Skip to content

Chapter 12 — FUEL GAS PIPING

1210.0 Gas Piping Installation.1210.1 Piping Underground. Underground gas piping

California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) · 2019 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

shall be installed with sufficient clearance from any other underground structure to avoid contact therewith, to allow maintenance, and to protect against damage from proximity to other structures. In addition, underground plastic piping shall be installed with sufficient clearance or shall be insulated from sources of heat to prevent the heat from impairing the serviceability of the pipe. [NFPA 54:7.1.1]

1210.1.1 Cover Requirements. Underground piping systems shall be installed with a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) of cover. The minimum cover shall be increased to 18 inches (457 mm) if external damage to

(1) A pipe-to-soil voltage of −0.85 volts or more

negative is produced, with reference to a saturated copper-copper sulfate half cell. (2) A pipe-to-soil voltage of −0.78 volts or more

negative is produced, with reference to a satu

(2) A pipe-to-soil voltage of −0.78 volts or more

negative is produced, with reference to a saturated KCl calomel half cell. (3) A pipe-to-soil voltage of −0.80 volts or more

negative is produced, with reference to a silver

(3) A pipe-to-soil voltage of −0.80 volts or more

negative is produced, with reference to a silversilver chloride half cell. (4) Compliance with a method described in Appen dix D of Title 49 of the code of Federal Regu

(4) Compliance with a method described in Appen dix D of Title 49 of the code of Federal Regulations, Part 192. [NFPA 54:7.1.3.3] 1210.1.3.4 Sacrificial Anodes. Sacrificial anodes shall be tested in accordance with the following: (1) Upon installation of the cathodic protection sys tem, except where prohibited by climatic con

Upon installation of the cathodic protection sys tem, except where prohibited by climatic con

228 2019 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

FUEL GAS PIPING

ditions, in which case the testing shall be performed not later than 180 days after the installation of the system. (2) 12 to 18 months after the initial test. (3) Upon successful verification testing in accor dance with Section 1210.1.3.4(1) and Section

(3) Upon successful verification testing in accor dance with Section 1210.1.3.4(1) and Section 1210.1.3.4(2), periodic follow-up testing shall be performed at intervals not to exceed 36 months. [NFPA 54:7.1.3.4] 1210.1.3.5 System Failing Tests. Systems failing a test shall be repaired not more than 180 days after the date of the failed testing. The testing schedule shall be restarted as required in Section 1210.1.3.4(1) and Section 1210.1.3.4(2), and the results shall comply with Section 1210.1.3.3. [NFPA 54:7.1.3.5] 1210.1.3.6 Impressed Current Cathodic Pro- tection. Impressed current cathodic protection systems shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the following schedule: (1) The impressed current rectifier voltage output

shall be checked at intervals not exceeding two

(1) The impressed current rectifier voltage output

shall be checked at intervals not exceeding two months. (2) The pipe-to-soil voltage shall be tested at least

annually. [NFPA 54:7.1.3.6]

where the conduit terminates in the building, the space between the conduit and the gas piping shall be sealed to prevent the possible entrance of a gas leakage. Where the end sealing is of a type that retains the full pressure of the pipe, the conduit shall be designed for the same pressure as the pipe. The conduit shall extend at least 4 inches (102 mm) outside the building, be vented outdoors above finished ground level, and be installed to prevent the entrance of water and insects. [NFPA 54:7.1.6.1] 1210.1.6.2 Conduit with Both Ends Terminat-ing Indoors. Where the conduit originates and terminates within the same building, the conduit shall originate and terminate in an accessible portion of the building and shall not be sealed. [NFPA 54:7.1.6.2] 1210.1.7 Plastic Piping. Plastic piping shall be installed outdoors, underground only. Exceptions : (1) Plastic piping shall be permitted to terminate above ground where an anodeless riser is used.

(1) Plastic piping shall be permitted to terminate above ground where an anodeless riser is used. (2) Plastic piping shall be permitted to terminate with a

wall head adapter aboveground in buildings, includ

Plastic piping shall be permitted to terminate with a

wall head adapter aboveground in buildings, including basements, where the plastic piping is inserted in a piping material permitted for use in buildings.

[NFPA 54:7.1.7.1] 1210.1.7.1 Connections Between Metallic andPlastic Piping. Connections made between metallic and plastic piping shall be made with fittings conforming to one of the following: (1) ASTM D2513, Category I transition fittings (2) ASTM F1973 (3) ASTM F2509 [NFPA 54:7.1.7.2] 1210.1.7.2 Tracer. An electrically continuous corrosion-resistant tracer shall be buried with the plastic pipe to facilitate locating. The tracer shall be one of the following: (1) A product specifically designed for that pur pose.

