Is Your Home Susceptible to Fires Caused by Lightning and CSST?

What is CSST and What is the Issue with CSST & Lightning?

Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) is a flexible gas pipe used in many homes built or remodeled after 1989. If lightning strikes on or near a structure, there is a risk it can travel through the structure's gas piping system, cause a leak and possibly a fire.

There have been several house fires in Menomonee Falls that were either caused by or aggravated by CSST.

What Does CSST Look Like & Where Would it be Located in My Home?

• CSST is coated with a yellow, or in some cases, a black exterior plastic coating. 
• CSST should not be confused with flexible natural gas appliance connectors - the product that joins a moveable appliance (like a gas stove) to your home or building's natural gas supply line.
• CSST is usually routed beneath, through and alongside floor joists in your basement, inside wall cavities and on top ceiling joists in attic spaces or connected to fixed appliances such as water heaters

Where Can I Learn More About CSST, Lightning & Fires?

• For a quick overview, please watch this short video. CSST Safety Campaign (Please ignore the website mentioned as it no longer exists.
• There is a newer version of this product called Protective Jacketed CSST that was designed to address the fire risk. Please see: National Association of State Fire Marshals - Protective Jacketed CSST 
• An article on both styles of CSST and the proper installation, bonding and testing can be found at: Bonding-of-Corrugated-Stainless-Steel-Tubing-CSST-Gas-Piping-Systems