous, risking not only appliance malfunction simply burn or explosion or fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

For this reason, nobody, fifty-fifty the most generous plumber, if she or he has an ounce of sense, is going pretend that she can tell someone exactly what kind and size of gas piping is required for an installation about which she knows next to cipher.

The danger of giving a person of unknown preparation and skill "how to" advice is that there is almost always ane or more important considerations that an on-site skillful would find simply that are not offered by the person request the question. When discussing fuel gas piping there's the e'er present risk that the reader afterward blow himself up or catches his building ablaze. That caveat made we go on to try to help you out:

Reader follow-upwards: and so answer my question: how big should my gas pipes be? Exercise I need a manifold with multiple outlets?

016/09/27 James W. Howe Jr. said

Insults? I repeat my question: since in that location is just a half inch outlet on the switchover valve, should I apply black pipe with LP to increase the volume since even with the new products on the marketplace for LP, I haven't seen whatever that accept a diameter larger than three quarters of an inch OR should I but put a short manifold on the valve outlet with three half inch outlets on it and run three half inch lines, one to each appliance? jwh,jr

Moderator reply: excerpts on gas pipe diameter & length & BTUH or Cubic Feet per Hour Gas Supply for NG or LPG from model gas codes & resources

James:

Thank you for clarifying your question to focus on LP gas pipe size or bore for a ten-pes length for an un-specified number of appliances or gas-fueled equipment.

Your original question mixed pipe type, pipage bore, manifolds, fuels, tank changeover valves, and appliances of unknown input or BTUH requirements so we were not sure what answer would be well-nigh helpful.

You asserted that yous're asking just about pipe diameter and you lot don't care most pressure, but it's important to empathize that information technology's inadequate piping size (or improper regulators or regulator settings) that would deliver inadequate gas pressure (or flow rate in CFM per minute) at one or more appliances.

Typically the plumber measures gas piping pressure first with all appliances off, then with them on. If the pressure with all appliances using fuel falls below the required input force per unit area at the appliance regulators the plumber knows to choose among
increase pipe diameter size or to go to a two stage regulator system. A 2 stage regulator system is not normally required in a typical home gas piping installation.

Yous referred by electronic mail to lacking a copy of a model plumbing code such as the U.S. National Plumbing Lawmaking

As you'll read Chapter four, Gas Piping Installations, Section FGC 401, in the New York Metropolis Gas Code, plant at https://InspectAPedia.com/plumbing/NYC_Gas_Code_CH_4_Gas_Piping_Installations_2014.pdf - provided free at InspectApedia.com as well as by New York City, or as you tin read in what'south the all-time resource about gas pipage installation, the National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54, proper sizing of gas piping cannot be decided past arm-waving, shouting, nor insult.

Rather 1 needs to do some elementary arithmetic, looking at piping lengths, diameters, fuel type, AND the input BTUH (or cubic feet of gas per hr) required the appliances on the gas piping organisation.

Watch out: beware of a unproblematic "just requite me the answer" demand for questions that are incomplete, for which a condom proper answer requires more than information, and for which a hasty one-size-fits'all answer could kill you or others.

I can't respond your gas manifold question as that's a local plumbing decision based on space, convenience, and other factors suggested hither.

LP Gas Pipage Sizing Codes, Tables & Examples

• iii/viii" OD Copper tubing 10 feet long tin support 49 KBTUH (Thousand BTUs/Hr) of gas flow or supply at 11 inches Due west.C. with a 0.five" Due west.C. pressure drop.

  We're using this pressure range as it's nigh common for household appliances just you will need to check the specifications for your own appliances.

• ane/ii" OD Copper tubing 10 ft. long can support 110 KBTUH as above
• three/4" OD Copper tubing 10 ft. long can support 348 KBTUH as above
• 1/2" iron pipe (of an approved type) 10 ft. of length tin evangelize 291 KBTUH as above
• 3/4" iron pipe 10 ft. of length can deliver 608 KBTUH every bit above
• See additional gas piping sizing tables and guidelines in the Codes and IO Manuals cited and provided below.

Note that these information points are for 11" Due west.C. gas line sizing & copper.

Different information than that given in the gas piping sizing only above volition exist obtained if you are designing a two psig gas line.

What'south the Divergence between an 11" wc gas pipe system and a two psig gas pipe system?

xi" wc is the most-common residential gas piping organisation simply some new installations are being installed using a 2psig gas piping system. ("psig" refers to psi read on a pressure level estimate or "guess pressure level".

11" W.C. (Water Column) = 0.397 psig.

Formula to catechumen pressure P to psi: psi = P / 27.679904842545

Or for convenience 1 psi = 27.7 in W.C.

What's the deviation between PSI, PSIA, and PSIG?

PSI = pounds per square inch

PSIA = atmospheric pressure or pressure level if measured compared to a pure vacuum. At bounding main level atmospheric pressure is fourteen.7 PSIA

PSIG = gauge pressure expressed in psi. Guess force per unit area volition testify 0 at body of water level. Since most building gas pressures are read using a pressure gauge it is proper to refer to psig or guess pressure.