(2) The pipe-to-soil voltage shall be tested at least

annually. [NFPA 54:7.1.3.6] 1210.1.3.7 Documentation. Documentation of the results of the two most recent tests shall be retained. [NFPA 54:7.1.3.7] 1210.1.3.8 Dissimilar Metals. Where dissimilar metals are joined underground, an insulating coupling or fitting shall be used. [NFPA 54:7.1.3.8] 1210.1.3.9 Steel Risers. Steel risers, other than anodeless risers, connected to plastic piping shall be cathodically protected by means of a welded anode.

umentation of the results of the two most recent tests shall be retained. [NFPA 54:7.1.3.7] 1210.1.3.8 Dissimilar Metals. Where dissimilar metals are joined underground, an insulating coupling or fitting shall be used. [NFPA 54:7.1.3.8] 1210.1.3.9 Steel Risers. Steel risers, other than anodeless risers, connected to plastic piping shall be cathodically protected by means of a welded anode.

[NFPA 54:7.1.3.9] 1210.1.4 Protection Against Freezing. Where the formation of hydrates or ice is known to occur, the piping shall be protected against freezing. [NFPA 54:7.1.4] 1210.1.5 Piping through Foundation Wall. Underground piping, where installed through the outer foundation or basement wall of a building shall be encased in a protective sleeve or protected by an approved device or method. The space between the gas piping and the sleeve and between the sleeve and the wall shall be sealed to prevent entry of gas and water. [NFPA 54:7.1.5] Where gas piping is installed underground beneath buildings, 1210.1.6 Piping Underground Beneath Buildings. the piping shall be either of the following: (1) Encased in an approved conduit designed to withstand

the imposed loads and installed in accordance with Sec

(1) A product specifically designed for that pur pose. (2) Insulated copper conductor not less than 14

AWG.

(1) Encased in an approved conduit designed to withstand

the imposed loads and installed in accordance with Section 1210.1.6.1 or Section 1210.1.6.2. (2) A piping or encasement system listed for installation

beneath buildings. [NFPA 54:7.1.6]

beneath buildings. [NFPA 54:7.1.6]

1210.1.6.1 Conduit with One End Terminat- ing Outdoors. The conduit shall extend into an accessible portion of the building and, at the point

(2) Insulated copper conductor not less than 14

AWG. Where tracer wire is used, access shall be provided from aboveground, or one end of the tracer wire or tape shall be brought aboveground at a building wall or riser. [NFPA 54:7.1.7.3 – 7.1.7.3.2]

