WARDFlex Sizing Guide⁚ A Comprehensive Overview
This comprehensive WARDFlex sizing guide provides essential information for accurately determining the necessary WARDFlex CSST sizes for gas piping systems. It covers methods, tools, charts, and safety guidelines for efficient installation.
WARDFlex CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) revolutionized the gas plumbing industry, offering a flexible alternative to rigid steel pipes. Engineered to meet ANSI LC 1 standards, WARDFlex ensures reliable gas distribution in residential and commercial settings. Its unique flexibility reduces the need for multiple connections, streamlining installation and saving time. 100% of WARDFlex tubing undergoes vacuum testing with helium, providing a stringent quality check. The double-annealed tubing increases its flexibility. WARDFlex offers a smart alternative to traditional black-steel pipe and other CSST products. For assistance in selecting the right size of WARDFlex, tools like the WARDFlex Sizing App and Jobsite Assistant are available, providing convenient on-the-go sizing solutions. These resources help determine the appropriate CSST sizes needed for complete installations, simplifying the process of designing and implementing gas piping systems.
Understanding WARDFlex Tubing
WARDFlex tubing is a corrugated stainless steel system designed for fuel gas distribution. Its flexibility reduces connection points, ensuring reliable flow from meters to appliances.
What is WARDFlex?
WARDFlex is a revolutionary corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) system designed for efficient and reliable fuel gas distribution in residential and commercial settings. Engineered, tested, and certified to meet ANSI LC 1 standards, WARDFlex offers a smart alternative to traditional rigid steel piping. The system’s inherent flexibility reduces the number of required fittings and connections, significantly minimizing potential leak points.
Its double-annealed construction enhances flexibility, simplifying installation around obstacles and within tight spaces. WARDFlex is vacuum tested with helium, ensuring a more stringent and reliable seal compared to air testing alone. Professional contractors benefit from WARDFlex’s time-saving installation and cost-effectiveness. The system ensures consistent and dependable gas flow from the meter to appliances.
Advantages of Using WARDFlex
WARDFlex offers several compelling advantages over traditional piping methods. Its flexibility significantly reduces the number of fittings required, streamlining installation and minimizing potential leak points, saving time and labor costs. The double-annealed tubing enhances maneuverability, allowing for easier navigation around obstacles and within confined spaces.
Helium leak testing ensures superior joint integrity. WARDFlex provides a cost-effective solution by reducing material waste and installation time. It ensures consistent and reliable gas flow from the meter to appliances, enhancing system performance. The reduced number of connections minimizes pressure drops, optimizing appliance operation. WARDFlex offers durability and corrosion resistance, extending the lifespan of the gas piping system. Furthermore, training resources and sizing apps further facilitate its use.
WARDFlex Sizing Methods
Proper sizing is crucial for optimal performance. Methods include the longest length method, which uses total pipe length to determine appropriate WARDFlex tubing size, ensuring correct gas flow.
Longest Length Method
The Longest Length Method is a sizing approach where you determine the WARDFlex tubing size based on the total length of the piping run from the gas meter or regulator to the furthest appliance. This method ensures adequate gas supply, even if WARDFlex is only a portion of the entire run.
It’s crucial to measure the entire length, including all fittings and bends, to get an accurate figure. This method provides a simple way to size the WARDFlex system. It is essential to consult the WARDFlex design guide for specific sizing tables and pressure drop calculations, ensuring optimal gas flow to all appliances. This method is essential for proper installation.
Tools for WARDFlex Sizing
Several tools assist in WARDFlex sizing, including sizing apps, jobsite assistants, and online table generators. These resources streamline the process and ensure accurate sizing for optimal performance.
WARDFlex Sizing App
The WARDFlex Sizing App revolutionizes gas piping system design, offering a convenient mobile solution for determining appropriate CSST sizes. This app enables users to calculate sizes needed for entire installations, ensuring optimal gas flow. With its user-friendly interface, contractors can input system parameters and receive instant sizing recommendations, streamlining the planning process.
Available on both Apple and Android platforms, the WARDFlex Sizing App eliminates the need for manual calculations and reference tables. This application simplifies the determination of WARDFlex CSST sizes required for installations. This tool is accessible anywhere, anytime, directly from a mobile device, thereby enhancing productivity on the job site and saving valuable time.
WARDFlex Jobsite Assistant App
The WARDFlex Jobsite Assistant App provides installers with immediate access to sizing charts, simplifying the process of determining the correct WARDFlex tubing size directly on the job site. This tool allows for quick calculations without needing to consult the design and installation guide, streamlining workflow and reducing errors. By inputting gas type and supply conditions, the app instantly calculates flow capacity for various WARDFlex CSST sizes.
With a user-friendly interface, the WARDFlex Jobsite Assistant App ensures accuracy and efficiency in sizing WARDFlex tubing. Its intuitive design facilitates on-the-spot calculations. This mobile tool enhances productivity by providing installers with the information they need, when they need it, all at their fingertips.
