1. (a)

   1. (1) Underground containers shall be coated or protected to minimize corrosion.
   2. (2) Any damage to the coating shall be repaired before backfilling.

   3. (3) Containers shall be:

      1. (A) Set level; and
      2. (B) Surrounded by earth or sand firmly tamped in place.
   4. (4) Backfill shall be free of rocks and abrasives.
   5. (5) The container shall be so lowered into place as to prevent abrasion or other damage to the container or coating.
   6. (6) Cathodic protection shall be provided for the container.
   7. (7) Underground containers that have been removed from the ground shall not be reinstalled until they have been thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and approved by a representative of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board.
   8. (8) All underground containers that have been installed for a period of one (1) year or longer and are removed from the ground to be reinstalled shall be equipped with a new regulator.
   9. (9) The reinstallation of any underground butane container that has been removed from the ground for resale, change of user or ownership is prohibited.

   10. (10) Underground containers constructed for a safe working pressure of two hundred pounds per square inch (200 psi) or two hundred fifty pounds per square inch (250 psi) may be removed from the ground and reinstalled aboveground provided:

       1. (A) The container has been thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and approved for reinstallation by a representative of the board;
       2. (B) The standpipe is reduced to a length not in excess of eight inches (8”) and properly threaded;
       3. (C) The container is equipped with the necessary safety relief valves to meet the current requirements of the National Fire Protection Association for aboveground containers;
       4. (D)

2. (i) Each container shall be installed on adequate supports or saddles.

   1. (ii) The attachment of any fitting or other connection to the container by the use of a welding process shall be performed by a welder approved by a representative of the board.

      1. (iii) Approval for the attachment of any fitting or connection under this process shall be obtained prior to welding.

         1. (iv) After welding, each fitting or connection shall be adequately tested for any leakage.

3. (b)

   1. (1) Aboveground containers shall be painted at the time of installation with a light reflecting color equivalent to white or aluminum paint and shall be maintained in good condition.
   2. (2) Combustible material shall not be allowed to accumulate near the container.

   3. (3) Aboveground containers shall not be installed underground, nor shall they be covered with any type material.

      1. (c)

   4. (1)

      1. (A) ASME container assemblies listed for underground installation, including interchangeable aboveground-underground container assemblies may be installed underground as follows:

         1. (i)

4. (a) (a) The container shell shall be placed at least six inches (6”) below grade unless the container might be subject to abrasive action or physical damage from vehicular traffic within a:

   1. (1) (1) Parking lot area;
   2. (2) (2) Driveway; or
   3. (3) (3) Similar area.

5. (b) (b) In this case, a non-interchangeable underground container shall be used and the container shell placed at least eighteen inches (18”) below grade or equivalent protection shall be otherwise provided, such as the use of a concrete slab to prevent imposing the weight of a vehicle directly on the container shell.

   1. (c) (c) Protection of the fitting housing, housing cover, tank connections, and piping shall be provided to protect against vehicular damage;

      1. (ii) Where containers are installed underground within ten feet (10’), three meters (3 m.) where vehicular traffic may be reasonably expected, such as driveways and streets or within a utility easement subject to vehicular traffic, protection of the fitting housing, housing cover, tank connections, and piping shall be provided to protect against vehicular damage;

         1. (iii) Approved interchangeable aboveground-underground container assemblies installed underground shall not be placed with the container shell more than twelve inches (12”) below grade;
         2. (iv)
6. (a) (a) The portion of the container to which the fitting cover or other connections are attached need not be covered.

7. (b) (b) The discharge of the regulator vent shall be above the highest probable water level;

   1. (v)
8. (a) (a) Containers shall be protected against corrosion for the soil conditions at the container site by a method in accordance with good engineering practice.

9. (b) (b) Precaution shall be taken to prevent damage to the coating during handling.

   1. (c) (c) Any damage to the coating shall be repaired before backfilling; and

      1. (vi)
10. (a) (a) Containers shall be set substantially level on a firm foundation (firm earth may be used) and surrounded by earth or sand firmly tamped in place.