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
Contents — California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5)
California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5)
  1. Chapter 1 — GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. Chapter 3 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
  4. Chapter 4 — PLUMBING FIXTURES AND FIXTURE FITTINGS
  5. Chapter 5 — WATER HEATERS
  6. Chapter 6 — WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
  7. Chapter 7 — SANITARY DRAINAGE
  8. Chapter 8 — INDIRECT WASTES
  9. Chapter 9 — VENTS
  10. Chapter 10 — TRAPS AND INTERCEPTORS
  11. Chapter 11 — STORM DRAINAGE
  12. Chapter 12 — FUEL GAS PIPING
    Overview
    1. 1201.0 General.1201.1 Applicability. The regulations of this c…
    2. 1202.0 Coverage of Piping System.1202.1 General. Coverage of p…
    3. 1202.2 Piping System Requirements. Requirements for
    4. 1202.3 Applications. This code shall not apply to the followin…
    5. 1203.2 Excavation. Excavations required for the installation o…
    6. 1203.3 Type of Inspections. The Authority Having Jurisdiction …
    7. 1203.4 Inspection Waived. In cases where the work
    8. 1204.2 Gas Supplier. A copy of the certificate of such final
    9. 1204.3 Unlawful. It shall be unlawful for a serving gas suppli…
    10. 1205.2 Outlets. It shall be unlawful to turn on or connect gas
    11. 1206.2 Notice. Where such disconnection has been made, a
    12. 1206.3 Capped Outlets. It shall be unlawful to remove or
    13. 1208.0 Gas Piping System Design, Materials, and
    14. 1208.2 Provision for Location of Point of Delivery. The locati…
    15. 1208.3 Interconnections Between Gas Piping Sys-tems. Where two…
    16. 1208.4 Sizing of Gas Piping Systems. Gas piping systems shall …
    17. 1208.5 Maximum Design Operating Pressure. The
    18. 1208.6 Acceptable Piping Materials and JoiningMethods. Materia…
    19. 1208.7 Gas Meters. Gas meters shall be selected for the
    20. 1208.8 Gas Pressure Regulators. A line pressure regulator or g…
    21. 1208.9 Overpressure Protection Devices. Where the
    22. 1208.10 Pressure Limitation Requirements. Where
    23. 1208.11 Backpressure Protection. Protective devices
    24. 1208.12 Low-Pressure Protection. A protective device
    25. 1208.13 Shutoff Valves. Shutoff valves shall be approved
    26. 1208.14 Expansion and Flexibility. Piping systems shall
    27. 1210.0 Gas Piping Installation.1210.1 Piping Underground. Unde…
    28. 1210.2 Installation of Piping. Piping installed aboveground sh…
    29. 1210.3 Concealed Piping in Buildings. Gas piping in
    30. 1210.4 Piping in Vertical Chases. Where gas piping
    31. 1210.6 Drips and Sediment Traps. For other than dry gas
    32. 1210.7 Outlets. Outlets shall be located and installed in
    33. 1210.5 Gas Pipe Turns. Changes in direction of gas pipe
    34. 1210.10 Prohibited Devices. No device shall be placed
    35. 1210.11 Systems Containing Gas-Air Mixtures Out-side the Flamm…
    36. 1210.12 Systems Containing Flammable Gas-AirMixtures. Systems …
    37. 1210.8 Branch Pipe Connection. Where a branch outlet
    38. 1210.9 Manual Gas Shutoff Valves. An accessible gas
    39. 1211.2 Bonding of CSST Gas Piping. CSST gas piping
    40. 1211.3 Prohibited Use. Gas piping shall not be used as a
    41. 1211.4 Lightning Protection System. Where a lightning
    42. 1211.5 Electrical Circuits. Electrical circuits shall not util…
    43. 1211.6 Electrical Connections. All electrical connections
    44. 1211.7 Earthquake-Actuated Gas Shutoff Valves. Earth-
    45. 1212.2 Suspended Low-Intensity Infrared TubeHeaters. Suspended…
    46. 1212.3 Use of Nonmetallic Gas Hose Connectors. Listed gas hose…
    47. 1212.1 Connecting Appliances and Equipment.
    48. 1212.4 Injection (Bunsen) Burners. Injection (Bunsen)
    49. 1212.5 Connection of Portable and Mobile Industrial
    50. 1212.5 Connection of Portable and Mobile Industrial
    51. 1212.9 Sediment Trap. Where a sediment trap is not incorporate…
    52. 1212.6 Appliance Shutoff Valves and Connections.
    53. 1212.7 Quick-Disconnect Devices. Quick-disconnect
    54. 1212.8 Gas Convenience Outlets. Appliances shall be
    55. 1212.10 Installation of Piping. Piping shall be installed in
    56. 1212.11 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Facilities and Pip-
    57. 1213.0 Pressure Testing, Inspection, and Purging.1213.1 Piping…
    58. 1213.2 Test Preparation. Test preparation shall comply
    59. 1213.3 Test Pressure. This inspection shall include an air,
    60. 1213.4 Detection of Leaks and Defects. The piping system shall…
    61. 1213.5 Piping System Leak Test. Leak checks using fuel
    62. 1213.6 Purging Requirements. The purging of piping
    63. 1215.2 Tables for Sizing Gas Piping Systems. Table
    64. 1215.3 Sizing Equations. The inside diameter of smoothwall pip…
    65. 1214.2 Volume. The hourly volume of gas required at each
    66. 1214.3 Gas Appliances. Where the gas appliances to be
    67. 1214.4 Size of Piping Outlets. The size of the supply piping o…
    68. 1215.0 Required Gas Piping Size.1215.1 Pipe Sizing Methods. Wh…
    69. 1215.5 Engineering Methods. For conditions other than
    70. 1215.6 Variable Gas Pressure. Where the supply gas
    71. 1215.4 Sizing of Piping Sections. To determine the size
  13. Chapter 13 — HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL GAS AND MEDICA…
  14. Chapter 14 — FIRESTOP PROTECTION
  15. Chapter 15 — ALTERNATE WATER SOURCES FOR NONPOTABLE APPLICATIONS
  16. Chapter 16 — NONPOTABLE RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS
  17. Chapter 17 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  18. Appendix A — RECOMMENDED RULES FOR SIZING THE WATER SUPPLY SYS…
  19. Appendix B — EXPLANATORY NOTES ON COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT S…
  20. Appendix C — ALTERNATE PLUMBING SYSTEMS
  21. Appendix D — SIZING STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
  22. Appendix E — MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARKS AND RECREATIONAL V…
  23. Appendix F — FIREFIGHTER BREATHING AIR REPLENISHMENT SYSTEMS
  24. Appendix G — SIZING OF VENTING SYSTEMS
  25. Appendix H — PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
  26. Appendix I — INSTALLATION STANDARD FOR PEX TUBING SYSTEMS FOR …
  27. Appendix J — COMBINATION OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR COMBUSTION AND …
  28. Appendix K — POTABLE RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS
  29. Appendix L — SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
  30. Appendix M — PEAK WATER DEMAND CALCULATOR

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.