PROTECTION
STRIKER PROTECTION
Concealed VectorFlex™ gas lines should be run in areas that will not expose it to physical damage or installed in areas where the tubing will be free to move to avoid damage from puncture threats. The tube can be considered free to move when there is at least the tube’s outside diameter of clearance on all sides of the tubing. VectorFlex installed in locations where it could be damaged by physical forces, shall be protected against such damage. The tubing shall be protected at points of support and when passing through structural members such as studs, joists and plates. When all three conditions listed below exist, mechanical strike protection must be used.
[Fig. 4.25]
[Fig. 4.25]
[Fig. 4.26]
[Fig. 4.27]
[Fig. 4.28]
[Fig. 4.29]
- 1)
- Concealed – Tubing is not visible because of walls, and structural members.
- 2)
- Constrained – Tubing is not free to move
- 2)
- Within 2-3 inches of a potential threat – Tubing is run in locations which are within 3 inches of drills, screws, or nails, or other sharp or physical damaging objects.
For CSST which meets all three of the conditions above, the required method for protecting the tubing is hardened steel striker plates listed for use with corrugated stainless steel gas distribution tubing systems. Striker plates are used at all points of penetration through studs, joists, plates or similar structures. Striker plates other than those provided or specified by Easyflex® are not allowed for use. Protection shall be installed as follows:
- a)
- At concealed support points and points of penetration less than 2 inches from any edge of a stud, joist, plate, etc., use half striker plate at the point where the tubing is supported to provide coverage for 5 inches from that point in one or both directions
- b)
- At concealed support points and points of penetration 2 to 3 inches from any edge of a stud, joist plate, etc., listed ¼ striker plates are required to provide protection throughout the area of penetration.
[Fig. 4.31]
[Fig. 4.32]
- c)
- At points of penetration greater than 3 inches from any edge of stud, joist, plate, etc., protection is not required.
- d)
- Tubing run horizontally through structural members shall be protected from puncture threats with shielding material. At penetration points, listed plates of the appropriate size must be installed. Tubing run between studs or other surfaces that prevent the tubing from moving and that are less than 24 inches apart require full striker plates and must be additionally protected by Steel Conduit.
- e)
- VectorFlex gas tubing greater than 1 inch (25.4mm) inside diameter installed within hollow cavity walls of 2 x 4 construction shall be protected with steel conduit along the entire concealed length in the manner.
- f)
- The width of installed striker plates, at the points of penetration through wall studs, floor joist, plates, sills, etc., shall be at least 1.5 times the outside diameter of the tubing.
- g)
- When installed inside insulated exterior walls, tubing shall be run between the face of the insulation and the interior wall surface. When rigid insulation is used, enough space must be provided for movement of the tubing or heavy wall conduit must run over the length of the tubing that cannot move.
- h)
- When multiple runs are located between the same two studs, a 6” x 17” panel type striker plate may be used as an alternative to individual striker plates attached to each tubing run.
- i)
- When installed inside insulated exterior walls, tubing shall be run between the face of the insulation and the interior wall surface. When rigid insulation is used, enough space must be provided for movement of the tubing or heavy wall conduit must run over the length of the tubing that cannot move.
STEEL CONDUIT
At termination points not covered by the ANSI standard flexible steel conduit (with a thick wall) shall be installed as additional protection. Easyflex requires a minimum of six inches of conduit. Flexible Steel conduit should not be used in place of hardened steel striker plates when passing through structural members.
[Fig. 4.33]
[Fig. 4.34]
