Utility Updates - Con Edison: New High Pressure Gas Requirements
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Effective June 30, 2021, licensed master plumbers shall be required to install 1” Filters and Fire Bag Thermal Safety Valves for new high pressure gas installations. The filter and fire shutoff valve shall be installed between the head of service valve and the service regulator. This requirement was set to initially go into effect on April 15, 2021 but was held up due to internal issues.
The following drawings impacted by this requirement have been revised in the Con Edison Yellow Book:
- EO-14158 – Installation of Gas Service Regulators – Indoors (1” to 2)
- EO-14166 – Installation of Twin Gas Service Regulators – Indoors (1” to 2”)
- EO-16511 – Installation of Meter Piping for Class 3000R-TC to Class 23000R-TC Rotary Meter Outdoors
- EO-16585 - Installation of Meter Piping for Class 250TC to 1000TC Diaphragm Meters
- EO-506175 - Installation of Meter Piping for Class 500TC to 1000TC Diaphragm Meters - Outdoors
- EO-16726 – Installation of 2 to 6 Unit Prefabricated Meter Sets for Class 250TC Meters – Outdoors or Indoors
- EO-514203 – Outdoor Installation of Twin Gas Regulators – 1” to 2” Body
These devices should NOT be installed prior to 6/30/21 pending any other Con Edison notifications.
Why Are These Devices Being Required?
The filter device serves the same purpose as the strainer on a two-inch regulator setup. It will prevent any foreign matter from entering the regulator and causing it to fail. These devices cannot be cleaned or repaired, so it is recommended that installers clean the piping before assembly. Please also remember that it is not permissible to utilize Teflon tape for the installation of a gas regulator.
The requirement for the installation of a Firebag is a new concept in America. They have been required and installed in millions of homes in Europe and Asia since the 1990’s. This device is equipped with a temperature sensor that will cause the device to close off the flow of gas when the temperature reaches approximately 212 degrees. The device does not close 100% and is guaranteed to limit the maximum admitted leakage. The device can be installed in any position. Care must be taken in the installation process as excessive thread sealant or pressure can cause the sleeve connection to break. Special care must also be taken to protect the sensor and it can never be painted. If the sensor is painted or tripped, the device must be replaced.
MPC Utility Committee Comments:
When this new requirement was first announced, the MPC sent a list of questions to Con Edison. The installation of these devices will add expenses to the installation of high-pressure gas systems.
The MPC recognizes the requirement for the new strainers. Debris in regulators causes nuisance issues that sometimes require a gas system to be shut down for repairs. While the concept of a Firebag valve device to shut off the gas flow to a building during a fire is a great concept, we are not sure how much actual protection these devices will provide. For the device to be engaged, the fire must be in the immediate area of the device. These devices may be most effective in single family residential homes. There is the potential for nuisance shutdowns if the temperature sensor is broken or damaged. The system will have to be shut down for the unit to be replaced and this work will be done at the owner’s expense.
The MPC sent Con Edison many questions regarding the possibility that there will be a retroactive requirement to have to install these devices. We are still waiting for any answers. If you have any jobs in progress, pay careful attention so you will not have to take a rig apart to add these devices. MPC members will continue to be updated through regular updates and our website.
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