CPC · California Plumbing Code
How is the point of delivery defined and how does it differ for undiluted LP‑Gas?
For most gas services the building piping begins at the meter or service regulator outlet, but the California Plumbing Code treats undiluted LP‑Gas differently: if there is no meter, the point of delivery is the outlet of the final pressure regulator; if a meter exists, the meter outlet is the start point. Also, plastic piping for undiluted LP‑Gas must meet NFPA 58 as required by the CPC.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires
- The point of delivery for fuel‑gas piping coverage is defined differently depending on the fuel. For most gases, the point of delivery is the outlet of the service meter assembly or the outlet of the service regulator or service shutoff valve where no meter is provided — see § 1202.1.
- For undiluted LP‑Gas, the point of delivery is the outlet of the final pressure regulator (excluding line/regulator stages) when no meter is installed; if a meter is installed, the point of delivery is the outlet of the meter. See § 1202.1.
- Separately, the CPC limits use of plastic piping for undiluted LP‑Gas to the rules in NFPA 58 — the CPC requires compliance via § 1208.5.6.3.
The single most important rule: For normal gas service measure and size piping from the meter/regulator outlet, but for undiluted propane (undiluted LP‑Gas) treat the outlet of the final pressure regulator as the starting point for the building piping when no meter is present. § 1202.1.
Requirements in detail
Core definition — what the code says
- Coverage: The CPC covers piping from the point of delivery to the appliance connections (§ 1202.1).
- For gases other than undiluted LP‑Gas: the point of delivery = outlet of service meter assembly, or where no meter exists, the outlet of the service regulator or service shutoff valve (§ 1202.1).
- For undiluted LP‑Gas: the point of delivery = outlet of the final pressure regulator (exclusive of line gas regulators) when no meter is installed; if a meter is installed, the point of delivery is the outlet of the meter (§ 1202.1).
Use of plastic piping for undiluted LP‑Gas
- The CPC does not itself detail allowable plastic materials for undiluted LP‑Gas piping; instead it requires that the use of plastic pipe, tubing, and fittings in undiluted LP‑Gas piping systems comply with NFPA 58, as stated in § 1208.5.6.3.
Decision‑relevant dimensions and values
| Decision factor | What matters for the point of delivery | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gas type | Undiluted LP‑Gas vs other gases — determines whether regulator outlet or service meter/regulator is the point | § 1202.1 |
| Meter present? | If meter installed, point of delivery = outlet of meter for all gases (including undiluted LP‑Gas) | § 1202.1 |
| Meter absent (other gases) | Point of delivery = outlet of service regulator or service shutoff valve | § 1202.1 |
| Meter absent (undiluted LP‑Gas) | Point of delivery = outlet of the final pressure regulator, exclusive of line gas regulators | § 1202.1 |
| Materials for undiluted LP‑Gas | Plastic piping permitted only per NFPA 58 — CPC requires compliance § 1208.5.6.3 | § 1208.5.6.3 |
Practical implications
- Where the point of delivery is the final regulator outlet, all internal (customer) piping, sizing, testing, and code compliance requirements start at that regulator outlet. See § 1202.1.
- If a meter exists, regardless of gas, use the meter outlet as the starting point for sizing and coverage. See § 1202.1.
- If the installation involves undiluted LP‑Gas and the designer/specifier intends to use plastic piping, the installer must follow NFPA 58 requirements for materials and installation as required by § 1208.5.6.3. The CPC defers to NFPA 58 rather than reproducing those material rules.
Exceptions & special cases
- When a meter is installed, the CPC explicitly makes the meter outlet the point of delivery even for undiluted LP‑Gas — the meter overrides the regulator‑outlet rule. § 1202.1.
- The phrase “exclusive of line gas regulators” in the undiluted LP‑Gas clause means upstream or intermediate pressure‑reducing stages are not the point of delivery — you must locate the final pressure regulator. § 1202.1.
- The CPC defers material specifics for plastic pipe in undiluted LP‑Gas systems to NFPA 58; if you need the exact allowable plastics, fittings, temperature/pressure ratings, or installation methods, consult NFPA 58 in addition to the CPC requirement in § 1208.5.6.3. § 1208.5.6.3.
Common mistakes
- Misreading upstream or intermediate regulators as the “final pressure regulator” — only the outlet of the final regulator is the point of delivery for undiluted LP‑Gas when no meter exists. § 1202.1.
- Forgetting that a meter (if present) becomes the point of delivery regardless of gas type. § 1202.1.
- Using plastic piping for undiluted LP‑Gas installations without validating compliance with NFPA 58 (CPC requires NFPA 58 compliance). § 1208.5.6.3.
