NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code
NFPA 54 國家燃氣規范

1.1 Scope.

1.1.1 Applicability.

1.1.1.1 This code is a safety code that shall apply to the installation of fuel gas piping systems, appliances, equipment, and related accessories as shown in 1.1.1.1(A) through 1.1.1.1(D). (A) 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 considered to 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, the point of delivery shall be considered to be the outlet of the final pressure regulator, exclusive of line gas regulators, in the system. (B) The maximum operating pressure shall be 125 psi (862 kPa).
Exception No. 1 Piping systems for gas–air mixtures within the flammable range are limited to a maximum pressure of 10 psi (69 kPa). Exception No. 2 LP-Gas piping systems are limited to 20 psi (140 kPa), except as provided in 5.5.2. (C) Requirements for piping systems shall include design, materials, components, fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, inspection, operation, and maintenance. (D) Requirements for appliances, equipment, and related accessories shall include installation, combustion, and ventilation air and venting.
1.1.1.2 This code shall not apply to the following items (reference standards for some of which appear in Annex M)

(1) Portable LP-Gas appliances and equipment of all types that are not connected to a fixed fuel piping system

(2) Installation of farm appliances and equipment such as brooders, dehydrators, dryers, and irrigation equipment

(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, Standard on Recreational Vehicles

(19) Fuel gas systems using hydrogen as a fuel

(20) Construction of appliances

1.1.2 Other Standards. In applying this code, reference shall also be made to the manufacturers’ instructions and the serving gas supplier regulations.

Improve protection against fire and explosion hazards using the 2012 NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code.

Updated for newly recognized risks and for the latest techniques, materials, developments, and construction practices in use today, the 2012 NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code provides revised, industry accepted guidance for the safe installation and operation of gas piping systems, appliances, equipment, and accessories.

New indoor gas piping purging rules address recommendations by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB).

In response to a devastating gas piping purging accident, NFPA 54 received an emergency Tentative Interim Amendment to the purging requirements in the 2009 Code. With minor editorial changes, the 2012 NFPA 54 incorporates these critical rules specifying mandatory use of combustible gas indicators and detectors so employers can identify the presence of fuel gas.

Other major changes improve safety and facilitate Code application

·    New bonding clamp location for CSST clarifies bonding requirements added in the 2009 edition of the Code.

·    Added overpressure protection for 2 psi (14 kPa) regulators improves convenience for designers and installers at industrial sites.

·    Two new tables make it easier to size schedule 40 steel pipe for higher pressure drops in natural gas service.

·    Expanded sizing tables are provided for natural gas and propane polyethylene.

Annexes provide a wealth of additional information, such as

·    Details on coordinating of appliance and equipment design, construction, and maintenance -- including a design and construction checklist

·    Steps on checking for leakage and suggested emergency procedures for gas leaks

Never underestimate fuel gas dangers!

The 2012 National Fuel Gas Code provides a more effective means of ensuring fuel gas safety on consumers' premises. From design to installation, maintenance, and inspection, no matter what aspect of fuel gas safety your job involves, the latest edition of NFPA 54 is essential. (Softbound, 163 pp., 2012)