Appliance Connectors
Appliance connectors are corrugated metal tubes used to connect gas appliances to fuel gas supply pipes. Some older brass connectors have a serious flaw in how their tubing was joined to their end pieces. These older brass connectors have not been in production for more than 20 years now, but might still be found and in use in older homes and buildings.
Over time, the end pieces can separate from the tubing and cause a serious natural gas leak, explosion or fire. Uncoated brass connectors should be replaced immediately. Although not all uncoated connectors have this flaw, it is very difficult to tell which ones do. Therefore, any uncoated brass connectors should be replaced immediately with a new plastic-coated brass connector or a new stainless steel connector.
Only a qualified professional should check or replace connectors. Do not move your appliance to check the connector! They can easily break if moved even slightly. For your safety, make sure a qualified professional performs the inspection and immediately replaces any uncoated brass connectors with stainless steel or plastic-coated connectors.
Each appliance should have a shut-off valve installed on the house piping before the connector. Connectors should:
- Always be installed by a certified contractor every time an appliance is replaced or moved from its location.
- Be installed where no one will step, sit, lean or place a heavy object on them.
- Never be installed through a wall, floor or ceiling.
- Not be more than six feet long
Good and Bad Connectors
Examples of unacceptable uncoated brass appliance connectors:
Examples of acceptable appliance connectors:
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.
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.
Who can inspect or install appliance connectors for me?
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.