CRSC · California Referenced Standards Code
Do installations of customer‑owned earthquake gas shutoff devices have to follow the California Plumbing Code?
If you own and plan to install an earthquake‑actuated gas shutoff, the CRSC requires that any customer‑owned device certified to the State Architect’s ASCE standard be installed in accordance with the California Plumbing Code; check the device certification, local ordinance, plumbing code sections (e.g., CPC §1211.8), and your gas utility’s rules before installing.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — short answer
Yes. The California Referenced Standards Code requires that installations of customer‑owned earthquake‑actuated gas shutoff devices that satisfy the State Architect’s standard be installed in accordance with the California Plumbing Code. See § 12-16-101.1 of the CRSC.
Installations of customer‑owned seismic (earthquake‑actuated) gas shutoff devices that meet the State Architect standard must be done in accordance with the California Plumbing Code. § 12-16-101.1 and related plumbing code provisions control the installation.
Requirements in detail
1) Which devices are covered
- The devices subject to this rule are those certified to the ASCE standard for earthquake‑actuated automatic gas shutoff devices — i.e., devices the Division of the State Architect certifies per § 12-16-101.
2) The installation rule
- If a device is a customer‑owned device that satisfies the State Architect’s certification standard, its installation “shall be in accordance with the California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5).” That requirement is § 12-16-101.1.
- The California Plumbing Code then supplies the installation details (for example, where certified valves are required, prohibitions on uncertified valves, and whether local ordinance governs the installation). See CPC § 1211.8 for earthquake‑actuated valve rules.
3) How the plumbing code interacts (key CPC points to check)
- Certification requirement and local ordinance: CPC § 1211.8 says earthquake‑actuated valves certified by the State Architect per the referenced CRSC standard are the valves contemplated by the plumbing code; where a local ordinance requires them, the certified valves “shall be provided.” The CPC also states uncertified valves are prohibited in public buildings under mandatory local ordinance, and that installations must comply with the local ordinance or, if none exists, the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- Device location and piping considerations: The CPC contains requirements for appliance and piping connections and for selection of shutoff valves (see CPC Tables and Sections in Chapter 12 — e.g., Sections 1212.0–1213.0 and 1208.13). These are the provisions that govern valve sizing, connection methods, and testing when the device is added to building fuel‑gas piping.
- Prohibited installations: CPC § 1210.10 prohibits inserting devices within piping if they reduce the cross‑sectional area or otherwise obstruct free flow unless the piping design explicitly allows for them. That is a relevant limit when adding inline devices.
Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick table)
| Decision factor | What matters | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Device certification | Must satisfy ASCE/State Architect certification to fall under § 12‑16‑101.1 | § 12-16-101; |
| Who must follow the CPC | Installations of customer‑owned devices that satisfy the standard | § 12-16-101.1; |
| Local ordinance effect | Where local ordinance requires earthquake valves, installations must meet that ordinance; absent ordinance follow manufacturer instructions per CPC | CPC § 1211.8; |
| Use in public buildings | Uncertified valves prohibited in buildings open to the public when local ordinance mandates | CPC § 1211.8; |
| Piping/flow restrictions | Devices that reduce cross‑section or obstruct flow are prohibited unless piping design accounts for them | CPC § 1210.10; |
Exceptions & special cases
- Local ordinance can impose mandatory installation requirements; when that ordinance is in effect the CPC directs that certified valves “shall be provided” for the buildings covered by the ordinance. See CPC § 1211.8.
- If no local ordinance prescribes installation details, the CPC allows installers to follow the device manufacturer’s installation instructions for the physical installation (again, see CPC § 1211.8). That does not negate the CRSC requirement that the device installation otherwise comply with the California Plumbing Code.
- The CRSC requirement applies only to devices that satisfy the State Architect’s standard. If a device is not certified under the ASCE/State Architect standard, separate prohibitions and local rules in the CPC may apply (for example, uncertified devices can be prohibited in some public buildings).
Common mistakes
- Assuming any off‑the‑shelf “seismic” valve may be installed: only devices that satisfy the State Architect’s certification (ASCE standard per § 12‑16‑101) are the devices contemplated by § 12‑16‑101.1.
- Installing without checking local ordinance: the plumbing code defers to local ordinance where present for whether and how valves must be provided; installers must verify local rules. See CPC § 1211.8.
