st
NC Fuel Gas Code 2012
1 Qtr. 1/1/12-3/31/12 Code Q & A in brown 2nd Qtr. 4/1/12-6/30/12 Code Q & A in green
3rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Code Q & A in blue
4th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12Code Q & A in red
(no gas code changes for 3rd Quarter)
4th Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REGULATIONS
1.) (Q) A plumbing contractor wants to change out a gas storage type water heater for a new
tankless gas fired water heater. The current installation has a B vent which extends
through several floors. The building is more than 6 stories high. The previous use of
the building was mercantile but has been changed to office. The B vent currently goes
through a new drop ceiling that was added in the past. The added ceilings make access
virtually impossible to run either the PVC or the Stainless Steel vent recommended by
the manufacturer. Does the contractor have any options to install the tankless water
heater?
(A) No. Because of the corrosive atmosphere in the piping using a B vent for the tankless
water heater is not an option. If it is indeed impossible to run the Stainless Steel or
the plastic pipe then another storage type water heater must be installed if the
contractor wants to utilize the B vent system currently installed. Ref: 301.3 FGC
2) (Q) An inspector is called to inspect a gas fired appliance installed in a fire pit on the patio
of a residential home. Only parts of the listed appliance are installed in the fire pit. The
contractor has dissembled the appliance which voided the listing. The inspector
turned the job down. The contractor called the department to see if the appliance
could be approved as installed.
(A) The decision was made that the installation could be approved as installed if the
contractor could get a letter from the manufactures engineer stating the installation of
the product was approved per contractor’s installation. The letter was received by the
inspector and the job was approved. Ref: 301.4, 105(FG) (Discussion 2012 MC, 301.4
Exception 2)
3) (Q) A standard gas water heater is located in a closet room that opens directly into the
bedroom of a dwelling unit. The combustion air for the water heater is provided
through a high and a low opening in a storage room adjacent to the closet. Is this
installation allowed by the 2012 code? If not, what condition(s) would have to change
to allow the installation?
1
st
NC Fuel Gas Code 2012
1 Qtr. 1/1/12-3/31/12 Code Q & A in brown 2nd Qtr. 4/1/12-6/30/12 Code Q & A in green
3rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Code Q & A in blue
4th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12Code Q & A in red
(no gas code changes for 3rd Quarter)
4th Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
(A) The code would not allow the installation. The conditions under which the installation
could be allowed are as follows: (a) The door to the bedroom would have to be solid
door with weather stripping and an approved closing device. (b) The closet shall open
only into the bedroom (c) all combustion air shall be taken directly from the outside.
303.3 #5 2012 FGC.
4) (Q) A combustion air intake opening is located above the finished ground level of the south
wall of a residential occupancy. Is it required to be above the adjoining grade level?
(A) No. 2012 FGC now says finished ground level. 304.11 #8, 2012 FGC
5) (Q) A direct vent gas water heater has been installed in the corner of an open bay repair
garage. The appliance meets NFPA 30 A requirements. Would this installation be
allowed by code? If not, what would make the installation code compliant?
(A) Not allowed by the 2012 code. It would meet code if it was a heating appliance per
305.10 # 2. The proper installation of the water heater would be: (a) in a separate
detached building or room separated from repair areas by construction that would not
allow the transmission of vapors into the repair garage and rated one hour. (b) no
openings would be allowed in the wall separating the repair area within 8 feet of the
floor of the appliance room. (c) All wall openings shall be fire stopped. (d) if combustion
air is required it shall be taken directly from the outside only. (e) The appliance room
shall not be used for storage of combustible materials. 305.10, 305.10 exception # 2012
FGC
6) Travel Distance to Gas Fired Equipment in a Crawl Space
(Q) Can the travel distance to gas fired appliances in a crawl space exceed 20 feet
when the access opening and passageway is not less than 6 feet high for its
entire length?
(A) Yes, Section 306.4, Exception 2 allows a 6 foot high passageway in a crawlspace
to be unlimited in length.
Note that Section 306.4 applies to appliances and not equipment. A gas-fired water heater is
an appliance; a gas regulator is equipment. 306.4 NCFGC 2012.
2
st
NC Fuel Gas Code 2012
1 Qtr. 1/1/12-3/31/12 Code Q & A in brown 2nd Qtr. 4/1/12-6/30/12 Code Q & A in green
3rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Code Q & A in blue
4th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12Code Q & A in red
(no gas code changes for 3rd Quarter)
4th Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
7) (Q) Two HVAC air intake opening hoods without fans and a B vent are terminated on a
roof sloped at 25 %. Are 30 inch platforms with guards required for periodic
maintenance of this roof mounted equipment?