- Measuring pipe lengths and sizing from the wrong start point (e.g., from tank or upstream regulator) instead of from the point of delivery defined in § 1202.1.
Worked example — single‑family home on undiluted propane (numbers)
Scenario: A home is supplied by an on‑site propane tank (undiluted LP‑Gas). The system has a multi‑stage (tank/regulator → line regulator → final pressure regulator) and there is no meter installed. The final pressure regulator outlet is located on the exterior wall, and the internal piping run from that regulator outlet to the most distant appliance is 75 feet.
Apply the rule:
- Identify point of delivery: Because this is undiluted LP‑Gas and there is no meter, the point of delivery is the outlet of the final pressure regulator (not the tank, not upstream regulators). § 1202.1.
- Measure pipe lengths and size piping from that regulator outlet. For example, using the longest‑length method in the CPC pipe‑sizing rules, you would take the 75 ft length from the regulator outlet to the most remote outlet when consulting the sizing tables. (See CPC pipe sizing methods such as § 1215.1.1 for longest‑length method.)
- Materials: If you plan plastic gas piping for the interior, confirm that the selected plastic pipe/tubing/fittings and their installation meet NFPA 58 requirements as required by § 1208.5.6.3.
Note: This example uses the CPC rule that the final regulator outlet is the start of the customer piping for undiluted LP‑Gas; the CPC requires using the proper tables and methods (see § 1215 series) to select pipe sizes after identifying the correct point of delivery.
Related provisions
- § 1202.1 — Coverage of piping systems and specific definition(s) for point of delivery (primary control).
- § 1208.5.6.3 — Use of plastic pipe, tubing, and fittings in undiluted LP‑Gas piping systems (requires NFPA 58).
- § 1201.1 — Applicability and pressure thresholds for fuel gas piping (context for undiluted propane service pressure).
- § 1215.1.1 — Longest‑length method for pipe sizing (how to size from the point of delivery).
- § 1215.6 — Variable gas pressure requirements and AHJ approval when pressures exceed standard delivery pressures.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Plumbing Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CPC § 1201.0 High relevance — show source text
1201.0 General.
1201.1 Applicability. The regulations of this chapter shall govern the installation of fuel gas piping in or in connection with a building, structure or within the property lines of premises up to 5 pounds-force per square inch (psi) (34 kPa) for natural gas and 10 psi (69 kPa) for undiluted propane, other than service pipe. Fuel oil piping systems connected to oil- burning equipment shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 31. Fuel oil piping systems connected to internal com- bustion engines and gas turbines shall be installed in accor- dance with NFPA 37.
1202.0 Coverage of Piping System. 1202.1 General. Coverage of piping systems shall extend from the point of delivery to the appliance connections. For other than undiluted liquefied petroleum gas (LP-Gas) systems, the point of delivery shall be the outlet of the service meter assembly or the outlet of the service regulator or service shutoff valve where no meter is provided. For undiluted LP-Gas systems, the point of delivery shall be considered to be the outlet of the final pressure regulator, exclusive of line gas regulators where no meter is installed. Where a meter is installed, the point of delivery shall be the outlet of the meter.
[NFPA 54:1.1.1.1(A)] 1202.2 Piping System Requirements. Requirements for piping systems shall include design, materials, components, fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, inspection, operation, and maintenance. [NFPA 54:1.1.1.1(E)] 1202.3 Applications. This chapter shall not apply to the following items:
(1) Portable LP-Gas appliances and equipment of all types that are not connected to a fixed fuel piping system.
(2) Installation of appliances such as brooders, dehydrators, dryers, and irrigation equipment used for agricultural
purposes.
(3) Raw material (feedstock) applications except for piping to special atmosphere generators.
(4) Oxygen-fuel gas cutting and welding systems.
(5) Industrial gas applications using such gases as acetylene and acetylenic compounds, hydrogen, ammonia, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and nitrogen.
(6) Petroleum refineries, pipeline compressor or pumping stations, loading terminals, compounding plants, refinery tank farms, and natural gas processing plants.
(7) Large integrated chemical plants or portions of such plants where flammable or combustible liquids or gases are produced by chemical reactions or used in chemical reactions.
(8) LP-Gas installations at utility gas plants.
(9) Liquefied natural gas (LNG) installations.
(10)Fuel gas piping in electric utility power plants.
(11)Proprietary items of equipment, apparatus, or instruments such as gas-generating sets, compressors, and calorimeters.
(12)LP-Gas equipment for vaporization, gas mixing, and gas manufacturing.
(13)LP-Gas piping for buildings under construction or renovations that is not to become part of the permanent building piping system—that is, temporary fixed piping for building heat.
(14)Installation of LP-Gas systems for railroad switch heating.
(15)Installation of LP-Gas and compressed natural gas (CNG) systems on vehicles.
