TECO® FireBag® Meets MA Gas Safety Regulations for Utilities

The TECO^® FireBag^® is an automatic thermal-activated shut-off device for natural gas, propane, and butane gas. The TECO FireBag thermal-activated shut-off device turns off the gas supply in the event of a fire. This safety device prevents unrestricted release of gas when meter and regulator assets are exposed to fire.

TECO FireBag Thermally Activated Gas Shutoff

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires thermal-activated shutoffs for natural gas to protect the gas system if there is a fire. Massachusetts requires automatic thermal gas shutoffs installations before the gas meter. The State has enforced this gas safety requirement since 1974. The TECO FireBag is MA DPU approved¹ and meets the codes for thermal gas shutoffs including:

• Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) – Installation and Design of Automatic Gas Shut Off Devices G.L.c. 164 section 75A (2012)
• Massachusetts D.P.U. MGL Section 75A of Chapter 164, Ruling #14899 (March 1974) Section 8 (c) and (d)
• Massachusetts CMR 248, Mass Fuel Gas & Plumbing Code (2011)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires thermal-activated shutoffs for natural gas to protect the gas system if there is a fire. Massachusetts requires automatic thermal gas shutoffs installations before the gas meter. The State has enforced this gas safety requirement since 1974. The TECO FireBag is MA DPU approved and meets the codes for thermal gas shutoffs including:

• Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) – Installation and Design of Automatic Gas Shut Off Devices G.L.c. 164 section 75A (2012)
• Massachusetts D.P.U. MGL Section 75A of Chapter 164, Ruling #14899 (March 1974) Section 8 (c) and (d)
• Massachusetts CMR 248, Mass Fuel Gas & Plumbing Code (2011)

How the TECO FireBag Works

The TECO FireBag Thermal Activated Shutoff (TAS) consists of a zinc-plated steel fitting containing a fusible metal alloy and spring, which when exposed to 203˚- 212˚F temperatures releases a plug producing a metal-to-metal seat, creating a gas-tight seal. Fusible alloys are a reliable technology also commonly used in emergency fire sprinkler systems. Manufactured to German DIN 3586 Standards, the TECO FireBag closes within 60 seconds of the set-off temperature and can withstand 1,697˚F for 60 minutes, allowing time for first responders to reach the dwelling and turn the gas supply off from the curb. Since the TECO FireBag is a passive device and only triggers in a fire situation, it is maintenance free, and requires no regular inspections. No fire or heat detectors are required to automatically intercept the gas flow.

Where the TECO FireBag is Used

The TECO FireBag can be installed at various locations upstream of the gas meter and designed for use on indoor or outdoor, single meter and multi-meter installations, with pressure ratings ranging from inches water column to 100 psig MAOP.

Single Residential & Commercial Metering Applications

TECO FireBag Thermal Activated Shutoffs are available in multiple piping configurations and sizes to accommodate the varying piping requirements of a natural gas or propane system. A recommended TECO FireBag piping orientation and design illustration is highlighted as follows, or simply contact your local TECO FireBag distributor for additional information and specifications:

A — Upstream of the Regulator
Installed prior to the regulator, Male x Female TECO FireBag configurations are available in ¾” – 2″ NPT sizes.

B — Upstream of the Meter Bar
For installations after the regulator and prior to the meter bar, Female x Male TECO FireBag configurations are available in ¾” – 1½” NPT sizes.

C — In-Line with the Meter Swivels & Nuts

Multi-Meter Gas Manifold Metering Applications

Natural gas and propane utilities now are able to add thermal shutoff protection to multi-meter installations at residential and commercial buildings, adding a level of fire safety previously unattainable. Various TECO FireBag configurations are available for multi-meter gas manifolds, where each residence or business has its own gas meter. The TECO FireBag configuration and sizes are available to utilities to meet the following installation options.

A — In-line with the Manifold
TECO FireBag thermal shutoffs can be installed “prior-to” or “coupled-with” a multi-meter manifold to provide protection to multiple meters using just one device. Sizes include 1¼”, 1½” and 2″ in Female x Female configurations.

B — In-line with the Manifold Nipples to Meter
Nipples to the Meter Individual TECO FireBag installations place the thermal activated shutoff fittings between the manifold nipple and inlet to the meter bar. Sizes include 1″, 1¼” and 1½” NPT Female x Male configurations.

C — In-Line with the Meter Swivels & Nuts
A TECO FireBag Meter Connection Kit can easily be installed on new or existing meter installations by utilizing a TECO FireBag fitting in-line with the inlet swivel of the meter and accompanied by a BLANK companion fitting installed with the outlet swivel, keeping the meter balanced and level. Sizes include a ½” x ¾” reducing kit, ¾”, and 1″ NPT Male x Female configurations.

TECO FireBag Thermal Activated Shutoff (TAS) Features

• Fast activating trip temperatures of 203°-212°F, providing a gas-tight positive gas seal
• Once triggered, TECO FireBag TAS remains active (closed) in temperatures up to 1697°F for one hour
• Can undergo mechanical or thermal stress without misshaping, as thermal cooling occurs after a fire is extinguished.
• Tested & Approved for gas systems operating from inches water column to 100 psig MAOP
• Approved for Indoor & Outdoor piping applications
• NO external power or detectors required to activate
• Does not require regular inspections like active safety devices
• Manufactured and Tested to DIN 3586 Standards
• Approved for use by Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) – Installation and Design of Automatic Gas Shut Off Devices G.L c. 164, § 75A (2012)
• Approved for use under CMR 248, Mass Fuel Gas & Plumbing Code (2011)
• Over 12.5M TECO FireBag devices installed worldwide, with greater than 50,000 in the United States

Certifications

The TECO FireBag is certified for domestic and international thermal gas shutoff standards, including:

• Massachusetts D.P.U. MGL Section 75A of Chapter 164, Ruling #14899 (March 1974)
• Tested and certified by Gas Technology Institute (GTI) according to DIN 3586 testing procedures (2013) (2019)
• Meets and exceeds DIN 3586 thermo activated safety device for gas applications
• European UNI EN 1775 Standard for indoor gas installations
• European Directive 90/396/CEE certification for durability in mechanical or thermal stress
• German DVGW TRGI 86/96 Standard for thermo-activated locking systems on gas heaters, water heaters & domestic gas fittings
• German Standard Muster-Feuerverordnung (FeuVo v. 02/95 – edition 9/97) for thermal-activated devices
• Italian UNI 7129 Ed 2001 Standard for fire protection & gas supply line components
• Independently tested by GTI for OTD Member Companies

 

¹ MA DPU Approved FireBag Models