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Customer Gas Piping Handbook

Fifth Edition May 2011

Louisville Gas & Electric Company


Customer Gas Piping Handbook

Residential and Commercial Loads Less Than


500,000 BTUH

Fifth Edition
Second Revision
May 2011

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Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition May 2011

PREFACE

PREFACE
Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) provides retail gas and electric service in a defined service territory
in and around the Metro Louisville, Kentucky area. The Customer Gas Piping Handbook is intended to address
natural gas service issues within the prescribed service territory. A separate document, “Electric Service
Handbook”, details the requirements for electric service.

Customer Gas Piping Handbook


The Customer Gas Piping Handbook prescribes LG&E’s standards with respect to gas service and meter
installations pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC). All piping
used for gas service lines and meter installations must be installed in accordance with the specifications provided
by LG&E and will be subject to inspection and testing by LG&E. In the event that special circumstances prevent
compliance with the service line specifications prescribed within this handbook, LG&E will give proper
consideration to alternative methods, provided that the above-referenced regulations are not violated and that
safety and reliability are not jeopardized. The Customer has the responsibility of notifying LG&E of any changes
to the piping, appliances, or building structure that may affect safety or gas system performance.

In addition, this handbook includes standards pertaining to Customers’ house piping and appliance installation in
the interest of uniform and safe operations. The standards for new house piping and appliance installation are
generally applicable for replacement or relocation of existing facilities.

By publishing this handbook, LG&E does not assume liability or responsibility for house piping, appliance
installation, or appliance operation. LG&E maintains the right to refuse to supply gas to piping or appliances that
are installed or operated in a potentially unsafe manner. In addition, LG&E is not responsible for continuing
inspection or surveillance of Customers’ house piping, appliances, or appliance operation.

LG&E reserves the right to modify the requirements found in this handbook or any of its service policies,
procedures and/or standards at any time. It is the responsibility of the Customer to ensure that any
reference document is the version currently approved for use by LG&E. It is also the responsibility of the
Customer to notify LG&E of any changes to natural gas facilities that may affect the safety or natural gas
system performance.

Louisville Gas and Electric Company – Customer Gas Piping Handbook


Distribution Operations – Asset Management

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Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition May 2011

NATURAL GAS SAFETY


Safety First – Providing Safe Natural Gas Service
The health and safety of LG&E’s Customers and employees and the general public are
our highest priorities. LG&E believes strongly in the concept that safety is everyone’s responsibility. LG&E’s
employees and contractors will not perform any work in areas considered to be unsafe or install or connect any
natural gas facilities that are, in the opinion of our employees or contractors, unsafe or not in compliance with
LG&E’s requirements or governing codes and regulations. Both LG&E and Customer-owned natural gas facilities
must be planned, designed, built, maintained, and operated in a manner that minimizes the risk of injury and
property damage during construction and throughout the life of the facility.

Personal Safety
Using Natural Gas Safely

It is important that users know how to safely use natural gas and care for natural gas appliances. One of the first
steps to prevent accidents is to ensure that natural gas appliances and equipment have been properly installed,
adjusted, vented and inspected. Appliances should be installed, serviced and repaired by professionals.

Other safety precautions that should be taken include the following:

 Follow manufacturers’ instructions for the installation, operation and maintenance of gas equipment and
appliances.

 Never use a kitchen range to heat a room. This action can damage the range and produce dangerous carbon
monoxide (CO) gas. In addition, top burners should not be used for space heating; such usage can be a fire
hazard.

 Since burning natural gas produces a high radiant heat, keep flammable materials (e.g., cloth, paper, paints,
and solvents) away from appliances.

 Provide proper ventilation in areas around furnaces, water heaters, dryers, ranges, etc.

 Have routine maintenance performed on appliances to keep them clean and in proper working order.

 Keep natural gas kitchen ranges clean. Rinse and dry the burners before reinstalling. Be careful not to
damage or change the settings on the range burners’ air shutters or sleeves.

 Ensure that all vents and chimneys are free from blockage.

 Clean or change filters on furnaces and dryers regularly.

 Maintain the gas lines that are located inside and outside the house to prevent leaks. The gas service lines
buried from the property line to the house and all house line piping within the house are the responsibility of
the property owner. LG&E will periodically survey all outside piping for leaks and will advise you if any
maintenance is required on your portion of the service line. LG&E will also inform you of any corrosion that is
discovered on any outside piping that is exposed to the weather and advise you to paint the affected area.

 Contact the Kentucky Dig Safely, also known as “BUD” (Before You Dig), at (800) 752-6007 to determine the
location of utility-owned service lines (including LG&E’s natural gas lines) before you begin any yard
excavation. This is a free service offered by Kentucky Dig Safely.

 Do not operate any electrical switches, equipment or appliances or use open flames if you smell a natural gas
odor. Leaking natural gas can ignite.

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Teach Natural Gas Safety To Your Family

Every family member should know how to find and turn off the natural gas shut-off valve at the meter. This valve
should be closed only in the event of a natural gas emergency in your home. If you turn off the shut-off valve, do
not turn it on again. Call LG&E at (502) 589-5511 (outside Louisville at (800) 331-7370), and let us re-establish
your gas service for you.

 Teach small children to stay away from the gas range and gas-burning appliances.

 Do not let children play or climb on the meter piping on the outside of the house; do not allow them to swing
from or play with pipes leading to water heaters or ranges.

 Practice safety drills for getting the family out of the house at night in case of a natural gas emergency or any
other emergency such as a fire.

What To Do If You Smell Natural Gas

 If you smell gas and cannot find the source(s), immediately go to a location where no natural gas odor exists,
such as a neighbor’s house, and call LG&E at (502) 589-5511 (outside Louisville at (800) 331-7370). A spark
from using a telephone or cellular telephone inside the house could ignite the gas.

 If the odor is faint, get everyone outside and leave doors and windows open to ventilate the area. A faint odor
of gas may mean that a pilot light has gone out and should be re-lit.

 If the odor is strong, get everyone out of the house immediately.

 Never use a telephone or cellular telephone, switch a light on or off, or light a match if you smell natural gas.

 Never look for a natural gas leak with a lighted flame or match.

 Do not try to re-light a gas furnace, water heater, or range.

Facts About Natural Gas

 Natural gas is an abundant, clean burning, energy-efficient fuel.

 Natural gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless. As a safety precaution, a chemical called Mercaptan is
added to natural gas. This chemical provides a distinctive odor that will alert persons to a potential safety
hazard. Mercaptan has the smell of rotten eggs. Odors that are sometimes mistaken for natural gas can
come from a variety of sources, such as petroleum products (especially gasoline), marsh gas, sewer gas, and
industrial gases.

 Natural gas is not toxic (i.e., poisonous). No health hazards exist from the exposure to natural gas. However,
if present in sufficient quantities to displace the oxygen in the air, it can cause drowsiness and eventual
suffocation due to lack of oxygen.

 Natural gas is lighter than air. When released in an open space, natural gas will rise and diffuse rapidly. If
confined in a closed space, natural gas will rise to the highest level. The air in the space will be displaced
from the top downward. Therefore, to ventilate a room, windows should be open from the top and bottom
portions of the room.

 To burn or explode, natural gas must mix with air in the proper amount (i.e., 4% to 15% natural gas to air) and
be ignited at an ignition point of 1,100oF – 1,200oF. This ignition point is reached by pilot lights, flint sparks,
matches, sparks from electrical switches and motors, or electrostatic sparks.

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 A properly burning natural gas flame will have a crisp blue color. If natural gas is burned without enough air, it
may produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas. A person exposed to carbon monoxide may complain of
dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms.

 Natural gas should not be confused with liquefied petroleum gas. Liquefied
petroleum gas is more commonly called L.P., bottle gas, propane, butane, and
various other trade names. It is heavier than air and collects in low places
when not confined.

Meter Tampering
Individuals, who tamper with natural gas meters and piping to make it show less consumption, or bypassing the
meter entirely, endanger their own lives. They also risk the lives of their family and neighbors. Meter tampering
can create a dangerous situation that can lead to serious and sometimes fatal injury from fire or explosion.

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EXCAVATION SAFETY
Call Before You Dig!

Call Before You Dig! is the answer to the continuing problem of damage to underground facilities. Kentucky
Dig Safely provides a communication link between excavators and operators of underground utilities. Kentucky
Dig Safely is a non-profit organization made up of owners and operators of underground facilities in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky.

IN KENTUCKY
CALL BEFORE
YOU DIG….
IT’S THE LAW
Toll free
1-800-752-6007
or
502-266-5123
in Louisville metro calling area

or
www.kydigsafely.org

Please call Kentucky Dig Safely at least two business days and not more than ten business days prior to your
planned excavation with the information listed below. There is no cost to the caller!

 Identity of contractor or excavator: name, address, etc.

 Dig site location: County, nearest city, inside/outside city limits, street name or highway name, address
number, the nearest cross street intersection or other description if address is not available.

 Digging information: Type of work, depth of dig, location within property or right-of-way, method of excavation.

 Estimated date and time of excavation.

In turn, Kentucky Dig Safely will contact its member companies for you to have the underground facilities located in
the vicinity of your planned excavation. In addition, they will advise you as to what utilities will be notified, and will
provide you with a request number for your reference and documentation.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT


 Plan your work. Planning is vital for obtaining a successful natural gas project (e.g., service, installation, or
repair). It includes, but not limited to, reading and following appropriate sections of the LG&E Customer Gas
Piping Handbook, obtaining all necessary permits, deeds and/or easements, and acquiring necessary
materials and equipment. If you have questions concerning your project, contact LG&E. Contact information
for LG&E is located in Section 1 – General Information under Important Telephone Numbers.

 Pressure test the house line piping. In accordance with Subsection 5.9.1, house line piping should be
pressure tested to detect leaks prior to contacting LG&E for service connection. Note: LG&E will not provide
natural gas service to house line piping that is leaking.

 Make sure that the house line piping is ready. In accordance with Subsection 2.1.8 a. iii., to qualify for
natural gas service, the house line piping system must be extended to an operable natural gas burning
appliance(s) or to a plugged valve(s) at the proposed appliance(s) locations. In addition, the house line piping
should be pressure tested to detect any leaks on the piping system.

 Avoid damaging the tracer wire. In accordance with Subsection 3.11.1, care must be taken to avoid
damage to the tracing wire during placement and compaction of backfill.

 Use a clamp on the service riser. In accordance with Subsection 3.16.1 b., the service riser must be
securely supported using split ring clamps or substantial mounting brackets in accordance with the applicable
meter loop drawing. Polyethylene pipe or flexible riser casing must not be relied upon to contribute to the
support of the meter setting.

 Make sure that the meter loop is not installed too low (i.e., service head adapter below grade). In
accordance with Drawing Nos. GSC – 30-20-004, GSC – 30-20-005, and GSC – 30-20-006, the meter loop
shall be installed such that the bottom of service head adapter is either at a minimum of six inches (6”) or a
maximum of twelve inches (12”) above grade.

 Install a shutoff valve on the house line piping going to a fireplace that is designed to burn wood or
other solid fuel. In accordance with Subsection 5.2.3, the shutoff valve shall be located outside of the
firebox and accessible in the same room. This valve is not a part of the fireplace. If corrugated stainless steel
tubing (CSST) is used, the valve must be installed at the end of the CSST piping so that only steel fittings are
used to actually connect the fireplace. In addition, this valve should be installed so that it is accessible at all
times, even if it is in the basement.

 Be present to allow LG&E personnel access to natural gas appliances for the activation of gas
service. To activate natural gas service for new service connection, service replacement, houseline repair,
etc., LG&E needs access to all gas appliances. It is imperative that the Customer be present to grant access
to the premises.

 Allow adequate time for LG&E to get utility locates. In accordance with the Excavation Safety section,
LG&E is required to provide prior notification for planned excavation work. Thus, if LG&E needs to excavate
to provide gas service, it will need to wait two full business days for other utility companies to locate and mark
their buried utilities with color-coded paint, flags or stakes.

 Provide a two foot by four foot (2’ x 4’) excavation hole at the property line for new or replacement
service lines. In accordance with Section 3.2.2 a. ii. and 3.2.2 b., Customers are required excavate a 2’ x 4’
hole for new or replacement service lines.

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES FROM THE FOURTH EDITION


 Added a Preface section.

 Enhanced the natural gas safety information by adding meter tampering information.

 Added a Common Mistakes Made By Installers section.

Section 1 – General Information

 Reorganized the section to improve readability.

 Added Section 1.3 - Service Rates, Rules and Regulations.

Section 2 – New Service Installations

 Revised and enhance new service installation process. Refer to Section 2.1 – Customer/Contractor Steps for
New Service Installation.

 Added Section 2.2 – LG&E Steps.

 Added Section 2.3 – Service Requirements, Restrictions and Limitations.

Section 3 – Service Line Installations & Replacement

 Reorganized the section to improve readability.

 Clarified Customers’ responsibility for providing a two foot by four foot (2’ x 4’) excavation hole at the property
line for new or replacement service lines. Refer to Section 3.2.2 a. ii. and 3.2.2 b.

 Add ½” CTS polyethylene pipe as an option when inserting through existing ¾” steel service lines. Refer to
Section 3.9.4.

 Clarified the number of services for a common building on separately deeded parcels. Refer to Section
3.14.3.

 Enhance information related to the repair or replacement of service line, meter loop or manifold piping. Refer
to Section 3.17.

Section 4 – Gas Meter Installations

 Reorganized the section to improve readability.

 Change the diversified operation requirement from 400,000 BTUH to 375,000 BTUH. Refer to Sections 4.1.2,
4.5.1 b. ii and 4.5.1. b. iii.

Section 5 – House Line Installations

 Reorganized the section to improve readability.

 Clarified the shutoff valve requirements for fireplaces. Refer to Section 5.2.3.

Section 6 – Sizing and Capacities of Gas House Line Piping

 Added comments for the use of Tables 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3.

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Section 7 – Corrosion Prevention

 No significant changes.

Section 8 – Gas Burning Equipment Installation and Operation

 Reorganized the section to improve readability.

Section 9 – Meter Information

 Reorganized the section to improve readability.

 Revised Section 9.1 - How to Read Your Meter.

Section 10 – Supplemental Information

 Add a sample of the Conveyance of Right of Way form.

Section 10 – Service Related Drawings

 Revised the following drawings:

 GCS – 20-20-003 - Installation of Polyethylene Service by Insertion


 GCS – 30-10-002 - Master Valve Requirements for Multiple Meter Installations
 GCS – 30-10-004 - Acceptable Gas Meter Locations
 GCS – 30-20-004 - Meter Riser for Use with Polyethylene Gas Service Line
 GCS – 30-20-005 - Flexible Meter Riser for Use with Polyethylene Gas Service Line
 GCS – 30-20-006 - Service Head Adapter/Straight Pipe Meter Riser for Use with Polyethylene Gas
Service Line
 GCS – 30-20-205 - Mobile Home Meter Loop
 GCS – 30-20-206 - Typical Multiple Meter Installation Prefabricated Meter Loops
 GCS – 30-30-201 - Low Pressure Meterset Assembly 1 NPS x 20 LT
 GCS – 30-30-202 - Medium Pressure Meterset Assembly 1 NPS x 20 LT with Regulator
 GCS – 30-30-203 - Elevated Pressure Meterset Assembly 1 NPS x 20 LT with Regulator
 GCS – 80-20-302 - Polyethylene to Steel Transition for Underground House Line

 Added the following drawing:

 GCS – 40-20-003 – 2.5 PSIG Residential Gas Regulator Installation For Gas Pool Heaters/Gas Fired
Generators

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LOUISVILLE GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY ..................................................................................................................1 

CUSTOMER GAS PIPING HANDBOOK .........................................................................................................................1 

PREFACE .........................................................................................................................................................................2 

PREFACE .........................................................................................................................................................................2 

NATURAL GAS SAFETY ..................................................................................................................................................I 


SAFETY FIRST – PROVIDING SAFE NATURAL GAS SERVICE ................................................................................................. I 
PERSONAL SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................................... I 
FACTS ABOUT NATURAL GAS ........................................................................................................................................... II 
METER TAMPERING......................................................................................................................................................... III 
EXCAVATION SAFETY  ..................................................................................................................................... IV 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT............................................................................................ V 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES FROM THE FOURTH EDITION ...................................................................2 


SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION ...............................................................................................................................2 
SECTION 2 – NEW SERVICE INSTALLATIONS ......................................................................................................................2 
SECTION 3 – SERVICE LINE INSTALLATIONS & REPLACEMENT ............................................................................................2 
SECTION 4 – GAS METER INSTALLATIONS .........................................................................................................................2 
SECTION 5 – HOUSE LINE INSTALLATIONS .........................................................................................................................2 
SECTION 6 – SIZING AND CAPACITIES OF GAS HOUSE LINE PIPING .....................................................................................2 
SECTION 7 – CORROSION PREVENTION ............................................................................................................................3 
SECTION 8 – GAS BURNING EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION AND OPERATION ............................................................................3 
SECTION 9 – METER INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................................3 
SECTION 10 – SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................3 
SECTION 10 – SERVICE RELATED DRAWINGS ....................................................................................................................3 
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS ..........................................................................................................................8 

LG&E NATURAL GAS EMERGENCIES…(502) 589-5511 .............................................................................................8 

GENERAL INFORMATION ..............................................................................................................................................2 


1.1  INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................................2 
1.2  SCOPE .................................................................................................................................................................2 
1.3  SERVICE RATES, RULES AND REGULATIONS ...........................................................................................................2 
1.4  SERVICE AREA......................................................................................................................................................3 
1.5  DEFINITIONS .........................................................................................................................................................4 
NEW SERVICE INSTALLATIONS ...................................................................................................................................7 
2.1  CUSTOMER/CONTRACTOR STEPS FOR NEW SERVICE INSTALLATION .......................................................................7 
2.2  LG&E STEPS .....................................................................................................................................................13 
2.3  SERVICE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ..................................................................................14 
SERVICE LINE INSTALLATIONS AND REPLACEMENTS .........................................................................................17 
3.1  SERVICE LINE LOCATIONS REQUIREMENTS ..........................................................................................................17 
3.2  SERVICE LINE CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................................17 
3.3  CLARIFICATION OF SERVICE LINE INSTALLATION OR REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS ..............................................18 
3.4  PRESSURE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE LINES .....................................................................................18 
3.5  STEEL SERVICE LINE REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................18 
3.6  POLYETHYLENE SERVICE LINE REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................18 
3.7  SERVICE LINE SIZE .............................................................................................................................................20 
3.8  SERVICE LINE PROTECTION .................................................................................................................................22 
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3.9  INSTALLATION METHODS/REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE LINES ............................................................................. 23 


