TracPipe

Written by Marty Hammersly

Whether it’s a new pipe installation or an upgrade, you can count on saving time and money by using Tracpipe for your gas piping system. I know I always prefer it over plain old black iron pipe. TracPipe is a corrugated stainless steel tubing, CSST for short, and is available in sizes from 3/8” to 2”. Tracpipe has the highest EHD (equivalent Hydraulic Diameter) flow capacity rating due to the overall diameter of their pipe vs. other manufacturers.

The most common pressures used in TracPipe Counterstrike systems are ½ PSI, 2 PSI, and 5 PSI systems. These systems are generally regulated using pound to inch regulators and manifolds are used for multiple appliance hook up installations. This helps keep the gas lines in one location and keeps the installation looking neat. TracPipe offers several types of fittings such as AutoFlare Straight Mechanical Fittings, Reducing Fittings, Flanged Mount Fittings, and Meter Termination Fittings. These fittings consist of a nut, 2 split rings, and the fitting itself. In order to make a connection strip back the jacket and place the nut on the TracPipe. Then, place the split ring on the first corrugation, pull the nut up, and tighten the nut to the fitting. This will make a leak free seal. (See installation manual for the complete instructions)

In December 2013, TracPipe introduced a new AutoSnap Fitting. The difference between these new fittings and the traditional split ring fittings is that the AutoSnap ring stays in the fitting. To make a connection to TracPipe you only need to twist, snap, and tighten. It’s that easy to create a leak free seal. So far, the OmegaFlex Company, the manufacturers of TracPipe, has replaced the Straight Mechanical AutoFlare Fitting with the Straight Mechanical AutoSnap Fitting in all sizes from 3/8” to 1 1/4”.

Unlike black iron pipe, TracPipe allows the installer to install the piping in very tight spots without having to be bothered by tightening joints. TracPipe Counterstrike offers protection devices which protect the CSST when installed in wall cavities. These devices, called Striker Plates, come in quarter, half, and full plates. They are made out of Carbon Steel and are hardened to resist penetration from screws or nails.

OmegaFlex requires no additional bonding to the TracPipe Counterstrike or the TracPipe PSII. However, each jurisdiction is different so check your local code to see it if requires bonding. If local codes don’t require bonding, refer to NFPA 54 (2012 addition 7.12.1) page 54-63.

Remember, bonding is not the same as grounding. Bonding is the process of making an electrical connection between the grounding electrode and any equipment, appliance, or metal conductor such as pipes or plumbing. Bonding is done by using a bonding clamp on the fitting with a wire going back to the neutral side of the electrical box. Grounding is the process of making an electrical connection to the general mass of the Earth. This is accomplished by a grounding rod. Always follow national code, local code, and installation instructions before doing any installation involving bonding or grounding.

Marty Hammersley

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