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.
Connectors should have an overall maximum length of 3 feet, except for range and clothes dryer connections, which should not exceed 6 feet in length. Only one connector should be used for each individual appliance. Connectors should not be concealed within or passed through walls, floors, partitions, ceilings or appliance housings, with the exception of fireplace inserts.
Protection from damage: Connectors and tubing shall be installed so as to be protected against physical damage.
Prohibited locations and penetrations: Connectors shall not be concealed within or extended through walls, floors, partitions, ceilings or appliance housings.
Shut-off valve: A shut-off valve not less than the nominal size of the connector shall be installed ahead of the connector.
Equipment shut-off valve: Each appliance shall be provided with a shut-off valve separate from the appliance. The shut-off valve shall be located in the same room as the appliance, not farther than 6 feet from the appliance, and shall be installed upstream from the union, connector, or quick disconnect device it serves. Such shut-off valve shall be provided with access. Certain Older Gas Connectors May Be Dangerous Gas connectors are corrugated metal tubes used to connect gas appliances in the home to fuel-gas supply pipes. Some older brass connectors can come apart, causing fires and explosions and resulting in deaths and injuries.
These older brass connectors have a serious flaw in how their tubing is joined to their end pieces. Over time, the end pieces can separate from the tubing and cause a serious gas leak, explosion, or fire. These dangerous uncoated brass connectors have not been made for more than 30 years, but many of them are still in use. The older these connectors get, the greater the possibility of failure. Although not all uncoated connectors have this flaw, it is very difficult to tell which ones do. Therefore, any uncoated brass connector should be replaced immediately with either a new plastic-coated brass connector or a new stainless steel connector. Connectors can wear out from too much moving, bending, or corrosion. Connectors should always be replaced whenever the appliance is replaced or moved from its location.
WARNING
Only a qualified professional should check the connector and replace it, if needed. Moving the appliance even slightly, whether to clean behind it or to inspect its gas connector, can cause the complete failure of one of these older weakened connectors, possibly resulting in a deadly fire or explosion. Do not move the appliance to check the connector. If you smell gas and suspect a gas leak:
Leave the house immediately.
Do not use your phone.
Call your gas supplier or dial 911 for assistance from a neighbor’s house.
Do not light any matches.
Do not turn on any lights.
Do not switch on anything electrical.
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