Page 13 - UGI_Fall_2019

PluGGiNG iN: GaS CoNVeNieNCe ouTleTS aNd CSST oFFer SaFe, eaSY aCCeSS To NaTural GaS SuPPlY

Convenience outlets offer homeowners an
easy way to connect outdoor appliances to
a natural gas supply delivered through corru-
gated stainless-steel tubing, or CSST.
The outlets work well with CSST, said Hoss
Budde, president, Burnaby Manufacturing Photo courtesy of BurnaBy manufacturinG ltd.
Ltd. They easily connect to CSST to provide a
plug similar to an electrical outlet that allows
homeowners to simply plug in gas grills,
patio heaters, lights and other appliances.
The convenience outlet eliminates the need
for homeowners to hire a contractor to con-
nect new gas appliances.
“The homeowner can purchase an ap-
pliance, come home and plug it in,” Budde
said. “No calling a contractor to come out
and install it. No having to shut down the
whole house while the contractor installs it
and then relighting all the appliances once
he’s done.”
A new line of Versatile Gas Plugs™, VGP,
offers convenience plugs enclosed in a small When paired with corrugated stainless-steel tubing, or CSST, convenience outlets (like pic-
box designed to blend into wood, concrete, tured) provide an easy, plug-in connection to a home’s natural gas supply.
brick or rock surfaces. The VGP models con-
ceal tubing, pipes and valves and allow for drainage of with them without having to call a contractor to discon-
surface water through the box. nect it from the gas supply.
Once installed, the outlets allow homeowners to have Convenience outlets come with a variety of safety
more flexibility in the placement of outdoor appliances. features. They automatically shut off if the temperature
Convenience outlets can connect to appliances via a reaches 300 degrees, and most require that the manual
flexible hose up to 10 feet long so that homeowners can valve be shut off before the appliance is connected or dis-
move appliances around the patio or yard. Double out- connected. To ensure safety when connecting to CSST,
lets are also available so homeowners can plug in two homeowners should ensure the CSST lines are bonded
devices at the same time. and grounded.
The outlets also simplify moving and storage, Budde With the proper permits, a homeowner who knows
said. If homeowners buy new appliances, they can easily how to do gas piping can install the outlet themselves,
unplug the old appliance and plug in the new one with- Budde said. When doing so, they will likely want to order
out the need for contractors to connect or disconnect an extra strap to better secure the outlet in the box due
gas lines. When winter comes, homeowners can simply to CSST’s flexibility. Homeowners who are not comfort-
unplug the appliance and move it into winter storage. able connecting gas piping should contact a contractor
And, if homeowners move, they can take the appliance or plumber to do the initial installation. n

Fall - Winter 2019 ❙ naturalLiving 13
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