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CNG Refueling/VRA Installation Permits?

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  • #1

    CNG Refueling/VRA Installation Permits?

    Does anyone know of any permits required to install your own VRA/Fuelmaker for personal use? Or what city or state department you would typically ask?

    I tried contacting the fire department but got sent to the building department instead, which of course had no idea, but recommeded I contact a "professional engineer"..

    So how many dead ends do I have to go down before I can legally say hey I tried but nobody had a clue.? Can I just hooked it up myself and was done with it.
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  • #2
    Re: CNG Refueling/VRA Installation Permits?

    Anytime you change or alter a gas system a permit is normally required.
    Its a matter of education. We go through this all the time.
    By the time you get a building official up to speed, they are replaced
    by someone else who does not have a clue.
    Dave Clement

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    • #3
      Re: CNG Refueling/VRA Installation Permits?

      I suppose the standards that need to be followed will be all spelled out in the NFPA 52 2006?

      I dont suppose anyone would have a copy of this they would'nt mind emailing to me, before a spend $38.00 for a document that may be obsolete in a few months anyway?

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      • #4
        Re: CNG Refueling/VRA Installation Permits?

        Go to FuelMaker.com and download the manual, installation instructions would be in conformance with NFPA. ( Or call your local FuelMaker Dealer)
        Dave Clement

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        • #5
          Re: CNG Refueling/VRA Installation Permits?

          For my Phill I just pulled a plumbing permit saying 'I'm installing a new appliance', had it installed, and the inspector approved it. You can do the same thing with other models, but I'm sure they will have many more questions and corrections since they aren't rated as 'appliances.' You may also need electrical (we had an existing outlet available for Phill). This was City of Los Angeles.
          02 GX
          01 GX
          03 Crown Vic
          06 GX
          Home Fueler

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: CNG Refueling/VRA Installation Permits?

            I am in LA county which generally mirrors LADBS buildign regulations. I am new to CNG but a few months ago when I researched it I was informed by the phill manufacturer that I needed to have an installer that was approved by them do the installation or the warranty would not be valid and rebuilds, etc would not be possible. After some research and lots of calls to installers who mostly didn't return calls I got a few prices starting at around $2k to just show up and sign off on it even if I did all the work. As I understood it that was to cover the added insurance costs these installers have to carry to be certified by the phill manufacturer. I also had to notify the gas company and have them check that my gas supply was suitable. That took about 6 weeks.

            I have previously run all the gas, electrical and plumbing lines including service hookups and all appliances and HVAC in my house so in my mind I am more that capable to do the work.

            With this installation cost in addition to the unit cost and rebuild costs it did not pencil out for me, not even close even with all the credits and rebates. I think the CA tax credit was set to expire right about now so I mabe out of luck. If I can get the $ to come out even close to a wash I would definitely do it for convience sake. Several $k is too steep a price for that convience for me right now though.

            freedml- did you use a phill approved installer? if you didn't were you able to do this with the manufacturer's blessing? If so can you give me any information that would verify this is OK to install my self as long as I pull the permits?

            If anyone else has some comments or can correct or add to my knowledge here please post or PM me. Thanks, DH
            Last edited by Donny; 03-20-2008, 01:35 PM.

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            • #7
              Re: CNG Refueling/VRA Installation Permits?

              I used Kevin Shaw Plumbing. They did a 'Y' off my water heater for gas and the outlet was already there (so, no cutting pipe, just some fittings). They charged $900.

              I assume you're talking about the SCAQMD program that pays Fuelmaker $2500 and you pay the rest (about $1400 when I did it I think). They subsidize so many a year and then you have to wait until the next year's program is authorized. Just tell Fuelmaker you want to wait for the credit and they'll put you in line for the next batch.

              One problem was Fuelmaker and the installer didn't communicate when the installation plan changed. KSP wanted to make a big deal out of installing it indoors, so we installed it outdoors, but Fuelmaker still provided and charged for the remote gas sensor which we didn't need any more.

              I think part of the reason they require a certified installer was that it was part of getting it approved as an 'appliance.' Or it's just that they're Canadian
              Last edited by freedml; 03-20-2008, 01:52 PM.
              02 GX
              01 GX
              03 Crown Vic
              06 GX
              Home Fueler

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: CNG Refueling/VRA Installation Permits?

                freedml-

                Thanks for the quick response and info, I will try and contact Shaw Plumbing. $2,300 out the door after credits/rebates sounds good to me.

                Thanks again.

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