11. (b) (b) Backfill shall be free of rocks or similar abrasives.

    1. (B) Language adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.4.5.

       1. (C) Language adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.2.3.
       2. (D) Language adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.2.1.
       3. (E) Language adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.3.

    2. (2)

       1. (A) Underground piping systems shall be installed with at least eighteen inches (18”) of cover.

       2. (B)

          1. (i) The cover may be reduced to twelve inches (12”) if external damage to the pipe is not likely to result.
          2. (ii) If a minimum of twelve inches (12”) of cover cannot be maintained, the pipe shall be installed in conduit or bridged (shielded).
       3. (C) The pipe shall be graded at least one inch (1”) in ten feet (10’) and a drip shall be provided at any point in the line of pipe where condensation may collect.
       4. (D) All drips shall be installed only in such location that they will be readily accessible to permit cleaning or emptying.

       5. (E) All piping under houses shall be:

          1. (i) Graded at least two inches (2”) in ten feet (10’) with proper drips at low points where condensate may collect; and
          2. (ii) Supported with hangers as outlined in subsection (dd) of this section.
          3. (d)
    3. (1) The use of an aboveground butane container to supply vapor directly to a gas consuming appliance without use of a vaporizer or some other means of artificially vaporizing the liquid to vapor form is prohibited.
    4. (2) A pressure reducing regulator of either high or low pressure type shall be installed at the service line outlet on all aboveground and underground type installations.
    5. (3) No gas in the vapor phase at tank pressure shall be permitted in the system piping.

12. (e)

    1. (1) The piping between the container and the several service openings shall not be less in size than that recommended in Tables No. 1 and 2 of this part.
    2. (2) Underground piping shall in no case be less than one-half inch (1/2”) in diameter.

13. (f)

    1. (1) The installation of a system for use with liquefied petroleum gas at a public building or structure such as a school, church, hospital, theater, motel, rest home, but not limited to, shall be examined and tested under an air pressure of not less than twenty-five pounds per square inch gauge (25 psig) for a period of time commensurate or proportionate to the size and length of the piping, but in no case shall the test be for a period of less than thirty (30) minutes.
    2. (2) The test shall be witnessed by the owner, user, or representative thereof.
    3. (3) A report of installation on an approved type form, obtainable from the board, shall be completed at the time of installation, and forwarded to the board by the dealer on the same date, separate and apart from any and all other reports that may be required.
    4. (4) Upon receipt of the report of installation, a representative of the board shall, within a period of time not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) days, make an inspection of the installation to determine that the container, visible piping, and appliances are properly installed.
    5. (5) Any extension, change, or alteration in the system shall be performed in accordance with the above procedure.

14. (g)

    1. (1) No piping may be buried under public buildings, such as schools, churches, hospitals, theaters, motels, and rest homes, but not limited to.
    2. (2) All piping shall be installed aboveground and shall be supported with hangers as outlined in subsection (dd) of this section.

    3. (3) Exception.

       1. (A) Piping from the container to the building shall be installed underground.
       2. (B) When it is not practical to install piping below ground, adequate protection suitable to the board shall be provided where installed aboveground.

15. (h)

    1. (1) DOT cylinders (commonly called bottles) shall not be buried underground.

    2. (2)

       1. (A) Containers shall be set upon firm foundations or otherwise firmly secured.
       2. (B) The possible effect on outlet piping from settling of the container shall be guarded against by a flexible connection or special fitting. (3)(A) Valves in the assembly of multiple container systems shall be arranged so that replacement of containers can be made without shutting off the flow of gas in the system.
       3. (B) Note. This provision is not to be construed as requiring an automatic change-over device.
    3. (4) Container valves and pressure regulating equipment shall be protected against tampering when installed for use.

    4. (5) Valves and connections to the containers shall be protected while in transit, in storage, and while being moved into final utilization, as follows:

       1. (A) By setting into recess of container to prevent possibility of their being struck if container is dropped upon a flat surface; or

       2. (B)

          1. (i) By ventilated cap or collar, fastened to container, capable of withstanding blow from any direction equivalent to that of a thirty-pound weight dropped four feet (4’).
          2. (ii) Construction must be such that a blow will not be transmitted to valve or other connection.