An example for 2psi piping systems is given below.

Maxitrol 325-series two psig Gas Pressure Regulator GAS FLOW RATE from OPEN PIPE
Flow of Natural Gas Less Escape Volume 3	Length of Service Piping
	25 ft		50 ft		100 ft
	BTUs	CFH	BTUs	CFH	BTUs	CFH
3/4" Fe Pipe @ 6" w.c.	600K	600	440K	440	315K	315
3/8" OD Tubing @ 2 psi	210K	210	148	148	105K	105

Notes to the table in a higher place:

1. For Natural Gas Maxitrol assumes 1000 btus / cubic pes of gas - this allows translation of cu.ft. into BTUs
2. CFH = Cubic Anxiety per Hour
3. Less Escapement Volume: Gas at vi" due west.c. escapes from a 3/4" pipe at about 3 times the rate of gas from a 3/ 8" OD tube at ii-psi. The chart below shows menstruation comparisons at the discharge stop. From the standpoint of uncontrolled escape of gas within a building, the 2-psi system has less flow than the 6" w.c. organization.
4. ANSI Z21.80 is the ANSI standard for line pressure regulators, intended for application in natural gas pipage systems and LP (propane). Maxitrol's 325 Series L-models are CSA certified (Z21.80) for 2-psi inlet pressure level, with the 7 to 11 (inches w.c. outlet) spring.
5. Source: MAXITROL 2-psi GAS PIPING SYSTEMS 325 Series GAS REGULATORS for DOMESTIC GAS PIPING [PDF] (2005) Maxitrol Company 23555 Telegraph Rd., P.O. Box 2230 Southfield, MI 48037-2230 United statesA. world wide web.maxitrol.com
6. See as well GAS BTUH, CUBIC Feet & Energy
7. See also GAS PRESSURES LP vs NATURAL GAS

Gas Pipe Sizing Codes, Specifications, Resources

• NFPA 54, ANSI Z223.1, (2015) The gas piping tables in NFPA 54 include a reminder of allowances needed to account for bends, fittings, valves - effectively those increase the effective "length" of the pipage when figuring lengths and pipe size requirements. Similar gas piping size charts are given past LP gas suppliers. This standard provides minimum prophylactic requirements for the design and installation of fuel gas piping systems in homes and other buildings.
  As NFPA Explains NFPA 54 addresses the post-obit:
  
  Requirements cover the installation and performance of fuel gas piping systems, appliances, equipment, and related accessories, with rules for pipage systems materials and components, piping arrangement testing and purging, combustion and ventilation air supply, and venting of gas-fired appliances and equipment.

  You can purchase a copy of the National Fuel Gas Code from NFPA at http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards?manner=code&lawmaking=54

  NFPA also permits viewing of NFPA 54 online, complimentary if will take the time and problem to register with the association. NFPA = the National Burn Protection Association, whom you tin contact at
  NFPA
  1 Batterymarch Park
  Quincy, Massachusetts USA 02169-7471
  Telephone +ane 800 344-3555 (U.S. & Canada) +1 617 770-3000 (International)

• APPENDIX A: SIZING & CAPACITIES of GAS Piping [PDF] as adopted in the U.S. by Virginia'southward adoption of the the IFGS and the National Fuel Gas Code will provide details of the information yous demand for an actual, safety answer to your gas piping questions.
• RESIDENTIAL PROPANE INSTALLATION GUIDE - GAS Pipe MATERIALS [PDF] Minnesota Propane Gas Association, PO Box 220, Princeton MN 55371, Tel: 763-633-4271, Website: world wide web.mnpropane.org retrived 2020/05/08, original source: www.lakesgas.com/images/2019/Residential-Propane-Guide.pdf is another example that lists commanded gas piping materials
• "LP GAS LINE SIZING CHARTS", [PDF] LP-Gas Equipment Inc. 881 Hersey St. St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 USA, Phone (651) 646-1177 Minnesota: 800-652-9072 Out-of-Land: 800-328-9222 Electronic mail: info[at]lp-gasequipment.com, retrieved 2016/09/27 original source: http://world wide web.lp-gasequipment.com/products/pdf/LPGas_Cat2010_p157-175.pdf There you'll find the following tables:
• Gas piping or tubing length vs. pipe size for 11" Westward.C. - gas line sizing chart for copper tubing & pipe
• Gas pipe or tubing length vs. pipe size for 2 PSIG - gas line sizing chart for copper tubing & pipe
• Gas pipe or tubing length vs. pipe size for ten PSIG - gas line sizing nautical chart for copper tubing & piping
• Gas piping or tubing length vs. pipe size for 10 PSIG - gas line sizing chart for polyethylene tubing
• Gas pipe or tubing length vs. piping size for 10 PSIG - gas line sizing chart for CSST corrugated stainless steel tubing (Likewise see GAS PIPING, FLEXIBLE CSST)
• Liquid flow gas supply sizing charts rated in gallons per hr vs length of pipe and pipe diameter
• Gas equipment orifice size (and drill size) vs. BTUH capacity at diverse pressures
• Other tables, charts, calculations useful to gas piping installers and technicians

