MCC-NH Gas Fitters Practice Exam

What should be done to protect gas piping from external damage when a minimum depth cannot be achieved?

1. Place it under a bridge

2. Run it inside a conduit

3. Cover it with soil

4. Use thicker pipes

The correct answer is: Run it inside a conduit

The best approach to protect gas piping from external damage when it cannot be installed at the minimum depth is to run it inside a conduit. This method offers a physical barrier that shields the gas piping from impacts, corrosion, and other potential hazards it may encounter in its environment. Using conduit provides a protective casing that can withstand external pressures and accidental impacts, helping to prevent any damage to the gas piping. It is especially important in areas where vehicular traffic or heavy loads might pose a risk to buried lines, ensuring that the integrity of the gas system is maintained. While placing the piping under a bridge might seem like a protective measure, it does not effectively address issues like corrosion or impact from the ground level. Covering it with soil does not provide additional protection if the depth is insufficient. Similarly, utilizing thicker pipes may improve durability but does not directly shield the piping from environmental damage. Therefore, using a conduit is the most effective strategy in this scenario.