(16)Gas piping, meters, gas pressure regulators, and other appurtenances used by the serving gas supplier in distribution of gas, other than undiluted LP-Gas.
CPC § 1201.1 High relevance — show source text
8_||||||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopting Agency
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)
Adopt only those sections
that are listed below
Chapter/Section
1201.1
1211.8||||||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopting Agency
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)
Adopt only those sections
that are listed below
Chapter/Section
1201.1
1211.8|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |Adopting Agency
Adopt Entire Chapter
Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)
Adopt only those sections
that are listed below
Chapter/Section
1201.1
1211.8|||X|||||X|X||||||||||||||||This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.0.
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CHAPTER 12
FUEL GAS PIPING
1201.0 General.
1201.1 Applicability. The regulations of this chapter shall govern the installation of fuel gas piping in or in connection with a building, structure or within the property lines of premises up to 5 pounds-force per square inch (psi) (34 kPa) for natural gas and 10 psi (69 kPa) for undiluted propane, other than service pipe. Fuel oil piping systems connected to oil- burning equipment shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 31. Fuel oil piping systems connected to internal com- bustion engines and gas turbines shall be installed in accor- dance with NFPA 37.
1202.0 Coverage of Piping System. 1202.1 General. Coverage of piping systems shall extend from the point of delivery to the appliance connections. For other than undiluted liquefied petroleum gas (LP-Gas) systems, the point of delivery shall be the outlet of the service meter assembly or the outlet of the service regulator or service shutoff valve where no meter is provided. For undiluted LP-Gas systems, the point of delivery shall be considered to be the outlet of the final pressure regulator, exclusive of line gas regulators where no meter is installed. Where a meter is installed, the point of delivery shall be the outlet of the meter.
[NFPA 54:1.1.1.1(A)] 1202.2 Piping System Requirements. Requirements for piping systems shall include design, materials, components, fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, inspection, operation, and maintenance. [NFPA 54:1.1.1.1(E)] 1202.3 Applications. This chapter shall not apply to the following items:
CPC § 1.11.0. High relevance — show source text
This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: † The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.0.
2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 273
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CHAPTER 13
FUEL GAS PIPING
1301.0 Scope of Gas Piping.
1301.1 Applicability. The regulations of this chapter shall govern the installation of fuel gas piping in or in connection with a building, structure or within the property lines of premises up to 5 pounds-force per square inch (psi) (34 kPa) for natural gas and 10 psi (69 kPa) for undiluted propane, other than service pipe.
1302.0 Coverage of Piping System.
1302.1 General. Coverage of piping systems shall extend from the point of delivery to the appliance connections. For other than undiluted liquefied petroleum gas (LP-Gas) systems, the point of delivery shall be the outlet of the service meter assembly or the outlet of the service regulator or service shutoff valve where no meter is provided. For undiluted LP-Gas systems, the point of delivery shall be considered to be the outlet of the final pressure regulator, exclusive of line gas regulators where no meter is installed. Where a meter is installed, the point of delivery shall be the outlet of the meter.
[NFPA 54:1.1.1.1(A)]
1302.2 Piping System Requirements. Requirements for piping systems shall include design, materials, components, fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, inspection, operation, and maintenance. [NFPA 54:1.1.1.1(E)]
1302.3 Applications. This chapter shall not apply to the following items:
(1) Portable LP-Gas appliances and equipment of all types that are not connected to a fixed fuel piping system.
(2) Installation of appliances such as brooders, dehydrators, dryers, and irrigation equipment used for agricultural
purposes.
(3) Raw material (feedstock) applications except for piping to special atmosphere generators.
(4) Oxygen-fuel gas cutting and welding systems.
(5) Industrial gas applications using such gases as acetylene and acetylenic compounds, hydrogen, ammonia, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and nitrogen.
(6) Petroleum refineries, pipeline compressor or pumping stations, loading terminals, compounding plants, refinery tank farms, and natural gas processing plants.
(7) Large integrated chemical plants or portions of such plants where flammable or combustible liquids or gases are produced by chemical reactions or used in chemical reactions.
(8) LP-Gas installations at utility gas plants.
(9) Liquefied natural gas (LNG) installations.
(10)Fuel gas piping in electric utility power plants.
(11)Proprietary items of equipment, apparatus, or instruments such as gas-generating sets, compressors, and calorime ters.
(12)LP-Gas equipment for vaporization, gas mixing, and gas manufacturing.
CPC § 1214.1 High relevance — show source text
1214.1 General. The following regulations shall comply with this section and Section 1215.0, shall be the standard for the installation of gas piping. Natural gas regulations and tables are based on the use of a gas having a specific gravity of 0.60 and for undiluted liquefied petroleum gas, having a specific gravity of 1.50. Where gas of a different specific gravity is to be delivered, the specific gravity conversion factors provided by the serving gas supplier shall be used in sizing piping systems from the pipe sizing tables in this chapter.
