NEW PRODUCT STANDARDS CALL FOR COMMERCIAL-GRADE MOVEABLE GAS CONNECTORS

FOR FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS

Operators Now Required to Use Commercial-Grade Connectors to Ensure Safer, Cleaner Kitchens

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 8: The American and Canadian national standards for gas equipment in commercial kitchens have been updated. The new versions of the product standard and installation codes will enhance safety and sanitation by requiring that “commercial-grade” moveable gas connectors (based on ANSI Z21.69/CSA 6.16) be used for all equipment that is moved on a regular basis for cleaning or maintenance.

In the past, many restaurants have used residential-grade connectors. The change in standards now makes it clear that gas appliances that “can be moved” for cleaning or maintenance should utilize a commercial-grade flexible gas connector rather than residential-grade installations to ensure that gas appliances are connected in accordance with the new standards. 

Dormont Manufacturing Company, which has always been a champion of gas safety, applauds the new standards and recognition of the relationship between gas appliance mobility and kitchen safety.

“The recognition by the standards committees that gas equipment in commercial kitchens that ‘can be moved,’ whether on casters or fixed legs, for cleaning and service repair, is significant. Specifying the use of commercial-grade flexible gas connections will enhance both safety and hygiene in commercial food service environments,” said Evan Segal, CEO of Dormont Manufacturing, located in Export, Pa. “We are pleased to be able to educate key stakeholders in the industry about these new standards to ensure that all commercial kitchens are aware of the codes and understand that mobility can enhance safety and hygiene.”

Moveable gas connectors provide a safer, cleaner option than other frequently used methods. Residential-grade connectors are not designed to perform under conditions found in commercial kitchens and increase the risk of injury and property loss due to fire and explosion. In addition, residential connectors lack a smooth “wipe clean” surface and accumulate bacteria that increases the probability of food contamination or food-borne illness. Further, hard-piped installations that do not allow for the movement of appliances for cleaning can result in the buildup of dangerous bacteria, which could lead to food contamination. Installing commercial-grade moveable gas connectors on any appliance that “can be moved” will ensure compliance, avoid problems related to these safety and hygiene issues, and maximize operating efficiency.

The updated codes are as follows:

American National Standard Institute/Canadian Standards Association (ANSI Z21.69/CSA 6.16)

2005 Revision/Publication Fall 2005

“A connector for use with all castered appliances as well as food service appliances that may, or may not, utilize casters and, under conditions of normal use, are moved on a regular basis for service, positioning or area cleanliness. A connector of this type is not designed for continuous movement and may be equipped with a quick disconnect device.”

National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54)

Adopted, Fall 2005 Version

8.5.1.1 Commercial Cooking Appliances. Commercial cooking appliances that are moved for cleaning and sanitation purposes shall be connected in accordance with the connector manufacturer's installation instructions using a listed appliance connector complying with ANSI Z21.69, Connectors for Moveable Gas Appliances.

CSA International - B149.1 Natural Gas Installation Code

Current Version

5.21.4  Commercial cooking appliances certified for use with casters or otherwise subject to movement for cleaning and other large gas utilization equipment that may be moved shall be connected by a certified connector in accordance with CSA Standard CSA-6.16/ANSI Z21.69.

About Dormont

Dormont is the inventor of both the flexible stainless steel gas connector and the quick disconnect gas connector. As the leading manufacturer of commercial-grade quick disconnect gas connectors, the Dormont family of Safety Systemä products are used in the food service industry to provide for mobility, improved safety and hygiene. Dormont’s Safety Systemä also includes a leading brand of flexible stainless steel gas connectors, which are used in residential applications. Dormont is a primary supplier of OEM Design Solutions for fluid conveyance for gas appliance manufacturers. Dormont’s proven performance record spans over 60 years with more than 75 million safe installations worldwide. The Company is an ISO 9001:2000 Registered Manufacturer that has developed proprietary, world-class equipment and processes to manufacture the finest quality stainless steel gas connectors.

To receive a free copy of the “Guide to Gas Safety Codes,” go to www.dormont.com.