3.10  CASINGS ........................................................................................................................................................ 25 
3.11  TRACING WIRE ............................................................................................................................................... 25 
3.12  BRANCH CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................................. 25 
3.13  SERVICE LINE INSPECTIONS ............................................................................................................................ 26 
3.14  SERVICE LINES PER BUILDING OR PROPERTY .................................................................................................. 26 
3.15  JOINING REQUIREMENTS FOR GAS SERVICE LINE PIPING ................................................................................. 26 
3.16  SERVICE RISER REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................... 27 
3.17  REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF SERVICE LINE, METER LOOP OR MANIFOLD PIPING ............................................ 28 
GAS METER INSTALLATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 31 
4.1  STANDARD METER CAPACITY ............................................................................................................................. 31 
4.2  ACCEPTABLE METER LOCATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 31 
4.3  METER ACCESSIBILITY ....................................................................................................................................... 32 
4.4  MULTIPLE METERS ............................................................................................................................................. 32 
4.5  METER LOOP ASSEMBLIES ................................................................................................................................. 32 
4.6  METER PROTECTION .......................................................................................................................................... 34 
HOUSE LINE INSTALLATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 37 
5.1  HOUSE LINE CODE REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................... 37 
5.2  VALVE REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 38 
5.3  PRESSURE REGULATORS ................................................................................................................................... 38 
5.4  PIPE REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................................................... 38 
5.4  INSIDE PIPING INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................... 41 
5.5  HOUSELINE PIPING PROTECTION ........................................................................................................................ 41 
5.7  HOUSE LINE SUPPORT ....................................................................................................................................... 42 
5.8  APPLIANCE CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................................................. 43 
5.9  PRESSURE TEST ................................................................................................................................................ 43 
6.1  GENERAL........................................................................................................................................................... 45 
6.2  REFERENCE SOURCES ....................................................................................................................................... 45 
6.3  PIPE SIZING ....................................................................................................................................................... 45 
6.4  PIPE SIZING METHOD ......................................................................................................................................... 45 
CORROSION PREVENTION......................................................................................................................................... 51 
7.1  GENERAL CORROSION PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................... 51 
7.2  COATING REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................................................... 51 
7.3  ELECTRICAL INSULATION .................................................................................................................................... 53 
7.4  ANODES ............................................................................................................................................................ 53 
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF GAS BURNING APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT ..................................... 57 
8.1  CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY ............................................................................................................................ 57 
8.2  PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 57 
8.3  CODE COMPLIANCE............................................................................................................................................ 57 
8.4  INITIAL STARTUP OF APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT .............................................................................................. 57 
METER INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................ 61 
9.1  HOW TO READ YOUR METER .............................................................................................................................. 61 
9.2  METER OPERABILITY .......................................................................................................................................... 62 
9.3  LEAK TEST FOR A HOUSE LINE SYSTEM .............................................................................................................. 62 
9.4  GAS CONSUMPTION TEST................................................................................................................................... 63 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................... 65 
GAS INSPECTION REQUEST ........................................................................................................................................... 65 
CONVEYANCE OF RIGHT OF WAY - SAMPLE .................................................................................................................... 66 
SERVICE RELATED DRAWINGS ................................................................................................................................ 69 

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IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS


Emergency Numbers Other LG&E Phone Numbers To
(24 Hours/Day) Remember
Monday – Friday)
LG&E Natural Gas Emergencies…(502) 589-5511 (7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET)
Outside Louisville Area .............. (800) 331-7370
Service Representative (502) 627-3740
LG&E Electric Emergencies .......... (502) 589-3500
Outside Louisville Area .............. (800) 331-7370 For:
- Availability of Natural Gas for Connected
Customer Service Call Center Numbers Loads of 500,000 BTU or Less
(Monday – Friday) - New Service Line (and related House Piping)
Inspection and Connection
Residential Service Call Center .... (502) 589-1444
(7 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET) Commercial Service Designer....... (502) 364-8275
Outside Louisville Area (800) 331-7370
TDD (hearing or (502) 627-3616 For:
speech-impaired) - Availability of Natural Gas For Connected
Business Service Center ............... (502) 627-3313 Loads Greater Than 500,000 BTU
(7 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET)
Outside Louisville Area (800) 331-7370
TDD (hearing or (502) 627-3616 Other Important Numbers
speech-impaired)
Kentucky Dig Safely ...................... (502) 266-5123
For: (also known as “Before You Dig”
 Apply for Natural Gas Service or “BUD”)
 Arrange Service Transfers Outside Louisville Area .............. (800) 752-6007
 Customer Inquiry & Complaints
 Bill Corrections / Adjustments All Other LG&E Numbers Not Listed
 Credit / Reconnects / Transferred Balances (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET)
 Budget Billing
 Billing Inquiry Operator .......................................... (502) 627-2000
Toll Free........................................... (800) 331-7370
Service, Installation and Repair Numbers

Gas Operations Centers Concerned About Your Energy Bill? Call To


(Monday – Friday) Learn About Our Energy Audit Programs
(7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET)
(502 Area Code) Residential Energy Audit ............... (800) 251-7808
Commercial Energy Audit ............. (502) 893-0256
 Auburndale Operations Center ..627-3740
 Bardstown Operations Center....348-9243
LG&E Is Involved In Your Community
 East Operations Center ...............627-3740
 Muldraugh Operations Center ....942-3046 Community Relations .................... (502) 627-4793
Economic Development................. (502) 574-5775
For Information Concerning: Environmental Excellence ............. (502) 627-3821
 Installation, Repair or Replacement of New
or Existing Gas Service Lines or House Line
Piping Systems
 Replacement or Repaired Service Line
Inspection and Reconnection
 Sizing Service Lines or Meters
 Acceptable Meter Locations
 Service Lines Under Buildings
 Homeowner’s Permits

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GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
The Louisville Gas and Electric Company, referred to herein as "LG&E,” desires to cooperate with all
concerned parties to further the proper installation and use of natural gas. To achieve this goal, the
Customer Gas Piping Handbook was created to provide information to gas customers and potential gas
customers regarding the installation and operation of gas piping and appliances. Gas customer, referred
to herein as “Customer,” is used to address the party responsible for meeting the requirements of this
handbook. While the Customer’s mechanical contractor, plumber and/or builder will in practice utilize this
information the most, the Customer is ultimately responsible for meeting the requirements of this
handbook. However, LG&E representatives are available to assist Customers in complying with
requirements of this handbook.

1.2 Scope
This handbook provides specifications and construction standards for the installation of service lines and
Customer metering facilities. It also provides guidance for the installation of house lines and gas
appliances for single-family and multi-unit dwellings with individual meters and for small commercial and
industrial customers served with natural gas from LG&E. In addition, it meets or exceeds not only the
Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC) regulations but also the NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas
Code), Kentucky Uniform Building Code, and other relevant publications. However, the information
contained herein does not preempt any of the rules, codes or regulations contained in the aforementioned
publications. It is the Customer’s responsibility to notify LG&E of any conflict between this handbook and
the requirements of any of the above publications.

1.3 Service Rates, Rules and Regulations


1.3.1 Kentucky Public Service Commission

All natural gas service supplied by LG&E is provided in accordance with the applicable rates, rules, and
regulations of the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC), http://www.psc.state.ky.us/, and
Louisville Gas and Electric Company http://www.lge-ku.com.

The administrative rules of the KPSC can be found in the document Kentucky Administrative
Regulations Pertaining to the Kentucky Public Service Commission, Title 807, and Chapter 7 –
Utilities. This document is available for public inspection at the Commission, on the KPSC Internet site
(above), at LG&E’s Customer Service Center at 701 South Ninth Street in Louisville, Kentucky, and also
at the LG&E Internet site (above). This document establishes general rules and regulations for all types
of public utility service (water, gas, electric, telephone, etc.) that fall under the jurisdiction of KPSC.
Specific sections of this document apply to gas service.

LG&E’s rates and requirements for natural gas service are documented in Louisville Gas and Electric
Company Rates, Terms and Conditions for Furnishing Natural Gas Service. This document sets out
specific rates and requirements for natural gas service provided by LG&E within the defined LG&E
service territory.

1.3.2 National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI-NFPA 54)

NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code covers, in general, the design, alteration, modification, construction,
maintenance and testing of utilization (i.e., non-utility) house line piping. The National Fuel Gas Code
generally covers all aspects of natural gas piping beyond the outlet of the meter. (National Fire Protection
Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169.)

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1.3.3 Kentucky Building Code

Kentucky Building Code establishes rules that are intended to establish a uniform building code in the
State of Kentucky (Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, 1047 US HWY 127 South, Bay 1,
Frankfort, KY 40601-7811, web site: http://www.state.ky.us/agencies/cppr/dhbc).

1.4 Service Area


LG&E provides retail gas service in the Louisville metro area and sixteen surrounding counties. The
Operations Centers that are responsible for this area are shown below on the system map with the
corresponding zip codes serviced by each Operations Center.

ZIP CODES SERVICED BY ZIP CODES SERVICED BY


AUBURNDALE OPERATIONS CENTER EAST OPERATIONS CENTER

40202, 40203, 40204, 40205 40006, 40010, 40011, 40014


40208, 40210, 40211, 40212 40018, 40019, 40023, 40025
40213, 40215, 40217, 40047 40026, 40027, 40031, 40050
40071, 40109, 40118, 40165 40055, 40056, 40057, 40059
40209, 40214, 40216, 40218 40065, 40066, 40067, 40068
40219, 40221, 40225, 40228 40077, 40207, 40220, 40222
40229, 40258, 40272, 40291 40223, 40224, 40241, 40242
40243, 40245, 40299, 40206

ZIP CODES SERVICED BY ZIP CODES SERVICED BY


BARDSTOWN OPERATIONS CENTER MULDRAUGH OPERATIONS CENTER

BARDSTOWN 40004 BOSTON 40107


BUFFALO 42716 BRANDENBURG 40108
CANMER 42722 ELIZABETHTOWN 42701
CENTER 42214 FORT KNOX 40121
COX'S CREEK 40013 LACONIA, IN. 47135
ELIZABETHTOWN 42701 LEBANON JCT. 40150
HARDYVILLE 42746 MULDRAUGH 40155
HODGENVILLE 42748 RADCLIFF 40160
HORSE CAVE 42749 RINEYVILLE 40162
LEBANON 40033 VINE GROVE 40175
LORETTO 40037 WEST POINT 40177
MAGNOLIA 42757
MANTON 41648
Mt. SHERMAN 42764
NAZARETH 40048
SONORA 42776
SPRINGFIELD 40069

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1.5 Definitions
1.5.1 Appliance (Gas Appliance) – Any device that utilizes natural gas as a fuel or raw material to produce
light, heat, power, refrigeration, or air conditioning.

1.5.2 Approved Gas Valve – A natural gas valve that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of
applicable federal, state, and local codes and regulations.

1.5.3 BTU – British Thermal Unit. A measure of heat energy. One BTU is the quantity of heat that will raise the
temperature of one pound of distilled water by one degree Fahrenheit (1oF) at 70 degrees Fahrenheit
(70oF).

1.5.4 BTUH Input Rating – The heat energy input, in terms of BTU per hour, required to properly operate a
gas-burning appliance. The amount of natural gas needed to operate the appliance is determined by the
BTU input rating. One standard cubic foot of natural gas will produce slightly over 1,000 BTUs in normal
efficient combustion.

1.5.5 Cathodically Protected Piping – Underground coated steel piping that has cathodic protection applied
to retard corrosion. The cathodic protection can be provided by the use of galvanic anodes, such as
magnesium anodes.

1.5.6 Company – When used herein, refers to Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E), a wholly owned
subsidiary of LG&E and KU Energy LLC.

1.5.7 Company’s Service Connection – Piping from LG&E's gas main to a point within one foot of the
Customer's property line or easement line, adjacent to the main, for the purpose of supplying gas to the
Customer's service line.

1.5.8 Corrosion Prevention – Measures taken to prevent corrosion and prolong the life of buried metallic
piping, and aboveground piping exposed to weather or a corrosive environment.

1.5.9 CSST – Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing. Gas house piping systems incorporating corrugated
stainless steel tubing and custom designed fittings are for use above ground only. In order to be
acceptable under code requirements, each installer must be certified as trained by the agent(s) or
manufacturer(s) of system(s) being used and must be trained on all installation requirements of that
manufacturer.

1.5.10 CTS – Copper Tube Size. The size convention used to describe the size of polyethylene gas piping in
terms of standard copper tubing. The actual outside diameter of CTS-sized tubing is one-eighth inch
(0.125") larger than the nominal CTS.

1.5.11 Customer Contribution – The amount of money that the Customer has to contribute to obtain natural gas
service. A Customer contribution may be required when a pipeline must be either extended or tapped to
provide service to the Customer.

1.5.12 Customer Service Line – Piping installed by the Customer from LG&E's service connection to the inlet
side of the gas meter.

1.5.13 Houseline – Piping installed by the Customer from the outlet of the gas meter to all appliance and
equipment connections. This definition includes piping installed underground or aboveground beyond the
outlet of the meter.

1.5.14 IPS – Iron Pipe Size. The size convention used to describe the size of polyethylene gas pipe in terms of
nominal steel pipe of the same outside diameter.

1.5.15 Listed – Material and equipment certified to meet the quality and performance standards specified by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory or quality assurance organization.

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1.5.16 Low, Elevated, Medium, And High Pressure – LG&E's classifications of operating pressures in the gas
mains throughout its gas system are as follows:

a. Low Pressure – The system operating pressure is essentially the same as the pressure delivered to
each Customer’s meter and house line (i.e., 0.25 PSIG (7 inches Water Column)).

b. Elevated Pressure – LG&E’s elevated pressure systems operate at 2.0 PSIG at their sources of gas
supply. A pressure regulator is required ahead of each Customer’s meter to maintain a constant
standard delivery pressure of 0.25 PSIG (i.e., 4 ounces per square inch or 7 inches Water Column).

c. Medium Pressure – LG&E’s medium pressure systems operate at pressures higher than 2.0 PSIG
up to 60 PSIG. LG&E has several medium pressure systems operating at different pressures. A
pressure regulator is required ahead of each Customer’s meter to maintain a constant delivery
pressure that is normally the standard 0.25 PSIG. Higher delivery pressure can be delivered to the
Customer if necessary, limited by the characteristics and operating restraints for the particular
medium pressure system.

d. High Pressure – LG&E’s designation for high pressure includes any gas transmission system or
distribution system that is subject to operation at over 60 PSIG. A pressure regulator is required
ahead of each Customer’s meter to maintain a constant delivery pressure that may be the standard
0.25 PSIG or higher if necessary.

1.5.17 Main – Gas system piping located in a public highway, street, alley, or private easement that is used to
distribute gas.

1.5.18 Meter Loop – Piping provided by the Customer to accommodate the installation of the gas meter(s).

1.5.19 PSIG – Pounds per Square Inch Gauge. A standard unit of measurement for describing the pressure of
gas or liquid.

1.5.20 SDR – Standard Dimensional Ratio. A numerical term used to describe the wall thickness of
polyethylene pipe. SDR is derived by dividing the actual outside diameter of the pipe by the wall
thickness and is an indication of the strength of the pipe.

1.5.21 Service Head Adapter – A transition fitting that adapts polyethylene gas pipe to steel pipe, in a manner
in which the polyethylene pipe is shielded against damage from physical force and solar radiation, with all
pressure containing metallic components located above ground.

1.5.22 Standard Delivery Pressure – The gas pressure normally delivered to residential and small commercial
Customers, which is approximately four ounces (4 oz) per square inch, seven inches (7”) of Water
Column, or 0.25 PSIG.

1.5.23 Tamperproof Gas Valve – A gas valve in which the core cannot be easily removed, either accidentally or
intentionally, with ordinary hand tools.

1.5.24 Total Connected Load – The total heat input in BTUH for all gas burning appliances and equipment
installed.

1.5.25 W.C. – Water column pressure. A standard unit of measurement for describing the pressure that is
expressed in terms of a water depth exerting an equivalent force. Typical gas pressure delivered to
Customer's house piping is seven inches (7") W.C., which is approximately 0.25 PSIG. The loss in gas
pressure that results from gas flowing through a piping system is generally expressed in inches of W.C.
drop.

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NEW SERVICE INSTALLATIONS


2.1 Customer/Contractor Steps for New Service Installation
The steps involved to complete the new service process are listed below.
These steps cover all Customer/contractor responsibilities from confirming
gas service to requesting meter installation and/or turn-on. In addition, a brief summary of the work that
LG&E will perform is also provided. Note: These steps in the new service process are applicable to
connected loads that are 500,000 BTUH or less and may be performed concurrently.

QUICK STEPS

To Complete The New Service Process, A Customer Must:

2.1.1 Confirm the availability of natural gas. In addition, the availability of the
required pressure and/or capacity should be verified. Note: High BTUH rating
appliances, such as generators, “instant” hot water heaters, etc., may require
pressures that are above LG&E’s normal delivery pressure of 4 oz. (i.e., 0.25
PSIG) and/or capacities of a typical house line or natural gas meter.

2.1.2 Confirm any Customer contributions for pro-rata mains or main extensions, if
applicable.

2.1.3 For commercial or industrial Customers, provide customer usage and site data
to LG&E’s Account Manager, if applicable.

2.1.4 Establish an LG&E service account by contacting either the Residential


Service Call Center (for residential Customers) or the Business Service Center
(for commercial or industrial Customers).

2.1.5 Sign the service contract and pay any amounts due for Customer contributions,
if applicable. If a service contract is applicable, no service work can be
performed by LG&E before this step is done.

2.1.6 Convey to LG&E all necessary easements/rights-of-way, if applicable.

2.1.7 Install all required Customer provided facilities (e.g., the customer service line)
in accordance with the Customer Gas Piping Handbook.

2.1.8 Request connection of the customer service to LG&E’s company service, if


applicable. Note: This request is typically made by the installer of the
customer service (e.g., plumber).

