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GENERAL USER WARNINGS
The thin wall of a VectorFlex™ CSST leaves it at risk for punctures from nails, screws, staples or tacks. Precautions must be
taken on the job site to prevent the tubing from being abused during construction and installation.
• Do not dent, puncture or strike the tubing.
• Do not excessively bend, twist or stretch the tubing.
• Avoid sharp bends whenever possible.
• Gradual, rounded bends can improve flow characteristics.
• If the uncoated tubing comes in contact with chlorides (bleach) or acids (mortar and brick cleaners), rinse with water
and dry the section of tubing. Proper care must be taken to protect the tubing using strike protection and protective
placement as described in this guide during installation.
Properly bonding and grounding the VectorFlex™ Gas Line System may reduce the risk of damage and fire from a lightning
strike. Lightning is a highly destructive force. Even a nearby lightning strike that does not directly strike a structure can
cause systems in the structure to become electrically energized. Differences in potential between systems may cause the
charge to arc between systems. Such arcing can cause damage to the CSST. Bonding and grounding should reduce the
risk of arcing and related damage. Any area with a history of thunderstorms producing lighting is at risk for damage to CSST
systems. The installer should confirm that the tubing is grounded or bonded before putting the system in service.
All builders, property managers or home owners should consult a lightning safety consultant to determine whether
installation of a lightning protection system would be required to achieve sufficient protection for all building components
from lightning. Lightning protection systems are beyond the scope of this manual and installation guidelines, but are
covered by National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 780, the Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems,
and other standards. The installer should confirm with the local gas supply utility company that a suitable dielectric union
is installed at the service entry of the structure between underground metallic piping and the gas pipes going into the
building as required by code. Section 250.104b of the National Electric Code (NEC) states that “bonding all piping and
metal air ducts within the premises will provide additional safety.”
Easyflex® recommends that all continuous metallic systems be bonded and grounded. Other metallic systems may also
cause arcing and damage the CSST. Other metallic systems include, but are not limited to metallic chimney liners, metallic
appliance vents, metallic ducting and piping, electrical cables, and structural steel. The builder, property manager or home
owner should confirm that each continuous metallic system in a structure has been bonded and grounded by an electrical
professional in accordance with local building codes.
The yellow-coated jacket of the VectorFlex™ CSST protects it from damage and wear due to environment, weather, contact
with chemicals and general abrasive contact. The jacket’s flame and smoke rating is determined by testing and compliance
with ASTM E84, Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. The ratings do not exceed 25 for flame spread
and are not greater than 50 for smoke density. Please confirm the local codes allowance for flame and smoke ratings of
nonmetallic materials and in the case of an installation that requires higher ratings or additional protection, please consult
the local building code and or officials.
Care should be taken when installing any type of fuel gas piping (including CSST, iron, or copper) to maintain as much
separation as reasonably possible from other electrically conductive systems in the building. Fuel gas piping, including
CSST, should not be installed within a chase or enclosure that houses a metallic chimney liner or appliance vent that
protrudes through the roof. In the event such an installation is necessary and conforms to local building codes, the metallic
chimney liner or vent must be bonded and grounded by a qualified electrical professional, and a separation distance, as
specifically permitted by the applicable local building code between the CSST and the metallic chimney liner or vent, is
required. Physical contact between CSST and the metallic chimney liner and/or vent is prohibited. If this physical separation
cannot be specifically identified in the local building code and achieved or any local building code requirements cannot be
met along the entire length, then rerouting of the CSST is required unless such installation is specifically permitted by the
local building inspector.
