Your Plumber is correct in that both the International Residential Code(IRC) and the Uniform Plumbig Code(UPC) do permit Black Iron Pipe, Galvanized Iron Pipe or Tubing for gas service however in this case your plumber may have bent the rules just a bit.

Both IRC-2412.5 & UPC-1211.8 state that galvanized iron pipe or copper pipe & tubing MUST BE specifically labelled as "Suitable for Gas".

Thanks for the hand holding. I feel better about the copper now.

Yes, it's fine but keep something in mind. I'd run the copper through the floor( if on crawlspace or open basement ceiling) then out the wall where you want the tank(10' from sources of ignition,3' from crawl space vents, 3' from windows below the top of the tank). Leave a 2 loop coil of copper behind the range to allow for range movement later , then they can tie on with a cut-off valve and short flex line to further allow range movement should you want to pull the range out and clean under it.

jca1 Â leaving the 2 loops seems intuitively oblivious now that you suggest it. IÂm on a slab so I need to run the copper along the wall. I will run it along the top of the baseboard. The entire run is behind free standing cabinets.

Thanks for your help. You guys provide a great public service.

That'll work.

Lazypup, are you sure about the galvanized pipe for gas work? Out here in new England if a gas company sees galvanized fittings or pipe they make you remove them.

We're not allowed to use galvanized here in Nc either, mr.havac

I don't dispute lazypup jcal, the guy definately knows his stuff especially codes but even the thing with copper tubing. I know tons of oil burner techs as well as tons of LP techs up this way and thet all use the same tubing that I use, refrigeration tubing. Unless they're talking about buried tubing.

Yes I am sure about galvanized iron pipe, however it must be remembered that the International Residential Code and the Uniform Plumbing Code are National Model Codes.

Each state, county or local jurisdiction uses these codes as a model to develope their own local code and while doing so they often insert additional requirements thus while the national model code may approve a material your local jurisdiction may elect to limit the list further. By Exampe, The California code is based primarily upon the UPC however while the UPC has adopted PEX as an approved material, PEX is not yet listed as approved under the California Plumbing Code. On the other hand, there are many local jurisdictions within the state of California that have approved PEX for use in their jurisdiction.

Now in regards to copper tubing. The plumbing codes and gas codes specifically state the tubing MUST BE LISTED "SUITABLE FOR GAS."

Copper tubing is manufactured in numerous grades.

General Purpose copper tubing is approved for water, high & low pressure air and some chemical applications.

Copper tubing listed as "Suitable for Gas" is primarily the same tubing but it undergoes a higher level of quality control during manufacturing.

Copper ACR(Air conditioning & Refrigeration) tubing is then basically the same as gas tubing except it is purged of air and shipped with a slight charge of nitrogen gas to insure it remains moisture free during shipping and handling. (If you check the fine print in the material spec sheet you will see that it is also listed as "Suitable for Gas".)

Copper tubing type OXY/MED undergoes the highest level of quality control, is purged of air, precharged with nitrogen and certified to be free of oil so that it may be used to convey Oxygen and Medical Gasses. (here again, read the fine print,,it is listed as Suitable for gas).

Taking the discussion of copper tubing for gas service it must also be noted that copper may only be used to convey gas if the gas is certified by the supplier to contain equal to or less than 0.3grains of Hydrogen Sulfide per 100cu.ft of gas and it requires a written confirmation from the gas supplier prior to installation.

No doubt mr.havac, no contest to LazyPup, just reinforcing the fact that LazyPup makes very clear, you have to check your own local codes, LazyPup is a code guru.

No no in Mass, must be black pipe. Codes vary by state, your mileage may vary.

Bushleague,,,Maybe you can tell me. When i lived in Mass in the early 80's they had outlawed single wall flexible appriance connectors and required double walled connectors. There was some talk at the time about outlawing flex connectors entirely and requiring all connections be black iron pipe all the way. Do they currently allow flexible connectors on appliances?