Boat Safety Scheme - Standard 7.17 to 7.18

7.17.1 Installation Pipework (Not run above bilge water level)
Installation pipework should not run below bilge water level. Although there may be space beneath the cabin floor which may be above water level, it would be bad practice, and potentially dangerous, to route pipes through it even if they were in a gas proof conduits and contained no joints.

7.17.2 Installation Pipework (In Contact with material that could cause corrosion)
Installation pipework should not run in contact with any material that could cause corrosion. This could include battery acid or sea water. Where there is any material that can cause the pipe to corrode, protection can be effected either by ensuring the pipes are not in contact with such materials or protecting them if they are in contact with it.

Pipework can be protected in a number of ways such as conduits, lagging or impervious coatings.

7.17.3 Installation pipework in petrol engine space (Not jointless in gas proof conduit through petrol engine space.)
Pipework should not pass through petrol engine spaces unless jointless and enclosed in a gas proof conduit made of an inherently gas proof material such as Cooper, Stainless steel or PVC. The open ends of the conduit should be on the outside of the engine space. The pipe running through the conduit must be jointless.

7.17.4 Installation pipework in dedicated to electrical equipment (Not jointless in gas-proof conduit through space dedicated to electrical equipment.)
Pipework should not pass through spaces dedicated to electrical equipment, unless jointless and enclosed in a gas proof conduit.

7.18.1 Installation Pipework (Passes through ventilation or air conditioning duct)
Pipework must not pass through ventilation or air conditioning ducts in order to reduce the risk of a spread of leaking gas and to prevent leaked gas reaching any associated spark inducing electrical equipment.

7.18.2 Installation Pipework (Exposed to leakage from water services)
Pipework shall not be exposed to leakage from water services.

7.18.3 Installation Pipework (Passes through same duct as electricity or telecom services.)
Pipework shall be remote and or insulated from and shall not pass through the same duct as electricity or telecom services.

7.18.4 Installation Pipework (Not separated by at least 30mm from electric cables not in a conduit)
Pipework shall be separated from electrical cables, irrespective of voltage, by at least 30mm unless the cables are carried in a suitable conduit (Made to BS4607).

If the insulation of the cable breaks down or is damaged in any way, it is possible that arcing to the gas pipe could occur resulting in perforation of the pipe by spark erosion.

7.18.5 Installation Pipework (Not situated at least 75mm from exhaust pipes)
Pipework should not be situated less than 75mm from exhaust pipes. Exhaust pipes include flue pipes of a refrigerator not flued to the outside of the vessel.

Pipework adjacent to exhaust pipes may be damaged by excessive heat or by differential expansion and contraction leading to work hardening or joints becoming loose.