• MAXITROL two i/2" GAS APPLIANCE REGULATOR 210G-two 1/2 & 220 Series INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] up to 26,000,000 BTU - (shown above) equally offered by globalindustrial.com, retrieved 2021/02/09, original source: https://world wide web.globalindustrial.com/

  Website Excerpt:
  The 210 Serial Is A Lock-Upward Type Regulator And Compiles With Codes Using This Specification. The 210 Serial Has Been Designed For Maximum Control Function In An Easy To Use Package. The Serial Is Intended For Use With Gas-Fired Boilers, Steam Generators, Industrial Furnaces, Ovens And Similar High Demand Equipment. The Counterbalanced Valve Design Eliminates The Inlet Pressure Effect Acting On The Valve. Regulating Stability Is Improved And Hunting Tendencies Reduced By The Employ Of Dampening Mechanisms In Both The Sabbatical Outlet And Sensing Tube. Y'all Get Precise Regulation Over A Broad Range Of Pressures And Menses Rates With The 210 Series, Including A "Null Governor" Application. Made in the U.s.a..

• MAXITROL GAS REGULATORS CAPACITY CHARTS 210-series [PDF] (2006) Maxitrol Company 23555 Telegraph Rd., P.O. Box 2230 Southfield, MI 48037-2230 UsA. www.maxitrol.com and in Europe: Maxitrol Company 23555 Telegraph Rd., P.O. Box 2230 Southfield, MI 48037-2230 U.S.A. www.maxitrol.com - retrieved 2021/02/09, original source: industrialcontrolsonline.com

• SENSUS 243 GAS REGULATOR SPECIFICATIONS [PDF] (2013) Sensus Corp., 805 Freedom Boulevard, DuBois, PA 15801 USA Website: sensus.com/gas Tel: 1-800-375-8875
• SENSUS 243 GAS REGULATOR IO Transmission [PDF] Op. Cit. - Includes Chapters Tables for natural gas for this regulator model.

In that reference you volition see that for longer gas pipe runs, in backlog of 100 feet, copper tubing in whatsoever size, iii/8" to vii/8" O.D. is not permitted and won't work.

Example Natural Gas Pipage Lawmaking Excerpts

Here are a few explanatory excerpts from New York Urban center's natural gas piping code; nosotros provided some LP gas pipe length examples in an earlier answer. :

401.three [Natural Gas Pipe ] Modifications to existing systems.

In modifying or adding to existing pipe systems, sizes shall be maintained in accordance with this affiliate.

401.4 [Natural Gas Piping ] Additional appliances.

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

401.3 Modifications to existing [Natural Gas Pipe ] systems.

In modifying or adding to existing piping systems, sizes shall be maintained in accord with this chapter.

401.4 Additional [Natural Gas Pipe ] appliances.

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

402.3 [Natural Gas Pipe ] Sizing.

Gas piping shall exist sized in accordance with one of the following:

i.Pipe sizing tables or sizing equations in accordance with Section 402.4.

2.The sizing tables included in a listed piping organization's manufacturer'due south installation instructions.

3.Other approved applied science methods.

iv.Private outlets to gas ranges shall non be less than ¾ inches (xix mm) NPS .

402.4 [Natural Gas Pipage ] Sizing tables and equations.

Where Tables 402.four(one) through 402.4(5) are used to size pipe or tubing,
the pipe length shall be determined in accord with Section 402.4.1, 402.4.2 or 402.four.3.

402.4.one Longest [Natural Gas Pipage ] length method.

The pipe size of each section of gas piping shall be determined using the longest length of piping from the point of
commitment to the virtually remote outlet and the load of the section

402.4.two [Natural Gas Piping ] Branch length method.

Piping shall exist sized as follows:

1.Pipe size of each section of the longest pipage run from the signal of delivery to the most remote outlet shall exist determined using the longest run of piping and the load of the section.

two.The pipe size of each section of branch pipage not previously sized shall exist determined using the length of piping from the bespeak of delivery to the most remote outlet in each branch and the load of the section.

402.4.3 [Natural Gas Pipe ] Hybrid pressure.

The pipe size for each section of higher force per unit area gas pipage shall be determined using the longest length of pipage from the bespeak of delivery to the most remote line pressure regulator. The pipe size from the line pressure regulator to each outlet shall be determined using the length of piping from the regulator to the well-nigh remote outlet served past the regulator.

Examples:

Using Schedule xl Metallic Pipe and Natural Gas, where inlet pressure [at the appliance] must be less than 2 psi, the pressure drop in the arrangement must exist no less than 0.3" due west.c. [Later tables in this reference allow grater force per unit area driblet so volition support higher CFM of gas per hour for the same diameter and lengths of piping].