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2.1.1 Confirm Availability of Natural Gas and any Customer Contributions

a. Connected Loads That Are 500,000 BTUH Or Less

i. No Meter Exists

a) Determine Availability of Natural Gas and Any Customer Contributions

1) Before installing a new gas service, residential and commercial Customers should
contact a LG&E Service Representative to verify the availability of natural gas at the
required pressure and capacity, and to determine if any Customer contributions are
applicable. A Service Representative may be reached at (502) 627-3740.

2) Installers or Customers will be required to provide the Service Representative with their
complete address including the zip code and the lot number (for new construction) and
information concerning their gas loads.

ii. Meter Exists

If installing furnaces, generators, swimming pool heaters, or other gas appliances of a high BTUH
rating to an existing gas service, residential and commercial Customers should contact the LG&E
Commercial Service Designer to verify that the gas main, service line and meter have sufficient
pressure and/or capacity to supply the gas load. The LG&E Commercial Service Designer may
be reached at (502) 364-8275.

b. Connected Load Greater Than 500,000 BTUH

Special provisions apply for total connected loads of more than 500,000 BTUH served by any single
meter. For service line and meter installation specifications and requirements, the LG&E Commercial
Service Designer should be contacted at (502) 364-8275.

2.1.2 Confirm Customer Contribution

a. No Meter Exists

i. Customers must contact a LG&E Service Representative to determine if a Customer contribution


is applicable. A LG&E Service Representative may be reached at (502) 627-3740.

ii. If a Customer contribution is applicable, Customer will be mailed a service contract.

b. Meter Exists

For Customers with existing natural gas meters, no Customer contributions are required.

2.1.3 Provide Load and Site Data

a. Residential

Residential Customers do not need to provide load or site data.

b. Commercial

i. No Meter Exists

a) Commercial Customers should be prepared to provide the information listed below. This step
is not applicable to residential Customers.

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 Load data information (i.e., BTUs) must be provided on LG&E’s Gas


Load Data Submittal Sheet. A copy of the gas data submittal sheet
can be found in Section 10, Supplemental Information.
 Two copies of the site plan

b) The completed Gas Load Data Submittal Sheet and the site plan should be
sent to the appropriate Operations Center to the attention of “Account
Manager.” Refer to Operations Center By Zip Codes in Section 1, General
Information, for the Operations Center that is responsible for your geographic
area. For Bardstown and Muldraugh Operations Centers, the information
should be sent to the Auburndale Operations Center.

Account Manager – Auburndale Operations Center


Louisville Gas & Electric Company
Auburndale Operations Center
6900 Enterprise Drive
Louisville, Kentucky 40214

Account Manager – East Operations Center


Louisville Gas & Electric Company
East Operations Center
10300 Ballardsville Road
Louisville, Kentucky 40241

c) Once the information is received, the Customer will receive a service contract.

ii. No Meter Exists

Commercial Customers who have existing meters do not need to provide load or site
data.

2.1.4 Make Request for Service

a. The Customer must contact LG&E and make a request for service. LG&E cannot begin the process
of arranging for service until the application for service has been completed.

i. For residential Customers, the request for service may be made:

 on-line at www.lge-ku.com

 by telephone through the Residential Service Call Center. The Residential Service Call
Center is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. They may be reached
at (502) 589-1444, or toll free at (800) 331-7370 from outside of the Louisville local calling
area.

ii. For commercial Customers, the request for service may be made:

 on-line at www.lge-ku.com

 by telephone through the Business Service Center. The Business Service Center is
available Monday through Friday, 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. They may be reached at (502)
627-3313, or toll free at (800) 331-7370 from outside of the Louisville local calling area.

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b. At the time of the request for service, the Customer should be prepared to provide the information
listed below.

i. No Meter Exists

Requests for service should be made as far in advance of the required date of service
as possible to avoid unnecessary delays in receiving service. LG&E requires sufficient
time to design, plan and install the necessary natural gas facilities for new services.
Additional time will be required if LG&E must extend or enhance facilities to provide
service.

a) Residential Customers

 Name(s) on the account


 Social Security Number(s). If other responsible parties, such as a spouse/roommate, are
included on the account, their social security numbers need to be included.
 Service address. Please provide ALL available information (street name, house number,
lot number, zip code, etc.).
 If the service is for a home and the home will be constructed in a
subdivision, subdivision name and lot number will also need to be provided
 Billing Address (if different from Service Address)
 Daytime Contact Telephone Number
 Evening Contact Telephone Number
 Date Requesting Service
 Employer Name
 Employer Street Address. Please provide ALL available information (street name, zip
code, etc.)
 Work Telephone Number

b) Commercial Customers

Request for service should be made as far in advance of the required date of
service as possible to avoid unnecessary delays in receiving service. LG&E will
require sufficient time to design, plan and install the necessary natural gas facilities
for new services. Additional time will be required if LG&E must extend or enhance
facilities to provide service.

 Name of Business as listed with Secretary of State of Kentucky (if incorporated, limited
liability or partnership)
 Service Address. Please provide ALL available information (street name, lot number,
unit, apartment, suite, zip code, etc.).
 Federal Tax ID
 Type of Service (Gas, Electric, etc.)
 Square Footage of Building
 Type of Business
 Name of Requestor
 Title of Requestor
 Requestor E-Mail Address (required for on-line submission)
 Telephone Number of Requestor
 Telephone Number of Business
 Mailing Address for Bills (if different than service address)

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Special Notes:

 If electric service is also required, it will be necessary to request electric service at the same time
the request for natural gas service is made.

 The submission of a request for service constitutes the Customer’s permission for LG&E to
conduct a credit history check.

 For all new commercial accounts, a deposit is required that is equal to 2/12 (two twelfths, or two
months) of the projected annual bill.

ii. Meter Exists

a) Residential Customers

 Name(s) on the account


 Social Security Number(s). If other responsible parties, such as a spouse/roommate, are
included on the account, their social security numbers need to be included.
 Service address. Please provide ALL available information (street name, house number,
zip code, etc.).
 Billing Address (if different from Service Address)
 Daytime Contact Telephone Number
 Evening Contact Telephone Number
 Date Requesting Service
 Employer Name
 Employer Street Address. Please provide ALL available information (street name, zip
code, etc.).
 Work Telephone Number

Special Notes:

The submission of a request for service constitutes the Customer’s permission for LG&E to
conduct a credit history check.

b) Commercial Customers

 Name of Business as listed with Secretary of State of Kentucky (if incorporated, limited
liability or partnership)
 Service Address. Please provide ALL available information (street name, lot number,
unit, apartment, suite, zip code, etc.).
 Federal Tax ID
 Type of Service (Electric, Gas, etc.)
 Name of Requestor
 Title of Requestor
 Requestor E-Mail Address (required for on-line submission)
 Telephone Number of Requestor
 Telephone Number of Business
 Mailing Address for bills (if different than service address)

Special Notes:

 The submission of a request for service constitutes the Customer’s permission for LG&E
to conduct a credit history check.

 For all new commercial accounts, a deposit is required that is equal to 2/12 (two twelfths,
or two months) of the projected annual bill.

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c. At the time the request for service is made, the Customer will be given an account and/or order
number. This information should be retained for the purpose of tracking the progress of the service
request. In addition, the Customer will be sent an informational package.

2.1.5 Sign Service Contract

a. No Meter Exists

Customers who received a service contract because they own a Customer contribution must sign a
service contract and pay any amounts noted in the Customer contributions area of the contract.

b. Meter Exists

Service contract is not required.

2.1.6 Convey to LG&E All Necessary Easements/Rights-of-Way

a. No Meter Exists

i. For LG&E to place facilities and provide service, the Customer must convey to LG&E all
necessary easements/rights-of-way on the Customer‘s property.

ii. Any rights-of-way needed from other property owners will be obtained by Customer.

b. Meter Exists

Easements/right-of-ways are not required.

2.1.7 Install Customer Provided Facilities

a. No Meter Exists

i. Residential and commercial Customers will need to install Customer provided facilities (e.g.,
service line, meter loop and house line piping).

ii. Customers are responsible for any necessary maintenance of these facilities.

b. Meter Exists

i. If the Customer service line, meter loop or house line piping is not adequate because of the
installation of a high BTUH rating appliance (e.g., generators, swimming pool heaters, etc.),
Customer will need to install the appropriate facility.

ii. Customers are responsible for any necessary maintenance of these facilities.

2.1.8 Request for Meter Installation and/or Turn-On

a. To qualify for connection of the Customer service to LG&E’s Company service, the following items
must be completed:

i. A request for service must be established through either the Residential Service Call Center or
Business Service Centers.

ii. All Customer-provided facilities must be installed.

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iii. The house line system must be extended to an operable natural gas burning appliance(s) or to a
plugged valve(s) at the proposed appliance(s) locations.

iv. For a service line supplying gas to multiple meters, the inlet side to all proposed meter loops must
be completed and the house line from at least one meter must be connected to an operable
appliance or to plugged valves at the proposed appliance locations.

b. To have the Customer service connected to LG&E’s Company service, a written request should be
faxed to LG&E at (502) 333-1823. The form for the request is included in Section 10 – Supplemental
Information. Note: Installers or Customers will be required to provide the Customer account number
for each address.

2.2 LG&E Steps


2.2.1 Request for Service

a. No Meter Exists

i. After a request for service has been made, LG&E will perform the following:

a) LG&E will send out an informational package.

b) LG&E will send out a service contract for Customers who own a Customer contribution. For
commercial Customers, the service contract will be sent out after the LG&E receives the load
and site data.

ii. After the signed service contract is received, LG&E will perform the following:

a) LG&E will obtain all necessary permits from public entities for the installation of LG&E
facilities in public rights-of-way. LG&E will also obtain all work permits required to perform
work in public rights-of-way associated with providing service to the Customer.

b) LG&E will obtain all necessary easements required from other property owners, if applicable.

c) LG&E will install the Company service line.

b. Meter Exists

i. After a request for service has been made, LG&E will send out an informational package.

ii. After the signed service contract is received, LG&E will install the Company service line.

2.2.2 Request Connection of the Customer Service to LG&E’s Company Service

a. After a request for meter installation and turn-on has been made, LG&E will perform the following:

i. No Meter Exists

a) LG&E will visually inspect the Customer service line and meter loop to ensure compliance
with applicable material and installation specifications.

b) LG&E will pressure test the service line and meter loop for leaks.

c) LG&E will visually inspect the house line piping, to the extent accessible, for safe installation.

d) LG&E will pressure test the house line piping for leaks. If the connection to the existing house
piping system is made prior to LG&E’s inspection and pressure test of the new installation, the
entire house line piping system shall be subject to a pressure test prior to reactivation.

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e) LG&E will visually check appliances that are in place for apparent proper installation and
venting. To check appliances, LG&E will need access to the premises.

f) If the inspections performed by LG&E are satisfactory, the Customer’s service line will be
connected to the Company’s service line and the meter will be placed. Gas will not be turned
on to a house piping system believed to be unsafe or leaking.

ii. Meter Exists

a) LG&E will pressure test the house line piping for leaks. If the connection to the existing house
piping system is made prior to LG&E’s inspection and pressure test of the new installation, the
entire house line piping system shall be subject to a pressure test prior to reactivation.

b) LG&E will visually check appliances that are in place for apparent proper installation and
venting. To check appliances, LG&E will need access to the premises.

c) If the inspections performed by LG&E are satisfactory, the gas service will be activated. Gas
will not be turned on to a house piping system believed to be unsafe or leaking.

2.3 Service Requirements, Restrictions and Limitations


Certain restrictions and limitations apply for establishing and maintaining natural gas service. Below is a
partial list of some of these restrictions and limitations.

2.3.1 Contract Acceptance and Terms

a. LG&E has the right to reject, for valid reasons, any application or contract for service.

b. Applications for natural gas service are not transferable, and new occupants of the premises are
required to make application for service before service is provided. Customers who have been
receiving natural gas service must notify LG&E when they wish to discontinue service and are
responsible for paying for all natural gas service furnished until the time a request to discontinue
service has been made and the final meter reading has occurred.

c. LG&E may require a minimum cash deposit or other guarantee to secure payment of bills. Service
may be refused or discontinued for failure to pay the required deposit. For more information
regarding LG&E’s deposit policy, contact the “Residential Service Call Center.”

2.3.2 Use of Service Restrictions

a. Customers are prohibited from using natural gas service for purposes other than those set forth in the
Customer's application or contract.

b. Natural gas furnished under LG&E's standard application or contract is for the use of the Customer
only. No Customer shall resell such energy to any other person, firm, or corporation without the
written consent of LG&E and approval of the KPSC.

2.3.3 Refusal or Discontinuance of Service

a. In accordance with and subject to the rules and regulations of the KPSC, LG&E retains the right to
refuse or discontinue service to an applicant or Customer under certain conditions. LG&E will charge
the Customer for disconnections and reconnections of natural gas service resulting from
non-payment of bills, unsafe conditions or for violations of the Company’s rules and regulations.
Refusal or discontinuance of service with or without notice, and without liability, can occur under
various other circumstances. These conditions are set forth in LG&E’s Tariffs filed with the KPSC and
the rules and regulations of the commission.

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b. Since it is LG&E’s obligation to provide safe and satisfactory service to all Customers, LG&E reserves
the right to refuse or to discontinue service without notice if, in the opinion of LG&E, the Customer’s
piping, equipment or appliances are unsafe or unsuitable for receiving natural gas service or are
harmful to the service of other Customers. LG&E will make a reasonable effort to notify the Customer
prior to disconnection and shall inform the Customer of the steps which must be taken to have service
restored.

2.3.4 Service and Liability Limitations

a. LG&E is not liable for any injury or damage to persons or property resulting from the presence, use or
abuse of natural gas on the Customer's premises. LG&E shall be held harmless for any injury or
damage to persons or property resulting from defects in Customer piping, equipment, apparatus, or
appliances, or resulting from any cause whatsoever other than the negligence of LG&E.

b. LG&E will exercise reasonable care and diligence in an endeavor to supply service continuously and
without interruption, but does not guarantee continuous service. It is the responsibility of the Customer,
when deemed necessary or desirable, to install any equipment necessary to protect the facilities against
disruptions in service.

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SERVICE LINE INSTALLATIONS AND REPLACEMENTS


3.1 Service Line Locations Requirements
3.1.1 Location Within Property or Right-of-Way

a. Each Customer gas service line must be located within the property being served, or within a
recorded easement or common space in which the rights to install, maintain, and operate the service
line have been legally granted.

b. To the greatest extent practical, a minimum of one foot (1’) horizontal distance should be maintained
between the gas service line and the edge of the property line. Note: In this case, the gas service
line and the property line are parallel to each other.

3.1.2 Under Buildings

a. New or replacement gas service lines shall not be installed under buildings unless unavoidable, in the
sole judgment of LG&E, and approved by LG&E. Buildings or other major structures, such as in-ground
swimming pools, porches, storage sheds, etc., shall not be constructed over existing service lines
unless unavoidable and approved by LG&E.

b. If unavoidable, in the sole judgment of LG&E and approved by LG&E, the service line may be installed.
However, the service line must be encased in a gas tight conduit. The conduit must be vented to open
air outside of the building. The Gas Operations Center in your area must be consulted for specific
requirements.

3.2 Service Line Connection Requirements


3.2.1 General

LG&E shall not be obligated to make service connections or to extend its gas main in cases where such
extensions or connections, in the sole judgment of LG&E, would be infeasible, impractical, or contrary to
good operating practice.

3.2.2 Point of Termination

a. New Service Lines

i. Check with the Gas Operations Center in your area to determine if a Company service connection
already exists, or if special requirements exist for the address being served.

ii. When a Company service connection already exists, the Customer service line shall be run to at
least one foot beyond the property line or easement line at that location. Customer is responsible for
a two foot by four foot (2’ x 4’) excavation hole at the property line regardless of installation method
(trench, plow, directional drill, etc).

iii. When the Company service connection does not exist, the Customer service line shall extend at
least one foot beyond the property line or easement line of the right-of-way in which the gas main is
located unless otherwise approved or directed by LG&E. The point of termination must allow
access for connection of the Company service line to the main. Locations near driveway aprons,
large trees, catch basins, manholes, or other structures must be avoided. Refer to Drawing No.
GSC 20-10-001, Acceptable Service Lines Locations.

iv. When joint trenching construction has been used for installation of the gas mains and Company
service lines, the Customer service line may be required to extend to a remote location to meet the
Company service connection.

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b. Replacement Service Lines

The Customer service line must extend at least one foot (1’) beyond the property line or easement line
at the same location as the service line being replaced unless otherwise approved or directed by LG&E.
Customer is responsible for a two foot by four foot (2’ x 4’) excavation hole at the property line
regardless of installation method (trench, plow, directional drill, etc).

3.2.3 Utility Clearance

For the service connections at the property or easement line, a minimum of three feet (3’) horizontal
separation is recommended between gas service lines and other utility service connections. Refer to
Drawing No. GCS 20-10-001, Acceptable Service Line Locations.

3.3 Clarification of Service Line Installation or Replacement Requirements


For clarification of service line installation or replacement requirements, the Gas Operations Center serving
your geographic area should be consulted. The Gas Operations Center’s telephone number is listed in
Section 1 - Important Telephone Numbers.

3.4 Pressure System Requirements for Service Lines


3.4.1 High Pressure Systems (i.e., Pressure Systems greater than 60 psig)

a. Polyethylene pipe may be used for service lines being supplied by high pressure gas mains if a first
stage regulator, that reduces the pressure to 60 psig or less, is installed at the property line or easement
line.

b. Steel pipe must be used for service lines being supplied by high pressure gas mains if a first stage
regulator is not installed,

3.4.2 Medium, Elevated or Low Pressure Systems (i.e., Pressure Systems less or equal to 60 psig)

All new and replacement service lines being supplied by low, elevated, and medium pressure gas mains
shall be constructed with polyethylene (PE) pipe that is approved by LG&E.

3.5 Steel Service Line Requirements


3.5.1 All steel pipe joints shall be welded. All welding must be performed by a qualified welder using qualified
welding procedures in accordance with the requirements of API Standard 1104, ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code Section IX, or 49 CFR Part 192 Appendix C.

3.5.2 All buried steel pipe shall be mill coated and cathodically protected.

3.5.3 For the specific requirements and specifications for the installation of mill coated steel gas service lines,
contact the Gas Operations Center in your area. The Gas Operations Center’s telephone number is
listed in Section 1 - Important Telephone Numbers.