(A) No. The roof top installations would be considered equipment by the definition in the
Fuel Gas Code, however, periodic maintenance would not be required so no platforms
are required. 306.5.1, 2012 FGC
8) Auxiliary Drain Pan Size Requirements
(Q) Does Section 307.2.3(1) require that the auxiliary drain pan be sized three
inches larger in overall width and length with respect to the unit or are three
inches of clearance required on all sides of the unit?
(A) Section 307.2.3(1) only requires that the auxiliary drain pan to be sized three
inches larger in overall width and length with respect to the unit. The code
does not require three inches clearance on each side. The auxiliary drain pan
shall be located such that any leakage from the unit housing resulting from
primary drain blockage is collected in the auxiliary drain pan. 307.2.3(1) NCFGC
2012
9) Auxiliary and Secondary Drain Systems
(Q) Is an auxiliary drain pan or secondary drain required for equipment and
appliances containing evaporators, cooling coils or condensing furnaces that are
installed in a crawl space?
(A) No. The intent of Section 307.2.3 is to prevent damage to the building or its
contents from overflow of the primary drain pan or blockage of the condensate
drain piping. While moisture in a crawl space can cause damage over time, this
is not the intent of this section. Overflow in the crawl space can be mitigated by
provisions in R408.2 or R409.2.1 of the North Carolina Residential Code. 307.2.3
NCFGC 2012
3
st
NC Fuel Gas Code 2012
1 Qtr. 1/1/12-3/31/12 Code Q & A in brown 2nd Qtr. 4/1/12-6/30/12 Code Q & A in green
3rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Code Q & A in blue
4th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12Code Q & A in red
(no gas code changes for 3rd Quarter)
4th Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
CHAPTER 4 GAS PIPING INSTALLATIONS
1) (Q) Cast Iron Fittings for Steel or Wrought-iron Gas Piping. Can cast iron fittings be used
for steel or wrought-iron gas piping?
(A) Yes. Item #2 of Section 403.10.4 allows the use of cast iron fittings for steel or
wrought-iron gas piping. The cast iron fitting must also meet the requirements
of Item #5 of Section 403.10.4. NCFGC 2012
2) Protection of Aboveground Outdoors Fuel Gas Piping
(Q) Is outdoor aboveground gas piping required to be protected?
(A) Yes. Section 404.7 states; "Piping installed above ground, outdoors, and
installed across the surface of roofs shall be securely supported and located
where it will be protected from physical damage." This section requires
elevating the piping 3-1/2 inches. This dimension correlates with 4x4 pressure
treated lumber and is intended to keep it from moisture. Section 403.8 states;
“Where in contact with material or atmosphere exerting a corrosive action,
metallic piping and fittings coated with a corrosive-resistant material shall be
used. 404.7, 403.8 NCFGC 2012
3) (Q) Copper pipe has been installed underground from an LP storage tank to a tankless
water heater located on the exterior wall of a residence. The piping is buried 24 inches
deep. Are there any other special requirements for this installation?
(A) Yes. An approved dielectric fitting shall be installed above ground outside the building.
The fitting serves to electrically isolate the underground piping. Ref: 404.8 FGC 2012
4) (Q) Does the Fuel Gas Code specify a minimum length for sediment trap piping?
(A) No. 2012 and 2009 Code has no specification for the length of the nipple. Our previous
interpretation has been “a minimum or 3 inches long or per the equipment
manufacturer’s installation instructions.” Ref: 408.4 FGC 2012
5) (Q) Are sediment traps required at every change of direction of metallic gas piping?
(A) No. This requirement is not in the code. If required by the manufacturers installation
4
st
NC Fuel Gas Code 2012
1 Qtr. 1/1/12-3/31/12 Code Q & A in brown 2nd Qtr. 4/1/12-6/30/12 Code Q & A in green
3rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Code Q & A in blue
4th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12Code Q & A in red
(no gas code changes for 3rd Quarter)
4th Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
instructions it would be required. Ref: 405.1, 408.4 FGC 2012.
6) (Q) Multiple gas outlets are installed in the laboratory of a new high school. These
include table, bench and hood mounted outlets. Does the 2012 code require any
special provisions for this installation?
(A) Yes. (a) a single dedicated shutoff is required that shuts off all gas outlets supplied in
the lab. (b) the dedicated shutoff valve shall be readily accessible. (c) it shall be located
within the space served. (d) it shall be located adjacent to an egress door within the
space served (e) it shall be identified by signage stating “Gas Shutoff” 409.6, 2012 FGC
7) (Q) Are all the provisions approved for use in the Q & A for the 2006 code still valid under
the 2012 Code? See list below.
410.2 MP regulators. MP pressure regulators shall comply with the following:
1. The MP regulator shall be approved and shall be suitable for the inlet and outlet gas
pressures for the application.
2. The MP regulator shall maintain a reduced outlet pressure under lockup (no-flow)
conditions.
3. The capacity of the MP regulator, determined by published ratings of its
manufacturer, shall be adequate to supply the appliances served.