- Altering piping such that the valve obstructs flow or reduces pipe area without accounting for it in the piping design — CPC § 1210.10 warns against placing devices that reduce cross‑section or obstruct free flow unless the piping design explicitly allows.
- Forgetting utility/owner limits: utilities often require customer‑owned equipment to be installed downstream of the service delivery point and not on utility‑owned facilities. Utility rules are separate from the CRSC/CPC and must be checked with the gas company (see PG&E guidance for examples).
Worked example
Scenario: A homeowner wants to install a customer‑owned seismic shutoff valve on their residential gas service and the device is certified by the State Architect.
Steps applying the code:
- Confirm the device is certified to the ASCE/State Architect standard (certification per § 12‑16‑101). If certified, the installation must comply with the California Plumbing Code under § 12‑16‑101.1.
- Check whether the city or county has a local ordinance requiring earthquake‑actuated valves; if an ordinance requires the valve, CPC § 1211.8 makes providing a certified valve mandatory and may impose location/installation details. If no local ordinance exists, follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions as allowed by CPC § 1211.8.
- Ensure the valve installation does not reduce pipe cross‑section or obstruct free flow unless the plumbing design accounts for that (CPC § 1210.10). If valve is inline and changes flow characteristics, document acceptance in the piping design per CPC.
- Check utility requirements (example: many utilities require customer equipment to be downstream of the service delivery point) and obtain any required utility approvals or permits before installation. See utility guidance (PG&E example) for downstream‑of‑service‑point practice.
Numeric example (illustrative, not a code text): If the valve manufacturer requires a minimum straight‑run of 6 in. upstream and 6 in. downstream of the valve for correct operation, follow those instructions — and confirm such clearances comply with CPC rules on piping connections and valve listings (CPC Chapter 12 provisions). The obligation to follow the manufacturer’s spacing instructions when no local ordinance prescribes otherwise is specified in CPC § 1211.8.
Related CRSC provisions
- § 12-16-101 — ASCE requirements (ANSI/ASCE/SEI 25‑16) are the applicable standard for State Architect certification of earthquake‑actuated gas shutoff devices.
- § 12-16-101.1 — Each installation of a customer‑owned device that satisfies this standard shall be in accordance with the California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5).
- § 12-16-201 — Standard for residential excess flow actuated automatic gas shutoff valves (sets the certification standard used by the Division of the State Architect).
- § 12-16-201.1 — Each installation of a customer‑owned device that satisfies the residential excess flow standard shall be in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Referenced Standards Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRSC § 12-16 High relevance — show source text
12-16-1 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY AND
DESIGN OF THE MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
CALIFORNIA STANDARD FOR EARTHQUAKE-ACTUATED AUTOMATIC GAS SHUTOFF SYSTEMS (SEE CCR TITLE 24, PART 2, CHAPTERS 16 AND 16A, AND CCR TITLE 24, PART 5, CHAPTER 12) STANDARD 12-16-1
DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT
Authority: Sections 19180–19183, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 19182, Health and Safety Code.
DIVISION 1—CONSTRUCTION
SCOPE
Sec. 12-16-101. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) requirements for “Earthquake-Actuated Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices,” ANSI/ASCE/SEI 25-16 (copyright 2016 by ASCE), shall be the applicable standard used by the Division of the State Architect for the certification of these devices.
Sec. 12-16-101.1. Each installation of a customer-owned device that satisfies this standard shall be in accordance with the California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5).
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12-16-2 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY AND
DESIGN OF THE MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
CALIFORNIA STANDARD FOR RESIDENTIAL EXCESS FLOW ACTUATED AUTOMATIC GAS SHUTOFF VALVES (SEE CCR TITLE 24, PART 5, CHAPTER 12) STANDARD 12-16-2
DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT
Authority: Sections 19200–19204, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 19201.5 and 19202, Health and Safety Code.
DIVISION 1—CONSTRUCTION
SCOPE
Sec. 12-16-201. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F2138-12(2017) Standard Specification for Excess Flow Valves for Natural Gas Service, and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z21.93-2017/CSA 6.30-2017 Excess Flow Valves for Natural and LP Gas with Pressure up to 5 psig, shall be the applicable standards used by the Division of the State Architect for certification of these devices.
