6.18.07

New standards for CSST gas tubing; claims to be filed by September 5

A class action lawsuit was filed in 2006 against four manufacturers of corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) gas piping. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claimed that CSST posed a risk of fire due to lightning strikes.

A lightning strike can cause an energized charge to arc from one system to another system in a structure, if the systems are not properly bonded. Arcing can damage CSST piping.

	CSST gas piping with corrugation exposed.
	CSST gas piping shown in a manifold.

As a result of the lawsuit, CSST manufacturers issued new installation instructions that require bonding and grounding of CSST. The manufacturers claim the bonding and grounding of CSST may provide increased protection of the gas piping in a building.

CSST piping is easy to identify because of the distinctive yellow coating around the stainless steel pipe.

Property owners, who own structures in which CSST gas piping was installed prior to September 5, 2006, and the piping was manufactured by one of the defendants in the lawsuit, are entitled to submit a claim for a voucher.

Claims must be submitted and postmarked by September 5, 2007.

You may download or file your claim on-line at www.csstsettlement.com. The website also lists a number of frequently asked questions.

For costs associated with bonding and grounding, you will need to contact a licensed electrician.

If you have any questions, please call Customer Service, 554.6666.

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