    5. (6) Language adopted by reference NFPA 58 6.4.4.3.

       1. (i) When containers, regardless of type or size, are not connected to the system, the outlet valves shall be kept closed tight or plugged, even though containers are considered empty.

16. (j)

    1. (1) All piping where subject to tank pressure shall be at least extra heavy (Schedule 80) to the first hand shutoff valve.
    2. (2) All other piping subject to tank pressure shall be at least extra heavy (Schedule 80) if joints are threaded or threaded and back welded.
    3. (3) At least single strength (Schedule 40) shall be used if joints are welded and flanged.

17. (k)

    1. (1) Piping covered in this part shall be:

       1. (A) Wrought iron;
       2. (B) Steel (either black or galvanized);
       3. (C) Brass or copper pipe;
       4. (D) Polyethylene (PE) plastic pipe and tubing, see subdivision (k)(5) of this subsection; or
       5. (E) Seamless copper or other approved nonferrous metal tubing.
    2. (2) All iron or steel pipe shall be Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 pipe.
    3. (3) Copper tubing may be either grade K or L.
    4. (4) The use of conduit pipe is prohibited.

    5. (5) Plastic (PE) pipe or tubing fabricated in compliance with and meeting the requirements for ASTM D2513, specifications for thermoplastic gas pressure pipe, tubing, and fittings may be used for outside piping, underground only within the following limitations:

       1. (A) Plastic pipe, tubing, and fittings shall be used to distribute liquefied petroleum gas in the vapor state only, at a pressure not to exceed twenty pounds per square inch gauge (20 psig);
       2. (B) No portion of the pipe, tubing, or fittings shall extend or be exposed aboveground, but shall be installed not less than twelve inches (12”) belowground;
       3. (C) The installation or use of any plastic pipe, tubing, or fitting beneath any type building or structure is prohibited;

       4. (D)

          1. (i) Heat-fusion or mechanical joints shall be used when joining plastic (PE):
18. (a) (a) Pipe;

19. (b) (b) Tubing; or

    1. (c) (c) Fitting.

       1. (ii) All fittings and attachments shall be of the permanent (onetime use only) type;
       2. (E) Heat-fusion joints shall be made in accordance with qualified procedures which have been established and proven by test to produce gas-tight joints at least as strong as the pipe or tubing joined;

       3. (F)

          1. (i) When compression type mechanical joints are used, the gasket material in the fitting shall be compatible with the plastic piping and the gas distributed.
          2. (ii) An internal tubular rigid stiffener shall be used in conjunction with the fitting, and the stiffener shall be flush with the end of the pipe or tubing and extend at least to the outside end of the compression fitting when installed.
          3. (iii) The stiffener shall be free of rough or sharp edges and shall not be a force fit in the plastic.
          4. (iv) A split tubular stiffener shall not be used;

       4. (G)

          1. (i) The installation shall be performed in such a manner as to eliminate any undue stresses resulting from thermal contraction.
          2. (ii) All joints, attachments, and fittings shall be designed and installed to effectively resist or sustain the longitudinal pull-out forces resulting from thermal change in the piping or by external loading; and

       5. (H)

          1. (i) Plastic pipe shall be provided with an electrically continuous corrosion resistant tracer wire, minimum fourteen American Wire Gauge (14 AWG) or tape buried with the plastic pipe to facilitate locating.
          2. (ii) One (1) end shall be brought aboveground at a building or riser.
          3. (l)
    2. (1) Iron or steel pipe shall not be bent or rolled.

    3. (2) Where a change in directions is necessary, proper fittings shall be used.

       1. (m) Screw fittings for use with wrought iron or steel pipe shall:
    4. (1) Be either malleable iron or steel fittings; and
    5. (2) Have a working pressure of not less than three hundred pounds per square inch gauge (300 psig) (WOG).

