Preface
This is the seventeenth edition of CSA B149.1, Natural gas and propane installation code. It supersedes the previous editions, published in 2020, 2015, 2010, 2005, and 2000 by CSA Group (CSA) as CAN/CSA- B149.1, in 1995, 1991, 1986, 1980, 1978, 1976, and 1974 by the Canadian Gas Association (CGA), and in 1971, 1966, 1962, and 1958 by CSA Group.
The major changes from the previous edition include the following:
a) updated Code Scope inclusions to clarify the threshold for propane systems between CSA B149.1 and CSA B149.2 [Clause 1.1 b)];
b) corrected terminology to vehicle-fuelling appliance to align with other CSA standards [Clause 1.1 c)];
c) clarified exclusion of vehicle-refuelling stations as defined by CSA B108.1 [Clause 1.2 g)];
d) added hydrogen-natural gas blends to the list of gases included in this Code (Clause 1.3) and added reference to hydrogen-natural gas blends to applicable clauses (Clauses 4.5.4, 4.24.1, 5.5.1.4, 6.2.3.1, 6.2.3.2, 6.3.2 to 6.3.5, 6.3.8.1, and 6.9.6 and Tables 5.3 and 6.1);
e) updated or added the following definitions:
i) updated definition of high pressure regulator to industrial regulator (Clause 3);
ii) updated definition of line pressure regulator (Clause 3);
iii) added definition for manual shut-off valve (Clause 3); and
iv) added definition for vent limiter and sub-definition limiting orifice type (Clause 3);
f) added reference to CSA B149.3 for field-approved appliances and equipment installation (Clause 4.1.4);
g) added reference to CSA B149.6 for biogas use (Clause 4.2.4);
h) updated rating plate requirements to show maximum percentage of hydrogen for blends with natural gas (Clause 4.5.4);
i) updated bonding requirements to align with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (Clauses 4.7.3, 4.7.4, and 4.7.5);
j) hydrogen-natural gas blends as a fuel gas to be odourized or monitored by a detection system (Clause 4.24.1);
k) restructured Clause 5 as follows:
i) consolidated exemptions for outdoor gas vent terminations accounting for vent limiters, indoor ventilated spaces;
ii) clarified overpressure protection devices used with certified line pressure regulators must be factory pre-assembled and shipped as a unit with the regulator; and
iii) added the ability to use industrial regulators when flows/pressures are outside the scope of certified line pressure regulators, and must be interlocked with a high/low gas pressure device that serves the same appliance;
l) updated clearances for gas vent terminations (Table 5.3), now based on relief capacity and aligned with CSA Z662:23 (Annex D);
m) prohibited the use of hoses certified to CSA 8.3 for liquid propane systems (Clause 6.2.12);
n) updated requirements to permit the use of press-connect fittings certified to CSA/ANSI LC 4/CSA 6.32 for piping of NPS 2-1/2 to 4 (Clause 6.9.2);
o) prohibited the use of tape as a sealant for pipe sizes larger than NPS 1-1/2 for hydrogen-natural gas blends (Clause 6.9.6);
p) added minimum separation requirements between the gas system and the electrical system sharing a common trench (Clause 6.15.15);
q) added sleeve requirements for piping or tubing that passes through an exterior wall (Clauses 6.16.9 and 6.16.10);
r) added requirements for a manual shutoff valve and signage for underground propane storage tanks (Clause 6.18.10);
s) clarified leakage test requirements and allowable leakage rates (Clauses 6.22.2, 6.22.3, and 6.22.4 and Annex K);
t) added requirements for monitoring by a combustible gas indicator during purging (Clauses 6.23.4 and 6.23.7);
u) stationary engine generator assemblies must be certified to ANSI/CAN UL/ULC 2200 (Clause 7.2.4.1);
v) aligned venting requirements for engine or turbine fuel trains with other appliances (Clause 7.2.4.4);
w) flexible foil noncombustible ducts on commercial-type clothes dryers must be certified to UL 2158A (Clause 7.4.3);
x) permitted approved engineering designs for the installation of direct-fired makeup air heaters where food preparation areas are interconnected to areas frequented by the public (Clauses 7.20.14 and 7.21.13);
y) added the ability to install recirculating direct gas-fired industrial air heaters and amended requirements accordingly (Clause 7.21);
z) added method for safe interlocking of an appliance to exhaust fans (Clause 7.21.9);
aa) added requirements for overpressure protection for engine venting systems (Clause 8.32);
ab) clarified RFA and VFA requirements (Clause 10);
ac) updated customer’s meter and service regulator installations based on the latest edition of CSA Z662 (Annex D);
ad) removed informative annex for pressure regulators and overpressure protection devices;
ae) added informative annex for allowable leakage of gas appliance valve train components (Annex K); and
af) added informative annex for special considerations for industrial occupancy (Annex O).
CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Code was made possible, in part, by the financial support of Natural Resources Canada.
This Code was prepared by the Technical Committee on Installation Code for Natural Gas and Propane Appliances, under the Fuels and Appliances Strategic Steering Committee, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee and the Interprovincial/Territorial Gas Advisory Council.
This Code has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.
Scope
1.1 Inclusions
This Code applies to the installation of
a) appliances, equipment, components, and accessories where gas is to be used for fuel purposes;
b) piping and tubing systems extending downstream from the termination of the utility installation or from any equipment extending downstream from the outlet of any propane container pressure regulator (commonly referred to as first-stage regulator);
c) vehicle-fuelling appliances and associated equipment meeting the requirements of an appliance or the intended use of the appliance to fill a natural-gas-fuelled vehicle; and
d) stationary gas engines and turbines.
1.2 Exclusions
This Code does not apply to
a) marine or pipeline terminals;
b) gas where used as a feedstock in petroleum refineries or chemical plants;
c) utility pipeline distribution and transmission pipelines;
d) storage and handling of liquefied natural gas or underground formations for natural gas;
e) the installation of natural gas vehicle (NGV) fuel systems, containers, and refuelling stations;
f) the storage and utilization of compressed natural gas on boats;
g) the installation of vehicle-refuelling stations as defined by CSA B108.1;
h) refrigerated storage or underground formations for propane;
i) propane used on boats;
j) propane used as a propellant in aerosol containers;
k) butane fuel cylinders of 6.2 oz (175 g) capacity or less;
l) the installation of containers and equipment to be used for propane in distribution locations and filling plants and on tank trucks, tank trailers, and cargo liners; and
m) propane used as refrigerant.
1.3 Fuel
Where the term gas is used, the requirements of this Code include, and apply equally to, any of the following gases or mixtures of them: natural gas, manufactured gas, hydrogen-natural gas blends or mixtures of propane gas and air, propane, propylene, butanes (normal butane or isobutane), and butylenes.
1.4 No guarantee
This Code and any Standards referenced in it do not make or imply any assurance or guarantee with respect to the life expectancy, durability, or operating performance of equipment and materials referenced in the Code.
1.5 Units of measurement
The values given in US customary units are the units of record for the purposes of this Code. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.
1.6 Terminology
In this Code, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Code; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Code.
Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.
Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.
Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.