4. The MP pressure regulator shall be provided with access. Where located indoors,
the regulator shall be vented to the outdoors or shall be equipped with a leak-limiting
device, in either case complying with 410.3.
5. A tee fitting with one opening capped or plugged shall be installed between the MP
regulator and its upstream shutoff valve. Such tee fitting shall be positioned to allow
connection of a pressure measuring instrument and to serve as a sediment trap.
6. A tee fitting with one opening capped or plugged shall be installed not less than 10
pipe diameters downstream of the MP regulator outlet. Such tee fitting shall be
positioned to allow connection of a pressure measuring instrument.
(A) Numbers one through five are the same. Number six has been revised to eliminate the
requirement for a tee fitting. Ref: 410.2 #6 FGC 2012
8) (Q) While inspecting a gas piping installation the inspector finds the vented pressure
5
st
NC Fuel Gas Code 2012
1 Qtr. 1/1/12-3/31/12 Code Q & A in brown 2nd Qtr. 4/1/12-6/30/12 Code Q & A in green
3rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Code Q & A in blue
4th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12Code Q & A in red
(no gas code changes for 3rd Quarter)
4th Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
regulators have vent piping located on a manifold with breather vents from other
devices. Would the 2012 code allow the vent piping to be on a manifold with multiple
devices?
(A) No. Ref: 410.3.1 2012 FGC
9) (Q) I have a commercial gas cooking appliance installed on casters in my restaurant. My
gas piping contractor used 10 feet of rigid metallic piping to connect the equipment.
The plumbing contractor tells me that this is a code violation. He says I have to provide
a flexible connector for the appliance but it cannot be over 3 feet long. Who is correct?
(A) Your gas piping contractor is correct. If the connecting pipe is sized properly as part of
the piping system it can exceed 6 feet. The location of the appliance shutoff valve shall
comply with code section 409.5. A union will be required per 411.1.6 if rigid metallic
piping is used for the installation. You may install a flexible connector that meets the
code. The 2012 code would allow a maximum distance of 6 feet, not 3 feet, as required
in the 2009 code for the connector. 411.3.1, 411.3.1 exception, 411.1.1, 411.1, 411.1.6,
2012 FGC
10) (Q) I am installing a system of suspended low-intensity infrared tube heaters under a
canopy covering an outdoor seating area in my restaurant. My mechanical contractor
has installed flexible gas connectors for the heaters 6 feet long. This length seems to be
too long and the connector hangs down below the heater. Is there any reason he
cannot cut the connectors to a shorter length to get them farther up in the ceiling?
(A) It depends. The code requires the connector to be listed by the manufacturer for the
installation on that specific heater per ANSI Z21.24/CGA 6.10. If the manufacturer’s
instructions allow a shorter connector you may make the change it out otherwise it has
to remain at the 6 foot length. 411.3, 2012 FGC
11) (Q) Piedmont Natural Gas supplies an OPD at the line service regulator on a 5 # system. Is
an OPD still required at each appliance?
(A) No. Per conversations with PSNC “if the supplier has an OPD device with relief at the
6
st
NC Fuel Gas Code 2012
1 Qtr. 1/1/12-3/31/12 Code Q & A in brown 2nd Qtr. 4/1/12-6/30/12 Code Q & A in green
3rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Code Q & A in blue
4th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12Code Q & A in red
(no gas code changes for 3rd Quarter)
4th Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
line service regulator, then PSNC would deem it satisfied and preclude the installation
of individual equipment devices having OPD protection.” Ref: 416.1, 416.2 FGC
CHAPTER 5 CHIMNEYS AND VENTS
1) (Q) Is there any change in the 2012 code for the minimum or maximum B vent
height requirements?
(A) No. Minimum code height is 5 feet in 503.6.5. In table 504 minimum height 6 feet and
the maximum height is 100 feet. The exception to the maximum and minimum values
in the code would be the use of the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Ref:
503.6.5, table 504, FGC 2012.
CHAPTER 6 SPECIFIC APPLIANCES
8) (Q) I am the mechanical engineer in charge of the design of a large apartment complex
that will be built in Mecklenburg County. The multifamily units are wood construction
with a one hour floor/ceiling assembly between each floor. The supply duct from the
air handler will penetrate the membrane of the floor/ceiling assembly and must be
protected with a radiation damper. Because air will flow against a static radiation
damper UL555C will require a dynamic radiation damper at the penetration. I am
unable to find a manufacturer who makes a one hour dynamic radiation damper. Are
there alternate methods approved by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement for this
penetration?
