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Here's an interesting one , Gas Main

GW
GW Member Posts: 4,831
I've been doing this a long time, never seen this. Tim, what do you think of the standing pressure gauge?
Gary Wilson
Wilson Services, Inc
Northampton, MA
gary@wilsonph.com

Comments

  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,642
    Some times when we had problems with pressure in certain areas we would leave a gauge for quick reference. That way we did not have to shut off the gas to put in a gauge.
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    We do the same thing as Tim does especially on the old Preferred burners.
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,467
    nice bushings!!!!!
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,831
    Yes looks like 6 of the little buggers

    I was digging the old wrench
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • adambnyc
    adambnyc Member Posts: 260

    nice bushings!!!!!

    Was thinking same thing. Bushings on gas big no no
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,831
    Shoot, looks like 7. I'm gonna stop counting
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,274
    I would assume that both code and common sense require the stop under the valve to be off unless you are observing the gauge?

    I don't like bushings on anything, but why are they prohibited on gas piping? I assume a potential leaker? If so why are there 5 included with a replacement gas valve?
  • adambnyc
    adambnyc Member Posts: 260
    My supply house, 2 plumbers and my plumbing inspector all told me "no bushings on gas". I'm sure someone's got a good reason for it. I found this on another site:

    The International Fuel Gas code (2006) prohibits gas piping from being made out of cast iron (section 403.4.1) although fittings may be made from cast iron. ("Regular" metal gas pipe is steel or wrought iron). There are are number of exceptions to the fittings with bushings not being allowed (section 403.10.4 note 5.2). The code commentary states that "bushings have been known to split from over tightening." Also section 404.3 prohibits bushings of any material to be used in concealed locations, with the commentary stating the "split after assembly" reason.
    The National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) has the same restrictions.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,314
    So does that mean steel bushings ARE allowed in non-concealed locations?


    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,376
    In the Baltimore area, no.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    ChrisJ
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,314
    Steamhead said:

    In the Baltimore area, no.

    What about Gaithersburg? :)

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,642
    The reference to code about bushings splitting when the pipe is tightened up is correct. The flush steel bushings that come with gas valves are ANSI approved for use on the inlet or outlet of the gas valve. I encourage my students to only carry 3/4 x 3/4 gas valves to reduce stock required on the truck. That will then allow the bushings for smaller pipes.

    Usually a VR8300A standing pilot 24 volt valve, a VS820A powerpile valve and a VR8345M universal replacement valve pretty much covers most needs. Or the comparable Robertshaw or White Rodgers valves.
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,642
    The shut off before the gauge is required and back when this piping was done bushings were likely much more durable than what you see today.

    By the way I still have a couple of wrenchs in my workshop like the one in the picture.

    People used to leave a wrench at the main shut off just in case of an emergency.
    kcopp
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,467
    In general cast Iron is not allowed on gas. Most bushings are CI although steel is available in the smaller sizes, but no bushings are allowed on gas. Galvanized is also not allowed.

    Their are some exceptions where Cast Iron is allowed, flanges I think and screwed fittings in the larger sizes.
  • Bushings aren't allowed out West either, at least in my jurisdiction. But our gas utility uses plastic bushings at the meter to stop electrolysis and I've seen them split and leak.
    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,314
    edited October 2016
    I don't know for sure, but I was told when I did all of my piping that our inspector didn't want to see plugs, would only accept a nipple and a cap so that's what I did.

    Though my dad's LP piping in PA has plugs.

    They also allow street 90's here.

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,274
    Our system uses the plastic/nylon bushings for insulators to keep the UG piping from being grounded. It is all plastic coated pipe with cathode protection. Those bushings are always to be outside, every one I have removed for re-piping have been cracked or split, usually not leaking.

    I can see Tim's point about the flush bushings not being a problem, unless you want to remove them of course.
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,642
    The flush bushings come with every gas valve re[placement.