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Gas Q & A
Your gas questions answered !
Compiled by ESV ’ s Gas Installations and Appliance Safety team .
As per previous issues of Energysafe , we are pleased to provide answers for a varied range of frequently asked questions received on ESV ’ s Gas Technical Helpline , 1800 652 563 .
Note The technical regulator may require notification before work commences and confirmation that completed work is in accordance with this Standard ( AS 5601 : 2013 ) and any other relevant requirements .
MULTILAYER-COMPOSITE PIPE Question Answer Clause
What are the limiting conditions on multi-layer / composite piping ?
Ensure compliance with any instructions or warnings in accordance with the manufacturer ’ s instructions . PE / AL / PE and PE-X / AL / PE not to be used for applications where the operating temperature exceeds 60 ° C . PE-X / AL / PE-X not to be used for applications where the operating temperature exceeds 80 ° C . To be protected from UV degradation .
AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 4.2 Materials for consumer piping Table 4.1
What fittings can be used with multi-layer / composite piping ?
Fittings need to comply with AS 4176.8 ( ISO 17484 ), and have the same temperature limitations as for piping . Fittings are not permitted in the ground beneath a building .
AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 4.2 Materials for consumer piping Table 4.1
How should multi-layer / composite piping be stored and handled ?
Multi-layer / composite pipes need to be protected from direct sunlight ( UV ) or any other deteriorating effects . Storage , unloading , hauling , handling and installing of this pipe shall be carried out with care to avoid damage to the pipe or to any protective coating . Precautions need to be taken to prevent dirt or other foreign matter from entering the pipe during installation .
AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 5.1.4 Storage and handling of pipe 5.1.5 Condition of pipe during installation
Is multi-layer / composite piping allowed to be installed underground or embedded in a concrete wall or floor ?
Yes . Multi-layer / composite piping can be installed in the ground beneath a building or embedded in a concrete wall or floor so long as the pipe is without joints .
AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 5.3.11 Piping in the ground beneath a building 5.3.13 Piping embedded in concrete
Is multi-layer / composite piping allowed to be used in steel framed buildings ?
Where copper or multi-layer piping passes through a steel frame , it must be protected to prevent abrasion of the pipe and any pipe coating or contact between dissimilar metals .
AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 5.3.16 Piping in steel framed buildings
What precautions do you need to take when installing multilayer / composite piping in above ground situations ?
Are you allowed to connect appliances directly to multilayer / composite piping and plastic coated semi-rigid stainless steel piping ?
Why are you required to incorporate reversion fittings with multi-layer / composite piping installations ?
When installing multi-layer / composite piping above ground you must protect the piping from degradation from exposure to ultraviolet light and physical damage where this is likely to occur . If the protection you use conceals the pipe , the requirements of Clause 5.1.12 Marking , shall be satisfied by the markings being applied to the protection . Typical means of protection includes sleeving or wrapping with a suitable protective material . Refer to supplier for advice and evidence of resistance to ultraviolet light .
No . Multi-layer piping and plastic coated semi-rigid stainless steel piping shall not be used as the final connection to an appliance . Final connections to appliances shall be made using copper tube , steel pipe or a certified hose assembly unless , in the case of plastic coated semi-rigid stainless steel piping , it forms part of a certified hose assembly or limited flexibility connector .
Reversion fittings are required to protect the consumer / end user from difficulties that may arise from non-availability of the proprietary system in the future .
AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 5.3.17 Protection of multilayer piping 5.1.12 Marking
AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 4.2 Materials for consumer piping Table 4.1 6.6.1 Restriction on appliance connection
AS / NZS 5601.1:2013 5.2.13 Proprietary multilayer piping