BGE Installation Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When installing an underground gas service line, what is the minimum depth requirement for burial in BGE territory?
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
- 24 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
Correct answer: 24 inches
Underground gas service lines must be buried at a minimum depth of 24 inches to protect against damage from surface activities.
Question 2: Which type of pipe joint is NOT acceptable for use in natural gas distribution systems?
- Butt-welded joints
- Threaded compression fittings
- Soldered or brazed joints (Correct answer)
- Mechanical couplings listed for gas service
Correct answer: Soldered or brazed joints
Soldered or brazed joints are not acceptable for gas piping because they lack sufficient strength and leak resistance for gas distribution pressures.
Question 3: When installing a gas meter at a residential property, what clearance must be maintained from an electrical meter?
- 1 foot
- 2 feet
- 3 feet (Correct answer)
- 5 feet
Correct answer: 3 feet
Gas meters must be installed at least 3 feet from electrical meters to reduce ignition risk in the event of a gas leak.
Question 4: What is the correct procedure when installing a new gas appliance connector?
- Reuse the existing connector if it appears undamaged
- Always install a new listed connector and never reuse old connectors (Correct answer)
- Test the old connector with soap solution before reusing
- Reuse connectors less than 5 years old
Correct answer: Always install a new listed connector and never reuse old connectors
Gas appliance connectors must always be replaced with new listed connectors during appliance installation; reusing old connectors is prohibited.
Question 5: Which material is approved for use as above-ground gas piping inside a residential structure?
- PVC pipe
- Polyethylene (PE) pipe
- CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) (Correct answer)
- PEX tubing
Correct answer: CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing)
CSST is an approved material for above-ground interior gas piping and is flexible enough for use in residential installations.
Question 6: When backfilling a trench containing a new gas service line, what must be done first?
- Install warning tape 12 inches above the pipe
- Compact the native soil directly around the pipe
- Pressure test and inspect the line before backfilling (Correct answer)
- Pour concrete encasement around the pipe
Correct answer: Pressure test and inspect the line before backfilling
A pressure test and inspection must be completed and passed before any trench containing gas piping is backfilled.
Question 7: What is the purpose of installing a drip leg (sediment trap) on a gas appliance supply line?
- To regulate gas pressure to the appliance
- To collect moisture and debris before they enter the appliance (Correct answer)
- To act as an emergency shutoff valve
- To measure gas flow rate to the appliance
Correct answer: To collect moisture and debris before they enter the appliance
A drip leg collects condensation and pipe debris before they can enter and damage appliance controls or burners.
BGE Installation Techniques 2
When installing an underground gas service line, what is the minimum depth requirement for burial in BGE territory?