1214.2 Volume. The hourly volume of gas required at each piping outlet shall be taken as not less than the maximum hourly rating as specified by the manufacturer of the appliance or appliances to be connected to each such outlet.
1214.3 Gas Appliances. Where the gas appliances to be installed have not been specified, Table 1208.3.1 shall be permitted to be used as a reference to estimate requirements of typical appliances. To obtain the cubic feet per hour (m [3] /h) of gas required, divide the input of the appliances by the average Btu (kW•h) heating value per cubic foot (m [3] ) of the gas. The average Btu (kW•h) per cubic foot (m [3] ) of the gas in the area of the installation shall be permitted to be obtained from the serving gas supplier.
1214.4 Size of Piping Outlets. The size of the supply piping outlet for a gas appliance shall be not less than [1] ⁄ 2 of an inch in diameter (15 mm).
The size of a piping outlet for a mobile home shall be not less than [3] ⁄ 4 of an inch in diameter (20 mm).
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FUEL GAS PIPING
1215.0 Required Gas Piping Size. 1215.1 Pipe Sizing Methods. Where the pipe size is to be determined using any of the methods in Section 1215.1.1 through Section 1215.1.3, the diameter of each pipe segment shall be obtained from the pipe sizing tables in Section 1215.2 or from the sizing equations in Section 1215.3. [NFPA 54:6.1]
1215.1.1 Longest Length Method. The pipe size of each section of gas piping shall be determined using the longest length of piping from the point of delivery to the most remote outlet and the load of the section. [NFPA 54:6.1.1] (see calculation example in Figure 1215.1.1)
1215.1.2 Branch Length Method. Pipe shall be sized as follows:
(1) Pipe size of each section of the longest pipe run from the point of delivery to the most remote outlet shall be determined using the longest run of piping and the load of the section.
(2) The pipe size of each section of branch piping not previously sized shall be determined using the length of piping from the point of delivery to the most remote outlet in each branch and the load of the section. [NFPA 54:6.1.2]
CPC § 1208.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
TABLE 1208.3.1
APPROXIMATE GAS INPUT FOR
TYPICAL APPLIANCES
[NFPA 54: TABLE A.5.3.2.1]
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For SI units: 1000 British thermal units per hour = 0.293 kW
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FUEL GAS PIPING
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«
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1208.5.4 Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings. Polyethylene plastic pipe, tubing, and fittings used to supply fuel gas shall conform to ASTM D2513. Pipe to be used shall be marked “gas” and “ASTM D2513.” Polyamide pipe, tubing, and fittings shall be identified in and conform to ASTM F2945. Pipe to be used shall be marked “gas” and “ASTM F2945.” Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe, tubing, and fittings shall not be used to supply fuel gas. [NFPA 54:5.5.4.1.1 – 5.5.4.1.3]
1208.5.5 Regulator Vent Piping. Plastic pipe and fittings used to connect regulator vents to remote vent terminations shall be PVC (Schedule 40 and 80). PVC vent piping shall not be installed indoors. {NFPA 54:5.5.4.2}
1208.5.6 Anodeless Risers. Anodeless risers shall
comply with Section 1208.5.6.1 through Section 1208.5.6.3.
1208.5.6.1 Factory-Assembled Anodeless Risers. Factory-assembled anodeless risers shall be recommended by the manufacturer for the gas used and shall be leak tested by the manufacturer in accordance with written procedures. [NFPA 54:5.5.4.3(1)]
1208.5.6.2 Service Head Adapters and Field- Assembled Anodeless Risers. Service head
adapters and field-assembled anodeless risers incorporating service head adapters shall be recommended by the manufacturer for the gas used and shall be design-certified to meet the requirements of Category I of ASTM D2513 and 49 CFR 192.281(e). The manufacturer shall provide the user qualified installation instructions as prescribed by 49 CFR 192.283(b).
[NFPA 54:5.5.4.3(2)]
1208.5.6.3 Undiluted Liquefied Petroleum Gas Piping. The use of plastic pipe, tubing, and fittings in undiluted LP-Gas piping systems shall be in accordance with NFPA 58. [NFPA 54:5.5.4.3(3)]
CPC § 1215.5 Medium relevance — show source text
(6) Size each section of branch piping not previously sized by measuring the distance from the gas meter location to the most remote outlet in that branch and follow the procedures of steps 2, 3, 4, and 5 above. Size branch piping in the order of their distance from the meter location, beginning with the most distant outlet not previously sized.