3.6 Polyethylene Service Line Requirements


3.6.1 Material Specifications

a. All polyethylene pipe used for gas service lines must conform to specification ASTM D2513,
"Specifications for Thermoplastic Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing and Fittings.”

b. The polyethylene pipe must be marked at intervals not exceeding two feet (2’) showing the
manufacturer or trade name, size, wall thickness or SDR number, PE type, batch identification, and
ASTM D2513 compliance.

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c. The polyethylene pipe may be grade PE2406 or PE3408 with designation CD, CE, CDC, or CEC.
PE2406 grade (medium density) must be yellow.

d. The following sizes are approved for polyethylene (PE) gas service line use:

Nominal Standard
Polyethylene Pipe Dimensional
Size Outside Diameter Wall Thickness Ratio Rating
½ " CTS* 0.625 .090 W.T. SDR 7.0
½” IPS 0.840" O.D. .090" W.T. SDR 9.3
1" CTS 1.125" O.D .099" to .101" W.T. SDR 11.4
1-1/4" IPS 1.660" O.D. .166" W.T. SDR 10
2" IPS 2.375" O.D. .216" W.T. SDR 11.0
3" IPS 3.500" O.D. .307" W.T. SDR 11.5
4" IPS 4.500" O.D .395" W.T. SDR 11.
6" IPS 6.625" O.D. .576" W.T. SDR 11.5 or
6" IPS 6.625" O.D. .491” W.T. SDR 13.5
* ½” CTS may only be used when inserting through existing ¾” steel service lines, see 3.9.4.

e. Pipe types, grades and sizes other than listed above are subject to approval by LG&E prior to
installation. Additional types or grades may be subsequently approved as polyethylene pipe technology
advances.

3.6.2 Pressure Testing

a. All polyethylene service lines shall be pressure tested at 100 psig with air or inert gas as the test
medium to prove the structural integrity and absence of leaks.

b. To facilitate pressure testing, two inch (2") IPS and smaller polyethylene service lines should be
brought above grade and tied to a stake or other object at the property line or easement line. The
end should be capped in a watertight manner to prevent entry of rain, dirt, or insects.

c. Service lines larger than two inch (2") IPS shall be terminated at the property line or easement line in
accordance with the specific requirements stated by the Gas Operations Center in your area.

3.6.3 Bending Radius

Sharp bends in polyethylene gas piping should be avoided. For permanent installations, the bending
radius should exceed 20 times the outside diameter of the polyethylene pipe as follows:

Actual Minimum
Nominal Size O.D. Radius

½” CTS 0.625 18”


½” IPS 0.840" 18"
1" CTS 1.125" 24"
1-1/4" IPS 1.660" 36"
2" IPS 2.375" 48"

3.6.4 Handling Polyethylene Pipe

a. Care must be used at all times when handling and storing polyethylene gas pipe.

b. Contact with sharp edges, kinking, and exposure to extreme heat or petroleum solvents must be
avoided.

c. Pipe with surface cuts or gouges of 10% or more of the wall thickness, pipe that has been kinked, or
pipe that has been exposed to extreme heat or petroleum solvents may not be used.
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3.7 Service Line Size


3.7.1 Each gas service line must be of sufficient size to meet the maximum usage demand determined by adding
the BTUH input of all connected appliances or equipment subject to simultaneous operation. The service
line size required is dependent upon the operating pressure of the system to which it is connected, the
length, as well as the maximum usage demand. Allowance should be made for future installation of
additional appliances if applicable.

3.7.2 The correct service line size may be determined from the service line capacity charts in Tables 3.1, 3.2, and
3.3. If any doubt exists concerning the gas main pressure classification for an address being served, or if
any uncertainty exists concerning the service line size, the Gas Operations Center in your area should be
contacted. The Gas Operations Center’s telephone number is listed in Section 1 - Important Telephone
Numbers.

TABLE 3.1
LOW PRESSURE SERVICE LINE CAPACITY
(Thousand BTUH based on 0.5” W.C. pressure drop)

LENGTH NOMINAL POLYETHYLENE PIPE SIZE

Feet 1” CTS 1-1/4” IPS 2” IPS 3” IPS 4” IPS

25 321 855 2,396 6,721 13,630


30 289 770 2,161 6,067 12,310
35 264 705 1,980 5,563 11,290
40 244 653 1,835 5,160 10,480
45 228 610 1,716 4,829 9,811

50 215 574 1,616 4,550 9,248


60 193 517 1,457 4,105 8,348
70 176 473 1,334 3,763 7,656
80 163 438 1,236 3,489 7,101
90 152 409 1,156 3,264 6,646

100 143 385 1,088 3,074 6,263


200 111 257 730 2,072 4,232
300 96 203 578 1,643 3,361
400 83 177 489 1,393 2,853
500 67 166 429 1,225 2,512

600 56 158 386 1,103 2,263


700 48 151 352 1,009 2,072
800 42 143 326 934 1,919
900 37 137 304 873 1,793
1,000 34 130 286 821 1,688

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TABLE 3.2
ELEVATED PRESSURE SERVICE LINE CAPACITY
(Thousand BTUH based on 4” W.C. pressure drop)

LENGTH NOMINAL POLYETHYLENE PIPE SIZE

Feet 1” CTS 1-1/4” IPS 2” IPS 3” IPS 4” IPS

25 1,075 2,830 7,848 21,810 43,980


50 725 1,916 5,331 14,860 30,010
75 575 1,524 4,248 11,860 23,980
100 488 1,294 3,614 10,100 20,440
125 429 1,140 3,187 8,919 18,060

150 387 1,028 2,876 8,054 16,320


200 328 872 2,444 6,855 13,900
250 288 768 2,154 6,048 12,270
300 259 692 1,942 5,459 11,080
350 237 633 1,779 5,005 10,170

400 219 586 1,649 4,642 9,433


500 192 515 1,452 4,092 8,322
600 173 464 1,309 3,692 7,512
700 158 424 1,198 3,383 6,887
800 146 393 1,110 3,136 6,388

1,000 128 345 977 2,763 5,633


1,200 122 310 880 2,491 5,081
1,400 117 284 805 2,282 4,657
1,600 112 262 745 2,114 4,317
1,800 108 245 696 1,977 4,038
2,000 105 230 655 1,861 3,804

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TABLE 3.3
MEDIUM PRESSURE SERVICE LINE CAPACITY
(Thousand BTUH based on difference of absolute pressure squared = 100)

LENGTH NOMINAL POLYETHYLENE PIPE SIZE

Feet ½” CTS ½” IPS 1” CTS 1-1/4” IPS 2” IPS

100 353 1,135 2,825 7,382 20,330


150 281 903 2,253 5,898 16,270
200 240 768 1,918 5,027 13,880
250 212 677 1,692 4,440 12,270
300 191 611 1,527 4,011 11,090

400 163 519 1,299 3,415 9,458


500 144 457 1,145 3,014 8,355
600 130 412 1,033 2,721 7,549
700 120 377 947 2,496 6,928
800 111 349 878 2,315 6,431

1,000 98 307 773 2,042 5,677


1,500 78 243 614 1,624 4,524
2,000 67 206 521 1,380 3,850
2,500 59 181 458 1,216 3,396
3,000 53 163 412 1,096 3,064

Note:

The medium pressure service line capacities shown in Table 3.3 are conservative and may be used without
exception on any service supplied from an LG&E medium pressure gas system. In some cases, a greater
capacity will result from a higher system operating pressure. If additional capacity is needed to utilize an
existing medium pressure service line, or to enable insertion through an existing steel service, the Gas
Operations Center in your area should be consulted.

3.8 Service Line Protection

3.8.1 Creek Crossings and Drainage Ditches

Service lines crossing creeks or drainage ditches must be adequately protected against damage that
may result from erosion or dredging. For creeks and ditches in which water is normally present or
flowing, the service line must be encased in a steel pipe or otherwise protected in accordance with a
method acceptable and approved by LG&E.

3.8.2 Ends of Steel Casing

a. Each point in which pipe enters or leaves a steel casing pipe must be properly prepared and
protected from damage resulting from contact with sharp metal edges and from sheering forces from
ground settlement.

b. The inside of the steel casing must be reamed or filed to remove burrs and to provide a beveled or
rounded edge, and a protective insert bushing must be in place during and after the insertion
operation.
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3.8.3 A rigid plastic sleeve at least 12 inches (12”) long must be centered over the entry or exit point. A split
two (2) piece insert shall not be used, and the protective sleeve should be the smallest standard size that
will fit over the steel casing pipe. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 20-20-004, Detail Insert Protector & Sleeve
for Polyethylene Insertion.

3.9 Installation Methods/Requirements for Service Lines


3.9.1 General

a. Call Before You Dig (BUD)

i. At least two business days prior to starting excavation activities, Kentucky Dig Safely, also known
as “BUD,” should be called to locate all underground utilities (electric, gas/oil/steam, water, cable,
communication, and sewer) in the area of the proposed excavation.

ii. The Louisville telephone number for Kentucky Dig Safely is (502) 266-5123. From outside the
Louisville local area, Kentucky Dig Safely can be reached toll free at (800) 752-6007.

iii. There is no charge to the Customer or contractor for calling Kentucky Dig Safety or for the locating
services that are normally provided.

b. Utility Clearance

To the greatest extent practical, a minimum clearance of one foot (1’) horizontal distance should be
maintained between the gas service and underground structures, water service lines, electric service
lines, telephone lines, and cable television service lines. However, a minimum of three feet (3’)
horizontal clearance is recommended between gas service lines and underground gasoline or fuel oil
storage tanks, underground sewer lines, septic tanks, or lateral fields. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 20-
10-001, Acceptable Service Line Locations.

c. Depth of Cover

Service lines must have at least 18 inches (18”) of cover, except where prevented by solid or
consolidated rock. In case of rock, or other obstructions, service lines shall be as deep as practical,
but with not less than 12 inches (12”) of cover. However, if solid rock prevents installation with 12
inches (12”) cover, a minimum of nine inches (9”) will be allowed providing that the service line is
installed inside a rigid plastic or steel casing with the top of the casing below the surface of the rock.
Refer to Drawing No. GSC 20-20-002, Installation of Gas Service Line in Shallow Rock.

3.9.2 Direct Burial

a. Backfill and Trench Bottom Requirements

i. Special care must be exercised to assure that all soil in contact with the gas pipe is free from
rocks, bricks, nails, building materials, etc., that may damage the pipe surface. If necessary, a
sand or sifted soil cushion at least six inches (6”) thick may be required above and below the
pipe.

ii. Backfill material containing the above-mentioned foreign materials may not be used. As with any
underground pipe, backfill shall be carefully replaced in several well compacted layers. Special
attention shall be paid to the area around the polyethylene pipe at the meter riser to avoid
straining the meter loop brackets and service head adapter if used. If good backfill material is
unavailable, it is permissible to encase the polyethylene service line in a rigid plastic or steel pipe
of a larger size.

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iii. The trench bottom for gas service lines installed by direct burial must be smooth and free of
abrupt changes in elevation. The soil in the trench bottom must be free of sharp rock or foreign
material that may damage the pipe. If rock is encountered, a minimum of six inches (6”) of sand
or sifted soil cushion must be placed below the pipe.

iv. As an alternative to sand or sifted soil cushion, a steel pipe, PVC pipe, or other rigid plastic pipe
may be installed on the ditch bottom to use as a protective sleeve for insertion.

b. Utility Clearance

If a gas service line is installed in the same ditch with other utilities or underground facilities, a
minimum of one foot (1’) horizontal clearance shall be maintained and the gas service line must be
supported on well compacted soil. If conditions or situations prevent meeting these requirements, the
Gas Operations Center in your area should be consulted. The requirements of this article do not
preclude participation in joint trenching projects. However, a detailed plan must be submitted to
LG&E for approval prior to the installation.

3.9.3 Trenchless Technology

a. Installation of service lines by plowing, horizontal drilling or other trenchless technology is subject to
the approval of LG&E in advance. In order to achieve approval for horizontal drilling, an operating
plan must be presented and observation of an installation by a LG&E inspector may be required.

b. The plan must address the following items:

i. Minimum qualifications of the lead person, performing the installation. Note: The lead person
must be on the job site while the work is being performed.

ii. Requirement to notify Kentucky Dig Safely at least two business days prior to starting
construction, as well as all other reasonable precautions to avoid interference with sewers,
drains, and other buried facilities.

iii. Requirement not to damage other underground utilities. To meet this requirement, test holes
should be dug by hand over locations where the proposed service line will cross the existing
underground utilities. The test holes should be dug to a depth that equals or exceeds the depth
of the proposed service line.

iv. Description of soil types and conditions acceptable and unacceptable for the installation method
described.

v. If polyethylene pipe is used, provision for limiting tensile stress on the polyethylene pipe to a level
not damaging to the pipe.

vi. Quality control program to ensure that soil and installation conditions are proper and that proper
depth of burial has been attained.

vii. Criteria for the inspection of the leading pipe to assure that it had not been damaged by tension
or abrasion. Visual inspection and dimensional testing with a cold ring clamp is suggested.

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3.9.4 Insertion

a. Existing steel service lines may be renewed by insertion with a smaller size polyethylene service line,
provided that the reduced size will carry sufficient capacity to meet present and anticipated future
demand in accordance with Tables 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3, and provided that the length, load and pressure
restrictions are met.

 One and a quarter inch (1-1/4") steel pipe (1.66" O.D.) may be inserted with up to one inch (1")
CTS (1.125" O.D.) polyethylene pipe. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 20-20-003, Installation of
Polyethylene Service by Insertion.
 One inch (1") steel pipe (1.315" O.D.) may be inserted with up to half inch (1/2") IPS (.840" O.D.)
polyethylene pipe. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 20-20-003, Installation of Polyethylene Service by
Insertion.
 Three-quarter inch (3/4”) steel pipe (1.050” O.D.) may be inserted with up to half inch (1/2”) CTS
(0.625” O.D.) polyethylene pipe. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 20-20-003, Installation of
Polyethylene Service by Insertion.

b. The existing service line must meet minimum depth requirements and may not pass under buildings or
go through other prohibited locations.

3.10 Casings
3.10.1 Installation of Casings

Plowing or directional boring may be used as alternatives to direct burial for installation of casing.

3.11 Tracing Wire


3.11.1 A tracing wire consisting of stranded AWG 14 or larger insulated copper wire must be installed with each
polyethylene service line from the meter riser to the property or easement line. Contact between the
tracing wire and the polyethylene gas pipe is to be avoided. A clearance of three inches (3”) to six inches
(6”) should be maintained. Care must be taken to avoid damage to the tracing wire during placement and
compaction of backfill.

3.11.2 When inserting polyethylene pipe through an existing steel service, tracing wire must be provided
between the service riser and the casing, across each gap in the casing, and from the end of the casing
to the property line or easement line. The tracing wire must be electrically attached by brazing, thermite
welding, or with good quality electric ground clamps to the casing pipe. Each connection between the
tracing wire and casing pipe must be coated with an electrically insulating mastic intended for burial.
Brazing or thermite welding must be performed before the polyethylene is inserted. Refer to Drawing No.
GCS 20-20-005, Attachment of Tracing Wire.

3.11.3 As an option, the tracing wire may be inserted with the polyethylene gas pipe through an existing steel
service pipe provided that proper clearance is maintained between the wire and polyethylene pipe before
and after they exit the casing pipe.

3.11.4 When installing a PVC or other plastic casing pipe by trenching, plowing, or directional boring, the tracing
wire must be installed outside of the casing and may be taped or otherwise secured to the outside of the
casing at intervals as necessary to facilitate installation.

3.12 Branch Connections


No tees or branch connections are allowed in Customer service lines below grade. If more than one gas
meter is required, all tees shall be above grade and all meters and service line interconnections shall be
within plain sight at a common location.

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3.13 Service Line Inspections


3.13.1 All service line piping must be installed in accordance with the specifications provided by this handbook and
shall be visually inspected and pressure tested by LG&E.

3.13.2 Service lines installed by direct burial must be visually inspected by LG&E before the areas of open
excavation may be backfilled.

3.13.3 Service lines installed by trenchless technology (e.g., plowing or boring) must be visually inspected by
LG&E before the areas of open excavation (including areas at the property line and the meter assembly)
may be backfilled.

3.13.4 Service lines installed by insertion (i.e., in a newly installed PVC sleeve or existing steel service line) must
be visually inspected by LG&E before the areas of open excavation (including areas at the property line and
the meter assembly) may be backfilled. However, areas of open excavation over the PVC sleeve or existing
service line may be backfilled without being inspected by LG&E.

3.14 Service Lines Per Building or Property


3.14.1 Single Family Dwellings

Lots that are zoned for single family dwellings shall be entitled to one gas service line per lot. Single
family dwellings include homes, manufactured homes, etc.

3.14.2 Separate Buildings on One Parcel

a. Each building containing one or more complete residential dwelling or commercial business units
located within a single parcel of land may be entitled to one service line. This entitlement does not
apply to garages, storage sheds, or other outbuildings that serve as satellites to the principal units
served. Individual units that share a common wall or are otherwise connected are to be considered
collectively as one building.

b. LG&E reserves the right to limit the number of service lines within a single parcel of property when
necessary to ensure safe operation or when separate buildings can be properly served from a single
meter location.

3.14.3 Common Building on Separately Deeded Parcels

Each common building structure that contains units on separately deeded land parcels is generally
entitled to a single service line per building. In the event the common building contains nine or more
units, a second service line may be provided at LG&E's discretion. The second service will be located at
the opposite end of the building as the first service. It is the developer, builder, or customer's
responsibility to ensure easements or common ground is established through which the right to install,
operate, and maintain the service line is legally granted.

3.14.4 Entitlements and Restrictions

The entitlements and restrictions stated above are based upon typical residential and small commercial
installations. The number of service lines allowed for large lots, farm land, industrial property, etc., will be
determined by the Gas Operations Center in your area based upon the merits of each request.

3.15 Joining Requirements for Gas Service Line Piping


3.15.1 Sections of polyethylene pipe may be joined using mechanical fittings, socket fusion, butt fusion, or
electrofusion.

a. Mechanical fittings must be approved by LG&E, and the heat fusion of polyethylene pipe must be
performed using procedures that have been approved by LG&E.
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b. Heat fusion joints must be made in conformance with the qualified written procedures developed for
each particular brand of pipe. Use of proper tools for making heat fusion joints is essential.