20. (n)

    1. (1) Pipe joints may be screwed, flanged, or welded.

    2. (2) Joints in copper or other nonferrous tubing shall be any of the following types:

       1. (A) Flare;
       2. (B) Compression;
       3. (C) Soldered;
       4. (D) Sweated; or
       5. (E) Welded.
    3. (3) An air pressure test of not less than twenty-five pounds per square inch gauge (25 psig) shall be applied to these connections for a period of not less than thirty (30) minutes.

21. (o)

    1. (1) Valves used with liquefied petroleum gas piping shall be of an approved type suitable for use with liquefied petroleum gas.
    2. (2) Valve seat material, packing, gaskets, etc., shall be of a type resistant to the action of liquefied petroleum gases in the liquid phase.
    3. (3) Every valve or gas cock shall be readily accessible for operation or repair.

22. (p) Gas appliances burning not more than ninety cubic feet (90 ft³) per hour may be connected with seamless metal tubing connectors meeting the following requirements:

    1. (1) End fittings shall be screw type or union type, permanently attached at the factory;
    2. (2) The method of attaching such tubing connectors to the house piping and the gas appliances shall not depend upon separate ferrules, washers, gaskets, or other detachable parts for gas tightness, nor shall such separate parts be used to establish and maintain the methods of seal provided within the connector and fittings; and
    3. (3) The overall length of such connectors shall not exceed six feet (6’).

23. (q)

    1. (1) After new piping is installed, all outlets shall be capped and tested at a pressure of not less than twenty-five pounds per square inch (25 psi) air pressure for a period of not less than thirty (30) minutes.
    2. (2) There shall be no loss of pressure during this test.

    3. (3)

       1. (A) When an interruption of service occurs because of an addition to the piping system, or an existing system has been repaired or replaced, all additions, repaired, or replaced piping shall be tested at a pressure of not less than twenty-five pounds per square inch (25 psi) air pressure for a period of not less than thirty (30) minutes.
       2. (B) There shall be no loss of pressure during this test.

    4. (4)

       1. (A) A manometer, pressure gauge, or equivalent test shall be performed on an existing installation:

          1. (i) Whenever there is an interruption of service caused by an out of gas situation; or
          2. (ii) If the dealer is servicing the system for the first time.

       2. (B)

          1. (i) Also, if servicing the system for the first time, the dealer shall do a visible systems check to ensure the gas system is installed correctly.
          2. (ii) This shall be done before placing the system in service.
       3. (C) Interruption of service means systems which require repair, replacement, or addition to the piping system as well as out of gas systems.

       4. (D)

          1. (i)
24. (a) (a) Existing installations in a single-family dwelling or small commercial building shall be tested between a minimum of eighty-five percent (85%) and a maximum of ninety-five percent (95%) of the operating pressure of the system at the location of the test.

25. (b) (b) No gain or loss in pressure shall occur during this test for a period of three (3) minutes.

    1. (ii)
26. (a) (a) Existing installations in a larger piping application shall be tested between a minimum of eighty-five percent (85%) and a maximum of ninety-five percent (95%) of the operating pressure of the system at the location of the test.

27. (b) (b) The duration of the test shall be not less than thirty (30) minutes for each five hundred cubic feet (500 ft³) of pipe volume or fraction thereof.

    1. (c) (c) No gain or loss in pressure shall occur during this test.

       1. (E)

          1. (i) An alternative test method may be used for systems serving appliances that receive gas at pressures of one-half pounds per square inch gauge (1/2 psig) or less, by:
28. (a) (a) Inserting a water manometer or pressure gauge into the system downstream of the final system regulator;

29. (b) (b) Pressurizing the system with either fuel gas or air to a test pressure of 9 inches + or - V2 inches w.c.; and

    1. (c) (c) Observing the device for a pressure change.

       1. (ii) If fuel gas is used as a pressure source, it is necessary to pressurize the system to full operating pressure, close the container service valve, and then release enough gas from the system through a range burner valve or other suitable means to drop the system pressure to 9 inches + or - V2 inches w.c.