1215.5 Engineering Methods. For conditions other than those covered by Section 1215.1, such as longer runs or greater gas demands, the size of each gas piping system shall be determined by standard engineering methods acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, and each such system shall be so designed that the total pressure drop between the meter or another point of supply and an outlet where full demand is being supplied to all outlets, shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 1208.4. 1215.6 Variable Gas Pressure. Where the supply gas pressure exceeds 5 psi (34.6 kPa) for natural gas and 10 psi (69 kPa) for undiluted propane or is less than 6 inches (1.5 kPa) of water column, or where diversity demand factors are used, the design, pipe, sizing, materials, location, and use of such systems first shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Piping systems designed for pressures exceeding the serving gas supplier’s standard delivery pressure shall have prior verification from the gas supplier of the availability of the design pressure.
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FUEL GAS PIPING
FIGURE 1215.1.1
EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATING USE OF TABLE 1208.3.1 AND TABLE 1215.2(1)
Problem: Determine the required pipe size of each section and outlet of the piping system shown in Figure 1215.1.1. Gas to be used has a specific gravity of 0.60 and 1100 British thermal units (Btu) per cubic foot (0.0114 kW•h/L), delivered at 8 inch water column (2.0 kPa) pressure.
For SI units: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1000 British thermal units per hour = 0.293 kW, 1 cubic foot per hour = 0.0283 m [3] /h
Solution:
(1) Maximum gas demand of Outlet A — 32 cubic feet per hour (0.91 m [3] /h) (from Table 1208.3.1).
Maximum gas demand of Outlet B — 3 cubic feet per hour (0.08 m [3] /h) (from Table 1208.3.1).
Maximum gas demand of Outlet C — 59 cubic feet per hour (1.67 m [3] /h) (from Table 1208.3.1).
Maximum gas demand of Outlet D — 136 cubic feet per hour (3.85 m [3] /h) [150 000 Btu/hour (44 kW) divided by 1100 Btu per cubic foot (0.0114 kW•h/L)].
(2) The length of pipe from the gas meter to the most remote outlet (Outlet A) is 60 feet (18 288 mm).
CPC § 2307.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
2307.2.1 Approved equipment. Containers, pressure relief devices (including pressure relief valves), pressure regulators and piping for LP-gas shall be approved.
2307.2.2 Listed equipment. Hoses, hose connections, vehicle fuel connections, dispensers, LP-gas pumps and electrical equipment used for LP-gas shall be listed.
2307.3 Attendants. Motor fuel-dispensing operations for LP-gas shall be conducted by qualified attendants or in accordance with Section 2307.7 by persons trained in the proper handling of LP-gas.
2307.4 Location of dispensing operations and equipment. The point of transfer for LP-gas dispensing operations shall be separated from buildings and other exposures in accordance with the following:
- Not less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from buildings where the exterior wall is not part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly having a rating of 1 hour or greater.
- Not less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from combustible overhangs on buildings, measured from a vertical line dropped from the face of the overhang at a point nearest the point of transfer.
- Not less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from the lot line of property that can be built on.
- Not less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from the centerline of the nearest mainline railroad track.
- Not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from public streets, highways, thoroughfares, sidewalks and driveways.
- Not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from buildings where the exterior wall is part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly having a rating of 1 hour or greater.
Exception: The point of transfer for LP-gas dispensing operations need not be separated from canopies that are constructed in accordance with the California Building Code and that provide weather protection for the dispensing equipment.
LP-gas containers shall be located in accordance with Chapter 61. LP-gas storage and dispensing equipment shall be located outdoors.
2307.5 Additional requirements for LP-gas dispensers and equipment. LP-gas dispensers and related equipment shall comply with the following provisions:
Pumps shall be fixed in place and shall be designed to allow control of the flow and to prevent leakage and accidental discharge.
Dispensing devices installed within 10 feet (3048 mm) of where vehicle traffic occurs shall be protected against physical damage by mounting on a concrete island 6 inches (152 mm) or more in height, or shall be protected in accordance with Section 312.
Dispensing devices shall be securely fastened to their mounting surface in accordance with the dispenser manufacturer’s instructions.
23-10 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES AND REPAIR GARAGES
2307.6 Installation of LP-gas dispensing devices and equipment. The installation and operation of LP-gas dispensing systems shall be in accordance with Sections 2307.6.1 through 2307.6.4 and Chapter 61. LP-gas dispensers and dispensing stations shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and their listing.
2307.6.1 Product control valves. The dispenser system piping shall be protected from uncontrolled discharge in accordance with the following: 1.
CPC § 1315.5 Medium relevance — show source text
(6) Size each section of branch piping not previously sized by measuring the distance from the gas meter location to the most remote outlet in that branch and follow the procedures of steps 2, 3, 4, and 5 above. Size branch piping in the order of their distance from the meter location, beginning with the most distant outlet not previously sized.