• 10 anxiety of one/2" pipe (actual ID 0.622) tin provide 131 cubic feet of gas per hour
• 10 feet of 3/4" pipe can provide 273 cubic feet of gas per hour
• twenty feet of 1/2" pipe tin provide xc cubic feet of gas per hour
• twenty feet of three/4" pipage can provide 188 cubic feet of gas per hour

The codes I cite requite detailed tables of pipe types, diameters, lengths, and the pipe'southward chapters to deliver some number of cubic feet of gas per hour. Take a expect at your own appliances to see their requirements. Or you lot can look up typical appliance BTUH requirements in the documents we've cited.

402.5 Allowable [Natural Gas Pipage ] pressure drop.

The pattern force per unit area loss in whatever piping organisation nether maximum likely menstruum conditions, from the indicate of delivery to the inlet connection of the appliance, shall be such that the supply pressure at the appliance is greater than or equal to the minimum force per unit area required by appliance.

403.i [Natural Gas Pipage ] General.

Materials used for pipe systems

shall be new and comply with the requirements of this affiliate or shall be canonical.

403.one.1 [Natural Gas Pipe ] Pipe size and force per unit area limitations.

one. All requirements for installation of gas distribution pipage with operating pressures at ½ psig (three.five kPa approximate) or less and above ½psig (three.5 kPa estimate) shall exist in accord with Chapter 4 of this code.

2. Gas distribution pipe operating at a pressure of over ½psig (iii.v kPa estimate) to 5 psig (34.five kPa gauge) and size four inches (102 mm) or larger shall be welded.Exception:Manufactured and listed gas trains provided with the appliance may be threaded

three. All gas distribution piping operating at a force per unit area above 5 psig (34.5 kPa gauge) shall be welded.

4. All welding of gas distribution piping shall be subject to special inspection as set forth in Section 406.

v. All piping iv inches (102 mm) and greater operating at pressure exceeding v psig (34.five kPa guess) must be butt welded, subject to special inspection and radiographed.

vi.Threaded pipe may exist used upward to four inches (102 mm) at force per unit area no greater than ½psig (iii.v kPa judge).

403.2 Used [Natural Gas Piping ] materials.

Used piping, fittings, valves and othermaterials shall non exist reused.

403.3 Other [Natural Gas Piping ] materials.

Textile non covered by the standards specifications listed herein shall be investigated and tested to determine that it is safety and suitable for the proposed service, and, in addition, shall exist recommended for that service past the manufacturer subject to approving by the commissioner.

403.4 [Natural Gas Piping ] Metallic pipe.

Metallic piping shall comply with Sections403.4.1 through 403.four.four.

403.four.ane [Natural Gas Piping ] Cast iron.

Cast-atomic number 26 pipe shall not be used.

403.4.2 [Natural Gas Piping ] Steel.

Carbon steel and wrought-iron piping shall be at least of standard weight and shall comply with i of the following standards:ane.ASME B36.10, 10M2.ASTM A 53/A53M; or3.ASTM A 106.403.4.3 Copper and brass.

Copper and brass pipe shall no tbe used.

403.iv.4 [Natural Gas Piping ] Aluminum.

Aluminum-alloy pipe shall non be used.

403.5 [Natural Gas Pipe ] Metallic tubing.

Metallic tubing shall not be usedexcept as provided in Section 405.5

Watch out: There are life safety hazards involved when fooling with gas pipe and appliances. Cheque with your local plumbing officials well-nigh what type of gas piping are permitted where yous live, and while yous're at information technology, enquire what gas piping or plumbing permits and safety and code compliance inspections are required where yous live.

Natural Gas Appliance Operating Pressures in WC, millibars, Pascals, PSI or ounces of pressure

A mutual operating pressure for natural gas appliances is around 7 inches of water column (WC) or re-stating this in equivalent measure, that's 14.9 millibars or 1743 Pascals or Pa, or well-nigh 0.25 psi (pounds per square inch) or about 4 ounces of pressure level per square inch.

See NATURAL GAS Appliance PRESSURES for details.

LP or Propane Gas Appliance Operating Pressures in WC, millibars, Pascals, PSI or ounces of force per unit area

A mutual operating force per unit area for liquid petroleum or LP gas appliance is 10" - xi" of h2o column (WC) or re-stating this in equivalent measures, that's 27.iv millibars or 2491 - 2739 Pascals or Pa, or well-nigh 0.36 - 0.40 psi or about 5.78 to half dozen.36 ounces of pressure per square inch.

See LPG & PROPANE APPLIANCE PRESSURES for details.

Reader Q&A on gas piping

@Joe,

Here is a propane-to-natural-gas connector kit - this case is the Permasteel Natural Gas Conversion Kit for Kenmore Grills 6-Burner + Side Burner.

As y'all tin can come across, those are different materials.

Sentinel out: Some gas connector lines, merely non all of them, are rated for both LPG and natural gas fuels.

I would not use propane gas connectors nor other parts on a natural gas barbecue BEFORE reading the specifications for your specific product.

Below is a connector hose described as rated for propane gas.

