E.4 Gas meter room ventilation.

Any one of the following methods shall be considered sufficient to provide proper ventilation to a room or space in which a gas meter(s) is installed:

   1.   An opening to the outside air in the wall of such room or space, provided the free area of the opening is not less than 30 square inches (19 321 mm 2 ).

   2.   A duct or pipe having a cross-section area of at least 50 square inches (32 522 mm 2 ) of free area and a maximum length of 15 feet (4572 mm) leading to the outside air. However, under no circumstances shall the means of ventilation for the gas meter room or space be from an adjoining room or space within the building.

E.5 Gas service piping connections.

Gas service piping connections shall comply with the following:

   1.   Gas service piping shall be fitted with a gas service line valve, the valve located on the supply side of the meter and service regulator, if a service regulator is required. Where a plug type valve is used, it shall be constructed so as to prevent the core from being blown out by the pressure of the gas. In addition, it shall be of a type capable of being locked in the off position by the local gas utility. Where the gas service line valve is inside the building, it shall be in an accessible location within 2 feet (609.6 mm) of the point where the gas service connection enters the building or at such other location as may be permitted by the commissioner. Where the gas service connection is installed through a building wall below ground, it shall be protected with a wall sleeve extending at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) beyond the outer side of the wall and at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) beyond the inner side of the wall. The sleeve shall be sealed at both ends to prevent the entry of water and gas. Gas service connections, installed through ground slab construction, shall be protected with a floor sleeve sealed at both ends to prevent the entry of water and gas. The sleeve shall extend at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) above the floor, and shall be installed as specified by the utility company providing the service. It shall terminate at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) outside the building.

   2.   In all high-pressure areas, the utility company providing the service may inspect the gas service line valve and regulator in accordance with the provisions of 16 NYCRR Part 255 in addition to the department in accordance with Section 406 of this code.

   3.   No gas service shall enter a structure at a horizontal distance of less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the cellar termination of a stairway, nor shall any gas meters or gas regulators be located less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from such stairway termination. Where such services, meters and regulators are separated from the stairway termination by a permanent partition or wall having a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 hour, the foregoing shall not apply. Unless forbidden by other provisions of this code, locations under a stairway are exempt from this requirement.

   4.   When the structure is erected on fill or on piles, provision shall be made to preclude possible damage to the gas service piping caused by settlement.

   5.   The installation of gas service piping shall be made in accordance with the requirements of the utility corporation providing the service as regulated by the provisions of 16 NYCRR Part 255. Further, such installation shall meet the requirements of the department.

   6.   Gas service piping outside a structure shall be installed not less than 24 inches (609.6 mm) below grade, except that a lesser distance of not less than 18 inches (457.2 mm) may be permitted, provided the piping is adequately protected in accordance with the requirements of this code and the utility corporation supplying service, and the piping is not located below a driveway. Any piping that is exposed to outdoor temperatures or installed underground with a cover of less than 2 feet (609.6 mm) shall be protected against frost, except that frost protection may be omitted in areas where the utility company certifies that dry gas is being distributed.

E.6 Outside gas cut-off.

Outside gas cut-off shall comply with the following:

   1.   An outside gas service line valve or other outside emergency shut-off device or other means acceptable to the commissioner and the Fire Commissioner shall be installed in every gas service pipe outside the building. If buried, such valve, device or method shall be readily accessible from grade. Every existing service which is being replaced or refurbished shall be provided with such valve, device or means, but in any event, all existing gas services shall be provided with such valve, device or method by January 1, 2010. However, in Group R-3 occupancy the completion date shall be January 1, 2020. The utility company shall provide the Fire Department with suitable tools for operation of such emergency shut-off valves, devices or means. The number of such tools required for supplying Fire Department units shall be determined by the Fire Department. On or before January 31, of each year, the utility company shall report to the department and the Fire Department the actual number of emergency shut-off valves installed for the preceding year.

   2.   If the outside gas service line valve, emergency shut-off device or means is located below ground, it shall be installed in a protective housing, and an easily identifiable cover shall be provided for the housing. The cover shall be flush with the surface of the ground and kept clear at all times so as to be accessible for immediate use.

   3.   The valve or emergency shut-off device shall be capable of being readily operated by removing the cover of the housing and inserting a portable key or other device over the operating end of the valve or emergency shut-off device.

   4.   If the outside gas service line valve is located above ground, it shall be suitably protected to prevent accidental vehicular impact and must be installed in accordance with provisions of 16 NYCRR Part 255.

   5.   Where a gas-fired generator provides required emergency power in accordance with the New York City Building Code, such generator shall have an outside gas cut-off valve that is separate from other gas services to the buildings. Such valves shall be identified by signage.

Appendix F: Reserved

Appendix G: High Pressure Natural Gas Installations

G.1 General.

This Appendix addresses natural gas distribution piping requirements for systems where the gas pressure is at or above 15 psig (103.4 kPa gauge). Installations of gas piping at pressures at or above 15 psig (103.4 kPa gauge) and equipment and appliances using gas with an inlet pressure at or above 15 psig (103.4 kPa gauge) shall be considered as high pressure natural gas installations.