An automatic flue damper is an energy-saving device that closes off or restricts an appliance flue when the appliance is not operating and is in its “off” cycle. It traps residual heat in the heat exchanger after the burners shut off, and prevents the escape of conditioned air up the vent pipe.

Connectors should be used to connect an appliance and equipment to the vertical chimney or vent, except were the chimney or vent is attached directly to the appliance. The vent connector should be as short as practical, and the appliance should be located as close as practical to the chimney or vent.

Flexible (semi-rigid) appliance fuel connectors are typically used with cooking ranges and clothes dryers where the gas connection is located behind the appliance. Some degree of flexibility is needed to facilitate the hook-up of the appliance. Flexible connectors are usually made of stainless steel. They should be labeled with tags of metal rings placed over the tubing.

Most fuel-gas appliance manufacturers require the installation of a sediment trap. Sediment traps prevent debris from entering the gas controls and causing hazardous malfunctions.

Piping should be supported to ensure alignment and to prevent sagging. Piping in the ground should be laid on a proper bed. Piping above ground should be supported with hooks, straps, bands, brackets and/or hangers suitable for the size of the piping, of adequate strength and quality, and located at intervals so as to prevent sagging, damage and vibration. Other piping should not support piping. Piping should not put strain upon connected equipment or appliances.

PEX Plastic Tubing

PEX is polyethylene cross-linked plastic tubing. The cross-linked structure prevents the pipe from rupturing over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. PEX is resistant to solvents and cannot be joined by solvent cementing. PEX is flexible and can be bent. PEX can be hot-bent with a hot-air gun. The minimum hot-bending radius is 2½ times the outside diameter. PEX can be cold-bent, too (at room temperature) to a minimum radius of 6 times the outside diameter.