Sec. 12-16-201.1. Each installation of a customer-owned device that satisfies this standard shall be in accordance with the California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5).
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12-31C RADIATION SHIELDING STANDARDS
STANDARD 12-31C-1
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
CRSC § 64703-64705. High relevance — show source text
This installed weight per square foot shall conform with the manufacturer’s installed design density per square foot at the manufacturer’s labeled R -value.
(b) Water heater insulation kits. No water heater insulation kit shall be sold, on or after March 25, 1982, unless it has a thermal resistance of at least R-6 and is so identified.
Each water heater insulation kit sold shall include instructions which are equivalent to the Department of Energy standard practice for the installation of insulation on gas-fired, oil-fired and electric resistance water heaters, 44 Fed. Reg. pages 64703-64705.
Authority: Section 25922, Public Resources Code.
Reference: Section 25922, Public Resources Code.
HISTORY:
- Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).
- Editorial correction of subsection (a) filed 1-13-82 (Register 82, No. 2).
INTERPRETATION
Sec. 12-13-1565.
The General Counsel of the Commission shall make a determination as to the application or interpretation of any provision of this article to any person requesting such a determination. Any such request shall be submitted in writing to the Commission. The Commission shall make written replies to such inquiries and shall widely publish interpretations that have broad application or interest.
Authority: Section 25218 (e), Public Resources Code.
Reference: Sections 25920 and 25922, Public Resources Code.
HISTORY:
- Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).
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12-16-1 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY AND
DESIGN OF THE MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
CALIFORNIA STANDARD FOR EARTHQUAKE-ACTUATED AUTOMATIC GAS SHUTOFF SYSTEMS (SEE CCR TITLE 24, PART 2, CHAPTERS 16 AND 16A, AND CCR TITLE 24, PART 5, CHAPTER 12) STANDARD 12-16-1
DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT
Authority: Sections 19180–19183, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 19182, Health and Safety Code.
DIVISION 1—CONSTRUCTION
SCOPE
Sec. 12-16-101. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) requirements for “Earthquake-Actuated Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices,” ANSI/ASCE/SEI 25-16 (copyright 2016 by ASCE), shall be the applicable standard used by the Division of the State Architect for the certification of these devices.
Sec. 12-16-101.1. Each installation of a customer-owned device that satisfies this standard shall be in accordance with the California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5).
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12-16-2 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY AND
CRSC § 7.14.1 High relevance — show source text
[NFPA 54:7.14.1] 1211.7.1 Safety Control. Any essential safety control depending on electric current as the operating medium shall be of a type that shuts off (fail safe) the flow of gas in the event of current failure. [NFPA 54:7.14.2] 1211.8 Earthquake-Actuated Gas Shutoff Valves. Earthquake-actuated gas shutoff valves designed to auto- matically shut off the gas at the location of the valve in the event of a seismic disturbance and certified by the State Architect as conforming to California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 12, Chapter 12-16-1, shall be provided for buildings when such installation is required by local ordi- nance. Earthquake-actuated gas shutoff valves which have not been certified by the State Architect shall be prohibited in buildings open to the public under mandatory installation by local ordinance. Installation of the valves shall be in accordance with local ordinance, and in the absence of such per the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
1212.0 Appliance and Equipment Connections to Building Piping. 1212.1 Connecting Appliances and Equipment. Appliances and equipment shall be connected to the building piping in compliance with Section 1212.6 through Section 1212.8 by one of the following: (1) Rigid metallic pipe and fittings. (2) Semirigid metallic tubing and metallic fittings. Aluminum alloy tubing shall not be used in exterior locations. (3) A connector for gas appliances listed in accordance with ANSI Z21.24/CSA 6.10. The connector shall be used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and shall be in the same room as the appliance. Only one connector shall be used per appliance. (4) A connector for outdoor gas appliances and manufactured homes listed in accordance with ANSI Z21.75/CSA 6.27. Only one connector shall be used per appliance. (5) CSST where installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. CSST shall not be directly routed into a metallic appliance enclosure where the appliance is connected to a metallic vent that terminates above a roofline. CSST shall connect only to appliances that are fixed in place. (6) Listed nonmetallic gas hose connectors in accordance with Section 1212.3.
