BGE Installation Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When installing CSST in a structure, what bonding requirement must be met to comply with BGE and code requirements?
- CSST requires no bonding if the system is properly grounded
- CSST must be bonded to the electrical grounding system to prevent lightning strike damage (Correct answer)
- CSST bonding is optional for systems under 2 PSI
- Only CSST runs longer than 50 feet require bonding
Correct answer: CSST must be bonded to the electrical grounding system to prevent lightning strike damage
CSST must be bonded to the building's electrical grounding system because lightning-induced electrical surges can arc through CSST and cause leaks or fires.
Question 2: Which valve type is required as the main shutoff on a new gas service installation entering a residential building?
- Globe valve
- Ball valve or plug valve listed for gas service (Correct answer)
- Gate valve
- Check valve
Correct answer: Ball valve or plug valve listed for gas service
A ball valve or plug valve listed for gas service is required as the main shutoff because it provides a full-bore, quarter-turn shutoff that is reliable and easy to operate.
Question 3: When installing gas piping through a foundation wall, what is required at the penetration point?
- The pipe must be sealed with hydraulic cement only
- A sleeve larger than the pipe must be installed to allow for movement and sealing (Correct answer)
- No special treatment is required for foundation penetrations
- The pipe must be wrapped with electrical tape at the penetration
Correct answer: A sleeve larger than the pipe must be installed to allow for movement and sealing
A sleeve larger than the pipe must be installed at foundation penetrations to allow for building settlement and to prevent pipe stress while the annular space is sealed.
Question 4: What pressure test is typically used to verify the integrity of new gas piping before placing it in service?
- A water pressure test at 150% of operating pressure
- An air or nitrogen pressure test at 1.5 times the maximum allowable operating pressure (Correct answer)
- A visual inspection with gas flowing at normal operating pressure
- A soap bubble test at normal operating pressure only
Correct answer: An air or nitrogen pressure test at 1.5 times the maximum allowable operating pressure
New gas piping must be pressure-tested with air or inert gas (not gas) at 1.5 times the MAOP to verify integrity before being placed in service.
Question 5: When installing gas piping near electrical wiring, what minimum separation should be maintained?
- No separation required if piping is metallic
- 1 inch separation
- 3 inches separation (Correct answer)
- 6 inches separation
Correct answer: 3 inches separation
Gas piping should maintain a minimum 3-inch separation from electrical wiring to prevent arcing and reduce fire risk.
Question 6: Which of the following is the correct method for joining polyethylene gas pipe?
- Threaded fittings only
- Butt fusion, socket fusion, or electrofusion fittings (Correct answer)
- Solvent cement bonding
- Compression fittings designed for water service
Correct answer: Butt fusion, socket fusion, or electrofusion fittings
Polyethylene gas pipe must be joined using heat fusion methods (butt, socket, or electrofusion) or mechanical fittings specifically listed for gas service PE pipe.
Question 7: When must a gas service line be electrically isolated from the customer's interior piping system?
- Never — continuous metallic contact is required for cathodic protection
- When the service line is cathodically protected, an isolating fitting must be installed at the meter (Correct answer)
- Only when the customer has solar panels installed
- Only for commercial buildings over 10,000 square feet
Correct answer: When the service line is cathodically protected, an isolating fitting must be installed at the meter
An isolating fitting (dielectric union) is installed at the meter to electrically separate the cathodically protected service line from the unprotected interior piping.
BGE Installation Techniques 3
When installing CSST in a structure, what bonding requirement must be met to comply with BGE and code requirements?