Gastite Bonding Technical Bulletin #TB2014-01

[Admin]

Download the Gastite Bonding Technical Bulletin #TB2014-01 Here

This Technical Bulletin provides requirements for the direct bonding of Gastite® yellow CSST. This document updates section 4.10.b. Electrical Bonding of Gastite CSST, in the January 2013 Gastite Design & Installation Guide, based on updates to 2015 NFPA 54 sec. 7.13.2, and 2015 IFGC sec. 310.1.1.

Direct bonding of Gastite yellow CSST is required for all gas-piping systems incorporating Gastite CSST whether or not the connected gas equipment is electrically powered. This requirement is for single-family and multi-family buildings. A person knowledgeable in electrical system design, the local electrical code and these requirements should specify the bonding for commercial applications.

Gastite yellow CSST installed inside or attached to a building shall be electrically continuous and direct bonded to the electrical ground system of the structure in which it is installed. The gas piping system shall be considered to be direct-bonded when installed in accordance with the following.

o A single bond clamp attachment to rigid pipe or rigid component at any point within the gas piping system
o Bond clamp attachment downstream of individual gas meter or 2nd stage regulator for propane systems, and in accessible location
o Metallic contact is required (remove paint or plating on steel pipe)
o Bonding clamp listed to UL 467

o Bonding conductor is #6 AWG copper (minimum) or equivalent, and not exceeding 75 feet in length
o The shortest practical bond wire length will improve the effectiveness of the direct bond

o The bonding conductor is permanently and directly connected to the electrical service grounding electrode system of the premises. This connection can be made at either:
o Bonding buss
o Grounding electrode conductor
o Grounding electrode

o Any additional grounding electrodes used shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system

o Direct bonding to be performed by a person qualified to do so per local ordinances

o The bonding conductor shall be installed and protected in accordance with:
o National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, (NEC)
o Canadian Electrical Code, CSA-C22.1, (CEC)

[Attavior]

 
"A single bond clamp attachment to rigid pipe or rigid component at any point within the gas piping system"

So it's okay now to bond downstream of any CSST (@ the appliance drop for example)?

[Admin]

It looks like they removed the requirement to install upstream bonding on any CSST connection.  The current 2013 Gastite manual says,

For single and multi-family structures, a single bond connection shall be made downstream of the individual gas meter for each housing unit and upstream of any CSST connection.

The Bulletin says,

For Canada use, Sep. 23, 2014... The gas piping system shall be considered to be direct-bonded when installed in accordance with the following.  A single bond clamp attachment to rigid pipe or rigid component at any point within the gas piping system.

We would also follow Clauses 4.7.1 and 4.7.3 of the Gas Code,

Clause 4.7.1 - Electrical connections between an appliance and building wiring shall comply with the local electrical code or, in the absence of such, with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.

Clause 4.7.3 - All interior metal gas piping and tubing that may become energized shall be made electrically continuous and shall be bonded in accordance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code adopted under Ontario Regulation 164/99 (Electrical Safety Code) made under the Electricity Act, 1998.

Note: Refer to the current version of Electrical Safety Authority Bulletin 10-14-x.

The latest ESA Bulletin 10-14-6 doesn't seem to require the additional upstream bonding of CSST.  I don't see anything in the Electrical or Gas Codes that mention upstream bonding of CSST, so I would follow the manufacturer's revised instructions and install a single bond connection at any point in the gas piping system.  Bonding to the water heater drop is usually the shortest practical distance to the copper water pipe, unless it's PEX, then I would bond to the gas piping closest to the electrical panel.  The Bulletin says,

The shortest practical bond wire length will improve the effectiveness of the direct bond.