(7) Unlisted gas hose connectors for use in laboratories and educational facilities in accordance with Section 1212.4.
[NFPA 54:9.6.1]
1212.1.1 Protection of Connectors. Connectors and tubing addressed in Section 1212.1(2), Section 1212.1(3), Section 1212.1(4), Section 1212.1(5), and Section 1212.1(6) shall be installed to be protected against physical and thermal damage. Aluminum alloy tubing and connectors shall be coated to protect against external corrosion where they are in contact with masonry, plaster, or insulation or are subject to repeated wettings by such liquids as detergents, sewage, or water other than rainwater. [NFPA 54:9.6.1.1]
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CRSC § 12-16 High relevance — show source text
CALIFORNIA STANDARD FOR RESIDENTIAL EXCESS FLOW ACTUATED AUTOMATIC GAS SHUTOFF VALVES (SEE CCR TITLE 24, PART 5, CHAPTER 12) STANDARD 12-16-2
DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT
Authority: Sections 19200–19204, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 19201.5 and 19202, Health and Safety Code.
DIVISION 1—CONSTRUCTION
SCOPE
Sec. 12-16-201. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F2138-12(2017) Standard Specification for Excess Flow Valves for Natural Gas Service, and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z21.93-2017/CSA 6.30-2017 Excess Flow Valves for Natural and LP Gas with Pressure up to 5 psig, shall be the applicable standards used by the Division of the State Architect for certification of these devices.
Sec. 12-16-201.1. Each installation of a customer-owned device that satisfies this standard shall be in accordance with the California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5).
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12-31C RADIATION SHIELDING STANDARDS
STANDARD 12-31C-1
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
Authority: Sections 102, 208 and 25811.
Reference: Sections 102, 208 and 436.5.
ALL HEALING ARTS X-RAY INSTALLATIONS
Sec. 12-31C-101. All radiation shielding barriers in rooms and enclosures housing radiation machines shall comply with the mandatory standards and appendices in Report No. 35, “Dental X-RAY Protection”; Report 49, “Structural Shielding Design and Evaluation for Medical use of X-rays and Gamma Rays of Energies up to 10 MeV”; and Report No. 51, “Radiation Protection Design Guidelines for 0.1-100 MeV Particle Accelerator Facilities.” Published by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
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12-71 AIR FILTERS
STANDARD 12-71-1
STATE FIRE MARSHAL
DESCRIPTION OF TEST APPARATUS, METHOD AND CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR FILTERS
Sec. 12-71-100.
(a) Test apparatus.
- The test duct, made of M.S. gage galvanized sheet metal reinforced with angle irons, is 21 inches square (13 548 mm [2] ) and 13 [1] / 2 feet (4114 mm) long.
CRSC § 1211.2 High relevance — show source text
Where any CSST component of a piping system does not have an arcresistant jacket or coating system, the bonding requirements of Section 1211.2 shall apply. Arc-resistant jacketed CSST shall be considered to be bonded when it is connected to appliances that are connected to the appliance grounding conductor of the circuit supplying that appliance. [NFPA 54:7.12.3] 1211.4 Prohibited Use. Gas piping shall not be used as a grounding conductor or electrode. [NFPA 54:7.12.4.1] 1211.5 Lightning Protection System. Where a lightning protection system is installed, the bonding of the gas piping shall be in accordance with NFPA 780. [NFPA 54:7.12.5]
1211.6 Electrical Circuits. Electrical circuits shall not utilize gas piping or components as conductors. Exception: Low-voltage (50 V or less) control circuits, ignition circuits, and electronic flame detection device circuits shall be permitted to make use of piping or components as a part of an electric circuit. [NFPA 54:7.13] 1211.7 Electrical Connections. All electrical connections between wiring and electrically operated control devices in a
piping system shall conform to the requirements of Califor- nia Electrical Code . [NFPA 54:7.14.1] 1211.7.1 Safety Control. Any essential safety control depending on electric current as the operating medium shall be of a type that shuts off (fail safe) the flow of gas in the event of current failure. [NFPA 54:7.14.2] 1211.8 Earthquake-Actuated Gas Shutoff Valves. Earthquake-actuated gas shutoff valves designed to auto- matically shut off the gas at the location of the valve in the event of a seismic disturbance and certified by the State Architect as conforming to California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 12, Chapter 12-16-1, shall be provided for buildings when such installation is required by local ordi- nance. Earthquake-actuated gas shutoff valves which have not been certified by the State Architect shall be prohibited in buildings open to the public under mandatory installation by local ordinance. Installation of the valves shall be in accordance with local ordinance, and in the absence of such per the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
1212.0 Appliance and Equipment Connections to Building Piping. 1212.1 Connecting Appliances and Equipment. Appliances and equipment shall be connected to the building piping in compliance with Section 1212.6 through Section 1212.8 by one of the following: (1) Rigid metallic pipe and fittings. (2) Semirigid metallic tubing and metallic fittings. Aluminum alloy tubing shall not be used in exterior locations. (3) A connector for gas appliances listed in accordance with ANSI Z21.24/CSA 6.10. The connector shall be used in
