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Author Topic: over 7 kpa installations  (Read 8241 times)

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Offline o2b007

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over 7 kpa installations
« on: March 24, 2012, 09:55:24 AM »
We have a job were a 35kpa runs under a slab of a building about 15m long I cant really find any clear definition if this is allowed it is the existing main installed in 1997

Linkback: https://www.plumbers.nz/gas-station/11/over-7-kpa-installations/1059/

Offline robbo

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #1 on: March 24, 2012, 12:01:31 PM »
hi newby, talk to the people who installed the main they should have all the answers,cheers

Offline Plumber

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #2 on: March 24, 2012, 12:14:47 PM »
Paragraph 2.4.3.12 of NZBC 5261 clearly states that gas pipe embedded in concrete SHALL NOT exceed 7kpa (other circumstances also apply). Correct me if I am wrong by my understanding of the law is that as soon as you touch that pipe you are responsible for the complete installation. If they are not willing to reroute the pipe as per NZBC I wouldn't touch it.
Please note that the advice I am giving is only my opinion and not necessarily a fact.  Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Offline happyplumber

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #3 on: March 24, 2012, 07:04:30 PM »
NZS 5261:1996 was the applicable gas installation Standard in 1997. The current 7kpa pressure limitation applicable for pipe work buried either under or in the slab did not apply at that time.

Offline o2b007

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #4 on: March 27, 2012, 08:01:30 AM »
its not under a slab yet but will be in about 2 weeks  it is just currently under the ground about a metre deep

Offline o2b007

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #5 on: March 27, 2012, 08:10:53 AM »
@ plumber it states embedded in concrete but this pipe wont be. there is no statement or information for in ground under slab.

Offline Plumber

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #6 on: March 27, 2012, 10:29:28 AM »
If its underground then rule 2.4.7 applies. Just need to establish whether its subject to traffic or not.

Offline o2b007

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #7 on: March 27, 2012, 02:23:58 PM »
yes I read it like that to and therefore dont see it as a problem there is no traffic and finished ground level will be almost 1m above the pipe.

Offline o2b007

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #8 on: March 28, 2012, 11:19:49 AM »
would the gas fitter be expected to accept the durability issues that would then come into play with the pipe now being inaccesable therefore under the B2 requiring 50year durability?

Offline Plumber

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #9 on: March 28, 2012, 01:11:10 PM »
What are you connecting to that gas main? When you say main, is it the pipe the provider installed or is it the main run from the meter?

Offline o2b007

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #10 on: March 28, 2012, 02:10:46 PM »
sorry it is a 63mm pe pipe run from the meter across to the rear of the property

Offline Plumber

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #11 on: March 28, 2012, 02:38:04 PM »
If you are connecting onto it then yes you will be made responsible in future if anything goes wrong as you will be certifying the complete system (including the underground pipe). This means that you the Certifying Gas Fitter are taking responsibility for the complete installation.

I'm not sure if getting your client to sign a document excluding you from any responsibility on that gas pipe is actually leagal, its like getting a costumer to sign a document excluding a plumber to take responsibility for an installation for not installing a tempering valve because the client didn't want to pay for it. Then something happens... (we have to install a tempering even if there was no tempering valve before replacing the HWC)

I believe you need to advise your client that certain tests need to be made ("charge up" of course :o) to ensure the pipe is installed correctly and safe. Tests such as a pressure test or even a camera down the pipe (you can messure the level from the ground as the camera is pushed through) to determine whether its laid straight (no dodgy bends etc) and the internal condition will give a more confident feeling before signing the dotted line.

In the climate our industry is in at the moment you have to be very careful. Hope this helps.  ;)

Offline o2b007

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #12 on: March 28, 2012, 02:43:43 PM »
The main issue I see at hand is the gas fitter would be acceptinging the 50 year durability of the existing pipe by signing the system off as required under NZBC B2 unless he is to replace the area of pipe that runs under slab with a new pipe. Other than that I do totally agree with everything else you have said I cannot find anywhere the reference a gas main of any pressure cannot be run under a concrete slab as long as it meets the durability requirments as stated in the B2

Offline Plumber

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #13 on: March 28, 2012, 02:51:04 PM »
Absolutely right, Install a new pipe. Alternatively I'm not sure but I had a case where the engineer signed off the system. Maybe worth exploring.

Offline o2b007

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Re: over 7 kpa installations
« Reply #14 on: March 28, 2012, 04:01:26 PM »
Im starting to find this interesting I have had someone come back and say that PE pipe cannot be installed under a A floor Slab at all


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