Take a await at the materials and also take a wait at the requirements to convert a gas grille from Propane to Natural Gas - my second illustration I'll postal service in a infinitesimal.

Bottom line:

You MIGHT be able to utilize the same hose for connecting to EITHER Propane or Natural Gas **if** the hose is specifically rated for both fuels.

An instance is shown beneath, from M.B. Sturgis Co., a hose that is specifically rated as OK for either fuel (shown every bit sold at Amazon) described every bit

iii/eight" ID Thermo Safe High Pressure level Propane/Natural Gas Hose with 3/viii" 45 Degree Female person Flare Swivels on each end.

Versatile hose can be used for any Propane or Natural Gas Appliance connection. The Female Flare Swivels make connecting to the supply or appliance easy.

Thermo Condom Hose stays very flexible in cold weather.
350 PSI Max Pressure Rating
Certified to UL21, UL569, CAN 8.3

shown above

Can I use a 3/eight propane hose to run a natural gas barbecue

@STEVEN ALTMAN,

Thanks, that'south an interesting question; for which I cannot give an authoritative answer, as might a suitable civil or plumbing engineer.

I suspect that the distances are then short that what you suggest is fine, but technically it's a flow question that could employ engineering calulations.

Or you'll try the 1" and monitor the result; for short distances like that re-plumbing sounds minor.

my customer is adding an additional ng hot waster pressure washer to his facility. soon, he has two units rated at 415,000 btu's. The additional unit of measurement will be the same. The 2 units are individually connected to a two" main with shut offs and regulators. The new unit of measurement will be located adjacent to a existing unit supplied from a 1" black pipage approximately x" from the two" supply line.

if possible, we would like to plumb into the existing i" line for the additional unit which will be located near x' away. Do you meet this as a trouble? What size blackness pipe line would exist required for each individually for this 415,000 btu requirement ? From the above data, it seems that a iii/four" line at 25' is rated at 600,000 btu's so a 1" would seem to be acceptable..do you concord ? thank you.

Travis:

Take a expect at the input pressure that is specified on the LPG regulator that is provided with the powder-glaze oven yous are installing. If your supply force per unit area is greater than that you lot'll desire a stride-down regulator just ahead of the oven.

That's a common approach when having to deliver high gas supply rates over longer piping runs: distribute at higher pressure and driblet down at the apparatus;

Thank you for your tongue-in-cheek comment also.

80 ft is pretty long; if you don't run the larger line to closer to your burners y'all may find inadequate gas flow.

Thanks for the quick response..I accept a couple of other questions. I'm planning on running 1 1/2" atomic number 26 from a regulator similar the examples to within a foot or two of furnace.. Adapting downwardly to a 1 one/4 flex line for final connection. Practice I demand another regulator of some sort at the end of the 1 1/2 atomic number 26 pipe. Second question is regarding the connectedness of tanks to first regulator. Should I utilize both tanks simultaneously to feed supply line and if then would I just apply the advisable size piping from each tank into a tee and so into regulator..
Last merely non least a hats off and big thanks to all who are involved in running this website...and I'one thousand impressed with mod'south ability to keep pen in cheek when dealing with jackasses like James from above...Thank you!!
Apologize if this a duplicate comment I don't know if my first one got sent or I somehow but managed to erase it...

Continuing:
More examples of loftier BTUh gas regulators include this Sensus 243-12 model.

Besides see these examples of gas regulator specs and IO manuals that include helpul sizing tables; more sizing tables are in the article in a higher place.

https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Sensus-243-Gas-Regulator-IO-Manual.pdf SENSUS 243 GAS REGULATOR IO MANUAL

https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Sensus-243-Gas-Regulator-Specifications.pdf SENSUS 243 GAS REGULATOR SPECIFICATIONS

Travis:

In the commodity above yous'll find the basic gas pipage diameter and length limits at
"LP Gas Pipe Sizing Codes, Tables & Examples"

and but below that links to PDF files giving detailed gas pipe sizing tables that relate BTUs and piping lengths that will work.

I suspect you volition need AT LEAST 1 1/4" pipage over that eighty ft. run.

And even though that i/4" ID line between LP tank and regulator is quite short, your BTUh consumption one.2 one thousand thousand is so bully that most-likely the whole regulator and pipe bore need to be increased. Take a look at the regulator brand and model, then give its manufacturer a call.

It'south likely that you will demand a larger capacity chief regulator at the LP tank; an example is shown below; often we come across that for a high BTUh application similar yours the gas is run from tank to appliance at college pressure level and so is stepped down by a secondary regulator but ahead of the appliance.

The regulator I prove below, the Maxitrol 2 1/two" Gas Appliance Regulator 210G-2 1/two, can evangelize up to 26,000,000 BTU and is probably a higher capacity than you need, simply other models (at lower cost) are of course available.

