CSST or Flex connectors thru cabinet

I always extend the black iron pipe to the exterior of the cabinet before attaching gasflex. I have had a couple of calls in the past where gasflex has been compromised by either lightning and/or vibration where it went thhrough the cabinet.

It *is* against the manufacture's installation instructions and IMC to run a flex line through an unprotected knockout.

repair had written this in response to

\\//. (__) (oo) /-------/ / | || * ||----|| ~~ ~~

------------------------------------- No> I always extend the black iron pipe to the exterior of the cabinet > before

##-----------------------------------------------## Delivered via

repair had written this in response to

\\//. (__) (oo) /-------/ / | || * ||----|| ~~ ~~

------------------------------------- No> I always extend the black iron pipe to the exterior of the cabinet > before

##-----------------------------------------------## Delivered via

No grommet to protect against rubbing throught the tubing.

Yep

That's why I use Black Pipe!

Doesn't make much difference. If you get hit by lightning , your screwed anyway. Do you really think even a foot of metal is going to stop a few hundred Billion volts of flash lightning? Have you ever noted the aftermath of a lightning strike. Yes Virginia yous can use flex to hook up a G.Furnace by the IMC. But do it right. The concern is sharp edge damage and kinking is a helluva a no no.

Wow? Not any of the states I have worked in would allow that, even if it is manufacturers listing. That comes under Gas codes. How do you turn off and unhook that beast in a tight enclosure such as in Condo's, Apartments, Trailer houses..etc?

Simple, you turn the gas c*ck to the off position and break the black union. What's so hard about that?

If the unit was a package unit, I could understand the "lightening" thing, but a furnace in a closet, attic, or basement? I also recommend using black pipe with a union for a solid connection, or flexible gas connector outside of the appliance. It's required under UMC. What's really intersting is the UMC also requires a drain leg, but no one does 'em anymore.

no drip leg?? wanna bet??

Code here states that they must be hard piped 2" out of the unit, but as long as the nut on the flex line is outside of the cabinet they haven't turned us down yet. They have only been enforcing it for a few years-- maybe 3-4. Before that they would allow Armaflex on the line to protect it. As I understand there was a fire/explosion due to a cut flex line, so they had to start enforcing the code. We try to get the customers to have it done for a fairly small charge during the annual maint. service.I will usually do it free if we installed the furnace regardless of it's age. I can personally attest to the potential danger. I had it happen on one of my units at home-- on propane no less. Luckily I had run out of propane when it happened. Larry

I's do.

And slide it right out.. ;-) Sure you do. I chatted with the Fire Marshall yesterday at coffee.. He said absolutely not. He also said someone should reread the listers instructions as there is no way that would be acceptable. Also made some snotty comments about service people from 3rd world states and countries.

I agree. I have never used flex and never will for that kind of a hook up. The thickness makes no difference in flex such as tract pipe as many newer homes are completely gas plumbed with it. I have been cutting black pipe for a few decades and have no motivation to stop now. I would be delighted to show you pictures of a real lightning strike damage on all piping and wiring. And it certainly is more then a scorch mark. Tesla in 1907 used to set up targets to attract lightning in order to try and store it for future domestic usage. He had huge targets turned to cinder. Bottom line is that flex SST is legal and there are folks going to use it. Labor costs are low. The bottom line will rule as a fast job gets you to other jobs. Ummmm/ want to buy some lightning rods. Old barns used to have to replace the incinerated cabling from time to time along with a portion of the barn. That cable is a thick as your thumb and is a braided line. Not sure of what kind of metal content, but it was a little flexible.

Gotta have-em here in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana. Its good for a dirt leg along with condensation

Slide it out, sure do. Fire marshall said what wasn't acceptable? (Flex through cabinet)