1315.5 Engineering Methods. For conditions other than those covered by Section 1315.1, such as longer runs or greater gas demands, the size of each gas piping system shall be determined by standard engineering methods acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, and each such system shall be so designed that the total pressure drop between the meter or other point of supply and an outlet where full demand is being supplied to outlets, shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 1308.3.
1315.6 Variable Gas Pressures. Where the supply gas pressure exceeds 5 psi (34 kPa) for natural gas and 10 psi (69 kPa) for undiluted propane or is less than 6 inches (1.5 kPa) of water column, or where diversity demand factors are used, the design, pipe, sizing, materials, location, and use of such systems first shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Piping systems designed for pressures exceeding the serving gas supplier’s standard delivery pressure shall have prior verification from the gas supplier of the availability of the design pressure.
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FUEL GAS PIPING
FIGURE 1315.1.1 EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATING USE OF TABLE 1308.3.1 AND TABLE 1315.2(1) Problem: Determine the required pipe size of each section and outlet of the piping system shown in Figure 1315.1.1. Gas to be used has a specific gravity of 0.60 and 1100 British thermal units (Btu) per cubic foot (0.0114 kW•h/L), delivered at 8 inch water column (1.9 kPa) pressure.
For SI units: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1000 British thermal units per hour = 0.293 kW, 1 cubic foot per hour = 0.0283 m [3] /h
Solution:
(1) Maximum gas demand of Outlet A – 32 cubic feet per hour (0.91 m [3] /h) (from Table 1308.3.1).
Maximum gas demand of Outlet B – 3 cubic feet per hour (0.08 m [3] /h) (from Table 1308.3.1).
Maximum gas demand of Outlet C – 59 cubic feet per hour (1.67 m [3] /h) (from Table 1308.3.1).
Maximum gas demand of Outlet D – 136 cubic feet per hour (3.85 m [3] /h) [150 000 Btu/hour (44 kW)] divided by 1100 Btu per cubic foot (0.0114 kW•h/L)
(2) The length of pipe from the gas meter to the most remote outlet (Outlet A) is 60 feet (18 288 mm).
CPC § 1.1.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
(1) Portable LP-Gas appliances and equipment of all types that are not connected to a fixed fuel piping system.
(2) Installation of appliances such as brooders, dehydrators, dryers, and irrigation equipment used for agricultural
purposes.
(3) Raw material (feedstock) applications except for piping to special atmosphere generators.
(4) Oxygen-fuel gas cutting and welding systems.
(5) Industrial gas applications using such gases as acetylene and acetylenic compounds, hydrogen, ammonia, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and nitrogen.
(6) Petroleum refineries, pipeline compressor or pumping stations, loading terminals, compounding plants, refinery tank farms, and natural gas processing plants.
(7) Large integrated chemical plants or portions of such plants where flammable or combustible liquids or gases are produced by chemical reactions or used in chemical reactions.
(8) LP-Gas installations at utility gas plants.
(9) Liquefied natural gas (LNG) installations.
(10)Fuel gas piping in electric utility power plants.
(11)Proprietary items of equipment, apparatus, or instruments such as gas-generating sets, compressors, and calorimeters.
(12)LP-Gas equipment for vaporization, gas mixing, and gas manufacturing.
(13)LP-Gas piping for buildings under construction or renovations that is not to become part of the permanent building piping system—that is, temporary fixed piping for building heat.
(14)Installation of LP-Gas systems for railroad switch heating.
(15)Installation of LP-Gas and compressed natural gas (CNG) systems on vehicles.
(16)Gas piping, meters, gas pressure regulators, and other appurtenances used by the serving gas supplier in distribution of gas, other than undiluted LP-Gas.
(17)Building design and construction, except as specified herein.
(18)Fuel gas systems on recreational vehicles manufactured in accordance with NFPA 1192.
(19)Fuel gas systems using hydrogen as a fuel.
(20)Construction of appliances. {NFPA 54:1.1.1.2}
1203.0 Inspection.
1203.1 Inspection Notification. Upon completion of the installation, alteration, or repair of gas piping, and prior to the use thereof, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be notified that such gas piping is ready for inspection.
1203.2 Excavation. Excavations required for the installation of underground piping shall be kept open until the piping has been inspected and approved. Where such piping is covered or concealed before such approval, it shall be exposed upon the direction of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
1203.3 Type of Inspections. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall make the following inspections and either shall approve that portion of the work as completed or shall notify the permit holder wherein the same fails to be in accordance with this code.