3.15.2 Polyethylene and steel pipe may be joined together using mechanical fittings or transition fittings.
Mechanical and transition fittings must be approved by LG&E prior to installation.

3.15.3 As much as practical, polyethylene service lines should be run in a single continuous section without
joints. For coil pipe, a maximum of one (1) mechanical joint per one hundred feet (100’) of service in
addition to the joint at the meter riser is recommended. For straight length pipe (i.e., usually pipe three-
inch (3") IPS and larger), to the greatest extent practical, the piping should be installed using full lengths,
which are typically forty feet (40’) long.

3.15.4 A minimum of three inches (3”) of slack per one hundred feet (100’) of polyethylene gas service line shall
be provided to allow for thermal contraction.

3.15.5 Qualifications to Join Gas Service Line Piping

a. Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations require any person that joins gas service line piping to be
qualified and to use qualified written procedures. This requirement includes polyethylene to
polyethylene as well as polyethylene to steel joints.

b. Persons joining sections of polyethylene pipe with mechanical fittings can be qualified by an
acceptable agency such as the Kentucky Gas Association or by the manufacturer of a particular
fitting.

c. Acceptance of qualifications to make heat fusion joints may be obtained through LG&E. For heat
fusion qualifications to be accepted by LG&E, one or more sample joints must be made in the
presence of an authorized LG&E inspector and must be submitted to the inspector for destructive
testing.

d. LG&E will use the guidelines for acceptance or rejection of joints as set forth in the manufacturer's
qualified written procedures to determine heat fusion qualifications.

e. Homeowners, tenants, or others installing a polyethylene service line not for profit may be eligible to
obtain a "homeowner’s" permit. This permit is issued to the person making the mechanical joint or
joints in the polyethylene gas pipe following a brief training session. Contact the Gas Operations
Center in your area for information regarding homeowner’s permits. This permit is not available to
commercial installers.

3.16 Service Riser Requirements


3.16.1 General

a. The service line riser should be plumb and meter connections should be level with the correct
distance between openings. Use of excessive fittings should be avoided.

b. The service riser must be securely supported using split ring clamps or substantial mounting brackets in
accordance with the applicable meter loop drawing. Polyethylene pipe or flexible riser casing must not
be relied upon to contribute to the support of the meter setting.

c. The transition from polyethylene to steel at the service riser must be made using approved fittings in a
configuration acceptable to LG&E. See Drawing Nos. GCS 30-20-004, Meter Riser for Use with
Polyethylene, GCS 30-20-005, Flexible Meter Riser for Use with Polyethylene Gas Service Line, GCS
30-20-006, Service Head Adapter/ Straight Pipe Meter Riser for Use with Polyethylene Gas Service
Line, and GCS 30-20-007, Anodeless Riser for Large Polyethylene Gas Service Line, for typical meter
riser installations.

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3.16.2 Service Riser Location Requirement

A minimum of one foot (1’) horizontal distance shall be maintained between the service riser at its point of
exit from the ground and any foundation grills or air intakes into a building. See Drawing No. GCS 30-10-
003, Acceptable Gas Meter Locations.

3.16.3 Service Line Valve Requirements

a. Each gas service line valve must be designed and rated for an operating pressure of at least 100 psig
and will be subject to the pressure test applied to the piping on which it is installed; it must withstand this
test without leaking.

b. Each service line valve must be tamperproof and marked with the manufacturer's name or trade name,
pressure rating, and the letter "G" to designate acceptability for gas. A tamperproof valve is one in
which the core cannot be easily removed, either accidentally or intentionally, with ordinary hand tools.

3.16.4 Atmospheric Corrosion Protection

Service riser must be properly coated or otherwise protected from atmospheric corrosion. A good quality
paint intended for exterior use on metal, applied to a properly prepared surface, may be used.

3.16.5 Piping Through Concrete, Asphalt or Masonry

When a service riser or other gas piping passes through concrete or asphalt paving, a nonmetallic sleeve
must be provided to separate the paving from the piping. See Drawing No. GCS 20-20-006, Gas Pipe
Sleeving Through Concrete or Masonry.

3.17 Repair or Replacement Of Service Line, Meter Loop or Manifold Piping


3.17.1 Repairs on bare steel services are not permitted. Bare steel services shall be replaced with polyethylene
services.

3.17.2 Existing meter loops can be repaired with similar fittings unless the service is also being replaced, in
which case the meter loop (and associated manifold) must be reconstructed to the same standards as a
new service installation. Regardless of repair, all valves in the meter loop should be replaced with
tamperproof, lock-off valves.

3.17.3 For additional information regarding repair or replacement of an existing gas service line or houseline
piping system, contact the Gas Operations Center in your geographic area. The Gas Operations Center’s
telephone number is listed in Section 1 - Important Telephone Numbers.

3.17.4 Upon completion of a replacement service line or repair to an existing service line, a request for
inspection should be made by telephone to the Gas Operations Center in your geographic area.

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GAS METER INSTALLATIONS

4.1 Standard Meter Capacity


4.1.1 To assure proper operation, each gas meter must be the proper size and type for the maximum gas
demand and required pressure. The maximum gas demand is determined by adding the BTU input ratings
of all gas burning devices that may possibly be operated simultaneously. Furnaces, space heaters, water
heaters, boilers, pool heaters, fireplace logs, gas lights, gas clothes dryers and gas generators should be
included at their maximum input ratings. Domestic kitchen ranges and outside grills may be considered to
be 30,000 and 20,000 BTUH respectively as they rarely are operated at full capacity for extended periods
with other appliances.

4.1.2 A standard house meter, at a two inch (2”) W.C. differential, will properly serve a gas demand up to 175,000
BTUH (simultaneously operation) or 375,000 BTUH (diversified operation). For greater gas demands,
consult the Gas Operations Center in your area to determine the correct meter size.

4.2 Acceptable Meter Locations


4.2.1 General

a. Meters shall be located in ventilated spaces readily accessible for examination, reading, replacement, or
necessary maintenance.

b. Gas meters shall not block normal passage on sidewalks or block ingress or egress through doors or
emergency exits.

c. Gas meters shall not be placed in locations where they will be exposed to excessive dirt or corrosive
materials from manufacturing processes, or beneath condensate drains or roof drains.

d. Outside gas meters shall be located at least 18 inches (18”) from any air intakes into a building, as
measured from the final elbow on the service riser (refer to Drawing No. GCS 30-10-003, Acceptable
Gas Meter Locations). Air intakes include dryer vents, furnace vents for intake or exhaust, windows that
may be opened, ventilating fans, louvers, or foundation grills.

e. Outside gas meters shall be located at least 36 inches (36”) from any likely ignition sources, as
measured from the final elbow on the service riser (refer to Drawing No. GCS 30-10-004, Acceptable
Gas Meter Locations). Likely ignition sources include the electric meter and meter pan, electric circuit
breakers, air conditioning units, or other electric devices.

f. If the separations listed in Subsection 4.2.1 d. & e. cannot be attained, the regulator vent must be
piped to a location that meets the separation requirements listed above. Additional separation may
be required for large volume pressure regulators with built-in internal relief devices.

4.2.2 New Service Installation

Gas meters shall be located outside.

4.2.3 Existing Installations

a. When it is necessary to relocate the gas meter inside a building for a replacement service line, the Gas
Operations Center in your area should be consulted for specific installation requirements.

b. Replacement Gas meters located inside buildings or under roofs may require additional
regulator/relief valve vent piping. The Gas Operations Center in your area should be consulted for
specific installation requirements.

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4.3 Meter Accessibility


4.3.1 Sufficient space must be available to permit safe working conditions for LG&E personnel performing
maintenance to the meter and service regulator.

4.3.2 Gas meters should not be installed under decks, in crawl spaces, or in other areas with less than six feet (6’)
of headroom.

4.3.3 Gas meters should not be enclosed by decks, sunroofs, etc.

4.3.4 Maximum height from the floor to the top of any meter should not exceed five feet (5’). However, an
exception may be made to clear expected high water elevation in areas prone to flooding.

4.4 Multiple Meters


4.4.1 When two (2) or more meters are connected to the same service line, all meters and interconnections to the
service line must be within plain sight at a common location and should be adjacent to the building nearest
the gas main. The house line side of each meter loop in a multiple meter setting must be permanently
tagged with the identity of the unit served by that meter.

4.4.2 Multiple meter installations serving residential and small commercial Customers using standard meters are
required to be constructed with prefabricated meter loop assemblies to the greatest extent practical. See
Drawing No. GCS 30-20-206, Typical Multiple Meter Installation Prefabricated Meter Loops, for a multiple
meter installation using prefabricated meter loop assemblies.

4.5 Meter Loop Assemblies


4.5.1 Fabrication

a. Prefabricated Meter Loop Assemblies

i. Prefabricated meter loop assemblies are required for service to Customers utilizing standard
meters up to 250 CFH nominal capacity (i.e., at 0.5” W.C. differential) whenever total demand
and character of demand permit. For single meter installations see Drawing Nos. GCS 30-20-
201, 1” Prefabricated meter Loop, GCS 30-30-201, Low Pressure Meterset Assembly, GCS 30-
30-202, Medium Pressure Meterset Assembly 1 NPS x 20 LT with Regulator, and GCS 30-30-
203, Elevated Pressure Meterset Assembly 1 NPS x 20 LT with Regulator, for piping details of
standard house meters using prefabricated meter assemblies.

ii. For maximum gas demand of over 300,000 BTUH served from a low pressure (i.e., 0.25 psig)
system, or where a bypass operation must be performed (such as for maintenance to a meter or
pressure regulator) without interruption of normal operation, the prefabricated meter loop should
not be used. Refer to Section 4.2.2, Field Fabricated Meter Loops.

b. Field Fabricated Meter Loops Assemblies

i. For maximum gas demand of over 300,000 BTUH served from a low pressure (i.e., 0.25 psig)
system though a one inch (1”) meter, a prefabricated meter loop shall be used if external bypass
is not required. If an external bypass is required, a meter loop may be fabricated from standard
pipe and fittings per Drawing No. GCS 30-20-204, 1” Meter Loop Field Fabricated.

ii. For any application in which an external bypass is required, and for any application requiring a
meter of 375 CFH or more nominal capacity, the meter loop assembly will need to be fabricated
using standard pipe and fittings. See Drawings Nos. GCS 30-20-301, 1” Meter Loop with By-
pass, and GCS 30-20-302, 1½ Meter Loop with By-pass. Drawings will be furnished for rotary
meter installations and other field fabricated meter piping configurations when applicable.

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iii. Meter loops for meters of 375 CFH or larger capacity in a multiple meter setting will need to be
fabricated using standard pipe and fittings. See Drawing No. GCS 30–20-001 for meter piping
details for a typical multiple meter installation using standard fittings. The Company will furnish
custom drawings when necessary for multiple meter installations.

iv. Use of welded service manifolds is encouraged to reduce the number of threaded pipe connections.

4.5.2 Meter Loop Assemblies Material Specifications

a. Only steel pipe and steel or malleable iron fittings shall be used for meter loop construction. Street
elbows or close nipples shall not be used for construction of meter loops. Bushings shall not be used
for size reduction on meter loop or service riser piping; however, they may be used for reduction of two
or more sizes for test connections or gauge points. Unions may be used if located downstream of the
master valve or manifold valve.

b. Threaded pipe must be at least schedule 40 wall thickness.

c. All threads on pipe and fittings holding gas pressure must be standard taper in accordance with
specification ANSI/ASME B1.20.1, Standard for Pipe Threads, General Purpose.

d. Meter bars, factory made manifolds, or other special installations may be used subject to approval by
LG&E.

4.5.3 Meter Loop Valve Requirements

a. General

i. Master valves are required for installations with two or more meters. If all meters are served
from a single manifold, one valve shall be provided ahead of that manifold, preferably at the top of
the service riser. See Drawing GCS 30-10-002, Master Valve Requirements for Multiple Meter
Installations, Figures A&B.

ii Master valves for two or more manifolds. If meters are served from more than one manifold, a
master valve is required for each manifold. See Drawing GCS 30-10-002, Master Valve
Requirements for Multiple Meter Installations, Figure C.

iii. Bypass valves are required on meter loops one and a half inches (1-1/2”) and larger, and
on some field fabricated one inch (1”) meter loops, in order to prevent major inconvenience or
interruption of commercial process which would result from the shutting off of gas for meter
change operations. Generally, any meter loop that has a meter with a capacity of 425,000 BTU/H
or greater at one half inch (½”) water differential will have a bypass. See Drawings No. GCS 30-
20-301, 1” Meter Loop with By-pass, and GCS 30-20-302, 1½ Meter Loop with By-pass.

b. Inlet Side (or Service Side) of Meter Loop

i. Each new or reconstructed meter loop shall have an approved tamperproof gas valve of the proper
size located on the inlet side of each regulator and meter. Each meter inlet valve or service side
bypass valve must have a lock wing or other feature allowing the valve to be locked in the closed
position. If served from a low pressure main, elevated pressure main, medium pressure main, or a
high pressure main through a primary regulator, each valve must be designed and rated for an
operating pressure of at least 100 psig.

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ii. If served directly from a high pressure main without a primary regulator, typically large commercial
or industrial applications, each valve in a location subject to full service line pressure must be rated
at least as high as the maximum allowable operating pressure for that main. Required pressure
ratings, drawings, and general specifications will be provided by the Commercial Gas Service
Designer.

iii. Each approved tamperproof service line valve shall be marked to show the manufacturer’s name or
trade mark, the pressure rating with the letter “G” to designate gas, and the letter “T” to designate
tamperproof.

iv. Master valves, as required under Sections 4.4.3 and 4.4.4, shall meet the above requirements.

c. Outlet Side (or House Line Side) of Meter Loop

Each valve on the house line side of a meter loop shall have a pressure rating of at least 100 psig, and
shall be marked to show the manufacturer’s name or trademark and pressure rating with the letter “G” to
designate gas.

4.5.4 Meter Loop Assemblies Support

a. The house line or outlet side of the meter loop must be rigidly supported using split ring or equivalent
clamps if vertical or horizontal piping exceeds eight inches (8”) before entering the building.

b. When supplying gas to a corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) house piping system, the
transition must be made at an approved termination fitting securely anchored to the outside wall. A
plastic sleeve must surround the tubing if passing through concrete or masonry. A split ring clamp, or
equivalent, will be required if the pipe thread size and mounting configuration of the termination fitting
is not sufficient to rigidly support the meter. See Drawing No. GCS 30-20-002, CSST House Piping.

c. Meter loops for manufactured homes shall be rigidly anchored to a free-standing supporting structure
either pre-fabricated or fabricated out of steel or other material resistant to deterioration from weather
and contact with ground. Pressure treated lumber shall be allowed only for cross-members and
not for support posts. If a manufactured home is subject to relocation, the meter loop location must
not block its removal or replacement. See Drawing No. GCS 30-20-205, Mobile Home Meter Loop, for
manufactured home meter loops. If a manufactured home is permanently and rigidly anchored to a
masonry foundation, the meter loop may be anchored to the foundation and the piping may be rigidly
connected to the manufactured home.

4.5.5 Atmospheric Corrosion Protection

Meter loop piping installed outdoors or in other locations that are subject to atmospheric corrosion must be
properly coated or otherwise protected from atmospheric corrosion. A good quality paint intended for
exterior use on metal, applied to a properly prepared surface, may be used.

4.6 Meter Protection


4.6.1 Barricades

Gas meters located within three feet (3’) of driveways or other driving areas shall be barricaded or otherwise
protected from vehicular damage. Meters located farther than three feet (3’) from driveways serving
commercial or industrial operations require barricades if subject to contact by trucks, forklifts, or other mobile
equipment. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 30-20-003, Meter Barricade.

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4.6.2 Meter Relocations

a. When an indoor meter is being relocated to an outside location in conjunction with a service line
replacement, the new house line shall be extended to the intended point of tie-in with the existing piping
and capped.

b. The new piping shall be rigidly anchored to allow a pressure test to be applied.

c. The final connection may be made by the Customer or plumber at the time LG&E tests and activates
the new service line.

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HOUSE LINE INSTALLATIONS

5.1 House Line Code Requirements


5.1.1 This handbook provides code requirements based upon the National Fuel Gas
Code and good practices applicable to most residential and small commercial gas house piping
installations. However, additional code requirements specific to your situation may exist or there may be
exceptions applicable to your situation.

5.1.2 Since the National Fuel Gas Code is referenced in the Kentucky Building Code for gas piping in all
buildings covered by its jurisdiction, LG&E recommends that installers of gas piping obtain the latest
edition of the National Fuel Gas Code and follow its provisions when installing gas house lines. The
National Fuel Gas Code is listed by National Fire Prevention Bureau as NFPA-54, and by American
National Standards Institute as Z223.1. It may be ordered through National Fire Prevention Bureau by
telephone at 1-800-344-3555 or through their internet website at http://nfpa.org.

5.1.3 Manufactured Homes

a. Manufactured homes and other manufactured housing units that are certified by the manufacturer or
authorized dealer as being piped in accordance with federal regulations (i.e., Title 24, Code of
Federal Regulations, Parts 3280 and 3282) will qualify for gas service without any additional
modification.

b. Manufactured homes or other manufactured housing units that are not certified by the manufacturer
or authorized dealer as being piped in accordance with federal regulations (i.e., Title 24, Code of
Federal Regulations, Parts 3280 and 3282) will not qualify for gas service unless the gas piping is
installed in accordance with the local code requirements applicable to buildings with the same
intended usage.

5.1.4 Aboveground Piping Installation Requirements

Each aboveground portion of a gas piping system upstream from the equipment shutoff valve shall be
electrically continuous to any grounding electrode as defined by NFPA 70, National Electric Code. Gas
piping shall not be used as a grounding conductor or electrode.

5.1.5 Underground Piping Requirements

a. Underground piping shall be installed with sufficient clearance from any other underground structure
to avoid contact therewith, to allow maintenance, and to protect against damage from proximity to
other structures.

b. Underground piping shall be installed with at least 18 inches (18”) of cover. The cover shall be
permitted to be less than 18 inches (18”) but at least 12 inches (12”) if external damage to the pipe is
not likely to result. If a minimum of 12 inches (12”) of cover cannot be maintained, the pipe shall be
installed in a conduit or otherwise shielded.

c. The trench shall be graded so that the pipe has a firm and substantially continuous bearing on the
trench bottom. The trench bottom must be free of rocks or foreign materials that may damage plastic
pipe or the coating on steel pipe. The trench bottom may be padded with sand or sifted soil if
necessary.

d. Backfill material shall be free of rocks or other material that may damage the pipe or coating. Sand or
sifted soil may be used to pad the top and sides of the pipe if necessary.

