North Carolina State Building Code: Fuel Gas Code 2018 – Loose Leaf

The 2018 North Carolina State Building Code: Fuel Gas Code (NCFGC 2018) is a specialized code that governs the installation and maintenance of fuel gas systems and appliances in North Carolina. It is based on the 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with state-specific amendments to address local conditions and requirements.

Key Aspects:

• Scope and Application: Applies to the installation of fuel gas piping systems, fuel gas appliances, gaseous hydrogen systems, and related accessories. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories high with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.
  
• General Regulations: Includes provisions for appliance location and installation, appliance and systems access, protection of structural elements, and clearances to combustibles. Also covers combustion air provisions for gas-fired appliances.
  
• Gas Piping Installations: Covers allowable materials for gas piping systems and the sizing and installation of such systems. Also addresses pressure regulators, appliance connections, and overpressure protection devices.
  
• Chimneys and Vents: Regulates the design, construction, installation, maintenance, repair, and approval of chimneys, vents, venting systems, and their connections to gas-fired appliances. Properly designed chimneys, vents, and venting systems are necessary to conduct to the outdoors the flue gases produced by the combustion of fuels in appliances.
  
• Specific Appliances: Addresses specific appliances that the code intends to regulate. Each main section applies to a unique type of gas-fired appliance and specifies the product standards to which the appliance must be listed.

Highlights:

1. Based on the 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

• The 2018 Fuel Gas Code integrates the 2015 IFGC, adapted to meet North Carolina’s specific regulatory and environmental needs.

2. Comprehensive Coverage of Fuel Gas Systems

• The code addresses the full scope of fuel gas installations and systems, including:
• • Methods for sizing and installing gas piping systems
  • Requirements for venting and chimneys

• Provisions for safe appliance installation, combustion air, and clearance from structural elements

3. Scope & Administrative Provisions

The initial chapters outline:

• What types of structures and systems fall under fuel gas code jurisdiction
• Permit and inspection protocols
• Classification of professionals (e.g., licensed gas technicians) and enforcement methodologies

4. General Regulations for Safe Gas Use

Detailed sections cover:

• Installation of piping, fittings, and materials for gas distribution
• Pressure testing procedures
• System accessibility requirements

These ensure safe and reliable fuel gas delivery and distribution.

5. Referenced Standards for Clarity & Consistency

• Chapter 8 provides a list of national and industry standards (such as ANSI, NFPA, ASTM) referenced within the code, helping practitioners stay consistent with proven safety practices.

About ICC

International Code Council is a leading organization dedicated to developing a single set of comprehensive, coordinated national model construction codes. To date, 48 U.S. states have adopted various international codes from the International Code Council.

Other Works:

• North Carolina State Building Code: Mechanical Code 2018 – Loose Leaf
• North Carolina State Building Code: Residential Code 2018 – Loose Leaf
• North Carolina State Building Code: Building Code 2018 – Loose Leaf