IAPMO® Publishes First Hydrogen Fuel Gas Piping Manual

Ontario, Calif. — IAPMO^® has published the Manual of Recommended Practice for Hydrogen Fuel Gas Piping, the first comprehensive hydrogen manual designed to support the safe and efficient installation of H2 fuel gas piping systems.

Designed for easy adoption by authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), the manual provides actionable guidance language for hydrogen gas piping written in enforceable language to ensure safety and compliance at every level. The manual includes pipe-sizing tables and annex materials developed for hydrogen fuel gas admixtures. 

“Hydrogen is an important and forward-thinking mission, considering the role it can play in reducing carbon emissions,” said Chris Cheek, Piping Industry Progress & Education Trust Fund director, Los Angeles, and chair of the IAPMO Hydrogen Fuel Gas Piping Task Group that developed the manual. “Ensuring safety and competence in installation is critical, given the unique properties of hydrogen.” 

In addition to serving as a practical resource, the manual features key excerpts from the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC^®) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC^®), underscoring the vital standards that ensure hydrogen fuel piping is installed correctly and safely.

“Working with the Hydrogen Fuel Gas Piping Task Group to develop a manual for design, installation and inspections was like taking an accelerated course in this abundant energy source we’ve yet to tap into,” IAPMO Staff Liaison and Director of Technical Services and Research John Mullen said. “This brilliant group of industry experts really dug into the challenge of creating a sorely needed publication for installers and inspectors with space for the evolution of this technology.”

Tom Bigley, director of Plumbing Services at the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA), who also provided expertise to the task group, said the manual represents a critical step in educating and equipping skilled workers with the knowledge to safely install these systems.

“By establishing clear, safe standards for hydrogen fuel piping, IAPMO is paving the way for broader adoption of hydrogen technology, empowering the industry and protecting the public,” he said.

For more information about the Manual of Recommended Practice for Hydrogen Fuel Gas Piping or to access a copy, visit https://www.iapmo.org/campaigns/hydrogen-fuel-gas-piping-manual.