The products most commonly seen are Flashshield from Gastite and CounterStrike from Omega Flex. Both pipes are black and are clearly labeled.

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1 When reporting and using NCHILB recommended language for CSST bonding, please keep in mind that there are several new products that have arc-resistant jackets and are not required to be bonded with an additional bonding jumper. The products have been used since 2013, but not specifically approved by NC Gas Code until 2016 The products most commonly seen are Flashshield from Gastite and CounterStrike from Omega Flex. Both pipes are black and are clearly labeled NC Fuel Gas Code Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) , Chapter 8 CSST CSST. Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) gas piping systems shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system at the point where the gas service enters the building. The bonding jumper shall be not smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent. CSST with an arc-resistant jacket listed by an approved agency for installation without the direct bonding, as prescribed in this section, shall be installed in accordance with Section and the manufacturer s installation instructions. In the field both products are black and clearly labeled. There are a few installation details that we should be looking at. Note the inspection points listed in each section. Page 1 of 7

2 FLASHSHIELD by Gastite Great video to understand how this product works In the field the installer uses a special cutter for the jacket, this is a nice video to help you understand what mistakes could be made. Page 2 of 7

3 The flashshield protect has a large label every few inches, it is black and appears almost smooth at the surface, not aligned with the corrugated highs and lows of the CSST. Unlike Counter Strike and yellow CSST, when the fittings are installed the stainless steel jack nor the corrugated tubing is visible. Pipe dope or sealant must not be used inside the fitting prior to assembly. The use of FlashShield fittings in combination with Gastite yellow tubing is an acceptable practice, however, additional bonding of the CSST yellow tubing would need to be reviewed. Note: The outer jacket must be carefully cut to avoid cutting through the aluminum shield during this outer jacket cut. The installer has a special tool to ensure proper cuts. Cutting through the aluminum shield below the point of the outer jacket cut/strip will reduce the effectiveness of the fitting-to shield electrical continuity, and FlashShield s electrical performance. FlashShield: Page 3 of 7

4 I. Support and good workmanship for the installation are still big inspection points. Typical items that should be avoided: 1. Sharp bends 2. Twists 3. Twists II. One Note is that J Hooks may not be used as they may damage the FlashShield CSST. III. Zip ties/cable ties are not to be used as a primary support but may be used to organize or bundle FlashShield IV. The gas line must be rigidly terminated for use of the proper fitting with brackets or fitted onto rigid as piping. J-hooks not allowed Page 4 of 7

5 Trac Pipe CounterStrike by Omega Flex Content/WWW/CMS/files/OmegaFlex_FGP622_12_14.pdf AutoSnapdf.pdf Note that TracPipe CounterStrike pipe is black, standard TracPipe is yellow. Page 5 of 7

6 DO NOT USE CounterStrike TUBING OR FITTINGS WITH TUBING OR FITTINGS OF ANY OTHER MANUFACTURER. INTERMIXING OF CSST TUBING OR FITTING COMPONENTS BETWEEN CSST MANUFACTURERS IS PROHIBITED. CONNECTIONS BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT BRANDS OF CSST MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED USING STANDARD MALLEABLE IRON FITTINGS. WARNING: Do not use pipe sealants on any part of these fittings except the NPT threads DO NOT use CounterStrike to connect gas log lighters or gas wands for use in all-fuel (woodburning) fireplaces. Undue stress or strain on the tubing or fittings is to be avoided. Bending flexible gas piping is one feature which contributes to the speed of installation. The recommended bend radius for general routing of tubing is listed in Table: 4-1. Multiple tight bends can restrict the gas flow and increase pressure drop. The tightest bend allowed for each size of CounterStrike is shown in Table: 4-1. Page 6 of 7

7 Piping shall be supported in a workmanlike manner with pipe straps, bands, brackets or hangers suitable for the size and weight of the piping. CounterStrike which passes over or through a structural member is considered to be supported by that member. Spacing of supports is not to exceed 10 feet, requiring hangers only where the height of each floor is greater than 10 feet. Spacing of supports Hangers, supports and anchors- Piping shall be supported at intervals not to exceed those shown in Table: 4-2. The CounterStrike jacket is resistant to UV and is able to withstand exposure to long periods of sunlight. ANSI/IAS LCI-CSA 6-26 contains test requirements determining suitability for exposure of CSST piping systems to outdoor environments. CounterStrike is certified to this standard and is fully qualified for outdoor installations. 1. When installed outdoors, the plastic jacketing shall remain intact as much as practical for the given installation. Any portions of exposed stainless steel shall be wrapped with self bonding silicone tape sealing the fitting connection to prevent later corrosive attack by acid wash or chloride based compounds. Page 7 of 7