          1. (iii) This ensures that:
30. (a) (a) All regulators in the system are unlocked; and

31. (b) (b) A leak anywhere in the system is communicated to the gauging device.

    1. (iv) No gain or loss of pressure shall occur during this test for a period of three (3) minutes.

       1. (v) For larger piping systems, the duration of the test shall not be less than thirty (30) minutes for each five hundred cubic feet (500 ft³) of pipe volume or fraction thereof.

          1. (vi) No gain or loss in pressure shall occur during this test.
       2. (F) There shall be no gain or loss of pressure during these tests.
    2. (5) If a pressure gain or loss is noted in any of the above test procedures, the source of the leak must be determined and repaired immediately before the system can be placed in operation.

32. (r)

    1. (1) A second test shall then be applied after gas cocks and appliances have been connected.

    2. (2) This test shall be:

       1. (A) Made by filling the lines with gas at operating pressure; and
       2. (B) Held long enough to prove all connections free from leaks by the use of a soapy water test at all connections.
    3. (3) This test shall include the connections at the regulator and service line valve.

    4. (4)

       1. (A) The piping system shall withstand the test pressure specified without showing any evidence of leakage or other defects.
       2. (B) Any reduction of test pressures as indicated by pressure gauge shall be deemed to indicate the presence of a leak unless such reduction can be readily attributed to some other cause.

    5. (5)

       1. (A) The leakage shall be located by means of an approved combustible gas detector, soap and water, or equivalent nonflammable solution, as applicable.
       2. (B) Caution. Since some leak test solutions, including soap and water, may cause corrosion or stress cracking, the piping shall be rinsed with water after testing, unless it has been determined the leak test solution is noncorrosive.
    6. (6) When leakage or other defects are located, the affected portion of the piping system shall be repaired or replaced and retested.

    7. (7)

       1. (A) Before gas is introduced into a system of new gas piping, or back into an existing system after being shut off for repair, the entire system shall be checked to determine that:

          1. (i) There are no open fittings or ends;
          2. (ii) All manual valves at outlets on equipment are closed; and
          3. (iii) All unused valves at outlets are closed and plugged or capped.

       2. (B)

          1. (i) Immediately after turning on the gas, the piping system shall be checked to ascertain that no gas is escaping.
          2. (ii) If leakage is indicated, the gas supply shall be shut off until the necessary repairs have been made.

    8. (8)

       1. (A) Dealers shall then forward to the board, on an approved type form not later than the fifteenth of each month, a report of installation covering each container and system installed and/or tested during the preceding month.
       2. (B) Additionally, the dealer shall provide the customer with a copy of the report for installation.

33. (s)

    1. (1) In searching for leaks, soap suds, peppermint, or other approved methods shall be used.
    2. (2) The use of a flame for searching leaks is prohibited.
34. (t) The pressure gauge used for testing the piping shall be graduated at intervals not exceeding two pounds (2 lbs.), with a maximum overall graduation of not more than zero pounds (0 lb.) to sixty pounds (60 lbs.).

35. (u) Layout of piping shall be:

    1. (1) In such manner as to ensure its being run as directly as possible; and

    2. (2) Shall be installed in a safe manner and in conformity with generally accepted liquefied petroleum gas piping practice.

       1. (v) All piping installation shall have provisions for expansion, contraction, vibration, and for settling to ensure that the system remains gas tight.

36. (w)

    1. (1) No piping should be run or concealed in walls, partitions, etc.
    2. (2) However, where the construction details of a building or structure render this impractical, approval may be granted, providing the piping has been tested under an air pressure of not less than twenty-five pounds per square inch gauge (25 psig) for a period of not less than thirty (30) minutes.
    3. (3) The test must be witnessed by the owner or user or a representative thereof, and a report of installation forwarded in accordance with 15 CAR § 270-110.
    4. (4) All piping must be wrought iron or steel (either black or galvanized).
    5. (5) The use of brass or copper pipe or seamless copper or other nonferrous metal tubing is prohibited unless installed in approved type wrought iron or steel pipe chases or metal conduit.

