MA Thermal Shutoff Gas Codes

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires thermal-activated shut-offs for natural gas to protect the gas system if there is a fire. And the state has enforced this gas safety requirement since 1974. States considering improving their gas safety requirements are reviewing the Massachusetts and European codes and regulations regarding automatic thermal shutoffs for natural gas, as they apply upstream of the gas meter and downstream of the meter.

Upstream of the Gas Meter

Massachusetts requires a thermal gas shutoff device for gas meters installed inside a dwelling. The Massachusetts regulations that apply to natural gas lines prior to the meter are defined by Chapter 164 section 75A of the Mass General Laws and are enforced by the Commonwealth of MA Department of Public Utilities.

Downstream of the Gas Meter

There are no current regulations requiring automatic gas shutoffs downstream of the meter in Massachusetts. However, automatic gas shutoffs are permitted to be installed at any gas appliance, as long as the product has been approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Plumbers and Gas Fitters and follow the MA Plumbers and Gas Fitters’ code, as incorporated in the Massachusetts Fuel Gas and Plumbing Code MA CMR 248.

Products are reviewed by the Mass. Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. To obtain approval, products must be tested using industry accepted standards to ensure they are safe and work as designed for public use.

The FireBag meets the Massachusetts Plumbers and Gas Fitters’ code, and it has been approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.

International Standards for Automatic Gas Shutoffs

In addition to the Massachusetts Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters approval, the FireBag® is certified for international and thermal gas shutoff standards, including:

• DIN 3586 thermo activated safety device for gas applications (view PDF)
• 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 09/97) for thermo activated devices
• Italian UNI 7129 Ed 2001 Standard for fire protection and gas supply line components

Related Links:

FireBag Product Page
FireBag for the Home: Information on Home Use
FireBag for Industry: Information on Industrial Use
Cross Section: View a Cross Section of the FireBag
Animation: View the FireBag Animation
FireBag Installation Manual