What Every Propane Consumer Should Know
What is a GAS Check? GAS Check is a voluntary program that was developed by NPGA (National Propane Gas Association) and GAMA (Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association) in 1985, with the intention of reducing the number of accidents involving propane.
In 2002, PERC (Propane Education & Research Council) took over the administration of the program from NPGA and adapted the program to reflect legal changes and industry requirements. PERC clearly states, the program does not set forth what companies should do, but provides guidelines to support companies in developing their unique policies, as outlined in the excerpt below.
Gas Check is a set of voluntary guidelines, and is not intended nor should it be construed to:
1) set forth policies or procedures which are the general custom and practice in the propane industry;
2) establish the legal standards of care, owed by propane distributors to their customers; or
3) prevent the user from using different methods to implement applicable codes, standards, or legal requirements.
Components Involved in Inspections
There are two types of inspections outlined in the Gas Check guidelines.
Gas System Check
This system check is primarily focused, but not limited to, exterior equipment. It is predominantly governed by NFPA 58, Liquified Petroleum Gas Code. This inspection covers the following components:
? hardware associated with the tank,
? functionality of the valves and equipment associated with the tank,
? condition and stability of the tank (above ground and underground tanks),
? location and protection of the tank,
? underground piping,
? cathodic protection for buried tanks and piping,
? age and condition of the regulators,
? location and performance of the regulators,
? protection from snow loads,
? setbacks from sources of combustibles,
? sources of ignition,
? leakage test of the piping system.
Gas Appliance Check
This system test is primarily focused on, but not limited to, the actual propane appliances being used. It is predominately governed by NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code. This inspection reviews the following components:
? burner and the combustion chamber,
? available air for combustion,
? shutoff valves,
? piping system,
? sediment traps,
? venting system,
? pilot safety system,
? electronic ignition system, and
? make-up air system.
Note: All interruptions of service require a leak check.
Piping System Tests
Pressure testing is most commonly performed on new interior piping systems or systems that have been modified. The purpose of the pressure testing is to make sure there are no leaks in the piping system. Testing is completed prior to putting the system into operation and is conducted with air or an inert gas. The test utilizes pressure that is 1.5 times the working pressure of the system, and no less than 3 psi (pound per square inch). A pressure gauge is connected directly to the interior piping system.
A leak check is different from a pressure test in that the system gas is utilized at normal operating pressure to check for leaks. A leak check is conducted on a system that is already in service or one that has already passed a pressure test and is going to be placed into service. It is required if there is an interruption of service, i.e. an out-of-gas situation. There are multiple acceptable methods that can be used, some are listed below.
1. A pressure gauge (block test gauge) can be placed between the tank service valve and the first stage regulator. This indicates tank pressure. Gas is turned off at the tank. Then, gas is bled off the system until the pressure gauge reads less than the original tank pressure. The gauge is watched for 3 minutes to make sure there is no change in pressure. No change means no leaks.
2. A pressure gauge can be placed on the first stage pressure portion of the system between the first and second stage regulators. Gas is turned off at the tank. Then, gas is bled off the system until the pressure gauge reads less than the setpoint (10 psi) of the first stage regulator. The gauge is watched for 3 minutes to make sure there is no change in pressure. No change means no leaks.
3. A manometer can be placed downstream of the second stage regulator. This shows the pressure going to the appliances. Gas is turned off at the tank. Then, gas is bled off the system until the pressure gauge reads less than the original indoor pressure, usually about 12 inches water column, a little less than ? psi. The manometer is watched for 3 minutes to make sure there is no change in pressure. No change means no leaks.
4. Another method to check for leaks is called a meter spot test. This test utilizes the smallest dial on a gas meter. The gas remains ongoing into the meter. Some gas is momentarily released from a fitting downstream of the meter, to confirm that the meter will indicate flow and the fitting is then tightened. A specific dial on the meter is observed for a period of 5 minutes. Change in the position, or spot, of the dial indicates a leak. No movement means no leaks. This is similar to watching the flow on a gasoline pump when filling your car.
Finally, a lock-up (no gas flow) and flow test will commonly be performed. These take place during the start-up of a system, or after a regulator replacement, to verify the regulators and the piping systems are supplying the appropriate flow of propane vapor for the appliances to function properly. These tests utilize a manometer and can be performed at the appliance control.
If problems with the piping system are identified that cannot be repaired in a timely fashion, the appliance or the system should be removed from service by disconnecting the gas supply and installing a cap or plug to prevent unintentional release of the gas. The customer should be notified and a warning tag signed by the customer should be placed on the system or appliance. This is called “red-tagging” a system. The system should not be put back into service until it is repaired by a qualified serviceman and the red tag is removed.
The PERC standardized safety brochures that your propane supplier provides you is an excellent source of information to keep you and your family safe. As a consumer, you should be aware of what your gas system does for you, and what you can and need to do to maintain your system and keep it and you safe.
Be cognizant when work is performed on your home, your appliances, or in your yard, as there is a potential for a direct impact on your gas system. As a landlord, check to be certain that your tenants are protected from unforeseen concerns like open gas lines from a range or dryer removal. If you smell gas, leave the premises immediately, and call your propane supplier, utility company, or emergency services to have your building checked for leaks.
Reference material:
Propane Education & Research Council,
GasCheck?Manual, 2016
GAS Check History article, Stuart Flatlow, Propane Education & Research Council.
Oil Energy Magazine, PERC Revises Gas Check Program, 2016
Owner of P 20:10 Services LLC
4 年Great article Charlie, thanks for sharing!