1203.3.1 Rough Piping Inspection. This inspection shall be made after gas piping authorized by the permit has been installed and before such piping has been covered or concealed or fixture or appliance has been attached thereto. This inspection shall include a determination that the gas piping size, material, and installation meet the requirements of this code.
1203.3.2 Final Piping Inspection. This inspection shall be made after piping authorized by the permit has been installed, and after portions, thereof that are to be covered or concealed are so concealed, and before fixture, appliance, or shutoff valve has been attached thereto.
2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 215
CPC § 0.249 Medium relevance — show source text
water column = 0.249 kPa
TABLE 1215.3
Cr AND Y FOR NATURAL GAS AND UNDILUTED
PROPANE AT STANDARD CONDITIONS
[NFPA 54: TABLE 6.4.2]
GAS FORMULA FACTORS Col3
GASCr Y
Natural Gas0.6094 0.9992 Undiluted Propane 1.2462 0.9910 1215.4 Sizing of Piping Sections. To determine the size of each section of pipe in a system within the range of Table 1215.2(1) through Table 1215.2(36), proceed as follows:
234 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
FUEL GAS PIPING
(1) Measure the length of the pipe from the gas meter location to the most remote outlet on the system.
(2) Select the length in feet column and row showing the distance, or the next longer distance where the table does not give the exact length.
(3) Starting at the most remote outlet, find in the row just selected the gas demand for that outlet. Where the exact figure of demand is not shown, choose the next larger figure in the row.
(4) At the top of this column will be found the correct size of pipe.
(5) Using this same row, proceed in a similar manner to each section of pipe serving this outlet. For each section of pipe, determine the total gas demand supplied by that section. Where gas piping sections serve both heating and cooling appliances and the installation prevents both units from operating simultaneously, the larger of the two demand loads needs to be used in sizing these sections.
(6) Size each section of branch piping not previously sized by measuring the distance from the gas meter location to the most remote outlet in that branch and follow the procedures of steps 2, 3, 4, and 5 above. Size branch piping in the order of their distance from the meter location, beginning with the most distant outlet not previously sized.
1215.5 Engineering Methods. For conditions other than those covered by Section 1215.1, such as longer runs or greater gas demands, the size of each gas piping system shall be determined by standard engineering methods acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, and each such system shall be so designed that the total pressure drop between the meter or another point of supply and an outlet where full demand is being supplied to all outlets, shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 1208.4. 1215.6 Variable Gas Pressure. Where the supply gas pressure exceeds 5 psi (34.6 kPa) for natural gas and 10 psi (69 kPa) for undiluted propane or is less than 6 inches (1.5 kPa) of water column, or where diversity demand factors are used, the design, pipe, sizing, materials, location, and use of such systems first shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Piping systems designed for pressures exceeding the serving gas supplier’s standard delivery pressure shall have prior verification from the gas supplier of the availability of the design pressure.
CPC § 1315.3 Medium relevance — show source text
TABLE 1315.3
Cr AND Y FOR NATURAL GAS AND UNDILUTED
PROPANE AT STANDARD CONDITIONS
[NFPA 54: TABLE 6.4.2]
GAS FORMULA FACTORS Col3
GASCr Y
Natural Gas0.6094 0.9992 Undiluted Propane 1.2462 0.9910 1315.4 Sizing of Piping Sections. To determine the size of each section of pipe in a system within the range of Table 1315.2(1) through Table 1315.2(36), proceed as follows:
(1) Measure the length of the pipe from the gas meter location to the most remote outlet on the system.
(2) Select the length in feet column and row showing the distance, or the next longer distance where the table does not give the exact length.
(3) Starting at the most remote outlet, find in the just selected the gas demand for that outlet. Where the exact figure of demand is not shown, choose the next larger figure in the
row.
(4) At the top of the column in the table will be found the correct size of pipe.
(5) Using this same row, proceed in a similar manner for each section of pipe serving this outlet. For each section of pipe, determine the total gas demand supplied by that section. Where gas piping sections serve both heating and cooling appliances and the installation prevents both units from operating simultaneously, the larger of the two demand loads needs to be used in sizing these sections.
(6) Size each section of branch piping not previously sized by measuring the distance from the gas meter location to the most remote outlet in that branch and follow the procedures of steps 2, 3, 4, and 5 above. Size branch piping in the order of their distance from the meter location, beginning with the most distant outlet not previously sized.
1315.5 Engineering Methods. For conditions other than those covered by Section 1315.1, such as longer runs or greater gas demands, the size of each gas piping system shall be determined by standard engineering methods acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, and each such system shall be so designed that the total pressure drop between the meter or other point of supply and an outlet where full demand is being supplied to outlets, shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 1308.3.
