[jb4211]

I'm finally going to attend a training session for CSST this Thursday. I'm seeing more and more of it lately. I fully understand everything has it's place and purpose.

Is there anything you think I should know about the training or CSST?

I tried to search for it, but either I can't figure out how to search or there's no info.

 

[dkillianjr]

I heard it was pretty easy. I haven been meaning to get mine for a while now. The crappy part is every time there is a class offered its in the evening in a real bad part of town:laughing: I'm pataintly waiting for one to be closer to me. I still love black pipe, but this stuff would be great sometimes!


Dave

 

[jb4211]

I had the same issue and missed several classes for one reason or another. I'll let you know how it goes. The class is sponsored by Gastite and is free surprisingly. I say surprisingly because, almost nothing is free these days.

 

[jb4211]

Like you, I love black pipe. But among other issues for the CSST, I don't have a threading tool or machine.

 

[dkillianjr]

I was suprised to hear it was free too:laughing: I believe thats the same company that usually sponsors the ones around here. All I have is an old hand threader, which really dosen't work or I just don't want to work it:laughing: Good luck:thumbup:


Dave

 

[jb4211]

Thanx

 

[jb4211]

Completed the training tonight, painless. Although, there was a 20 questions test at the end. And, while it was supposed to be 2hrs, was closer to three: class of about 40 - 50 asked a lot of questions.

 

[flashheatingand]

If not mistaken you are now certified to use brand X csst. But that every brand has their own certification. I believe this is mainly done so that the manufacturers are covering themselves in regards to liability.

Guys asking a bunch of questions. Was it the same guys asking all the questions?

 

[Ken Good]

CSST Training

The best advice I could provide a new user is to read the manual entirely and down load the current manual from their web site, the distributors do not always inform their clients of changes. Good Luck

 

[jb4211]

If not mistaken you are now certified to use brand X csst. But that every brand has their own certification. I believe this is mainly done so that the manufacturers are covering themselves in regards to liability.

Guys asking a bunch of questions. Was it the same guys asking all the questions?

The company that provided the training was Gastite, held at Weinstein Plumbing Supply. The class seemed to be full of HVAC contractors who have apparently been using the product for some time - incorrectly. Gastite CSST requires it to be bonded directly to the grounding system inside the electrical panel. Well, none of those contractors were doing that in their CSST installations which started some controversy.

Plus, there was some issues with sizing that caused a lot of questions.

I don't mind the questions or delays. I'd rather have the class run an hour late and everyone leave knowing how to properly install, than the class end on time and turn a bunch of clueless contractors loose.

I have never used CSST.

Even with all of the questions, I was still able to make it home before my daughter went to bed so I was happy.

 

[flashheatingand]

I recall seeing something about a class action lawsuit in a Sunday paper magazine add, that was in regards to what you were describing. The guys at the supply house poo-pooed that. Inspectors here haven't caught on to that here, so, as of now, the bonding thing does not happen.

So, are we supposed to tie in directly to the grounding bar at the service panel, or can we tie into the ground rod outside.

 

[beenthere]

The company that provided the training was Gastite, held at Weinstein Plumbing Supply. The class seemed to be full of HVAC contractors who have apparently been using the product for some time - incorrectly. Gastite CSST requires it to be bonded directly to the grounding system inside the electrical panel. Well, none of those contractors were doing that in their CSST installations which started some controversy.

Plus, there was some issues with sizing that caused a lot of questions.

I don't mind the questions or delays. I'd rather have the class run an hour late and everyone leave knowing how to properly install, than the class end on time and turn a bunch of clueless contractors loose.

I have never used CSST.

Even with all of the questions, I was still able to make it home before my daughter went to bed so I was happy.

As they told you, CSST has to be sized by its EHD. So don't think inches.

I prefer Trac pipe over Gastite.

 

[beenthere]

I recall seeing something about a class action lawsuit in a Sunday paper magazine add, that was in regards to what you were describing. The guys at the supply house poo-pooed that. Inspectors here haven't caught on to that here, so, as of now, the bonding thing does not happen.

So, are we supposed to tie in directly to the grounding bar at the service panel, or can we tie into the ground rod outside.

Can be done on the ground wire, rod, or in the panel.

 

[I Mester]

we just had this subject come up at an inspector's meeting a few weeks ago. you have to now bond the csst on the house side of the meter and it can be either a ground rod, the water meter, or to the panel.. and no more then 15' from the panel if you choose that route.
they've been having issues with lightning strikes and arcing burning holes in the csst.

 

[jb4211]

Copied from installation guide:
(FlashShield can be used in the same manner as [yellow] Gastite, only it's black, constructed differently and more costly.)

4.10 Electrical Bonding of Gastite®/FlashShield™ CSST
a) Unlike Gastite®, there are no additional bonding requirements for FlashShield™ imposed by the manufacturer’s installation instructions. FlashShield™ is to be bonded in accordance with the National Electrical Code NFPA 70 Article 250.104 in the same manner as the minimum requirements for rigid metal piping. However, installers must always adhere to any local requirements that may conflict with these instructions.
b) Direct bonding of Gastite® CSST is required for all gas-piping systems incorporating Gastite® CSST whether or not the connected gas equipment is electrically powered. This requirement is provided as part of the manufacturer's instruction for single-family and multi-family buildings. A person knowledgeable in electrical system design, the local electrical code and these requirements should specify the bonding for commercial applications.
Gastite® CSST installed inside or attached to a building or structure shall be electrically continuous and direct bonded to the electrical ground system of the premise in which it is installed. The gas piping system shall be considered to be direct bonded when installed in accordance with the following:

The piping is permanently and directly connected to the electrical service equipment enclosure, the grounded conductor at the electrical service, the grounding electrode conductor (where of sufficient size) or to one or more of the grounding electrodes used. For single and multi-family structures, a single bond connection shall be made downstream of the individual gas meter for each housing unit and upstream of any CSST connection. The bonding conductor shall be no smaller than a 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent. The bonding jumper shall be attached in an approved manner in accordance with NEC Article 250.70 and the point of attachment for the bonding jumper shall be accessible. Bonding/grounding clamps shall be installed in accordance with its listing per UL 467 and shall make metal-to-metal contact with the piping. This bond is in addition to any other bonding requirements as specified by local codes.


For additional info:
http://www.gastite.com/include/languages/english/downloads/pdfs/Gastite_D+I_Guide.pdf

 

[jb4211]

As they told you, CSST has to be sized by its EHD. So don't think inches.

I prefer Trac pipe over Gastite.

The table has both the fractions and the EHD (Equivalent Hydraulic Diameter) sizes right next to each other.

 

[beenthere]

The table has both the fractions and the EHD (Equivalent Hydraulic Diameter) sizes right next to each other.

The book by/for the CSST manufacturer does. However, the NFGC book only has EHD. Since they don't push one brand over another.

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

You will find some harmonics on 2# gas sized too close to load.

CSST is where it's at. It is all about the labor.