Make sure the CSST gas piping in your home is bonded.
All manufacturer s instructions have required direct-bonding and grounding of yellow CSST in new installations since 2006. If lightning strikes on or near a structure, there is risk it can travel through the structure s gas piping system and cause a leak, and in some cases a fire. A bonding connection installed on a gas piping system will reduce the likelihood of electrical arcing to or from other bonded metallic systems in the structure, thus reducing the likelihood of arc induced damage.
We encourage utilities to inform customers to inspect their homes for yellow CSST to make sure they are up to current requirements and if they have any concerns to contact a licensed electrician to arrange for a professional inspection.
To download the CSST bill stuffer created by NASFM and AGA, click here. More information on CSST safety can be found on www.CSSTSafety.com.
CSST and Lightning
Lightning is a highly destructive force. Even a nearby lightning strike that does not strike a structure directly can cause all electrically conductive systems in the structure to become energized. Nearby lightning strikes can result in a power surge that can damage certain gas tubing systems and ultimately cause a fire. Properly bonding and grounding the Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) significantly reduces the risk of damage and fire from a lightning strike.
Care should be taken when installing CSST to maintain as much separation as reasonably possible from other electrically conductive systems in the home. Electricians and other trained professionals should consult local building codes as to required separations for CSST from conductive systems including metallic chimney liners, metallic appliance vents, metallic ducting and piping, and electrical cables.
Areas with high lightning risk include but are not limited to: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
