14
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 prohibited
locations for consumer piping? Consumer piping shall not be installed in any of these locations: AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f) 5.3.1 Prohibited locations
Attached to a fence
In a lift well
In a clothes chute or rubbish chute
In a fire hydrant cabinet or fire hose reel cabinet
In a fire-isolated stairway, passageway or ramp, exit-way or safe path
In a fire control room
Local building regulatory authorities may have additional restrictions for the location of
consumer piping. More information can be found in Clause 5.3 Location of consumer
piping, AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
Can consumer piping be
used to support an electrical
conductor? No. Consumer piping shall not be used to support an electrical conductor. Can consumer piping be a part
of an earth for the electrical
system? No. Consumer piping must not be used as a component of an earthing system of
any electrical installation or works. Metallic pipework needs to be segregated from
electrical and other services, and from the earth system or, where that is not possible,
electrically bonded to control touch potentials to safe levels. AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
What are the criteria for the
ventilation of concealed piping? When installing piping in wooden joists, holes and notches shall be avoided wherever
possible. Where consumer piping is laid across floor joists and cannot simply be
attached to the bottom edge of the joist, it shall be located in notches or circular holes
of the minimum practicable size, and the following shall apply:
Unless specified in the manufacturer’s instructions for the joist, holes shall be:
i. within the middle third of the depth of the joist
ii. of a diameter not exceeding 20 per cent of the joist depth or 32mm,
whichever is the lesser
iii. not more than three times the depth of the joist from a joist support. AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
5.3.5 Piping not to support
an electrical conductor
5.1.2 Prohibition of earthing
through consumer piping
5.3.12 Ventilation of
concealed piping
b) Notches shall be
i. in the bottom edge of the joist
ii. of a depth not exceeding 20 per cent of the joist depth or 32mm,
whichever is the lesser
iii. located no further than 450mm from a joist support.
Holes or notches shall not be made in cantilevered joists or joists in ceiling or roof
spaces except with the approval of a design engineer.
How should the bedding and
support of pipe in the ground be
prepared?
Consumer piping in the ground shall be bedded on a firm compacted surface along
its entire length.
Note: To satisfy this requirement, it may be necessary to trim the trench to let in the
fittings, collars or flanges to ensure the piping is evenly supported.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
5.4.2 Bedding and support
of pipe in the ground