5.1.6 In multi-metered buildings in which gas appliances are in a location remote from the area that they serve
(e.g., basement or utility room), an identifying tag should be installed on the piping or valve serving each
appliance.
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5.1.7 It is not the responsibility of the Louisville Gas and Electric Company to assure compliance with the
applicable codes pertaining to installation of house line piping, appliance installation, or appliance
operation.

5.2 Valve Requirements


5.2.1 Each house line valve must be designed for natural gas service and be marked with manufacturer's name
or trademark and must show visible indication of open or closed position. Each house line valve will be
subject to pressure testing with the piping system and must withstand this test without leaking.

5.2.2 Every gas outlet shall have a shutoff valve, located within the same room, and within six feet (6’) of the
appliance served. Where appliances are connected with flexible connectors or semi-rigid tubing, the
valves must be ahead of the appliance connector, on the steel pipe.

5.2.3 Gas outlets in fireplaces designed to burn wood or other solid fuel shall have shutoff valves located
outside of the firebox and accessible in the same room. Shutoff valves serving decorative gas appliances
may be installed in fireplaces if listed for such use (by the manufacturer) and if protected from exposure to
excessive heat.

5.2.4 An exterior shutoff valve shall be provided for each structure served with gas.

5.2.5 Multiple house lines to individual dwelling units must have shutoff valves, accessible to the tenants
served, and marked with identification tags.

5.2.6 Valves shall not be installed in concealed spaces or in spaces used for air plenums.

5.3 Pressure Regulators


5.3.1 Pressure regulators are required when the house line piping system operates at pressures greater than
seven inches (7”) W.C. nominal pressure.

5.3.2 Pressure regulators must be vented to the outside. The vent lines must terminate with vent screens
facing down to prevent entry of insects or water.

5.4 Pipe Requirements


5.4.1 Steel Pipe Requirements

a. Specifications

i. Steel pipe must comply with a listed specification, typically ASTM A53 or ASTM A106.

ii. All threads on pipe and fittings shall be tapered and conform to specification ASME B1.20.1.

iii. Pipe joint compound or tape shall be applied to the male threads only.

iv. All thread nipples (straight non-tapered threads) shall not be used.

v. Close nipples (tapered threads not separated by a shoulder) and malleable iron bushings are not
recommended. If used, malleable iron bushings should be limited to low stress applications with
a reduction of two or more nominal pipe sizes.

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b. Joining

i. Steel pipe and fittings may be joined by welding, threading, or bolted flanges. Compression
fittings using gasket materials which are subject to failure when exposed to heat from a fire shall
not be used on inside locations.

ii. Welded joints are required on steel piping systems that operate at over 5 psig inside buildings.
Valves, pressure controlling devices, final connections to equipment, etc., may be flanged or
threaded.

iii. Welded joints should be made using established procedures and welders qualified under
specification API 1104, Standard for Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities; AWS B2.1, Standard
for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification; or the ASME Boiler and Pressure Code,
Section IX.

c. Prohibited Locations

Steel pipe may not be buried beneath buildings, or be in contact with the ground beneath buildings,
unless fully must be encased in a gas tight conduit. The Gas Operations Center in your area must be
consulted for specific requirements.

5.4.2 Polyethylene (Plastic) Pipe Requirements

a. Specifications

i. Polyethylene pipe must comply with ASTM D-2513. The same material grades that are
acceptable for service line installations are acceptable for house line piping. Polyethylene gas
pipe may be used only outside of buildings and beneath the ground.

ii. An insulated copper tracing wire shall be installed adjacent to the polyethylene pipe with the ends
terminating above ground at each end. Contact between the tracing wire and the polyethylene
pipe should be avoided.

b. Joining

i. Joints may be made in polyethylene plastic using approved mechanical fittings or heat fusion.

ii. Properly trained and qualified installers should follow qualified written joining procedures.

iii. All transitions to steel pipe must be outside. Transitions may be made using service head
adapters or anodeless risers in the same manner as used for service risers, or transition to mill
coated and cathodically protected house lines may be made directly below ground. Refer to
Drawing No. GCS 80-20-302, Polyethylene to Steel Transition for Underground House Line.

c. Prohibited Locations

i. Polyethylene (plastic) pipe shall not extend into a building.

ii. Polyethylene (plastic) pipe may not be buried beneath buildings, or be in contact with the ground
beneath buildings, unless fully must be encased in a gas tight conduit. The Gas Operations Center
in your area must be consulted for specific requirements.

iii. Polyethylene (plastic) pipe may not be buried beneath buildings, or be in contact with the ground
beneath buildings, unless fully encased in a gas tight sleeve of protected steel pipe vented to the
outside of the building.

iii. Polyethylene (plastic) pipe shall only be installed outside for an underground house line
application.

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iv. Polyethylene (plastic) pipe shall not be installed inside to serve appliances.

5.4.3 Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) Systems Requirements

a. Specifications

i. Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) systems must be tested, listed, and installed in
accordance with ANSI LC-1/CSA 6.26, Fuel Gas Piping Systems Using Corrugated Stainless
Steel Tubing.

ii. CSST may be used for installation of new house line systems or for addition to existing systems.

b. Joining

Only qualified installers, trained by authorized agents for the respective brands of CSST system, are
allowed to install CSST piping systems.

c. Connections

Connection of the CSST to the meter outlet piping must be made using a suitable transition fitting
supported by the outside building wall, such that the tubing is not exposed. See Drawing No. GCS
30-20-002, CSST House Piping, for a typical installation.

d. Prohibited Locations

CSST may not extend into the fireboxes of fireplaces designed to burn solid fuel. CSST or fittings
may not be installed in any manner or locations where they will be subjected to heat from solid fuel
fires.

5.4.5 5.4.4 Copper Tubing

a. Specification

i. Copper tubing shall comply with standard Type K or L of ASTM B 88, Specifications for Seamless
Copper Water Tube, or ASTM B280, Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning
and Refrigeration Field Service.

ii. Joints in copper tubing shall be made with fittings approved by the manufacturer for natural gas
service or shall be brazed using materials with higher than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,000oF)
melting point.

iii. The transition to copper from the steel or CSST must be made outside. The transition to copper
must be preceded by a valve located outside.

b. Prohibited Locations

i. Copper tubing shall only be installed outside for an underground houseline application (e.g., to
serve gas grills, gas lights, or other outside natural gas appliances).

ii. Copper tubing shall not be installed inside to serve appliances.

iii. Copper tubing shall not be used as a service line.

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5.4 Inside Piping Installation Requirements


5.4.1 General Requirements

a. All gas outlets that do not connect to appliances must be capped or plugged gas tight.

b. All inside house line piping, not certified under the manufactured housing code, shall to be
constructed using standard weight (i.e., schedule 40) plain or galvanized steel pipe, or an approved
corrugated stainless steel system.

5.4.2 Concealed Locations

a. Unions, tubing fittings, or compression fittings shall not be installed in concealed locations.

b. Manifolds, valves, and pressure regulators must be installed in accessible areas and may not be
concealed.

c. When gas piping that is to be concealed is being installed, elbows, tees, and couplings shall be
permitted. However, the number of concealed joints should be kept to a minimum. Unions, tubing
fittings, right and left couplings, bushings, swing joints, and compression couplings shall not be used
in concealed locations.

d. Gas piping shall not be installed in solid partitions such as concrete (e.g., floors), unless it is laid in
channels that permit access to the piping with minimum damage to the building. Where piping in
channels could be exposed to excessive moisture or corrosive substances, the piping shall be
protected in an appropriate manner.

e. Piping that is installed in a chase is not considered to be concealed.

5.4.3 Connections

Vertical branch connections from horizontal house lines should be taken from the top or side only. See
Drawing No. GCS 80-20-301, Vertical Branch Connection with Drip Leg.

5.4.4 Prohibited Locations

Gas piping shall not be run through or inside of air ducts, clothes chutes, elevator shafts, fireplace ash
dumps, chimneys, or concealed air plenums. This prohibition does not apply to air spaces used for
plenums above suspended ceilings.

5.5 Houseline Piping Protection


5.5.1 Piping Through Concrete, Asphalt or Masonry

a. When the house line passes through a concrete or masonry wall, a nonmetallic sleeve must be
provided. In addition, the spaces between the pipe, sleeve, and masonry must be sealed to prevent
entry of water or gas into the building. See Drawing No. GCS 20-20-006, Gas Pipe Sleeving Through
Concrete or Masonry.

b. Pipe passing through masonry walls, floors, or ceilings should be encased in a sleeve of plastic pipe.
Underground piping, where installed through the outer foundation or basement wall of a building shall
be encased in a protective pipe, sealed to prevent entry of gas or water.

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5.5.2 Protection from Physical Damage

a. Means shall be provided to prevent excessive stressing of the piping where there is heavy vehicular
traffic or soil conditions are unstable and settling of piping or foundation walls could occur.

b. Any above grade copper tubing must be protected against physical damage.

c. Steel pipe installed outside and aboveground must be protected against damage from anticipated
forces.

5.5.3 Corrosion Control

a. Steel

i. Steel pipe buried beneath the ground must be effectively coated and cathodically protected to
prevent corrosion. Fittings and blemishes in the coating must be wrapped with a protective tape or
mastic intended for this purpose. The underground portion must be electrically insulated from non-
protected piping using dielectric couplings, dielectric unions, or flanges.

ii. Steel pipe installed outside and aboveground must be painted or otherwise coated to prevent
atmospheric corrosion.

b. Copper

i. If any part of the copper tubing is buried underground, a dielectric fitting must be used to
electrically isolate the copper tubing from the steel or CSST house line piping. If the transition to
steel is made underground, the steel pipe must be coated, cathodically protected, and electrically
insulated from the houseline piping.

ii. For underground copper tubing installations, the vertical portion, from approximately six inches
(6”) below grade to the transition fitting above grade, must be encased in a steel pipe or sunlight
resistant plastic pipe securely mounted to the building wall. The space between the copper tube
and protective sleeve shall be filled with expanding foam, or otherwise sealed at the top, to
prevent entry and accumulation of rain water. Insulation must be used, if necessary, to prevent a
steel casing pipe from electrically shorting the dielectric transition fitting.

5.7 House Line Support


5.7.1 Gas house line piping must be adequately supported to prevent stress on fittings, appliance connections or
meter connections; and to prevent excessive vibration or movement.

5.7.2 The maximum distances between supports are as follows:

 ½ inch pipe shall not exceed 6 feet,


 ¾ inch or 1 inch pipe shall not exceed 8 feet.
 1-1/4 inch or larger pipe
 When oriented vertically, at least one support for each floor level
 When oriented horizontally, the distance between supports shall not exceed 10 feet.

5.7.3 All provisions for supporting and protecting CSST must be followed in accordance with manufacturers’
written procedures.

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5.8 Appliance Connections


5.8.1 Final connections to appliances must be in accordance with local building codes and are subject to
variation between communities.

5.8.2 Vertical branch connections dropping to appliances should be provided drip legs at the bottom of each
drop. The drip leg may be assembled using a tee of the same size as the drop, with the side outlet
serving the appliance, and a three inch (3”) or longer nipple with a cap connected into the bottom outlet of
the tee. Drip legs should not be used outside or in locations subject to freezing. See Drawing No. GCS
80-20-301, Vertical Branch Connection with Drip Leg.

5.8.3 Rigid connection with steel pipe is generally recommended for boilers, furnaces, water heaters and other
stationary equipment not subject to movement or excessive vibration.

5.8.4 Final connections to movable appliances must be made with approved flexible appliance connectors,
preceded by a valve connected to the rigid piping.

5.8.5 Flexible appliance connectors must be located entirely within the same room as the appliance and may
not pass through walls, floors, or ceilings. The final connection to the appliance must be made outside of
the appliance cabinet to rigid pipe.

5.9 Pressure Test


5.9.1 Prior to requesting natural gas service, house line piping systems must be pressure tested to detect the
existence of leaks. For the appropriate test pressure and test duration, contact the Gas Operations
Center in your area.

5.9.2 Natural gas service will not be turned on to a house piping system believed to be unsafe or leaking.

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SIZING OF GAS HOUSE LINE PIPING


6.1 General
The information contained within this section is provided to assist the Customer in
determining correct house line pipe sizes to assure satisfactory operation of gas appliances. This section is
intended for standard 4 ounces (i.e., seven inch (7") Water Column (W.C.) or 0.25 psig) delivery pressure
only. While only one method of determining adequate pipe sizes is illustrated in this Handbook, other
engineering methods may be used.

6.2 Reference Sources


For systems operating at higher pressures or for other sizing methods, the NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas
Code, BOCA National Mechanical Code, or other applicable standards should be consulted.

6.3 Pipe Sizing


a. In order to assure adequately sized house piping, LG&E recommends designing gas house line
systems to operate with a pressure drop of not more than one half inch (0.5") W.C. from the meter to
the last appliance at the maximum demand of all connected appliances subject to simultaneous
operation. The possibility of increased gas demand, due to installation of additional appliances or
due to replacement of existing appliances with higher BTUH input appliances, should be considered.
Standard engineering methods, using industry accepted formulas or tables published in national
codes for determining pressure drop in piping systems with natural gas of 1,000 BTU per standard
cubic foot heating value and 0.6 specific gravity, may be used.

b. Corrugated stainless steel tubing systems must be designed with sufficient tubing size to operate with
low pressure gas, unless the availability of greater pressure is confirmed by the Gas Operations
Center in your area. Delivery pressure in excess of seven inches (7") W.C. cannot be provided from
low or elevated pressure gas distribution systems. The Gas Operations Center’s telephone number
is listed in Section 1 – Important Telephone Numbers.

6.4 Pipe Sizing Method


The following procedure may be used to determine proper pipe size from the tables herein:

Step A: Compile a list of all gas burning devices and their maximum gas consumption based upon the
manufacturers’ input BTUH ratings. Convert the input rating in BTUH to CFH (cubic feet of gas
per hour) by dividing by 1,000. A list of approximate gas input ratings for typical appliances is
located in Table 5.4.2.1 of the NFPA 54-2006 National Fuel Gas Code.

Step B: Starting with the outlet of the gas meter, make a line diagram of the piping system to each
appliance connection, showing lengths in feet of each pipe segment and gas demand in cubic
feet per hour for each appliance to be connected.

Step C: Determine the demand to be supplied by each pipe segment by adding together the demand of
each appliance served through that pipe segment.

Step D: Determine the length from the gas meter to the farthest appliance connection.

Step E: Select the proper pipe capacity table. Tables 6.1 and 6.2 are provided for schedule 40 metallic
pipe with a three-tenths inch (0.3”) and one-half inch (0.5”) W.C. pressure drop, respectively.
Table 6.3 is provided for corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) pipe with a one-half inch (0.5”)
W.C. pressure drop.

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The one-half inch (0.5”) W.C. pressure drop table should be used for applications where no
additional capacity is expected. The three-tenths inch (0.3”) W.C. pressure drop table should be
used for applications where additional capacity is desired to provide for future expansion or
installation of higher BTUH appliances. Using the appropriate capacity table, select the column
showing the length determined above, or the next greater length if the exact length is not shown.

Step F: For each pipe segment, find the pipe size that has a capacity equal to or greater than the demand
to be carried for the design length determined above.

EXAMPLE – Determining Proper Pipe Sizes For Single Family Dwelling

Find the correct pipe sizes to assure proper operation of the gas appliances in a dwelling equipped with a gas
burning furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, and kitchen range. There are no plans for adding additional appliances
or installing high BTU appliance (e.g., “tankless” hot water heater).

Step A – List the appliances with their BTUH input ratings and determine the gas demand in CFH (cubic feet
per hour).

To determine CFH, divide the BTUH input rating by 1,000.

120,000 BTUH - Forced Air Furnace 120 CFH


45,000 BTUH - Water Heater 45 CFH
35,000 BTUH - Clothes Dryer 35 CFH
60,000 BTUH - Kitchen Range 60 CFH*

Note: *For determining meter capacity and service line size, a value of 30 CFH may be used for domestic kitchen
ranges since it is very rare for all burners to be on at full capacity simultaneously. To be consistent with applicable
building codes for house piping, the listed BTUH input rating should be used for sizing house piping.

Step B – Piping diagram


(Not to scale) Dryer
35 CFH
E

10’

A 25’ B FRange
5’ 10’
60 CFH
D
Source
(Meter)

10’

Furnace Water Heater 45


120 CFH C CFH
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Step C - Determine demand supplied by each pipe segment

Line A-B, 260 CFH


Line B-D, 95 CFH
Line B-C, 165 CFH
Line D-E, 35 CFH
Line D-F, 60 CFH

Step D - Determine the pipe distance from the meter to the farthest appliance

The farthest appliance is the kitchen range at a distance of 40 feet. Therefore, use 40 feet for sizing all segments.

Step E - Select the Proper Capacity Table

Since no future increase in gas capacity is anticipated, Table 6.1 (0.5” W.C. pressure drop table) was used.
However, if additional capacity is anticipated, Table 6.2 (0.3” W.C. pressure drop) is recommended. It provides
greater reserve capacity for future or high BTU appliances.

Step F - Determine minimum size for each segment of pipe

Using Table 6.2 and 40 feet for each segment, determine the size of each pipe segment.

Line A-B, 260 CFH, 1" Iron Pipe Size (IPS)


Line B-D, 95 CFH, 3/4" IPS
Line B-C, 160 CFH, 3/4" IPS
Line D-E, 35 CFH, 1/2" IPS*
Line D-F, 60 CFH, 1/2" IPS*

Note: *Pipe sizes smaller than 1/2" IPS are generally not recommended for permanent house line piping inside
buildings.

