January 2004 - Flexible Gas ConnectorsSafety Concern:
FLEXIBLE GAS CONNECTORS
What are flexible gas connectors?
Flexible gas connectors are corrugated metal tubing used to bring gas from supply pipes to appliances such as stoves, dryers, and room heaters. Currently these connectors are made from stainless steel or plastic coated brass. Most older connectors, however, were made from uncoated brass.
Which Flexible connectors are dangerous and why?
Many uncoated brass connectors are dangerous because of a serious flaw in the way they were made. Solder was used to braze, or join the flexible brass tubing to the end pieces. Over time, the brazing can fail causing a serious gas leak. This could lead to an explosion or fire in your home or business. To our knowledge, brazed uncoated brass connectors have not been made since 1976. However we still find many in use today. The older the connector is, the greater the possiblity that the brazing will fail.
What should I do to ensure that there are no brazed uncoated brass connectors in my home or business?
You should hire a professional to inspect the flexible connectors in your home or business. Many heating and air conditioning contractors and plumbers can inspect and, if necessary, your flexible connectors. Because moving an appliance could put a strain on the flexible connector, possibly causing a gas leak, we recommend that you not perform the inspection yourself. It is very difficult to see whether an uncoated brass connector has been brazed. Therefore, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, strongly urges consumers to immediately replace all uncoated brass connectors in their homes and businesses. If a connectorneeds to be replaced, have it replaced with a new stainless steel or plastic coated brass connector that conforms to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z21.24.
In Case of Emergency?
If you think there is a gas leak in your home or business - from a flexible connector or any other source - call your local gas company (See Below). If the odor of gas is strong, leave immediately and call from a neighbor's home or pay phone. Alert others on the way out and leave the door open. Take care not to operate appliances, or turn light switches on or off.
How often should stainless steel and plastic coated brass connectors be replaced?
Flexible connectors made of stainless steel or plastic coated brass should be replaced at least every 10 years. These units can wear out from corrosion or too much moving and bending.
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