2015 Guide to Important Code Changes
1208.5.9.2, 1208.7, and 1212.5 Gas Joints, Pressure Regulators, and Valves
What Changed
1208.5.9.2 Heat-Fusion Joint. Heat-fusion joints shall be made in accordance with AWS B2.4 qualified procedures that have been established and proven by test to produce gastight joints as strong as the pipe or tubing being joined. Joints shall be made with the joining method recommended by the pipe manufacturer. Heat-fusion fittings shall be marked “ASTM D 2513.” [NFPA 54:5.6.9(2)]
1208.7 Gas Pressure Regulators. A line gas pressure regulator or gas appliance pressure regulator, as applicable, shall be installed where the gas supply pressure exceeds that at which the branch supply line or appliances is are designed to operate or varies vary beyond design pressure limits. [NFPA 54 12:5.8.1]
12112.5 Appliance Shutoff Valves and Connections. Appliances connected to a piping system shall have an accessible, approved manual shutoff valve with a nondisplaceable valve member, or a listed gas convenience outlet. Appliance shutoff valves and convenience outlets shall serve a single appliance and shall be installed within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the appliance it serves. Where a connector is used, the valve shall be installed upstream of the connector. A union or flanged connection shall be provided downstream from this the valve to permit removal of appliance controls. Shutoff valves serving decorative gas appliances shall be permitted to be installed in fireplaces where listed for such use. [NFPA 54:9.6.4, 9.6.4.1]
Why It Changed
These sections within Chapter 12 of the UPC have been revised to correlate with NFPA 54-2012 in accordance with IAPMO’s Regulations Governing Committee Projects (Extract Guidelines), and the UMC.
What It Means To Me
Heat fusion joints being performed by installers will no longer look to the American Welding Society joining procedures but rely only on the manufactures qualified procedures that have been established and proven by test to produce gastight joints as strong as the pipe or tubing being joined. Installers familiar with the previously accepted practice must ensure they are using the qualified procedures to avoid piping failures and hazardous situations.
The 2015 Guide to Important Code Changes is available for purchase here:
© 2017 International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.