I'yard installing a big pulverization coat oven in my shop. 20'x10'x10" information technology is a propane heated unit...The unit has a max. burn charge per unit of 1.2mil BTU and 1 1/4 inlet for propane.. The tanks used for propane supply are two #420 tanks located approximately 80ft away and 12ft below the burner. Do I need to run 1 1/4 piping all the manner back to the propane tanks and will the one/4" copper line off tank to regulator allow enough fuel to run heater...Thank yous

Linda

That regulator you testify is intended for use on an RV or camper and is not intended to serve a building with longer gas line runs; I suspect that it is very under-sized and may non exist approved for the use you have made of it.

[Re-posted with illustration replacing link - mod]

Ok, I installed 50ft of 3/iv" black piping when I remodeled this barn. My plan, to utilise LP for furnace, dryer, range that was 5 years ago. Plans changed. The lines were tested and tight at that fourth dimension. All capped. I decided to install a gas range so I pressure tested the lines, made corrections to couplings that were soap tested and showed leaks.

Retested. Everything is skilful. The line is articulate. Bought a new dual stage regulator and two tanks. [from Amazon -shown below] Installed a 3/8" black hose to ;my blackness pipe.

This regulator indicates that the tank is empty but I'm wondering if my black pipe line is too long and the force per unit area is the line is as well depression to become the gas to my range which would cause the valve in the regulator or the valve in the tank to shut.

You need to be a niggling more clear on exactly where yous are detecting no fuel.

I'thou not aware of whatsoever gas regulators at appliances that tell united states of america annihilation about the quantity of fuel bachelor in the lp tank.

Even if your piping is nether sized for the length you lot would still come across some gas flow, it would only be at too depression a rate or pressure.

So permit's outset by being sure that there's no valve closed somewhere in the system.

Watch out, if you're non familiar with proper and safe gas piping this is not piece of work you should attempt yourself as a mistake could blow the place up.

I am installing ii twoscore# lp tanks to supply my range in my dwelling. I have a long run (50ft) of 3/4" black piping to my kitchen. When I finished installing the tanks, regulator, and connections the regulator shows my tanks are empty (just filled) and no gas is getting to my range. Everything has been pressurized and lather tested so in that location's no leaks. I'thousand wondering if I demand a higher pressure regulator, bigger tanks, or a shorter run. Any ideas?

Forrest

Thanks very much for your generous comments. I've worked hard on this material for a long time and so I'm particularly grateful when readers discover it useful.

Your questions, comments, criticism, or content suggestions are besides ever welcome and helpful.

thank you and then much for your very detailed article. Some people have to be jerks even when they are getting free help . I learned a lot! Thanks again
Forrest

we are going to run a line for propane gas about 60-65 ft, to the business firm. we have a 250 gal. tank. are all the different materials (coated flexible copper, alum, stainless steel) equal as far equally rubber and immovability?

TF

Please notice your question and my detailed reply now near the height of the article in a higher place on this folio. You may demand to articulate or refresh your browser cache to see the updated folio. We welcome your farther photos, comments, questions.

TF

Indeed in that location are plastic-coated LP gas piping materials that are rated for outdoor and for either in a higher place-ground or for buried (underground) use. Those are described on the folio above and at

GAS Piping, FLEXIBLE CSST

For long gas runs you lot often need to add a regulator.

I take a 250 gallon propane tank and have 22kw generator hooked upwards to it. I am in the procedure of having a concrete deck poured and was wondering if I should go underground with the propane pipe to the house fireplace(vented logs) which has never been hooked up, I would like to have an outlet on deck for a propane BBQ pit.

The tank is most 110' away from the fireplace connection and the location where I want to add for the bbq is most 50 ft. Wondering what is best cloth to run and do I use tee or header hugger-mugger/higher up before information technology goes into decking. As well as practice I need additional regulator?

Garnett In the article to a higher place you'll see some propane piping size guidelines and examples.

3/8" OD Copper tubing 10 feet long can support 49 KBTUH (G BTUs/Hour) of gas flow or supply at 11 inches W.C. with a 0.5" Westward.C. pressure level drop. We're using this force per unit area range every bit it's most common for household appliances but you will need to bank check the specifications for your own appliances.

So you can meet that to go 25 ft yous need a larger size.

I am hooking up a 30,000 btu propane gas gratis standing stove heater and need to run copper pipe for aboutn25 feet merely wanting to know if I should run 3/eight pipe or one/ii piping

I purchased a pocket-sized threescore gal auxiliary lp tank in instance emergency and h2o heater during summer.i have some questions about hooking it up.
This was used on an rv that ran on LP. Therefore, I had to buy a vapor valve since rv used liquid LP. Doesn't have a regulator.

1--does the brass fitting that attaches to the tank for vapor demand to have pipe dope/tape?

2--can lp from this tank exist ran into the existing regulator? Small tank will merely be used in the situations above. The output will go into the larger tank.

iii--can CSST exist used to hook both tanks together with or w/o protection from weather? Thank you for any answers or comments.

Mike

I'm certainly not admittedly sure but your all-time chance for success is to use a large diameter gas line 5/8 in for case.

