What is the minimum thickness of cover required for underground piping in LP Gas installations that are unlikely to suffer external damage?

In LP Gas installations, the minimum thickness of cover for underground piping that is unlikely to suffer external damage is typically set at 12 inches. This standard is crucial for ensuring safety and protection against potential hazards. The specified thickness helps to minimize the risk of accidental damage from surface activities and environmental factors.

Maintaining a 12-inch cover effectively protects the piping from potential impacts and provides a buffer against soil movement, freezing conditions, and other environmental elements that might cause stress or damage to the gas lines. Additionally, this standard helps to facilitate proper drainage, reducing the risk of corrosion of the piping due to water accumulation.

Thicker covers, such as 18 inches or 24 inches, while providing additional protection, are not required for installations considered unlikely to experience external damage. Conversely, a cover of only 6 inches would not provide adequate protection and could expose the piping to risks that the standards are designed to mitigate. Thus, 12 inches is the optimal balance between safety and practicality for underground LP Gas piping installations.