Ventilation question

From the ISGB forum:

Hi , right now I’ve been using the system Vince described in the Drew Fritts book. I had been using a minor and everything worked well.
Recently purchased an Lucio torch from Carlisle. I noticed I needed to upgrade my ventilation system. So I like to start from scratch, build a new hood etc. My room is 8 x 24.
I have also read an interesting article, and would like to get your thought on it please. Here is a link.
http://andreaguarino.com/ventilation/

I took a look at Andrea Guarino’s website and the link on her ventilation system. If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know my feelings on open duct ventilation (I don’t believe they work and don’t recommend them).

Plumbing for propane

From LE:

My studio is a separate building and my propane tank and regulator are in a ventilated box my husband built sitting on a ledge attached to the outside of the building. He ran the standard hose that came with the torch (or I my have purchased it separately) through a small hole about a foot from the floor which is about 4 feet to my torch. The small hole has a pvc pipe inserted with the hose running through it and then a wood plate on the ouside and inside holding it in place. The hose also has insulation stuffed around it. Okay, now it all looks fine to us – but the experts out there, are we missing some important safety concern? Thanks in advance!

On the surface, this sounds like a marvelous idea. Make a hole in the wall, line it with PVC, insulate it, and run the rubber hose through it.

Unfortunately, it is an illegal installation. The National Fire Code (NFPA) states that all wall penetrations must be accomplished with hard wall metallic piping. The piping can be copper, black (iron) pipe or stainless steel. There must also be a shut off valve on either side of the wall. On the inside of the wall, the pipe must extend to within 5 feet of the point of use, and if the point of use is further than 10 feet from the inside shut off valve, the line must have an additional shut off valve at that point (torch valves do not qualify).