When is it permissible to use plastic piping for gas distribution?

Using plastic piping for gas distribution is permissible primarily when it meets local codes and standards for gas service. Local regulations are established to ensure safety, compatibility, and suitability of materials used for gas distribution. These codes are developed based on the properties of materials and their performance under specific conditions related to gas transport.

Even if plastic piping could be cheaper or preferable in certain situations, without adherence to local guidelines, it may pose safety risks, such as inadequate pressure tolerance or susceptibility to environmental factors. Therefore, ensuring compliance with established codes guarantees that the materials used will function properly and maintain safety for end users and the environment.

Other options presented, while potentially seeming logical, do not encompass the critical role local codes play in determining the use of materials for gas distribution. Without adherence to these standards, the use of plastic piping may not be appropriate, even in scenarios that meet other suggested criteria.