CRSC § 10-09 High relevance — show source text
E. Module must be located at least 2” below plaster or metal grid ceiling.
F. Module, direct mount or remote, is installed above grade level.
G. A remote module must be installed for any gas meter in a basement.
Page 8 of 11 PG&E Internal Information, SL2 © 2013 Pacific Gas & Electric Company. All Rights Reserved. Prepared by: AAJ7
Gas Meter Room J-16
Rev. #03a 10-09-13
Requirements for Customer-Owned Equipment
- All customer-installed gas equipment must be installed downstream of the service delivery point. The service delivery point is defined as the gas supply point where PG&E’s facilities connect to the customer houseline as follows:
A. For residential and small commercial meter sets, the service delivery point is the point where the male threads of the applicant’s houseline connect to the female threads of PG&E’s gas service tee fitting.
B. Because some commercial and industrial installations do not have service tees installed, the gas supply service delivery point is located at the first weld or fitting after the PG&E-installed bypass valve downstream of the meter.
Customer-installed equipment must not connect to utility facilities or obstruct the operation or serviceability of PG&E’s piping, metering, and pressure regulating equipment. Customers are responsible for maintaining all customer facilities downstream of the service delivery point.
For multiple gas meter installations where the gas meters are supplied by means of a manifold, any installation of a customer automatic gas shut-off device must be installed downstream of the service delivery point for each meter.
Where customers elect to install an automatic shut-off device, all piping, valves, or other piping components must be installed downstream of (i.e., after) the gas supply delivery point.
When a combustible gas indicator (CGI) device and controller are installed, the following are required:
A. A gas sensor must be installed no more than 6” from the ceiling of the gas meter room.
B. The design and installation of all such detection devices and systems must be done in accordance with and comply with the NFPA-72, National Fire Alarm Code.
C. The controller must be installed outside of the gas meter room and be located near to the gas meter room door.
D. All wiring and piping of the transmitter to the controller must meet the requirements of NFPA-70, National Electric Code for Class I, Division 1, Group D locations.
E. An audible alarm and flashing strobe light must be included as a part of the controller system. This alarm system must continue to be operational until the condition that has triggered such an alarm has been determined and is manually reset.
F. The controller must have the capability to display readings of the percentage of the LEL readings from inside of the gas meter room.
G. The customer must maintain and calibrate the combustible gas indicator device and all related systems per the manufacturer’s recommendations. An up to date inspection card will be mounted on the wall, just inside the door, signifying the gas detection device has been calibrated and is working accurately.
H. The light switch will continuously and fully engage the fan when turned on.
Access to Meter Room
Applicant must make provisions to allow PG&E access to the gas meter room for emergency response, meter reading, system testing, inspection, and maintenance, in accordance with Gas Rule 16, “Gas Service Extensions.”
Records
- Retain records per the Record Retention Schedule.
CRSC § 5.9.1.1 High relevance — show source text
Gas and air combustion mixers incorporating double diaphragm “zero” or “atmosphere” governors or regulators shall require no further protection unless connected directly to compressed air or oxygen at pressures of 5 psi (34 kPa) or more. [NFPA 54:5.9.1.1 – 5.9.1.2]
1208.11.1 Protective Devices. Protective devices
shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) Check valves.
(2) Three-way valves (of the type that completely closes one side before starting to open the other side).
(3) Reverse flow indicators controlling positive shutoff valves.
