Visit MikeHolt.com
CSST Electrical Dangers  

 

Image

Over the last several years fires have occurred that have been attributed to the failure of CSST when hit by lightning.

An article by Mark Goodson, P.E. and Lee Green, P.E. has been brought to our attention, and we felt that it was important to share with you.

There has been much discussion regarding the bonding and grounding of CSST. The manufacturers believe that their instructions pointed the installer to so-called direct bonding, but their instructions also warned the user to follow the NEC. The CSST Industry has maintained that direct bonding and grounding will help prevent CSST from receiving lighting damage.

CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) has been used for approximately two decades to pipe and deliver fuel gas in businesses and residences in lieu of conventional black pipe. Lightning vulnerability of CSST has been documented in research. Goodson and Green outline another issue that is posed by the use of CSST – its impact on the ability of overcurrent devices to promptly clear electrical faults that are present within a structure.

Click on the image or follow this link to read their report. http://goodsonengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/A-Hidden-CSST-Electrical-Danger.pdf

 

Related reading:

Investigating the Casual Link between Lightning Strikes, CSST and Fire, Mark Goodson, Mark Hergenrether

Defects in Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) – Parker Waichman LLP

 

 

 

 

Click Here to Post a Comment Click Here to View Comments Click Here to Unsubscribe
 
Image
 
Visit: Exam Preparation | Continuing Education | Code Products | Newsletters | and more
Copyright© Mike Holt Enterprises of Leesburg, Inc. All Rights Reserved This article is protected by United States copyright laws and may not be published without prior written permission.
Mike Holt Enterprises of Leesburg, Inc. 3604 Parkway Blvd. Suite 3 Leesburg, FL 34748
"... as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." [Joshua 24:15]
Comments
  • In my area, the practice of using the yellow CSST is no longer approved. Contractors are now using a black jacketed version that according to mfgr specs doesn't need bonding.

    Tom  January 20 2016, 6:38 am EST
  • Reply from: inspector mike   February 3 2016, 8:26 am EST
    According to one gastite rep, the black type (flashshield) can be bonded by way of connection to equipment that has an electrical equipment ground in the branch circuit. How do you feel about this statement.


Reply to this comment
* Your Name:
   Your name will appear under your comments.

* Your Email:
   Your email address is not displayed.
* Comments:

Email Notification Options:
Notify me when a reply is posted to this comment
Notify me whenever a comment is posted to this newsletter