Are seismic shut off valve requirements in California?

About one in four fires after an earthquake is related to natural gas leaks. The California State Architect is required to approve automatic gas shutoff valves to be installed in the State of California, pursuant to Section 19202 of the State of California Health and Safety Code.

Are seismic shut off valves required?

In some municipalities, an Earthquake shut off valve for a gas line is legally required, but this is not always the case for every property. If a valve is not legally required, we must still recommend you have one installed. In the event of major seismic activity, a gas line can still be shut off manually.

When should you use a gas shut off valve?

Natural Gas Shut-off Valves For safety, a shut-off valve should be installed at every natural gas appliance. If a leak happens at a specific appliance, the valve allows you to turn off the natural gas at the appliance rather than shutting off all of your natural gas service. Some valves require a wrench to turn them.

Where are gas shut off valves required?

Gas shutoff valves at individual gas-fired appliances Building codes require that a gas shutoff be located at each appliance and outside of the jacket or cover of the appliance.

Where is the safest place to go during an earthquake?

COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) underneath a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.

How much does it cost to install a seismic gas shut off valve?

The price to install the excess flow valves, aka seismic gas valves, can be $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on site conditions and the ease to access the main gas line.

Is there a difference between gas and water shut off valves?

Most gas valves are brass and much heavier than standard valves, The other difference is most gas valves open or shut off with 1/4 turn. Ball valves also work the same way. Using a gas valve for water is more preferable than using a water valve for gas. Gas valves seal better.

What are the requirements for a seismic shut off valve?

SEISMIC GAS SHUT-OFF VALVE REQUIREMENTS Los Angeles City Ordinance 174478 requires that seismic gas shut-off valves be installed on designated buildings within the City. Seismic gas shut-off valves are designed to automatically shut off the supply

How to get gas shutoff valve certification in California?

2019 California Plumbing Code. California Referenced Standards for ESV certification will require compliance with ANSI/ASCE/SEI 25-16 in order for the devices to be certified by DSA. A certification application is to be completed by the manufacturer of the automatic gas shutoff valve for each valve.

What are the different types of gas shutoff valves?

These are the Excess Flow Automatic Gas Shutoff Valve (EFV) and Earthquake Sensitive Shutoff Valve (ESV). Excess Flow Actuated Gas Shutoff Valves (EFV):

Where can I get a gas valve installed?

The installation of gas valves is under the jurisdiction of the local building departments. Contact your local building department for specific details regarding permitting, installation, and inspection requirements.

When does natural gas shut off during an earthquake?

Earthquake natural gas shut-off valve (also known as a seismic natural gas shut-off valve) automatically shuts off your natural gas service when an earthquake of a sufficient magnitude occurs at your home.

Where do you put a natural gas shut off valve?

If you want to have an earthquake natural gas shut-off installed, or are required to have one by your insurance company or the local Department of Building and Safety, the valve must be installed on your house line.

How to contact SoCalGas natural gas shut off valve?

Natural gas service shut off and restoration of service orders can be scheduled by contacting us at 1-800-427-2200. Under the regulations of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), General Order 112-E, only SoCalGas® or its certified contractors are authorized to operate the natural gas service shut-off valve.