ICC Commercial Mechanical Practice Exam

When installing underground fuel gas piping, where must the installation not penetrate foundation walls?

1. At any point

2. At any point below grade

3. Unless placed in a protective sleeve

4. None of these

The correct answer is: At any point below grade

The requirement that underground fuel gas piping must not penetrate foundation walls at any point below grade is rooted in safety and structural integrity. When gas piping penetrates foundation walls below grade, it may become susceptible to damage from moisture, soil movement, and other environmental factors that can lead to leaks or failures in the piping system. Additionally, ensuring that piping does not penetrate at this level helps to maintain the integrity of the foundation and minimizes the risk of gas accumulation in basements or crawl spaces, which could pose an explosion hazard if undetected. The other options do not align with the specific safety standards and practices for underground fuel gas installations. For instance, the notion that installations could penetrate at any point or could do so as long as they are placed in a protective sleeve does not take into account the unique challenges and risks associated with below-grade penetrations. Hence, indicating that the installation must not penetrate foundation walls at any point below grade encapsulates the best practice for maintaining safety in these scenarios.