The number one complaint I hear from people trying to run a generator is inadequate flow - is usuly considering of using too small a bore piping on a long run. Keep me posted.

Trying to make up one's mind if I can run an emergency portable generator off the firm LP supply line (with bulk tank) and not touch the furnace.

I am doing this for a friend who has a medically dependent (on electricity) child. The supply line from the majority tank to the house is 3/8" OD copper subsequently the regulator.

At the house is a second regulator with a 5/8" OD copper line on the output that then runs direct to the furnace - probably iv' of 5/8" OD pipage. No other LP appliances/uses. I am hoping to tap a line off the baste leg of the furnace piping and run over to the generator using soft copper tubing.

The furnace drip leg is 1/two" B.I. NPT piping. The generator is a 12,000 watt (meridian), driven by a eighteen HP engine.

The generator location requires an approximately 40' supply line (from furnace to generator).

The generator comes with a primary regulator (intended for connecting to a 20# or 40# cylinder) and a secondary regulator mounted on the generator.

I do not currently know the furnace BTU simply the house is an older two story subcontract house. Also, I live in Iowa where winters can be quite cold at times. My concerns? I want to ensure I take the proper line size feeding the generator AND I do not desire to "starve" the furnace when the generator is running. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Nope, Terry, In my view every bit long equally the three/four" NG regulator has the same pressure level and flow ratings, the only deviation is the pipe fitting size - that ought non injure a affair equally y'all'll only take to apply the proper piping fittings to stride downward from 3/4" to 1/ii".

I purchased a 3/4" NG regulator by accident to replace 1/2" regulator for NG Grill. Both have same output (7 inch WC). Should I expect failure here?

Not necessarily, Edward; the pressure and diameter alone won't tell the story; the pipage length and other restrictions may besides mean you need a larger bore. Yous'll see details in the article on this page.

trying to connect 7500 duel fuel generator with 7,500 running wattage to home propane line will ane/2" sch. forty blackness pipe be sufficient the generator people say requires 1.2 cfm at 7-eleven inches of water?

@Barbara C.,
Thank you for your response, Dan. I volition check with the propane supplier too. This site is a swell source and I appreciate the piece of work involved to maintain it.

Best,

Barbara

Barbara

A google Scholar search for "rodent damage gas piping" and like phrases turned up articles on rodent-proof construction but no specific article (at least not in the showtime few pages I scanned) reporting an incident of rodents chewing through metallic gas piping.

I'm waaay too scared to bet your life on arm-waving only I doubtable that when squirrels or other rodents chew through gas lines information technology's plastic or PVC pipage that they attack, not copper or atomic number 26 piping.

If you actually see seize with teeth marks or scratches on whatever of the piping that'd upwardly the business and I hope that in addition to calling your plumber yous'll mail a photo of that piping hither.

Propane tanks that supply the heating boiler in my home accept slim metal pipes traveling from the tank, across the dorsum of my house and into a larger pipe that enters the banality room. I have establish chewed nuts in the area at the summit of each tank that shelters the gauges that bespeak the number of gallons in the tanks.

I am concerned as to whether the chipmunks could eat through the gas lines. There's a large population of chipmunks and squirrels nearly my dwelling due to a grove of adjacent nut trees. Chipmunks have chewed through wires in my engine several times so this is not an bookish or theoretical question. Thanks.

I was very clear regarding what I was going to use. I was standing right next to the pipe and pointing to them. Either he is overly cautious or had no thought what he was doing. He did confirm that he was a plumber. Whatever thoughts on the program. I as well wanted to note that all connections would take PTFE (gas rated) tape. I exercise know that the flared heads practise not require tape. Thanks for your help! JIm

Jim

Your Abode Depot plumbing rep may have idea you were talking almost using black PLASTIC pipe such every bit ABS.

Blackness iron piping is the traditional and right plumbing material for LPG and Natural gas. Here is what the Dwelling Depot link says

Strong and durable black steel pipes (a.k.a. Blackness Atomic number 26, Black Malleable) are used to ship natural and propane gas from the street or a tank to the home. Good for fire sprinkler systems considering of heat resistance. Hub-and-spigot bandage iron pipes should be installed by professionals. Comes in a variety of lengths from 2 inches to 10 feet and diameters of ¼ inch to 2 inches.

I'one thousand looking to build (an unusual) charcoal grill with a propane starter. I've washed some research and scoured the web for information. At this bespeak, I know enough to be dangerous and by no means an expert (why I'm request hither). I went to the Habitation Depot plumbing department for some data. When I explained that I was thinking of using blackness pipe for the starter, the representative almost had a middle assault, berated me, told me that I would end upward on the news for bravado myself up. I was simply trying to get some information and he refused to help and he told his associate to not talk to me because it could be a lawsuit. My question is, is it prophylactic to utilize schedule 40 black piping as a propane burner? I was also wondering if the attached image of my plan would be viable or also dangerous to effort. Every bit a charcoal starter, information technology would just be used for 10-20 minutes max. Is that as well long and melt the pipe? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in accelerate!

