Gas Piping Thru Interior Walls 1

[supaman79]

Guys,

Can I run a natural gas line thru interior walls, and if so are there any specific requirements that I need to meet in case of demo. work being done in the future.

 

[gr888]

You should really check CIBSE guidlines but generally rise to 450mm above ground in galvanised duct and pass through wall in one single piece and into interior.

 

[supaman79]

I should've clarified it a little bit better. My main is in the basement and I want to rise to the first flr in an interior wall between the studs....Is this possible?

 

[CRG]

Does the local jurisdiction require compliance with IFGC, UPC, NFPA, etc? If so have you reviewed the applicable codes?

 

[supaman79]

yes they are all required in Massachusetts

 

[CRG]

I asked in my previous response if you had reviewed the relevant building/safety codes. Because you did not answer the question, I assume that you did not. As an engineer you need to be responsible for your work which means that when there are code requirements, it is your responsibility to ensure that your design meets the minimum code requirements and the design will operate in a manor consistent with your client’s expectations. Code reviews are no fun; however, when you are involved in building design it is part of your work load. Too often, engineers with significant experience fail to keep abreast with code requirements. They improperly rely on misinformation passed on by their mentors and other designs they have copied. So, I believe that it is in your best interest to take the time for a thorough code review. It is very slow the first time; however, it does go faster after you are familiar with the codes. Because it consumes so much time when you start making thorough code review, it may be difficult to charge your learning time against the job you are working on. If that is the case, you should be prepared to do some homework. It would be doing you a disservice to answer your question without you doing your work first (a thorough code review).

 

[supaman79]

CRG,

Although I don't like your response....you are right. I will do a thorough code review and come back if I still do not have an answer. You are a respected source here @ eng-tips, and I will also apply that respect to your responses and advice. Thanks

 

[PEDARRIN2]

Generally, there is no restriction to where you route your natural gas piping as long as it is below 5 psig. If you are above that, then there are restrictions.

 

[CRG]

PEDARRIN2, I would caution anyone to take such general advice. Look at IFGC Section 404 and you will see many limitations, restrictions, and prohibited installations. Also, there are some restrictions listed in NFPA ?? not sure of the relevant sections off the top of my head.

 

[supaman79]

In the IFGC it states that you can not run gas piping thru elevator shafts, duct work, dumbwaiters, chimney or gas vents, or clothes. From this I'm going to assume that you can as long as its steel pipe.

 

[CRG]

assume = ass-u-me Suprman, what are you basing your assumptions on.

 

[briand2]

If this installation was in the UK, it would not be permitted unless the pipe was in a ventilated sleeve.

Regards,

Brian

 

[friartuck]

You should ventilate the duct or as briand2 says, sleeve it. In floor ducts, we fill them with sand so that any leak is not capable of creating an explosive mixture. There are also proprietry pipes that are 'pipe in pipe' such as trac pipe available from BSS (In the UK and I guess elsewhere). These allow you (in the UK) to go almost anywhere (except under foundations where settlement might occur.)

Friar Tuck of Sherwood

 

[CRG]

briand2 and friartuck as stated by supaman above, the design is required to meet IFGC (International Fuel Gas Code). As such, it is not relevant how this is done in other parts of the world unless they are required to follow the IFGC. That is why I suggested he review the applicable codes. The code is very clear on the limitations, restrictions, and prohibited pipe locations for routing gas piping (section 404.1 through 404.16.) In addition, there are many other relevant code requirements discussed in Chapter 4.

Supaman, I can think of no code exceptions for material types that modifies 404.1. That is why I questioned your assumption. Keep in mind that the plenum space, above a dropped ceiling, often used for return air, is not an “air circulating duct.” However, there are many restrictions for routing pipe in concealed spaces. Read the entire Chapter on gas piping before making assumptions. Your original question about walls depends on a lot of factors listed in the code. Is it a solid wall? What protections will be provided against physical damage? Etc.