1. 4.2.23 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 4.2.23 Placing Appliances into Initial Operation Knowing the proper techniques and safe operating methods and requirements for placing appliances into initial operation is an important aspect of installing the vapor distribution system. In this module you will learn to identify: (1)NFPA 54 requirements for placing gas appliances into initial operation (2)Procedures for placing gas appliances into initial operation

2. 4.2.23 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Code Requirements for Placing Gas Appliances into Initial Operation NFPA 54 2002 NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, 2002 Edition, Chapter Seven establishes requirements for placing gas appliances and distribution piping systems into service after an interruption of gas service. a)After the piping has been leak checked, all equipment shall be purged and then placed in operation. b)When placing gas appliances into service for the first time, six requirements apply, with a seventh requirement applying to gas appliances installed at high altitude locations above 2,000 feet sea level. The requirements include the following: 1.Check burner operation for proper firing rate. 2.Check burner operation for proper fuel/air mixture.

3. 4.2.23 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Code Requirements for Placing Gas Appliances into Initial Operation 3.Check safety shutoff devices. 4.Check the operation of automatic ignition devices. 5.Verify proper operation of all protective devices. 6.Inspect and check vent-connected appliance for proper venting. 7.Adjust appliances for high altitude operation. For locations 2,000 feet or higher above sea level, the burner firing rate must be reduced 4 percent for each 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet elevation. Consult manufacturer’s instructions for orifice sizing or other required burner adjustments.

4. 4.2.23 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Procedures for Placing Gas Appliances into Initial Operation Essential tasks must be completed before placing appliances into initial operation: 1.Leak checking of the gas distribution system, including all regulators, piping, appliance connections and controls on 100 percent pilot safety shutoff controlled appliances. 2.Purging of air from the gas distribution system and the appliances.

5. 4.2.23 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Procedures for Placing Gas Appliances into Initial Operation Read and apply gas appliance manufacturers’ instructions for lighting pilots and placing appliances into service. Observe all safety precautions given in manufacturers’ instructions. Comply with company procedures that apply to interruption of service calls and placing gas appliances into service.

6. 4.2.23 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 3 Procedures for Placing Gas Appliances into Initial Operation Step 1: Inspect the condition of the appliance venting system. On metal venting systems, be sure the draft diverter is in the proper position and connected to the venting section. Verify that the venting sections are properly connected and do not show evidence of excessive corrosion. Step 2: Check for proper installation of required appliance safety controls such as pressure/temperature control valves on boilers and water heaters. Step 3: Verify that the appliance controls and thermostat, if applicable, are in the “off” position. Step 4: Read the appliance manufacturer’s instructions for lighting the pilot or restoring service (for electronic ignition appliances). The following steps should be applied to each gas appliance in the system when placing them into initial operation:

7. 4.2.23 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 3 Procedures for Placing Gas Appliances into Initial Operation Step 5: Light the pilot according to manufacturer’s instructions, then set the thermostat for main burner ignition (“call for heat”). On electronic ignition appliances, follow manufacturer’s instructions for main burner ignition. Step 6: Observe the operation of burner(s) through a heating cycle for proper flame characteristics and appliance system operation, including draft and blower fans as may apply. (Resetting the thermostat after the burner operation is observed can shorten the cycle time.) Verify proper venting of flue gases of vented appliances. Pay particular attention to proper burner operation for installations above 2,000 feet elevations above sea level.

8. 4.2.23 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 3 & 4 Procedures for Placing Gas Appliances into Initial Operation If any of these checks indicate a problem, the appliance cannot be placed into operation until repairs are completed and the problem is eliminated. If the appliance cannot be repaired on location, follow company procedures regarding placing an out-of-service warning tag on the appliance, and take further steps to prevent operation of the appliance. These steps may include stopping gas flow at the appliance shutoff valve, disconnecting the gas connection and capping or plugging the gas supply to that appliance, or other precautionary measures according to your company’s policies or procedures. If the appliance is operating correctly, it can be placed into service. Finally, the driver or service technician should comply with NFPA 54, 2002 edition, Operating Instructions, making sure that all appliance operation instructions supplied with the gas appliance are left in a prominent position near the appliance for use by the consumer.

9. 4.2.23 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 5 & 6 Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This Module… Complete the Review on page 5. See if you are ready for the Certification Exam by checking off the performance criteria on page 6.