(4) Normally closed air-actuated positive shutoff pressure regulators. [NFPA 54:5.9.2]
1208.12 Low-Pressure Protection. A protective device shall be installed between the meter and the appliance or equipment if the operation of the appliance or equipment is such that it could produce a vacuum or a dangerous reduction in gas pressure at the meter. Such protective devices include, but are not limited to, mechanical, diaphragm-operated, or electrically operated low-pressure shutoff valves. [NFPA 54:5.10]
1208.13 Shutoff Valves. Shutoff valves shall be selected in
accordance with Table 1208.13. Shutoff valves of size 1 inch
(25 mm) National Pipe Thread and smaller shall be listed and labeled. Where used outdoors, such use shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation. [NFPA 54:5.11]
1208.14 Expansion and Flexibility. Piping systems shall be designed to prevent failure from thermal expansion or contraction. [NFPA 54:5.13.1]
1208.14.1 Special Local Conditions. Where local conditions include earthquake, tornado, unstable ground, or flood hazards, special consideration shall be given to increased strength and flexibility of piping supports and connections. [NFPA 54:5.13.2]
1208.15 Pressure Regulator and Pressure Control Venting. The venting of the atmospheric side of diaphragms in line pressure regulators, gas appliance regulators, and gas pressure limit controls shall be in accordance with all of the following:
(1) An independent vent pipe to the outdoors, sized in accordance with the device manufacturer’s instructions, shall be provided where the location of a device is such that a discharge of fuel gas will cause a hazard. For devices other than appliance regulators, vents are not required to be independent where the vents are connected to a common manifold designed in accordance with engineering methods to minimize backpressure in the event of diaphragm failure and such design is approved.
Exceptions:
(1) A regulator and vent limiting means combination listed as complying with CSA/ANSI Z21.80/CSA 6.22, shall not be required to be vented to the outdoors.
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FUEL GAS PIPING
(2) A listed gas appliance regulator factory equipped with a vent limiting device is not required to be vented to the outdoors.
(2) Materials for vent piping shall be in accordance with Section 1208.5 through Section 1208.5.12.5.
CRSC § 1211.7 Medium relevance — show source text
1211.7 Electrical Connections . . . . . . . . .229
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1211.8 Earthquake-Actuated Gas Shutoff Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
1212.0 Appliance and Equipment Connections to Building Piping . . .229
1212.1 Connecting Appliances and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
1212.2 Suspended Low-Intensity Infrared Tube Heaters . . . . . . . . .230
1212.3 Use of Nonmetallic Gas
Hose Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . .230
1212.4 Injection (Bunsen) Burners . . . . . .230
1212.5 Connection of Portable
and Mobile Industrial
Gas Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230
1212.6 Appliance Shutoff Valves and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230
1212.7 Quick-Disconnect Devices . . . . . .230
1212.8 Gas Convenience Outlets . . . . . .231
1212.9 Sediment Trap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
1212.10 Installation of Piping . . . . . . . . . . .231
1212.11 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Facilities and Piping . . . . . . . . . . .231
1213.0 Pressure Testing, Inspection, and Purging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
1213.1 Piping Installations . . . . . . . . . . . .231
1213.2 Test Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
1213.3 Test Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232
1213.4 Detection of Leaks and Defects . .232
1213.5 Piping System Leak Test . . . . . . .232
1213.6 Purging Requirements . . . . . . . . .232
Table 1213.6.1 Size and Length of Piping . . . . . .232
1214.0 Required Gas Supply . . . . . . . . . .233
1214.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
1214.2 Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
1214.3 Gas Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
1214.4 Size of Piping Outlets . . . . . . . . . .233
1215.0 Required Gas Piping Size . . . . . .234
1215.1 Pipe Sizing Methods . . . . . . . . . . .234
1215.2 Sizing of Gas Piping Systems . . .234
1215.3 Sizing Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234
Table 1215.3 Cr and Y for Natural Gas
California Referenced Standards Code Medium relevance — show source text
|204
|420
|629
|1210
|1930
|3410
|6960
| |1200
|50
|104
|195
|400
|600
|1160
|1840
|3260
|6640
| |1300
|47
|99
|187
|384
|575
|1110
|1760
|3120
|6360
| |1400
|46
|95
|179
|368
|552
|1060
|1690
|3000
|6110
| |1500
|44
|92
|173
|355
|532
|1020
|1630
|2890
|5890
| |1600
|42
|89
|167
|343
|514
|989
|1580
|2790
|5680
| |1700
|41
|86
|162
|332
|497
|957
|1530
|2700
|5500
| |1800
|40
|83
|157
|322
|482
|928
|1480
|2610
|5330
| |1900
|39
|81
|152
|312
|468
|901
|1440
|2540
|5180
| |2000|38|79|148|304|455|877|1400|2470|5040|CRSC § 11.0 Medium relevance — show source text
11.0 - 1.11.11_|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1.13.0||||||||||||||||||||X||||| |Division II - Scope and
Administration||||||||||||||||||||||||| |101.0||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |102.0||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |103.0||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |104.2 Items 1 & 2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |104.3.1||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |104.4.3.1|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |105.0||||||||||X|X|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.