1315.6 Variable Gas Pressures. Where the supply gas pressure exceeds 5 psi (34 kPa) for natural gas and 10 psi (69 kPa) for undiluted propane or is less than 6 inches (1.5 kPa) of water column, or where diversity demand factors are used, the design, pipe, sizing, materials, location, and use of such systems first shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Piping systems designed for pressures exceeding the serving gas supplier’s standard delivery pressure shall have prior verification from the gas supplier of the availability of the design pressure.
2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 295
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FUEL GAS PIPING
CPC § 2306.2.3. Medium relevance — show source text
Above-ground tanks used for outdoor, above-grade storage of Class IIIB liquid motor fuel shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 142 or listed and labeled as protected above-ground tanks in accordance with UL 2085 and shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 57. Tank locations shall be in accordance with Table 2306.2.3.
TABLE 2306.2.3—MINIMUM SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ABOVE-GROUND TANKS Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 TANK TYPE INDIVIDUAL TANK
CAPACITY
(gallons)MINIMUM DISTANCE
FROM NEAREST
IMPORTANT
BUILDING ON SAME
PROPERTY
(feet)MINIMUM
DISTANCE FROM
NEAREST FUEL
DISPENSER
(feet)MINIMUM DISTANCE
FROM LOT LINE THAT IS
OR CAN BE BUILT ON,
INCLUDING THE
OPPOSITE SIDE OF A
PUBLIC WAY
(feet)MINIMUM
DISTANCE FROM
NEAREST SIDE OF
ANY PUBLIC WAY
(feet)MINIMUM
DISTANCE
BETWEEN
TANKS
(feet)Protected
above-ground
tanksLess than or equal
to 6,0005 25a, c 15 5 3 Protected
above-ground
tanksGreater than 6,000 15 25a, c 25 15 3 Tanks in vaults 0–20,000 0b 0 0b 0 Separate
compartment
required for
each tankOther tanks All 50 50 100 50 3 For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
a. At fleet vehicle motor fuel-dispensing facilities, a minimum separation distance is not required.
b. Underground vaults shall be located such that they will not be subject to loading from nearby structures, or they shall be designed to accommodate
applied loads from existing or future structures that can be built nearby.
c. For Class IIIB liquids in protected above-ground tanks, a minimum separation distance is not required.For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
a. At fleet vehicle motor fuel-dispensing facilities, a minimum separation distance is not required.
b. Underground vaults shall be located such that they will not be subject to loading from nearby structures, or they shall be designed to accommodate
applied loads from existing or future structures that can be built nearby.
c. For Class IIIB liquids in protected above-ground tanks, a minimum separation distance is not required.For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
a. At fleet vehicle motor fuel-dispensing facilities, a minimum separation distance is not required.
b.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a “final pressure regulator” for undiluted LP‑Gas?
The final pressure regulator is the regulator whose outlet supplies the building piping at the service pressure; intermediate or line regulators upstream are not the final regulator. The CPC treats the outlet of the final regulator as the point of delivery for undiluted LP‑Gas when no meter is present. § 1202.1.
If a meter is added later, does the point of delivery change?
Yes. If a meter is installed, the CPC makes the outlet of the meter the point of delivery—this applies to undiluted LP‑Gas as well. § 1202.1.
Can I use standard plastic gas piping for undiluted propane inside the house?
Only if the plastic piping, tubing, and fittings comply with NFPA 58, because the CPC requires NFPA 58 compliance for plastic materials in undiluted LP‑Gas systems (§ 1208.5.6.3). Check NFPA 58 for accepted materials and installation details.
Where do I start measuring pipe length for sizing?
Start at the point of delivery defined by the CPC — meter outlet, service regulator/shutoff (for non‑undiluted gases), or final regulator outlet (for undiluted LP‑Gas without a meter) — then follow pipe‑sizing methods (e.g., longest‑length method in § 1215.1.1).
If the CPC defers to NFPA 58 for plastics, does that mean the CPC allows any NFPA 58‑listed plastic?
The CPC requirement is that use of plastic in undiluted LP‑Gas piping be in accordance with NFPA 58. That means follow NFPA 58’s material listings, pressure/temperature limits, fittings, installation, and testing requirements; the CPC itself does not list acceptable plastic types — NFPA 58 does. § 1208.5.6.3.
More in California Plumbing Code
- Administration
- Definitions
- General Regulations
- Plumbing Fixtures and Fixture Fittings
- Water Heaters
- Water Supply and Distribution
- Sanitary Drainage (Drain, Waste, and Vent)
- Indirect Wastes
- Vents
- Traps and Interceptors
- Storm Drainage
- Fuel Gas Piping
- Health Care Facilities — Medical Gas and Medical Vacuum Systems
- Alternate Water Sources and Nonpotable Rainwater Catchment Systems
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