(A) Currently there are three installations we allow as alternate methods in Mecklenburg
County. They are as follows: (1) you may install a 3 hour dynamic radiation damper
that meets the Manufacturers installation requirements. (available) (2) You
may install a static radiation damper in the penetration and shut the unit down with a
smoke detector in the return at the unit or (3) You may install a static radiation
damper with a smoke detector that will shut the fan down located in the room
adjacent to the return for the Unit. If you use the detector located outside the room it
shall be 120 Volt with battery backup. It is not necessary to interlock the smoke
detector to the apartment unit smoke detector internal system. 607.6.2, 607.6.2.1,
607.3.3.4, 607.3, 607.3.1, 2012 MC
7
st
NC Fuel Gas Code 2012
1 Qtr. 1/1/12-3/31/12 Code Q & A in brown 2nd Qtr. 4/1/12-6/30/12 Code Q & A in green
3rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Code Q & A in blue
4th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12Code Q & A in red
(no gas code changes for 3rd Quarter)
4th Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (NC Admin. Code/NC Fuel Gas Code, Admin. Section/
Departmental Policy)
1) (Q) A. What are the clearance requirements from the building for a fire pit with gas log
lighter in a single family residence? B. What is the clearance if it is located on the deck?
C. What is the Mechanical or Plumbing inspector responsible to inspect in a fire pit with
a gas log lighter?
(A) If the fire pit is less than 10 feet away from the residence or (B) if it is located on an
attached deck a chimney shall be provided over the pit per the Building Code. (C) If the
fire pit is more than 10 feet away from a residence or attached deck the Mechanical or
the Plumbing inspector is responsible to inspect only the gas line and cut off. They are
not responsible for checking listing and labeling of a decorative appliance. Discussion
with DOI and email from Janie Sutton re-verified by Jim Moeller.
2) Announcement: New Water Heater Recall information.
Navien Recalls Tankless Water Heaters Due to Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the
firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.
Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is
illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: Navien
Instantaneous or Tankless Water Heaters Units: About 13,000 Importer: Navien America Inc.,
of Irvine, Calif. Manufacturer: Kyung Dong Navien Co. Ltd., South Korea Hazard: An unstable
connection can cause the water heater's vent collar to separate or detach if pressure is
applied. A detached vent collar poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported Description: Navien tankless hot water heaters are white
with "T-Creator" and "NAVIEN" on the front. Recalled model numbers are CR-180(A), CR210(A), CR-240(A), CC-180(A), CC-210(A) and CC-240(A) manufactured in 2008. A label on the
side of the water heater lists the model number along with the manufacturing year in YYYY
format. Sold by: Wholesale distributors to in-home installers nationwide from February 2008
through March 2009 for between $1,500 and $2,100. Manufactured in: South Korea Remedy:
Consumers should immediately stop using and check the model and manufacture year
information on their Navien water heater. Consumers with recalled water heaters should
8
st
NC Fuel Gas Code 2012
1 Qtr. 1/1/12-3/31/12 Code Q & A in brown 2nd Qtr. 4/1/12-6/30/12 Code Q & A in green
3rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Code Q & A in blue
4th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12Code Q & A in red
(no gas code changes for 3rd Quarter)
4th Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
immediately contact Navien to schedule a free repair. Navien will replace all Nylon 66 vent
collar with PVC collars. Consumers who continue use of the water heaters while awaiting
repair, should have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed outside of sleeping areas in
the home.
Customer contact: For additional information, contact Navien at (800) 244-8202 between 8
a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at
www.navienamerica.com
Note: Regardless of the type of water heater that is used, every home should
have a CO alarm outside all sleeping areas and consumers should ensure that
their CO alarms have working batteries.[cid:image001.jpg@01CCCC92.1C2A7DA0]
3) (Q) Is black CSST gas Piping an approved product per the listing and labeling
requirements of the Fuel Gas Code? Is it approved per ICC-ES testing
requirements to be used without a separate ground?
(A) Even though the answer to both of the questions above is yes the current position
of the Electrical CA for Mecklenburg County and the Electrical Chief for DOI is
as of March 30th 2012 the product is not approved without a separate grounding
conductor.
4) (Q) A contractor is changing out an existing furnace in a residence. The new furnace is a
a high efficiency type with a PVC vent that is piped to the outside of the building. The
water heater has an existing 3 inch single wall vent that is combined with a 6 inch single
wall vent from the furnace. Should the mechanical inspector allow the mechanical
contractor to simply cap off the single wall vent at the connection of the furnace and
leave the water heater connection as is or should the contractor be required to
run a new 3 inch B vent from the water heater through the roof?
(A) The Mechanical Contractor should re-pipe the water heater with a B vent to meet
current code. Code Section/Discussion FGC_101.4, 102.4, 102.9, 105.4/2012
5) (Q) What type of North Carolina State Contractor License is required to install a heat
exchanger on a heating boiler? On a process boiler?
(A) An H 1 license is required for a heating boiler. A process boiler would require a
special license issued by Mecklenburg County or we would recognize the H 1 State
license. Ref: NC Plb. Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing board rules.
9