2 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
CHAPTER 1
ADMINISTRATION
DIVISION I
CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
1.1.0 General.
1.1.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Califor- nia Plumbing Code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.” The California Plumbing Code is Part 5 of thirteen parts of the official compilation and publi- cation of the adoption, amendment, and repeal of plumbing regulations to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part incorporates by adoption the 2024 Uniform Plumb- ing Code of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials with necessary California amendments.
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, and energy con- servation; safety to life and property from fire and other haz- ards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replace- ment, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, main- tenance, removal, and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.
California Referenced Standards Code Medium relevance — show source text
(14) Overpressure Protection
When any overpressure protection devices are required in addition to the final service regulator, refer to GDS H-15, “Design Requirements for Company-Owned Gas Regulating Systems Serving Customers.”
(15) Potential for Damage from Vehicles
Meter sets should be installed in locations where they are not exposed to damage from vehicular traffic. If there is a potential for damage to the meter set from vehicular traffic, refer to GDS J-95.
(16) Working Space Around Electric Meter Sets
To provide required working space around an electric meter, the gas service riser may not be located less than 36 inches laterally from the closest edge of the electric meter panel. (See Figure 3.) For a large gas meter set or multi-meter manifold, this clearance requirement extends 12 inches laterally beyond the edge of the Company gas meter set equipment.
(17) Other Hazards
When selecting the meter set location, it is necessary to be alert to any potential hazards not specifically indicated in this document, including potential risk to others caused by the meter set, and exercise reasonable care to avoid any hazards. Electric grounding or bonding wires must not be attached to any part of the gas meter set. No bonding is permitted within 36 inches of PG&E meter set assembly on the customer houseline.
(18) Service Delivery Point
(a) All customer-installed equipment must be installed downstream of the Company point of connection as shown in Figure 5. Customer-installed equipment may include: earthquake valves, seismic shutoffs, remote monitoring equipment, or flex hoses. Any customer-installed equipment on Company facilities must be removed at the customer’s expense.
(b) Company point of connection must be made to rigid pipe houseline and not to flex line.
Printed copies of this document might be out of date. The Technical Information Library (TIL) has the current version.
PG&E Internal Information ©2021 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. Page 9 of 22
3.A. (continued)
Gas Meter Locations J-15
Publication Date: 08/18/2021 Effective Date: 11/01/2021 Rev. 9a
Figure 5. Typical Residential/Small Commercial Meter
Printed copies of this document might be out of date. The Technical Information Library (TIL) has the current version.
PG&E Internal Information ©2021 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. Page 10 of 22
Gas Meter Locations J-15
Publication Date: 08/18/2021 Effective Date: 11/01/2021 Rev. 9a
B. Specific Requirements for Outside, Aboveground Meter Sets
(1) Location
Meter sets should be located at the building and as near as practical to the point where the gas service pipe enters the property. The meter set location is typically near the side of the building from which the customer will be served. The order of preference for locating the outside, aboveground meter set is as follows.
(a) In a protected location adjacent to the building served (see Figure 6, below). An exception to this requirement is for schools, where it is required to protect the meter set by installing it in a location that is separated from buildings and playground areas. It will be necessary to install a protective enclosure or wire cage with a cover around the meter set in these cases. (See Figure 7 and Figure 8.)