Table 6.1 – Capacity of Schedule 40 Metallic Pipe, Standard Cubic Feet per Hour
Inlet Pressure: 0.5 psig or Less
Pressure Drop: 0.3 Inches Water Column (W.C.)
Specific Gravity: 0.60

Nom. Equivalent Length of Pipe


Size (Feet)
(In.) 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 125 150 175 200
1/4 32 22 18 15 14 12 11 11 10 9 8 8 7 6
3/8 72 49 40 34 30 27 25 23 22 21 18 17 15 14
½ 132 92 73 63 56 50 46 43 40 38 34 31 28 26
¾ 278 190 152 130 115 105 96 90 84 79 72 64 59 55
1 520 350 285 245 215 195 180 170 160 150 130 120 110 100
1¼ 1,050 730 590 500 440 400 370 350 320 305 275 250 225 210
1½ 1,600 1,100 890 760 670 610 560 530 490 460 410 380 350 320
2 3,050 2,100 1,650 1,450 1,270 1,150 1,050 990 930 870 780 710 650 610
2½ 4,800 3,300 2,700 2,300 2,000 1,850 1,700 1,600 1,500 1,400 1,250 1,130 1,050 980
3 8,500 5,900 4,700 4,100 3,600 3,250 3,000 2,800 2,600 2,500 2,200 2,000 1,850 1,700
4 17,500 12,000 9,700 8,300 7,400 6,800 6,200 5,800 5,400 5,100 4,500 4,100 3,800 3,500

Note: Table 6.1 should be used for applications where additional capacity is expected. It provides for future
expansion or installation of higher BTUH appliances.

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Table 6.2 – Capacity of Schedule 40 Metallic Pipe, Standard Cubic Feet per Hour
Inlet Pressure: 0.5 psig or less
Pressure Drop: 0.5 Inches Water Column (W.C.)
Specific Gravity: 0.60

Equivalent Length of Pipe


Nom. (Feet)
Size
(In.) 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 125 150 175 200

¼ 43 29 24 20 18 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8

3/8 95 65 52 45 40 36 33 31 29 27 24 22 20 19

½ 175 120 97 82 73 66 61 57 53 50 44 40 37 35

¾ 360 250 200 170 151 138 125 118 110 103 93 84 77 72

1 680 465 375 320 285 260 240 220 205 195 175 160 145 135

1¼ 1,400 950 770 660 580 530 490 460 430 00 360 325 300 280

1½ 2,100 1,460 1,180 990 900 810 750 690 650 620 550 500 460 430

2 3,950 2,750 2,200 1,900 1,680 1,520 1,400 1,300 1,220 1,150 1,020 950 850 800

2½ 6,300 4,350 3,520 3,000 2,650 2,400 2,250 2,050 1,950 1,850 1,650 1,500 1,370 1,280

3 11,000 7,700 6,250 5,300 4,750 4,300 3,900 3,700 3,450 3,250 2,950 2,650 2,450 2,280

4 23,000 15,800 12,800 10,900 9,700 8,800 8,100 7,500 7,200 6,700 6,000 5,500 5,000 4,600

Note: Table 6.2 should be used for applications where no additional capacity is expected. It does not provide for
future expansion or installation of higher BTUH appliances.

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Table 6.3 – Capacity of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST),


Standard Cubic Feet per Hour
Inlet Pressure: 0.5 psig or less
Pressure Drop: 0.5 Inches Water Column (W.C.)
Specific Gravity: 0.60

Equivalent Length of Pipe


Tube (Feet)
Size
(EHD*) 5 10 15 20 25 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 150

13 46 32 25 22 19 18 15 13 12 11 10 10 9 7

15 63 44 35 31 27 25 21 19 17 16 15 14 13 10

18 115 82 66 58 52 47 41 37 34 31 29 28 26 20

19 134 95 77 67 60 55 47 42 38 36 33 32 30 23

23 225 161 132 116 104 96 83 75 68 63 60 57 54 42

25 270 192 157 137 122 112 97 87 80 74 69 65 62 48

30 471 330 267 231 206 188 162 144 131 121 113 107 101 78

31 546 383 310 269 240 218 188 168 1153 141 132 125 118 91

37 895 639 524 456 409 374 325 292 267 248 232 219 208 171

46 1,790 1,261 1,027 888 793 723 625 559 509 471 440 415 393 320

62 4,142 2,934 2,398 2,078 1,860 1,698 1,472 1,317 1,203 1,114 1,042 983 933 762

Note: Table 6.3 includes losses for four 90-degree bends and two end fittings. Tubing runs with larger numbers of
bends and/or fittings shall be increased by an equivalent length of tubing to the following equation: l = 1.3n where L
is additional length (feet) of tubing and is the number of additional fittings and/or bends.

Note: *EHD – Equivalent Hydraulic Diameter, which is a measure of the relative hydraulic efficiency between
different tubing sizes. The greater the value of EHD, the greater the gas capacity of the tubing.

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CORROSION PREVENTION
7.1 General Corrosion Protection Requirements
7.1.1 Protection for Aboveground Steel Piping

All aboveground steel piping, such as service riser or meter loop piping, installed outdoors or indoors in
damp locations shall be protected from atmospheric corrosion as required by state and federal pipeline
safety regulations.

7.1.2 Protection for Underground Steel Piping

All underground (i.e., buried) steel piping, such as service lines, shall be mill coated and cathodically
protected as required by state and federal pipeline safety regulations. Similarly, building codes also require
underground steel house lines to be coated and cathodically protected.

7.2 Coating Requirements


7.2.1 Specifications

a. Coating for Aboveground Applications

A good quality paint intended for exterior use on metal is an acceptable aboveground coating.

b. Coatings for Underground Applications

i. Pipe

a) All steel pipe used for underground applications shall be purchased with mill applied Fusion
Bonded Epoxy (FBE) coating.

b) Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) is the only approved mill applied coating for steel piping in
underground applications.

ii. Joints and Defects

a) At pipe joints and where defects in the pipe coating exist, the underground coatings on steel
piping must be one of the approved coatings listed below. For other underground coatings,
the coating must be approved by LG&E prior to its installation.

 Poly-Butyl Tape - The tape must have a total thickness of at least 25 mils that shall consist
of a 20 mil tar based mastic or synthetic elastomer coating backed by a polyethylene film.
It is applicable between the temperatures of -20°F and +130°F.

 Wax Tape (i.e., Plastic-fiber felt, saturated with a blend of petrolatum waxes, plasticizers
and corrosion inhibitors, forming a tape wrapper)

7.2.2 Pipe Surface Preparation and Coating Installation

a. Aboveground Piping

i. Clean the piping surface of all dirt, oil, grease, moisture and other foreign matter. Oil and grease
should be cleaned using a cleaning solvent.

ii. Remove all paint that is not tightly adhered.

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iii. Remove rust and loose mill scale. Power tool cleaning is recommended. However, hand tool
cleaning (i.e., wire brushing) is acceptable. Use a cleaning solvent as required to ensure a clean
piping surface.

iv. Paint the piping surface with an aboveground coating. Refer to Section 7.2.1.

v. The proper protective clothing, gloves and mask should be worn during the surface preparation and
coating installation process.

b. Underground Piping At Joints and For Defects In Coatings

i. Poly-Butyl Tape

a) For defects in the coating, remove all damaged coating to a point where it is firmly bonded to
the pipe.

b) Clean the piping surface (i.e., the welded joints and the defects in the coating) of all dirt, oil,
grease, moisture and other foreign matter. Oil and grease should be cleaned using a cleaning
solvent.

c) Remove all rust, paint, and loose mill scale. Power tool cleaning is recommended. However,
hand tool cleaning (i.e., wire brushing) is acceptable. Use a cleaning solvent as required to
ensure a clean piping surface.

d) File or grind smooth all sharp edges or burns to prevent protrusion through the Poly-Butyl tape.

e) Apply a thin uniform coating of primer to the clean piping surface and to the mill coated piping
surfaces within the area to be wrapped. The primer used shall be compatible with the coating.
The piping surface must be moisture free prior to the priming procedure and remain moisture
free throughout application of the Poly-Butyl tape.

f) Allow primed piping surface to dry to a “tacky” stage before application of the Poly-Butyl tape.

g) Apply the Poly-Butyl tape over the weld joint or defect area by using a cigarette wrap. A
cigarette wrap consists of using pre-cut strips of Poly-Butyl tape equal in length to the
circumference of the pipe plus a minimum of four inches (4”).

h) Apply the Poly-Butyl tape over the entire area (including the weld joint) to be wrapped by
spirally wrapping the Poly-Butyl tape around the pipe using a continuous 50% overlap of tape.
The Poly-Butyl tape should be applied under tension. However, the last turn should be applied
without tension. The tension in wrapping should be enough to obtain conformability to the
surface being coated. The Poly-Butyl tape should then be cut on the downside of the turn and
pressed into position.

i) For questions or additional guidance involving the surface preparation and/or the installation of
Poly-Butyl tape, contact the Gas Operations Center in your area.

ii. Wax Tape

a) For defects in the coating, remove all damage coating to a point where it is firmly bonded to the
pipe.

b) Clean the piping surface (i.e., the welded joints and the defects in the coating) of all dirt, oil,
grease, moisture and other foreign matter. Oil and grease should be cleaned using a cleaning
solvent.

c) Remove all rust, paint, and loose mill scale. Power tool cleaning is recommended. However,
hand tool cleaning (i.e., wire brushing) is acceptable. Use a cleaning solvent as required to
ensure a clean piping surface.
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d) File or grind smooth all sharp edges or burns to prevent protrusion through the underground
coating.

e) Apply a thin uniform coating of primer to the clean piping surface and to the mill coated piping
surfaces within the area to be wrapped. The primer used shall be compatible with the coating.
While it is preferred that the piping surface be moisture free prior to the priming procedure, a
damp or wet surface is tolerable when applying wax primer and tape. Where moisture is
present, rub and press primer into the piping surface, displacing the moisture and ensuring
that the primer adheres to the piping surface.

f) Apply the wax tape by spirally wrapping the wax tape around the pipe using a 25% overlap
(e.g., using a four inch (4”) inch wax tape, a one inch (1”) overlap is required). Press the wax
tape into place making sure that no air pockets exist and that the wax tape is in contact with the
piping surface. Press and smooth out the lap seams to ensure that the laps are sealed.

g) For questions or additional guidance involving the surface preparation and/or the installation of
wax tape, contact the Gas Operations Center in your area.

7.2.3 Coating Placement

Underground mill applied coating shall extend, at a minimum, six inches (6”) above grade on any steel
piping that enters or leaves the ground.

7.2.4 Coating Damage Prevention

a. Care should be exercised in the handling of coated pipe.

b. The bottom of the ditch must be free of rocks or foreign objects that may damage the coating. In
addition, backfill shall be free of rocks or debris that may damage the coating. For more detail on
backfill and trench bottom conditions, refer to Section 3.10.2 a. – BackFill and Trench Bottom
Requirements.

7.3 Electrical Insulation


7.3.1 In order for cathodic protection to be effective, all protected pipe must be electrically separated from any
electrically grounded metallic structure or piping.

7.3.2 Dielectric couplings, dielectric unions, or dielectric flanges may be used at each point the protected piping
extends out of or into the ground.

7.4 Anodes
7.4.1 General

a. Cathodic protection can normally be provided to the coated and electrically isolated underground steel
piping by means of a magnesium anode.

b. Magnesium anodes have an insulated lead wire that must be electrically attached to the protected
piping by thermite welding, brazing, or with an approved mechanical grounding clamp.

c. The connection to the piping must be coated with an approved mastic or with tape and primer in the
same manner as a joint or defect in the coating.

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.4.2 Anode Spacing

a. For maximum effectiveness, one five pound (5 lbs) standard potential magnesium anode should be
used for each 50 foot (50’) section of underground steel piping.

b. To the extent practice, the anodes should be evenly spaced over the length of the piping being
protected.

7.4.3 Anode Installation

Anodes should be installed vertically at least three feet (3’) away from the piping with the top of the anode
even with or lower than the elevation of the buried piping. See Drawing No. GCS 50-20-801, Vertical
Installation Anode and Test Station, for recommended anode installation method.

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INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF GAS BURNING APPLIANCES AND


EQUIPMENT
8.1 Customer’s Responsibility
This section of this handbook is included to provide general information regarding safe installation and
operation of gas burning appliances and equipment. Whereas LG&E will not knowingly provide gas service
to an unsafe installation or operation, it is the installer’s and Customer’s responsibility to install and operate
appliances and equipment safely.

8.2 Permits and Inspections


8.2.1 Installation of gas burning furnaces, boilers, space heaters, and other permanently installed equipment is
subject to permit and inspection by the local building inspection authority.

8.2.2 The installer has the responsibility of obtaining the necessary permits and post installation inspections.

8.3 Code Compliance


Appliances and equipment should be installed in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54, or
other codes as applicable. The National Fuel Gas Code includes provisions for safe location, clearance
from combustible materials, combustion air ventilation, and proper venting of combustion fumes.

8.4 Initial Startup of Appliances and Equipment


Upon initial startup, each gas appliance shall be checked for proper performance and operation, and shall
be adjusted if necessary. Manufacturers’ written procedures shall be followed when available. At least the
following operational tests shall be performed:

8.4.1 Test final gas connections and burner train for leaks.

Using leak detecting solution or a sensitive electronic gas detecting instrument, check all final pipe
connections downstream of the manual valve on the house line, including the appliance control valve and
burner train. Repair any leaks.

8.4.2 Check gas firing rate.

a. Check the input BTUH rate with the appliance operating at full capacity.

b. Do not allow firing rate to exceed the nameplate input rating for the appliance.

c. Adjust appliance pressure regulator or change orifices per manufacturers’ instructions if necessary.
Instructions for timing the gas meter to determine firing rate are in Section 9.4 of this Handbook.

8.4.3 Check primary air adjustment.

Visually observe flames for proper characteristics and adjust and secure air shutters if necessary.

8.4.4 Check controls and protective devices.

Gas valves, electronic ignition, high temperature limit controls, flame sensing devices, and other safety
controls shall be checked in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. Any defective controls must be
properly repaired or replaced.

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8.4.5 Check chimney draft.

a. With appliance in normal operation for several minutes and with doors and windows closed, check for
effective chimney performance.

b. Perform match test at draft hood relief opening. A lighted match passed directly beneath the opening
should continue to burn with flame and smoke drawn to the opening. If the match is extinguished, or the
flame and smoke are blown away, combustion fumes are spilling out of the opening indicating that the
chimney is not effectively venting.

c. Where two or more appliances are vented through a common flue, check all draft hoods.

d. Do not continue to operate an appliance that is not properly venting. Corrections must be made for safe
operation.

Natural gas appliances


and heating systems
are safe, dependable
and cost-efficient. Add
natural gas appliances
and equipment to your
home and find out why
natural gas is America's
best energy value.

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METER INFORMATION
9.1 How to Read Your Meter
Your natural gas meter is an accurate automatic measuring instrument. It measures the
natural gas used to operate all of your natural gas appliances (e.g., hot water heater,
furnace, range, etc.) by counting the filling and emptying of the compartments inside the meter. The
natural gas used is measured in units of hundred standard cubic feet. A standard cubic foot is the volume
of gas at a specific pressure (i.e., (4) ounces (i.e., 0.25 psig)) and temperature (i.e., sixty degrees
Fahrenheit (60ºF)).

The amount of gas measured is displayed on the meter index. The meter index is located on the front of
the meter and may consist of either dials or an odometer. It consists of a reading and test portion. The
reading portion will be described in the “Reading Dial Type Index Meters” and “Reading Odometer Type
Index Meters”. The test portion is used for the following four applications:

 Confirm that a meter is operable,


 Test a gas house line system that is in service for leakage at operating pressure,
 Calculate the rate of gas consumption for a gas utilizing device, and
 Enable the accuracy of the meter to be tested in a certified meter proving facility.

Your consumption can be determined by subtracting your previous meter reading from your present
meter reading. This amount will give you the volume of gas used in units of hundred cubic feet (CCF).

Reading Dial Type Index Meters

Normally, an dial type index will have four (4) dials in a horizontal line with the dials labeled from left to
right as “1 million,” “100 thousand,” “10 thousand,” and “1 thousand,”. These four dials are used in
reading the meter.

Also, the index will have two dials labeled “half foot” and “two foot”. The dials are used for meter tests
and should be ignored in reading the meter.

To read your dial type index meter, look at the four dials with their curved arrows. Read the dials from
right to left as follows:

1. Read numbers that the dial pointers passed.

 Read the “1-thousand” dial as 1.


 Read the “10-thousand” dial as 0.
 Read the “100-thousand” dial as 9.
 Read the “1-million” dial as 4.
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2. When a dial pointer is between two numbers, always record the number that the pointer has passed,
which will always be the smaller number of the two numbers.

3. If a dial pointer is directly on a number, check the dial immediately to the right. The pointer on the
right dial must have reached or passed zero to record the number on the left dial. If the pointer on the
right dial has not passed zero, use the smaller number from the left dial.

Following these guidelines, the correct reading for the meter dial shown above is 1094 hundred cubic feet
(CCF):

Reading Odometer Type Index Meters

The odometer type index is a direct read. It reads like an odometer on a car. However, instead of
measuring miles traveled, it measures the amount of natural gas used. Similarly, to a dial type index, it
also will have two dials labeled “half foot” and “two foot”. The dials are used for meter tests and should
be ignored in reading the meter.

To read your odometer type index meter, read the number displayed. Each of the number would
correlate to one of the four dials illustrated above.

Following these guidelines, the correct reading for the meter dials shown above is 1094 hundred cubic
feet (CCF):

9.2 Meter Operability


To confirm that a meter is operable, place any gas utilizing device served by that meter into operation and
observe the test dial. Movement of the hand should be apparent, the speed of which will depend upon
the rate of consumption for the device.

9.3 Leak Test for A House Line System


9.3.1 To test for leaks in a house line system that is presently in service, perform the following steps:

a. Completely shut off all connected gas utilizing devices, including their pilot lights if so equipped.

b. Shut off all manual valves preceding connected gas utilizing devices.

c. Mark the position of the test hand on the meter index glass. A felt tip pen, wax pencil, etc., may be
used.

d. Observe the test hand for a minimum of ten minutes; any movement indicates that a leak exists.

e. Locate and identify leaks so that proper repair or replacement can be implemented. To locate gas
leaks, only use gas leak detecting solution or gas detecting instruments. Never use a match or open
flame to locate gas leaks.
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9.3.2 If a major leak is suspected, do not perform the above test. Call the LG&E Gas Emergency Service at
(502) 589-5511.