Jim

P.S. What's actually funny is that the Habitation Depot website states that black pipe can be used for LP delivery.
https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-pipes/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90cf2ccbfa

Can you substitute ppr for ppe for lpg gas line? Thank you

Sam

I don't know the expertise of the person who advised you that individual appliance regulators are not needed, but my view is the safest and best approach is to check with the manufcturer of the specific equipment by brand and model, or if you have the installation and operation manual for your fryers first there.

In my feel appliances expect their ain local regulator and the manual writers assume one will exist provided if it is not already an integral part of the appliance.

Hither is an extract from a commercial fryer installation transmission:

To adjust the pressure, remove the regulator adjustment screw cover (see the Gas Valve analogy.) Remove the cover cap. Utilize a apartment tip screwdriver to suit the screw until the correct pressure is reached. (clockwise will increase the pressure, counterclockwise will decrease the pressure level.)

Source: Pitco Fryaltor IO Manual, Installation, Operation and Maintenance Transmission for Fryer Model Numbers vii,12,xiv,14R & 18
Gas Fryers With Options and (F) Built-In and UFM (Spacefighter) Filter Systems - retrieed 2019/02/nineteen original source: https://www.heritageparts.com/medias

Annotation that the instructions for your fryer brand and model may differ.

Hi mod, I'thou sorry it is black fe pipe not galvanized pitiful.

My flat acme my steam table and my funnel block fryer all accept a regulator that came from the manufactory but my 270-pound fryers do not one of the person told me that considering information technology was a hundred fifty thousand BTUs per fryer and I had a 525000 PT y'all regulator did I would not need a regulator on that organisation is this truthful and should I go with 3/4 inch hoses from my blackness Atomic number 26 to my equipment

Sam you might want to cheque with your local build department / plumbing inspector since galvanized pipe is oft prohibited in favor of black atomic number 26 pipe for gas piping.

Normally each appliance has its own gas regulator.

I am installing two fryers a flat acme and a steam tabular array. I am using iii/iv inch galvanized pipe and and so I'm running it to my equipment should I employ 3/4 inch hose since I'thou using 3/iv inch pipe with reducers to the one-half inch on a couple of pieces of equipment I also have a 525000 BTU low pressure regulator do I need to have a regulator on each piece of equipment if it did not come with it from the factory

Howdy. I'k trying to supplant my indoor electric washer/dryer but just discovered there's a capped propane pipe sticking out of the wall horizontally. Information technology's in the way. If I have to go through the time/money/hassle of shortening it, I might as well stick it in the wall. I've seen outlet boxes for washer hot/cold/drain fittings and besides outlet boxes for ice makers. I'm wondering if I could utilize ane of those boxes for this application.

The water ice maker box seems perfect, although I'd accept to widen the hole to accomodate the diameter of the presumably black atomic number 26 pipage. Would such a box exist safe? Is there a ameliorate, pre-existing selection? And depending on what is needed (haven't opened the wall yet), is a black fe plug just every bit safe as a black iron cap?

In an platonic situation, just need that cap/plug and PTFE gas line record, right? And of course an outlet box or something similar. Your aid is profoundly appreciated.

Barbara,

Brass fittings are unremarkably used in gas pipe

However galvanized piping is not recommended.

I was wondering if when installing gas range I used a three/8 elbow screwing it onto the
Gal nip coming off gas range and and so a 3/8 contumely nip going into regulator volition information technology make a diffence because information technology'southward non black fittings ? Will it corrode?

Nathan

That sounds like a fine thought and ought to be ok - allow me know if your plumber has a different opinion.

Would it make sense to always plumb a house for Natural Gas. Natural Gas is available down the road just not at my business firm yet. I would use Propane until it becomes available. I know Natural Gas typically requires larger pipe than propane would information technology cause any issues for the propane?

No, as some older LPG piping including copper and flexible copper were copper colored or gray-coated;

but y'all will see that newer flexible gas lines and pipage are typically coated with a yellow surface that helps resist impairment.

Does l.p. gas have to have a yellow jacket

...

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Commodity Series Contents

• GAS APPLIANCE CONVERT LP-to-NATURAL GAS
• GAS BTUH, CUBIC Anxiety & Free energy
• GAS LEAK DETECTION, LP / NG
• GAS LAWS & CONSTANTS
• GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS - home
  • FLARE FITTINGS
  • FLEXIBLE GAS CONNECTOR INSTALL
  • GAS Pipage, FLEXIBLE CSST
  • GAS PIPING CLEARANCES, CODES & DEFECTS
  • GAS Piping SIZE & Textile
• GAS PRESSURES LP vs NATURAL GAS
• GAS PRESSURE vs BUILDING HEIGHT
• GAS Force per unit area FLOW INADEQUATE
• GAS COOKTOP INSTALLATION
• GAS REGULATORS & APPLIANCE / HEATER CONTROLS
• GAS REGULATORS for LP TANKS
• GAS SUPPLY for ELECTRIC GENERATORS

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