Directive: PropressG & MegapressG press connect copper fittings for natural / propane gas systems
Persona
Technologies
This is a revision to the Gas Directive # D-G5 090213 1 issued on February 13, 2009 and # D-G5 090213 1 Revision 1 dated 11 June 2013. Please download and replace old versions with the new directive (# D-G5 090213 1 Revision 2) dated 30 January 2015.
This Directive is being issued by a provincial safety manager pursuant to section 30 of the Safety Standards Act.
General details
This Directive is to clarify the CAN/CSA B149.1-10 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code requirements for utilization of specialized piping and tubing fittings. Pro Press G fittings for use with copper tubing are permitted as noted in Sections 6.2.6 and 6.9.9 of the B149.110; Mega Press G fittings are approved under s.10 of the Safety Standards Act (SSA).
Specific details
CSA International has issued Certificates of Compliance indicating approval of the Pro Press G fitting system for Press-Connect Copper and Copper Alloy Fittings, and Mega Press G for Press-Connect Steel Fittings, to the applicable requirements of ANSI LC 4-2012 / CSA 6.322012 “Standard for Press connect metallic fittings for use in fuel gas distribution systems.” The fittings are to bear the CSA mark, for use in Canada only, or with the adjacent indicators ‘C’ and ‘US’ for use in both Canada and the US.
The Pro Press G and Mega Press G systems are press connection systems designed to meet the connection requirement for natural gas and propane gas (in vapour state only) by incorporating a HNBR O-ring sealing element installed in the fitting. Manufacturer’s certified installation/pressure testing instructions and the requirements of the CAN/CSA B149.1 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code shall be complied with by the installing gasfitter. Installers of these products, in addition to being qualified in accordance with the Gas Safety Regulation, must have obtained any required specialized training or tools identified by the manufacturer prior to installation.
Pro Press G is approved for use with Type K or L hard copper tubing from ½” to 2” and soft copper Type K or L from ½” to 1 ¼” diameter. Copper tubing shall comply with ASTM B88. Pro Press G fitting are also approved for underground installations.
Mega Press G is approved for use with steel piping (which includes black iron and galvanized) to a minimum of Schedule 40, in iron pipe sizes (IPS) from 1/2” to 2”. All steel piping shall comply with ASTM A53/A 53M. Mega Press G fittings are not approved for underground installations.
The CSA approved applications for both Pro Press G and Mega Press G are for fuel gases in a vapour state only, to a maximum operating pressure of 125 psig (860 kPa) and an ambient temperature range from - 40 degrees F to 180 degrees F (- 40 deg C to 82 deg C). To prevent liquefaction in propane applications, both systems shall be limited to a maximum operating pressure of 10 psig.
Approved gases are:
- Natural Gas
- Propane Gas (Vapor State Only)
- Mixed Fuel Gases (Vapor State Only)
- Manufactured Fuel Gases
- Butane (Vapor State Only)
Material suitability of use (hangers, etc.) shall conform to the current approved documentation available from the manufacturer.
For reference, the following is provided for background information:
SSA s.10 (1)
Every provincial safety manager, other than the registrar, may approve regulated products in accordance with the regulations for use in British Columbia even if there is no certification mark present on the regulated product.
CAN/CSA B149.1-10 - 6.2.6
Tubing fittings shall be rated for a working pressure of not less than 125 psig (860 kPa) for operating pressures of 125 psig (860 kPa) or less. For higher operating pressures, tubing and fittings shall be rated for a minimum of 250 psig (1725 kPa).
CAN/CSA B149.1-10 - 6.9.9
A joint in seamless copper, brass, or steel tubing shall be made by:
(a) a flare joint;
(b) an approved fitting, other than a metallic ball sleeve compression-type fitting; or
(c) brazing with a material that has a melting point exceeding 1000°F (525 °C).
Wayne Lock
Provincial Safety Manager, Gas
References:
Safety Standards Act
Gas Safety Regulation
CSA B149.1 Natural gas and propane installation Code
