Jointing Requirements (screwed pipe fittings and unions)

Note	06/2023
Date Issued	January 2023
Last updated	January 2023
For	Licensees and contractors working in the gasfitting industry
Issue by	Building Commission NSW Building Specialist Compliance Unit
Scope	Applies to all areas in New South Wales

Issue

Recent gas audit inspections of Class 1 buildings carried out by Building Commission NSW’s Gas Compliance Unit have identified non-compliance in the installation of screwed fittings located in concealed locations.

All gas installations in NSW must comply with the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 (the Act) with any installation not conforming to AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 considered non-compliant.

Reference

Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2018

AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 – Gas Installations

5.1.7 – Jointing

Jointing of pipe shall be in accordance with TABLE 4.2 and the following as appropriate:

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screwed pipe fittings and unions shall be used only in accessible and ventilated locations
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Ventilation requirements

5.3.12 – Ventilation of concealed piping

Where consumer piping is to be installed in a void, duct or sleeve and the conditions in Clause 5.3.8 indicate ventilation is required, all of the following shall apply:

ventilation openings shall be provided at each end of the duct or sleeve
for voids such as ceiling spaces, ventilation openings shall be positioned relative to each other to provide a flow of air across the entire void
the openings shall be in a safe location
each opening shall have a free ventilation area that conforms with TABLE 5.3.12.

Relevant definitions – AS/NZS 5601.1 2022

1.3.1 Accessible

Access can be gained without hazard or undue difficulty for inspection, repair, testing, renewal, or operational purposes.

Note: In addition to the above, Building Commission NSW interpret “accessible” to mean “may first require removal of an access panel, cover, door or similar obstruction.”

1.3.86 – Permanent joint

Joint that is not intended to, and cannot readily, be disassembled.

Note: Examples of permanent joints are brazed, welded, crimped and hydraulically or mechanically compressed joints.

1.3.87 – Pipe fitting

Component used to join pipes, or to change direction or diameter of a pipe, or to provide a branch, or to terminate a pipe.

Requirements

Screwed fitting can only be installed in locations that are accessible via an access panel or the like and where adequate ventilation is provided.

Below are some examples of identified non-compliant installations.

Example 1: A threaded joiner installed to connect multilayer pipe and copper within a cavity wall, without access and/or ventilation.

threaded socket without access or ventilation — Example 2: A threaded socket installed using a type of “Loctite” thread sealing compound. The socket is installed behind/within brickwork without access and/or ventilation.

Example 3: A threaded joiner/reducer installed within the stud wall, behind gyprock without access and/or ventilation.

Example 4: A screwed cooktop connection being extended/offset in the void behind the kitchen cupboards. Maybe accessible by removing the oven, however the void is not adequately ventilated.

Information contained within this advisory note refers to codes and standards current at the time at when it was last updated.

Building Commission NSW disclaims any liability (including for negligence) to any person in respect of anything done, or not done, by that person in whole or partial reliance on any of the information in this advisory note.