Pa. Officials Warn Homeowners of Explosion Danger from Certain Natural Gas Tubing
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Pennsylvania state officials are warning homeowners about dangers associated with yellow steel tubing used to supply natural gas and propane to appliances.
The concern has to do with homes constructed or renovated since 1990 that have flexible yellow CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) that supplies natural gas or propane to appliances.
It's been determined that when lightning strikes on or near a building, there is risk of fire from electric arcs that can perforate the tubing, causing the gas to leak and ignite.
Pennsylvania fire commissioner Ed Mann says folks need to make sure the tubing is properly grounded.
"Direct bonding the yellow CSST reduces the chance for the arc to occur, making the home safer," he said today. "So if you see yellow tubing in your home, you should take steps to insure that it is properly bonded by contacting a licensed electrician."
A representative of the manufacturer says that in most places, the simple repair should cost less than $200.
