Bonding CSST

[thammel]

I see a lot about the need to bond or ground CSST. I have some that extends my black pipe to the garage. It's all exposed. And it's connected directly to the black pipe system that is grounded. So why would I need to add another ground to the CSST?

Comments?
Tom

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Because it will still burn holes in the grooves in the event of a lightning strike.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

You need to find the manufacture's current instructions for your product an insure that your installation complies with that book. If you do a google search, you should be able to find a pdf version of it online.

My guess is you'll find a description on bonding that will inform you what size bonding wire you need, where to route it and how to attach it to your piping.

The previous responder is correct. The issue with CSST has been that if it becomes energized due to a lightning strike it may burn through causing a gas leak and ignition source simultaneously. Bad outcomes have occurred.

All things being equal, I'd rather have black pipe...but that's just my opinion.

Phil

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Good luck...I would have went with CSST myself...but after I could not find an easy to understand description of EXACTLY what I needed to do, I figured it was cheaper, easier and "bulletproof" to just go with Black Pipe.

Unless there's some requirement or reason your going with CSST...I'd say by the time you figure out what & how you need to ground it, you would be done your black pipe install.

 

[BillChoneser]

If the rest of the house uses CSST and is already bonded from the manifold wouldn't a new CSST run be the obvious choice then over black pipe?

 

[Showkey]

Bottom line......... a clamping kit and a small section wire is all that's needed.

 

[CNGsaves]

Is this for Attached or Detached garage ??

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Bottom line......... a clamping kit and a small section wire is all that's needed.

If it were only that simple...
When I looked into it, my understanding was, it needed to be 6 ga copper, and bonded INTO an approved panel. So in my case that meant a 25' run of 6 ga copper wire into my sub-panel. 25' of 6ga copper + CSST Tubing + CSST Fittings = Way more money then good ol steel pipe.

Easier to run - Yes; Cheaper - No

Sprinkle in the whole "This is new, I hope its right, nobody seems to know" aspect...black pipe was and is the industry gold standard for longer then I've been alive. Information on black pipe is readily available, everybody knows how to use it and what to do to make it right.

 

[Showkey]

If you read the grounding instructions....Not in the OP case fig 2 in the link.

http://www.csstsafety.com/Images/CSST-Direct-Bonding-Tech-Bulletin.pdf


http://homeflex.com/downloads/HOME-FLEX_Bonding_Instructions.pdf

 

[thammel]

So...the garage is attached. I realize the problem with lightning strikes. My question is since the black pipe system to which the CSST is attached is already bonded/grounded, why would the CSST have to be additionally bonded/grounded?

I have been thinking of replacing with black pipe, but this would not be simple. Anything can be done.

Tom

 

[finn]

Since the system is already defined bonded, you don't need a redundant bond.

The data sheet shipped with the termination fittings show that either the fitting or the upstream iron pipe have to be bonded.

 

[csp]

If it were only that simple...
When I looked into it, my understanding was, it needed to be 6 ga copper, and bonded INTO an approved panel.

The panel is one option for bonding. Mine is bonded directly to the UFER ground, which is another option.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

So...the garage is attached. I realize the problem with lightning strikes. My question is since the black pipe system to which the CSST is attached is already bonded/grounded, why would the CSST have to be additionally bonded/grounded?

I have been thinking of replacing with black pipe, but this would not be simple. Anything can be done.

Tom

From what I gather....again I'm no pro, nor do I pretend to be one. This is just my understanding of the situation after doing 2 weeks of research & reading.... but WHERE the ground is makes a difference with CSST...with black pipe, a ground anywhere is good enough, for the purposes of heating, the chassis bond in the furnace is sufficient when using all black pipe. CSST requires additional bonding, and that's where it gets messy...just cant slap the bond at any ol place...for lightning protection I think the bond needs to be towards the exterior end of the CSST Run.

CSST seems to be a great product...but its still "too new" for me. We are only talking bonding in this thread, but there are a host of other considerations to make to do a correct CSST install....tube protection in certain areas, etc..

 

[HoosierBuddy]

When in doubt, call the manufacturer.

Phil

 

[Showkey]

^^^^^^^^^^^^ or read the instructionsq

 

[Champ128]

Every manufacturer has different bonding requirements. What pipe are you intending to use?

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

Good luck...I would have went with CSST myself...but after I could not find an easy to understand description of EXACTLY what I needed to do, I figured it was cheaper, easier and "bulletproof" to just go with Black Pipe.

Unless there's some requirement or reason your going with CSST...I'd say by the time you figure out what & how you need to ground it, you would be done your black pipe install.

Not hardly.

It is in the installation manual and you don't have to read to understand it.

They have pictures.