Several lawsuits have been filed blaming flexible stainless steel gas lines for fires sparked by lightning strikes. I understand that the flexible corrugated tubing, developed in Japan to avoid breaks in earthquakes, is being used more frequently in new homes in the United States. According to reports, some fire officials have raised concerns that electrical charges from lightning strikes can travel along the tubing and then puncture it, causing gas leaks and igniting fires.

One problem with the pipes, known as CSST, is that the pipes are very unpredictable as to when they will fail. As a result, it may be a very difficult product for the manufacturers to make safe. It was reported that one manufacturer, Omega Flex Inc., now sells the tubing wrapped in a special covering to make it more resistant to lightning strikes. Manufacturers also say faulty installation – without proper grounding – can be another factor in fires. This is a problem to watch closely. It could be a major area of concern for homeowners.

Source: ABA Journal