9.3.3 If you should shut off the service valve preceding the meter because of a suspected leak, do not turn it on
after the leak has been repaired. Notify LG&E. LG&E will confirm that the house line system is free from
leaks and then turn on the gas.

9.4 Gas Consumption Test


9.4.1 To test the gas consumption and BTU input rate for a device, perform the following steps:

a. Turn off all appliances or devices not to be included in the test. For most accurate results, shut off
their pilot lights.

b. Place the appliance to be tested into full operation.

c. Observe the test dial. Using a stop watch or conventional watch, count the number of revolutions of
the test hand that occur in one minute, or time the number of seconds required for one or more
complete revolutions.

d. Calculate the flow rate of gas using the following formula:

N  F  3600
Q
t
Where: Q = Flow rate of gas in cubic feet per hour (CFH)
N = Number of turns of the test hand
F = Volume in cubic feet for one turn of the test hand (Most residential
meters have a 1/2 cubic foot test dial.)
t = Measured time in seconds

Note: If the gas is being delivered at a pressure other than the standard pressure (i.e., 4 ounces), a
multiplier must be applied. For assistance, consult the Gas Operations Center in your area.

e. To determine the BTUH input for the device being tested, multiply the above flow rate by one
thousand. While this value is an approximation, it is a conservative value because the BTU content
for the natural gas delivered by LG&E is guaranteed to be a minimum of 1,000 BTU per standard
cubic foot. Normally, the BTU content is slightly higher.

9.4.2 Upon completion of the test, return other appliances to normal operation.

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64
Gas Inspection Requests
LG&E Residential Service
Fax: (502) 333-1823

Plumber’s name:
Fifth Edition - May 2011

Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
Customer Gas Piping Handbook

Requested by:
Gas Inspection Request

Full Address

House # Lot # Street Name Zip Subdivision Name Cross Street LG&E LG&E
Code OK NO
Conf. # METER
ORDER
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

65
Note: If more than one (1) meter per service, please note on address.
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
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Conveyance of Right of Way - Sample

CONVEYANCE OF RIGHT OF WAY

The undersigned, ______________________________________, of Jefferson County, Kentucky, for valuable


consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged (said consideration for this instrument is not measurable in
money), do hereby grant and convey unto LOUISVILLE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a Kentucky corporation,
820 W. Broadway, P. O. Box 32020, Louisville, KY 40232, its successors and assigns, (herein called the Company)
the right and easement to construct, lay, maintain, operate, repair, and remove pipe line or lines for the
transportation and distribution of gas, together with all equipment necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
along a route to be determined by the Company, crossing under the Grantor’s/Grantors’ property located at
_____________________________, in Jefferson County, Kentucky.

A fifteen foot (15’) wide gas easement parallel and adjacent to the south property line as shown by the hatched
area on the LG&E drawing, attached hereto and made a part hereof. Said easement shall be maintained and
preserved in its present condition and no change in grade or elevation will be made without the express consent
in writing of the Company.

Title to which was acquired by us by Deed dated the _____ day of _____________, ______ and recorded in
Deed Book _____, Page ______, and recorded in the Office of the County Court of Jefferson County,
Kentucky. There shall be no buildings or structures erected within the limits of this easement. The
Company is further granted the right of ingress and egress over the lands of the undersigned to and from
said line in the exercise of this easement and is further granted the right to do all reasonably necessary
trimming and removal of trees and branches for the proper clearance of said line or lines.

The gas service, or services, shall be extended to a point in a location designated by the Company.

It is further agreed that the Company, at its option, will either repair, restore or pay to the undersigned for damages
that may be caused by the Company in the exercise of this easement.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, witness the signatures of the undersigned this ____ day of _______________, 200__.

_____________________________________
Signature
____________________________________
Signature
_____________________________________
Address

Agent:
Job #:

66
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

67
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

68
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

SERVICE RELATED DRAWINGS


Drawing Description of Page
Numbers Drawings Number

GCS – 20-10-001 Acceptable Service Line Locations 70


GCS – 20-20-002 Installation of Gas Service Line in Shallow Rock 71
GCS – 20-20-003 A Installation of Polyethylene Service by Insertion 72
GCS – 20-20-004 Detail Insert Protector & Sleeve for Polyethylene Insertion 73
GCS – 20-20-005 Attachment of Tracing Wire 74
GCS – 30-20-201 1” Prefabricated Meter Loop 75
GCS – 30-30-201 A Low Pressure Meterset Assembly 1 NPS x 20 LT 76
GCS – 30-30-202 A Medium Pressure Meterset Assembly 1 NPS x 20 LT with 77
Regulator
GCS – 30-30-203 A Elevated Pressure Meterset Assembly 1 NPS x 20 LT with 78
Regulator
GCS – 30-20-204 1” Meter Loop Field Fabricated 79
GCS – 30-20-301 1” Meter Loop with By-pass 80
GCS – 30-20-302 1 ½ Meter Loop with By-pass 81
GCS – 30-20-001 Typical Multiple Meter Installation for Various Types of Meters 82
GCS – 30-10-002 A Master Valve Requirements for Multiple Meter Installations 83
GCS – 30-20-002 CSST House Piping 84
GCS – 30-20-205 A Mobile Home Meter Loop 85
GCS – 30-20-206 A Typical Multiple Meter Installation Prefabricated Meter Loops 86
GCS – 30-10-003 Acceptable Gas Meter Locations 87
GCS – 30-10-004 A Acceptable Gas Meter Locations 88
GCS – 30-20-003 Meter Barricade 89
GCS – 30-20-004 A Meter Riser for Use with Polyethylene Gas Service Line 90
GCS – 30-20-005 A Flexible Meter Riser for Use with Polyethylene Gas Service Line 91
GCS – 30-20-006 A Service Head Adapter/Straight Pipe Meter Riser for Use with 92
Polyethylene Gas Service Line
GCS – 30-20-007 Anodeless Riser for Large Polyethylene Gas Service Line 93
GCS – 20-20-006 Gas Pipe Sleeving Through Concrete or Masonry 94
GCS – 80-20-301 Vertical Branch Connection with Drip Leg 95
GCS – 80-20-302 A Polyethylene to Steel Transition for Underground House Line 96
GCS – 50-20-801 Vertical Installation Anode and Test Station 97
GCS – 40-20-003 2.5 psig Residential Gas regulator Installation for Gas Pool 98
Heaters/Gas Fired Generators

69
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13656

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook ACCEPTABLE SERVICE GCS - 20 10 001


LINE LOCATIONS Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

70
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13646

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook INSTALLATION OF GAS SERVICE GCS - 20 20 002


LINE IN SHALLOW ROCK Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

71
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13643

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook INSTALLATION OF POLYETHYLENE GCS - 20 20 003 A


SERVICE BY INSERTION Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/19/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

72
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13642

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook DETAIL OF INSERT PROTECTOR & SLEEVE GCS - 20 20 004
FOR POLYETHYLENE INSERTION Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

73
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13640

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook ATTACHMENT OF TRACING WIRE GCS - 20 20 005


Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

74
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 15869

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook 1" PREFABRICATED METER LOOP


GCS - 30 20 201
Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

75
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 15851

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook LOW PRESSURE METERSET ASSEMBLY GCS - 30 30 201 A


1 NPS x 20 LT Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/19/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

76
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 15852

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook MEDIUM PRESSURE METERSET ASSEMBLY GCS - 30 30 202 A


1 NPS x 20 LT WITH REGULATOR Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/19/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

77
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

NOTE:
PLUMBING SUPPLIERS DO NOT HAVE GREEN ELEVATED
PRESSURE REGULATORS. CUSTOMER SHOULD PURCHASE
MEDIUM PRESSURE MODEL. LG&E WILL SWAP OUT NEW
REGULATOR AT TIME OF SERVICE ACTIVATION.

OLD DRAWING - A 15853

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook ELEVATED PRESSURE METERSET ASSEMBLY GCS - 30 30 203 A


1 NPS x 20 LT WITH REGULATOR Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 01/20/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

78
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13645

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:


1" METER LOOP FIELD FABRICATED GCS - 30 20 204
Gas Service Handbook
Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

79
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13648

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook 1" METER LOOP WITH BY-PASS GCS - 30 20 301
Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

80
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

NOTES:

1. GAS SERVICE VALVE, 1 21", TAMPERPROOF, LOCK-OFF, 100PSI OR GREATER


2. GAS VALVE 1 21"
3. PIPE PLUG 1 21"
4. SPLIT RING CLAMP OR EQUIVALENT
5. METER TO BE FURNISHED AND INSTALLED BY LG&E CO.
6. REGULATOR TO BE FURNISHED AND INSTALLED BY LG&E CO.
7. ANODLESS SERVICE RISER, SIZE AND CONFIGURATION AS REQUIRED 2
2

TOP VIEW

SPLIT RING CLAMP OR EQUIVALENT SHALL BE


INSULATED FROM GAS PIPE WHEN CLAMP IS
15" ATTACHED TO METAL STRUCTURE.
4"
HOUSE LINE
(OUTLET)
SIZE TO BE
1
DETERMINED
3 3
PVC
SLEEVE
12"

10"
1

40" MIN TO 60" MAX

BUILDING
LINE

SIDE VIEW FRONT VIEW

GRADE

SERVICE
TO BE SIZED

7
OLD DRAWING - 2144
TITLE: Revision:
Distribution Operations Title:

1 1/2" METER LOOP WITH BY-PASS


GCS - 30 20 302
Gas Service Handbook
Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

81
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

NOTES:
1 Master valve required, Tamperproof, 100 PSIG minimum rating
2 Minimum center to center distance between meter risers 16" if both meter loops are 1" pipe size,
24" if either or both meter loops are 1 1/2" pipe size.
3 Bypass valve on service line side not required on every bypass loop if a service line bypass
connection is accessible on a neighboring loop within 48"
4 Minimum manifold size is 1" nominal iron pipe size, larger if required to supply gas demand.
5 Support with split ring clamps or equivalent. Each riser must be supported near top.
Support must be adequate to bear weight of meters and piping plus all anticipated external forces.
Stand off from wall nominal 3" to 5".

Meter Loops to be as required. Meter loops shown below are:


Meter Loop #1. 1" prefabricated meter loop.
Meter Loop #2. 1" field assemblied meter loop with bypass.
Meter Loop #3. 1 1/2" field assembiled meter loop with bypass.
Meter Loop #4. 1" field assemblied meter loop without bypass.
Meter Loops to be built in accordance with applicable drawings.

Meter Loop #3

Meter Loop #2

3
Meter Loop #1 Meter Loop #4

2 4 5

12" MIN.
1

GRADE

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:


TYPICAL MULTI-METERS INSTALLATION FOR
Gas Service Handbook GCS - 30 20 001
VARIOUS TYPES OF METERS Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

82
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

Figures below are defined as:

FIG. A - Vertical 2 Meter Manifold


FIG. B - Horizontal Multiple Meter Manifold
FIG. C - Multiple Meters on Two or More Manifolds

MASTER 12" MIN


MASTER (FIG. A) VALVE CLEARANCE
(FIG. B)
VALVE

GRADE

MASTER
VALVE

MASTER 12" MIN


VALVE CLEARANCE
(FIG. C)
GRADE

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:


MASTER VALVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GCS - 30 10 002 A
Gas Service Handbook MULTIPLE METER INSTALLATIONS
Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

83
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 14779

Distribution Operations Title: Job#

Gas Service Handbook


GCS - 30 20 002 Revision:

CSST HOUSE PIPING


Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

84
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

MOBILE HOME WALL


2" X 6"
TREATED LUMBER
RIGID
PIPE

1' to 3'
2" X 6"
TREATED LUMBER 2" PIPE ATTACH APROVED
SUPPORT FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR
TO MOBILE HOME
2" STEEL PIPE SUPPORT

2" STEEL PIPE SUPPORT


2" X 6" TREATED LUMBER

THREE FEET MIN. "SIDE TO SIDE"


FROM ANY POTENTIAL IGNITION
SOURCE (ELECTRIC METER, AIR-
CONDITIONER, AIR INTAKE TO
METER
HOME.) MEASURE FROM METER
FURNISHED
ELBOWS.
BY LOUISVILLE
INSERT "A" SIDE VIEW GAS AND
METER CONNECTIONS RISER SHALL BE TOP VIEW ELECTRIC.
1" IN SIZE.
METER MUST NOT BLOCK INGRESS OR
EGRESS INCLUDING EMERGENCY EXITS.
6"
(SERVICE LINE NOT TO BE UNDER MOBILE HOME).

SPLIT
RING
MOBILE HOME WALL

SEE INSERT "A"

2" X 6"
TREATED LUMBER

2" X 6"
TREATED LUMBER
SEE INSERT "A"
2" PIPE OR PREFABRICATED
SPLIT RING GAS METER SUPPORT STAKES.
(TREATED LUMBER IS NOT
TO BE USED.)

6" MIN

GRADE

TRACER WIRE
18" MIN

POLYETHYLENE
SERVICE

SIDE VIEW FRONT VIEW


OLD DRAWING - A 13649

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:


GCS - 30 20 205 A
Gas Service Handbook MOBILE HOME METER LOOP
Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/20/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

85
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

NOTES:
1. Prefabricated meter set, see Drawings GCS-30 30 201 thru GCS-30 30 203.
2. Gas valve, tamperproof, lockwing, 100 PSI or greater, size as required. For Master Valve requirements.
Refer to GCS 30-10-002.
3. Support brackets, split ring clamp or equivalent, 4" to 5" from wall to center pipe typical.
4. Standard fittings, threaded malleable iron or forged steel class 150 or higher; socket weld or
welded end fittings as applicable, size as required.
5. Schedule 40 steel pipe, minimum 1" nominal size, larger if necessary to satisfy load requirements.

A - Split ring clamp or equivalent required on service line side of each meter set, near top.
B - Service regulator furnished with prefabricated meter set. Regulator must match service line system
pressure rating. Grey regulator, 1/8" orifice required for medium pressure, green regulator ½" X 9/16"
orifice required for elevated pressure. No regulator for low pressure.
C - Each meter set must be tagged to identify customer or property unit served.

FRONT VIEW SIDE


VIEW
1 C C C C
A 1

2
ABOVE GRADE
5'-0" MAXIMUM

3
1 C C C C

2'-3"
A
2

3
12" MIN
CLEARANCE

GRADE

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:


TYPICAL MUTIPLE METER INSTALLATION GCS - 30 20 206 A
Gas Service Handbook PREFABRICATED METER LOOPS
Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 01/20/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

86
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13657

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook ACCEPTABLE GAS METER LOCATIONS GCS - 30 10 003


Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

87
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

3'-0
"R
AD
IUS

SERVICE LINE

1'-0" 1'-0"

OLD DRAWING - A 15857

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook ACCEPTABLE GAS METER LOCATIONS GCS - 30 10 004 A


Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 01/20/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

88
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13644

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook METER BARRICADE GCS - 30 20 003


Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

89
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 12524

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook METER RISER FOR USE WITH GCS - 30 20 004 A
POLYETHYLENE GAS SERVICE LINE Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 01/20/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

90
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 12525

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:


FLEXIBLE METER RISER FOR USE WITH GCS - 30 20 005 A
Gas Service Handbook
POLYETHYLENE GAS SERVICE LINE Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 01/20/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

91
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 12527

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:


SERVICE HEAD ADAPTER/ STRAIGHT
Gas Service Handbook PIPE METER RISER FOR USE WITH GCS - 30 20 006 A
POLYETHYLENE GAS SERVICE LINE Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 01/2O/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

92
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

SERVICE VALVE & METER LOOP


PIPING AS REQUIRED

MOUNTING BRACKET MUST PROVIDE


VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL SUPPORT

GRADE LEVEL MARK MUST BE


ABOVE FINISHED GRADE

GRADE LEVEL

ANNODELESS RISER

18"
TRACING WIRE MIN.

BASE OF RISER AND


SERVICE LINE MUST REST
ON UNDISTURBED OR WELL
COMPACTED SOIL

APPROVED PLASTIC TO
PLASTIC MECHANICAL
COUPLING OR HEAT FUSION JOINT

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:


ANODELESS RISER FOR LARGE GCS - 30 20 007
Gas Service Handbook
POLYETHENE GAS SERVICE LINE Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

93
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13650

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook GAS PIPE SLEEVING THROUGH GCS - 20 20 006


CONCRETE OR MASONRY Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1

94
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13639

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook VERTICAL BRANCH CONNECTION GCS - 80 20 301


WITH DRIP LEG Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/02 CLARK None 1 of 1

95
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

OLD DRAWING - A 13653

Distribution Operations Title: Job# Revision:

Gas Service Handbook POLYETHYLENE TO STEEL TRANSITION GCS - 80 20 302 A


FOR UNDERGROUND HOUSE LINE Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 01/2O/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

96
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

O LD DR A W IN G - A 13661

D istribution O perations T itle: Job# R evisio n:

G as S ervice H andbook V E R TIC A L IN S TA LLA TIO N O F A N O D E G C S - 50 20 801


A N D TE S T S TA TIO N D ate: D raw n B y: S cale S heet:
Lou is ville Ga s & Electric C om pany 1/2/03 C LA R K N one 1 of 1

97
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

NOTES:
* 2 1/2 PSIG GAS NOT TO ENTER BUILDING.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBLE FOR SIZING,
MAINTENANCE AND PROPER OPERATION OF
ALL REGULATORS DOWNSTREAM OF
METER.

1 1/2" METER LOOP


WITH BY-PASS
SEE DRAWING STANDARD 1" REGULATOR FOR
GCS 30 20 302
ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS IN
HOUSE (PLUMBER SUPPLY)
* GAS FIRED GENERATOR

2 1/2 LB.- 1 1/2"


REGULATOR LG&E
SUPPLIED

SEE INSERT "A" BELOW FOR


REGULATOR DETAIL

REGULATOR SIZE FOR GENERATOR WILL VARY


(PLUMBER OR MANUFACTURE SUPPLY)

INSERT "A"

(TOP VIEW)

FLOW

(FRONT VIEW)

1/2" TEST PLUG UNION VALVE


VALVE
1/2" NIPPLE & COCK OPTIONAL

REGULATOR

TITLE: Revision:
Distribution Operations Title:

2.5 psig RESIDENTIAL GAS REGULATOR INSTALLATION


GCS - 40 20 003
Gas Service Handbook
FOR GAS POOL HEATERS/GAS FIRED GENERATORS Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 01/24/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1

98
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011

99

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