As reported by Indoor Comfort Marketing in their article “Selecting the Correct Propane Fuel Line Material,” selecting the appropriate propane fuel line material is crucial for the efficiency and safety of propane system installations. Different materials have their own niche applications, pros, and cons, making it important to choose the right one for your specific needs.
Committed to providing high-quality solutions for propane system installations, here is an overview of the most commonly used materials:
- Copper Pipe: Coated copper is highly versatile and widely used due to its corrosion resistance and flexibility. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications and can be buried without the need for additional conduit. However, copper’s smaller inside diameter limits its gas flow capacity, making it ideal for smaller units like propane fireplaces and cook stoves.
- Iron Pipe: Available in black iron, galvanized, and stainless steel, iron pipe can carry larger gas volumes, making it ideal for high-demand applications such as pool heaters and generators. Black iron is commonly used after the second stage regulator on the low-pressure side. However, it rusts quickly outdoors and cannot be buried directly, often requiring stainless steel for outdoor use.
- CSST Piping: Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) offers flexibility and ease of installation in areas where rigid piping cannot fit. It has higher flow capacity than copper but less than iron. Newer versions like Counter Strike® by TracPipe® are designed for direct burial and reduce lightning-related damage risks.
- Polyethylene Pipe (“Poly”): Poly is exclusively used for underground applications due to its lack of UV resistance. It is ideal for carrying high gas volumes over long distances. Installation requires careful measures such as sand bedding, tracer wire, and caution tape to ensure safety and detectability.
Selecting the right material involves considering factors such as temperature exposure, application pressure, chemical compatibility, and specific requirements of the application. Expert guidance and high-quality materials are essential to ensure your propane system operates efficiently and safely.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of indoorcomfortmarketing.com