    6. (6)

       1. (A) In the event an addition to the unit is made after the initial test or any alteration added, it shall be tested in compliance with this requirement.

       2. (B)

          1. (i) When installing gas piping that is to be concealed unions, tubing fittings, running threads, right and left couplings, bushings, swing joints, and compression couplings made by combinations of fittings shall not be used.
          2. (ii) Exception number one.
37. (a) (a) Tubing joints shall either be made with approved gas tubing fittings or be brazed with a material having a melting point in excess of one thousand degrees Fahrenheit (1,000° F), five hundred thirty-eight degrees Celsius (538° C).

38. (b) (b) Brazing alloys shall not contain more than five hundredths percent (.05%) phosphorus.

    1. (iii) Exception number two. Fittings listed for use in concealed spaces that have been demonstrated to sustain, without leakage, any forces due to temperature expansion or contraction, vibration, or fatigue based on their geographic location, application, or operation shall be permitted to be used.

       1. (x)
    2. (1) No piping or tubing for use with liquefied petroleum gases shall be installed in concrete, and where installed below concrete floors (prohibited for public buildings, see subsection (g) of this section) there shall be a minimum covering of six inches (6”) of sand or earth between the top of the piping and the bottom of the concrete.
    3. (2) It is recommended where piping is installed below concrete floors, that it be adequately painted or wrapped as a preventative against corrosion.
39. (y) Where a riser or piping enters a room through a concrete floor, it shall enter through a metal or other type conduit slightly larger in diameter than the piping itself, or the piping shall be painted and wrapped with a soft, resilient material of not less than one-eighth inch (1/8”) in thickness where in contact with the concrete.
40. (z) No piping shall be installed across any floor where subject to being molested or stepped on, but shall be run along, and adequately supported to, wall baseboard near floor level.

41. (aa)

    1. (1) All pipe and fittings to be welded must be of the weldable type.
    2. (2) The welding or brazing of any malleable fitting is prohibited.

42. (bb) The welding of any liquefied petroleum gas pipe or fitting shall be performed by:

    1. (1) A certified welder; or

    2. (2) One approved by a representative of the board.

       1. (cc) The use of aluminum tubing in exterior locations, or where it is in contact with masonry or plaster walls or insulation, is prohibited.

          1. (dd) Horizontal runs of piping shall be supported by hangers in accordance with the following tables: SIZE OF PIPE SPACING OF SUPPORTS 1/2 inch and smaller 6 feet 3/4 inch to 1 inch 8 feet 1 1/4 inch and larger 10 feet
43. (ee) Branch lines shall be installed so as to come out of side or top of running lines, and not from the bottom.

44. (ff)

    1. (1) Where risers are placed outside of building walls, they shall:

       1. (A) Not be more than four inches (4”) from such wall, unless protected by a substantial post to prevent mechanical injury; and
       2. (B) Be insulated where butane or butane-propane mixture is used.
    2. (2) No insulation is required where straight propane is used.
    3. (3) The piping shall be coated with two (2) coats of asphalt base paint, or other type inhibitor or preservative prior to applying the insulation.
45. (gg) No person, firm, or corporation shall connect a liquefied petroleum gas container to any piping installation without having first determined that all visible piping of such installation complies with the rules of the board as contained in the latest edition of the State Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code relative to liquefied petroleum gas piping.

46. (hh) Liquid petroleum containers out of service.

    1. (1) When the board receives a complaint concerning an out-of-service container, the board or its director will notify the permit holder that it must retrieve the container and corresponding equipment within thirty (30) days from initial receipt of notification.
    2. (2) Notification will be made by phone and both regular and certified United States Postal Service mail.
    3. (3) Permit holders who fail to retrieve the container and equipment within thirty (30) days of receipt of notification will be fined fifty dollars ($50.00) per day for each day beyond the thirty-day period, until the container and equipment are retrieved and may be subject to injunctive action to have the container and equipment removed.

Codification Notes: “ASME” means American Society of Mechanical Engineers. "w.c." means water column. "WOG" means water, oil, and gas.