Online Sizing Table Generator
The online WARDFlex Sizing Table Generator offers a customizable solution for designing WARDFlex and WARDFlexMAX fuel gas piping systems. This tool enables users to create custom sizing tables tailored to specific project requirements, ensuring accurate and efficient system design. By inputting project parameters, such as pipe lengths, gas types, and pressure requirements, the generator produces detailed sizing tables that can be saved and referenced throughout the installation process.
This online resource simplifies the creation of sizing tables, eliminating manual calculations and reducing the risk of errors. It’s a valuable tool for contractors seeking a streamlined approach to WARDFlex system design.
The generated tables assist in determining the appropriate tubing sizes for optimal gas flow and system performance.
Sizing Charts and Tables
This section provides access to WARDFlex sizing charts and pressure drop tables. These resources are essential for selecting the correct tubing sizes to ensure optimal gas flow and system performance.
Accessing Sizing Charts
WARDFlex sizing charts are available through multiple convenient channels, ensuring easy access for installers and designers. The WARDFlex website (www.wardflex.com) offers downloadable charts in PDF format. The WARDFlex Design and Installation Guide also contains comprehensive sizing tables within Section 7, aiding in proper tubing selection.
For on-the-go access, the WARDFlex Jobsite Assistant App provides interactive sizing charts directly on your mobile device. This app simplifies the process of determining the correct WARDFlex tubing size without needing to consult physical documents. Additionally, the online Sizing Table Generator allows users to create custom charts tailored to specific project requirements. These resources empower users to confidently size WARDFlex systems.
Using Pressure Drop Tables
Pressure drop tables are crucial for accurately sizing WARDFlex systems, ensuring optimal gas flow and appliance performance. These tables, often found in the WARDFlex Design and Installation Guide (Table A-28), indicate the pressure drop (in inches of water column per foot) for various flow rates and tubing sizes.
To use these tables, first determine the required gas flow (CFH) for the appliance. Then, select a WARDFlex tubing size and find the corresponding pressure drop per foot. Multiply this value by the total length of the tubing run. Ensure the resulting pressure drop is within the acceptable range specified for the appliance. If the pressure drop is too high, select a larger tubing size.
Installation Guidelines and Safety
Proper installation and adherence to safety guidelines are paramount when working with WARDFlex. Following these procedures ensures a safe and efficient gas distribution system, preventing potential hazards and ensuring long-term reliability.
Importance of Following Guidelines
Adhering to WARDFlex installation guidelines is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the gas piping system. These guidelines, detailed in the WARDFlex Design and Installation Guide, are based on rigorous testing and engineering standards. Deviating from these instructions may compromise the system’s integrity, potentially leading to gas leaks, fire hazards, or even explosions. Proper sizing, support, and connection techniques are essential components covered in the guidelines.
Furthermore, compliance with local codes and regulations is also paramount. The guidelines ensure that the installation meets all necessary safety requirements. Ignoring these guidelines not only puts property and lives at risk but can also result in legal and financial repercussions. Always consult the WARDFlex Design and Installation Guide and local codes before commencing any installation work.
Safety Precautions
Prioritizing safety during WARDFlex installation is paramount to prevent accidents and ensure a secure gas piping system. Before commencing any work, always shut off the gas supply to the premises. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, to safeguard against potential hazards. Thoroughly inspect all WARDFlex components for any signs of damage or defects before installation.
Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area to prevent the accumulation of gas. When cutting WARDFlex tubing, use a sharp, approved cutter to create clean, burr-free edges. Properly ground the WARDFlex system to mitigate the risk of electrical surges. After completing the installation, conduct a thorough leak test using a non-corrosive leak detection solution. Never use an open flame to check for leaks. If any leaks are detected, immediately shut off the gas supply and rectify the issue.
Resources and Support
Access WARDFlex resources like design guides and sizing apps for efficient system planning. Contact WARDFlex representatives for expert assistance and guidance on installation best practices.
WARDFlex Design and Installation Guide
The WARDFlex Design and Installation Guide serves as a crucial resource for professionals, offering general guidance on designing and installing WARDFlex/WARDFlexMAX corrugated stainless steel tubing gas systems. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to specific procedures when sizing WARDFlex systems to ensure proper operation. Section 7 of the guide provides detailed tables to assist users in selecting appropriate tubing sizes.
This guide highlights that using the information for other gas tubing systems is inappropriate and may lead to serious injuries and property damage. Available in multiple languages, including English, French-Canadian, and Spanish, it offers comprehensive support for diverse users.
Downloadable in PDF format, the guide ensures easy access to essential sizing and installation information.
Contacting WARDFlex Representatives
For further assistance and detailed information regarding WARDFlex sizing, contacting WARDFlex representatives is highly recommended. These representatives can provide expert guidance on selecting the appropriate WARDFlex tubing sizes for specific project requirements. They offer support for both WARDFlex and WARDFlexMAX systems, ensuring accurate and safe installations.
Whether you need help with sizing calculations, understanding pressure drop tables, or navigating the WARDFlex Design and Installation Guide, representatives are available to assist. They can also provide information on the latest products, applications, and technical specifications.
To connect with a WARDFlex representative, visit the WARDFlex website to find a local rep and access their contact details. This ensures you receive personalized support tailored to your region and project needs.