Originally Posted By: jhugenroth This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It’s approved for outdoor use, but the flex is installed through the cabinet. Iron pipe should go through the opening in cabinet, and the flexible line connected on the outside. This is to prevent the cabinet from wearing through the thin wall of the flex line.
Originally Posted By: Steven Brewster This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks! I noted that the flex connector needed a bushing of sort where it entered the unit but was uncertain about the connector. This is the first I have seen utilizing flexible connections. Usually copper or black pipe is used.
Originally Posted By: dandersen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
Furnace ignition was inadequate. Recommend a licensed HVAC contractor evaluate the operation of this equipment and determine if gas supply pressures are adequate.
It may pass code, but I do not like to see this type of connector on an exterior application. There is too much lawn cutting equipment and peeing dogs around! 
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Steven Brewster wrote:
Need some help to identify whether this flexible connector is approved for exterior use. It just doesn't look right.
dandersen wrote:
It may pass code, but I do not like to see this type of connector on an exterior application. There is too much lawn cutting equipment and peeing dogs around! 
I agree with those concerns, and anything other than heavier rigid metal gas piping should be protected from damage. Probably should have been galv steel for corrosion protection too. Also looks like the feeder has sections of exposed black iron pipe from the apparent rusting, which shouldn't be exposed to the weather.
In fact that actually looks like a standard prefabricated gas "appliance connector" that is made from thin corrugated tubing so that it can bend easily as the appliance is moved, which should not be installed outdoor like that subject to corrosion and damage (IRC G2422.1)
That looks like a gas fired emergency generator, where it is a common mistake to install a flex connector to the unit, as the thinking is the unit vibrates around so the connection should be flexible (I actually saw one done with rubber gas hose ... ). There should be an internal flexible connector between the housing and the motor ... but thats okay as it's protected from damage and the weather.
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: Steven Brewster This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert,
The flex connector is attached to a Trane 62.000 btu package unit. It just did not look significant enough to weather the exterior conditions. Cold not find any markings to identify.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
tallen wrote:
I am confused ... Write it up.
True, but I think it goes a little deeper than that. What do you write up and why?
tallen wrote:
Flex line may not run thru the body of a furnace.
That restriction only applies to the thin metal prefabricated gas "appliance connectors" (per IRC G2422.1.2 as a guide), and it also may not run inside the unit or in other concealed locations. In addition, those connectors are not suppose to be exposed to the weather or subject to damage. Here is a photo of a typical gas "appliance connector" ...
I also see apparent corrosion of the supply lines, which appears to be black iron pipe outside ... not good. So it may be that the entire section of piping outside for that unit is wrong.
JMO and 2-nickles ...
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: mboyett This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
roconnor wrote:
I also see apparent corrosion of the supply lines, which appears to be black iron pipe outside ... not good. So it may be that the entire section of piping outside for that unit is wrong.
It's early & I can't get my brain in gear, if not black iron then what outside?
Originally Posted By: lkage This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
mboyett wrote:
roconnor wrote:
I also see apparent corrosion of the supply lines, which appears to be black iron pipe outside ... not good. So it may be that the entire section of piping outside for that unit is wrong.
It's early & I can't get my brain in gear, if not black iron then what outside?
Painted black iron.
-- "I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him."
Galileo Galilei
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
mboyett wrote:
It's early & I can't get my brain in gear, if not black iron then what outside?
Galvanized steel should be used when subject to the weather and damage outdoors. It can be difficult to paint black iron pipe due to the surface condition.
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
