Appliance Connectors
Appliance connectors are corrugated metal tubes used to connect gas appliances to fuel gas supply pipes in your home or business. Some older brass connectors – that have not been made for more than 20 years, but that are still found in older homes and buildings – have a potential flaw in how the tubing is joined to end pieces. Over time, the end pieces can separate from the tubing and may cause a serious leak, explosion or fire.
Although not all uncoated connectors have this potential flaw, it is difficult to tell which ones do. Therefore, any uncoated brass connector should be replaced immediately by a certified contractor.
Be sure to follow these appliance connector guidelines:
• Make sure that connectors are installed where no one will step, sit, lean or place a heavy object on them.
• Never have a connector installed through a wall, floor or ceiling.
• An appliance connector should not be more than six feet long.
• Each appliance should have a shut-off valve installed on the house piping before the connector.
• A new connector should be installed by a certified contractor every time an appliance is replaced.
Good and Bad Connectors
Examples of unacceptable uncoated brass appliance connectors
Tubing has broken off the end piece.
Tubing has corroded, causing a hole.
No visible defect, although all uncoated brass connectors need to be replaced.
Examples of acceptable appliance connectors:
Uncoated, stainless steel connector.
Coated stainless steel connector.
Coated stainless steel connector.
All appliances should be inspected for uncoated brass appliance connectors. Most dryers, ranges, ovens and cook tops have flexible appliance connectors as opposed to hard piping.
Dryer with uncoated brass connector - unacceptable
Stove with uncoated brass connector - unacceptable
Dryer with coated stainless steel connector - acceptable
Stove with uncoated stainless steel connector - acceptable
Appliance Connector FAQ
What are appliance connectors?
Gas appliance connectors are corrugated metal tubes used to connect your home's gas appliances to fuel gas supply pipes.
Tell me about the different types of appliance connectors.
There are three types of acceptable appliance connectors:
- plastic-coated brass
- uncoated stainless steel
- plastic-coated stainless steel, which can be gray or yellow
Unacceptable, dangerous connectors are those that are uncoated brass.
Which appliances should have flexible connectors and which should have solid piping leading to the appliance?
Your dryer, stove, range and cook top probably have flexible connectors if they use natural gas. It is recommended that your water heater and furnace have solid piping.
How do I know if my connectors are uncoated brass (the dangerous kind)?
If your appliance is more than 20 years old, there is a good chance that it may have an uncoated brass connector. The only safe way to tell is to have a qualified contractor check. DO NOT attempt to check them yourself.
Why is it dangerous to move an appliance myself?
Moving the appliance, even slightly, whether to clean behind it or to inspect its gas connector, can cause complete failure of an older weakened connector and possibly result in a gas leak inside your home.
Where can I purchase appliance connectors?
Appliance connectors can be purchased at any hardware or home improvement store. However, a qualified contractor should always install them.
Can I install new or replace old appliance connectors by myself?
Only a qualified professional should check or replace connectors.
I'm moving and have approved appliance connectors. Can I take them with me?
As a rule, you should replace the connectors whenever the appliance is replaced or moved from its location.
I've recently built a new home. Would a new home have uncoated brass appliance connectors?
To our knowledge, these dangerous uncoated brass connectors have not been made for more than 20 years, although it is always good to have them inspected.
My landlord pays my gas bill. How do I go about having my appliance connectors inspected?
We suggest that you arrange for an inspection through your landlord or property management company.
Who can inspect or install appliance connectors for me?
Only have a qualified HVAC contractor inspect and install appliance connectors.
I've had uncoated brass appliance connectors for a long time and nothing has happened. Why am I now being told they are unsafe?
Although not all uncoated connectors have this flaw, it is very difficult to tell which ones do. Therefore, any uncoated brass connector should be replaced immediately with a new plastic-coated brass connector or a new stainless steel connector. We have been telling customers about appliance connector hazards for several years. Because this is such an important safety issue, we are increasing efforts to make customers aware of the dangers.