California Referenced Standards Code Medium relevance — show source text
This device may be Pad−Mounted or a Subsurface device depending on local space constraints and/or requirements. Installation of this PG&E owned protective device allows selective clearing of the Tap Line from the PG&E System should faults not be cleared by the WDT Customer Owned Primary Protective Device. Reference Document 068188 (Installation of Automatic Pad−Mounted Interrupters for Underground Distribution Lines) for the 200 A Pad Mounted Interrupter to be owned by the WDT Customer. Reference Document 066208 (Installation of Automatic Subsurface Interrupters for Primary Equipment Enclosures) for the Subsurface Interrupter Installations.
Primary Metering by the WDT Customer is preferred to be immediately on the Source side of the WDT Customer Owned Protective Device as indicated in Figure 1 on Page 2 . In such a configuration, PG&E’s Ownership of the Underground Conductor and Conduit stop at the Cable Terminals on the Meter Panel which is immediately adjacent the WDT Customer Owned Service Main Breaker. In some cases, this will prove difficult for the WDT Customer to accomplish and they may instead request the Alternative identified in Figure 2 on Page 2. Where the WDT Owned Protective Device is requested to be located on the Source Side of the Metering and PG&E can accommodate this request, PG&E’s Ownership of conduit will stop at the entrance to the subsurface enclosure and cable will stop at the Cable Elbows landing on the WDT Customer owned Interrupter. PG&E or the WDT Customer may own the Revenue Meter. Non-PG&E owned meters are covered by Electric Rule 22 Direct Access. PG&E SHALL install, own and maintain the associate Metering Potential Transformers (PTs) and Current Transformers (CTs) located in the Metering Panel that will be owned by the WDT Customer. The WDT Customer’s Metering must be within 50 cable feet of the WDT Customer owned Protective Device to avoid uncompensated line loss through the cable. Further than 50’ should be compensated for in the metering programming.
Should the WDT Customer request the Alternative in Figure 2 on Page 2 they SHALL only use the PG&E Material Coded Devices to be installed per the above−mentioned PG&E Standards. This installation requirement is necessary to allow PG&E Personnel to safely operate the cabling on the WDT Customer Owned Protective Device. PG&E Personnel SHALL NOT operate the WDT Customer Owned Protective Device (Open, Close, Setting Changes).
Primary Overhead Service Connection
This is a typical installation in Rural Areas such as the Inland and San Joaquin Valley Service Territory Areas.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a State Architect‑certified device to rely on § 12‑16‑101.1?
Yes. § 12‑16‑101.1 applies to customer‑owned devices that satisfy the State Architect’s standard (the ASCE standard referenced in § 12‑16‑101). If your device is not certified, different rules or prohibitions (especially for public buildings) may apply.
If there’s no local ordinance, what installation instructions control?
If no local ordinance requires specific installation methods, the California Plumbing Code (CPC § 1211.8) allows following the manufacturer’s installation instructions, provided the installation otherwise complies with the CPC.
Can I install a customer seismic valve on utility‑owned piping?
Generally no. Utility companies commonly require customer equipment to be installed downstream of the service delivery point and may prohibit attachment to utility‑owned facilities. Check the utility’s rules and get their approval before installing customer equipment. (See PG&E guidance for an example practice.)
Are uncertified “seismic” valves allowed in public buildings?
No — where local ordinance mandates earthquake valves in buildings open to the public, the CPC § 1211.8 prohibits valves that have not been certified by the State Architect.
Does § 12‑16‑101.1 replace plumbing code requirements?
No. § 12‑16‑101.1 points installations to the California Plumbing Code; it does not replace CPC requirements. It requires that customer‑owned devices that meet the State Architect standard be installed in accordance with the CPC.
More in California Referenced Standards Code
- Administration and scope — CRSC Chapter 12 overview
- Air filter standards (Chapter 12‑71)
- Building and facility access / accessibility standards (Chapters 12‑11A, 12‑11B)
- Engineering regulations — quality and design of construction materials (12‑16 series)
- Exits and means of egress (Chapters 12‑10 series)
- Protective signaling systems and detectors (Chapters 12‑72‑1, ‑2, ‑3)
- Radiation shielding standards (Chapter 12‑31C)
- Referenced standards index / cross‑reference table (Part 12 listing of referenced standards)
- Releasing systems for security bars (egress-release standards)
- Standards for insulating materials (Chapter 12‑13)
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