Low. Due to the inherent safety risks associated with pressurized gas systems, specialized tools, and the critical need for strict code compliance and multiple inspections, professional installation by a licensed contractor is strongly advised.
Considered low complexity for licensed professionals familiar with established code; however, safety-critical due to handling pressurized gas. DIY projects are significantly more complex and carry high risk.
Project Guidelines & Rules
General Requirements & Permitting
3 Rules
A permit is required from your local building department prior to commencement of any work. All work must conform to the approved plans and all adopted codes, including the 2024 IRC, 2023 NEC, and the Illinois Plumbing Code.
2024 IRC R105.1
It is mandatory to contact J.U.L.I.E. (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) at 811 at least 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) before any excavation begins to locate existing underground utilities.
Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act
All gas piping installations shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, a qualified and licensed professional (e.g., licensed plumber or HVAC contractor) to ensure safety and code compliance.
2024 IRC R105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit - none for gas piping)
Gas Piping Materials & Sizing
3 Rules
Piping materials shall be approved for fuel gas and include black steel pipe (Schedule 40 or greater), or CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) in accordance with its listing, or other approved materials. Copper tubing is permitted for underground applications when properly coated for corrosion protection.
2024 IRC G2414.1, G2414.3
Gas piping shall be sized to provide an adequate supply of gas to the fire table, considering its BTU input, length of run, and available gas pressure, to prevent undue pressure drop. Refer to sizing tables or engineering calculations.
2024 IRC G2413.1, G2414.4
CSST shall be installed in continuous lengths where possible, mechanically protected where exposed to physical damage, and bonded in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and NEC requirements.
2024 IRC G2414.5.2, 2023 NEC 250.104(B)
Trenching & Burial Depths
3 Rules
Underground gas piping shall be installed with a minimum cover of 12 inches (305 mm) below grade for metallic pipe and 18 inches (457 mm) for plastic pipe. However, in DuPage County, deeper burial is strongly recommended and often required by local amendment to provide enhanced protection from physical damage and frost heave, typically aiming for 42 inches (1067 mm) where practical, especially under driveways, patios, or other high-traffic areas.
2024 IRC G2415.6.1, DuPage County Climate/Regional Standard
Trenches shall be backfilled with clean sand or soil free of rocks, broken concrete, or other deleterious materials that could damage the piping. Compaction shall be adequate to prevent future settlement.
2024 IRC G2415.6.1
Where underground piping crosses under a driveway or other area subject to vehicular traffic, it shall be installed in a protective casing or sleeve extending at least 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the edge of such areas.
2024 IRC G2415.6.3
Corrosion Protection
2 Rules
All buried metallic gas piping (e.g., black steel or copper) shall be protected from corrosion by an approved coating or wrapping, applied in a manner consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations and recognized industry practices.
2024 IRC G2415.6.2
Plastic piping and fittings shall be manufactured from material listed and approved for underground gas applications.
2024 IRC G2414.2
Connections & Shut-Offs
3 Rules
An accessible manual shut-off valve shall be installed within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the fire table appliance, upstream of the appliance connector, and in the same room or area as the appliance.
2024 IRC G2420.5.1
Appliance connectors shall be approved for outdoor use, stainless steel, and not exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in length.
2024 IRC G2420.1
All threaded pipe connections shall be made up tight with approved pipe joint compound or tape suitable for fuel gas.
2024 IRC G2415.11
Electrical Requirements (for Ignition/Controls)
2 Rules
Where electrical components (e.g., automatic ignition, lighting) are integral to the fire table, all wiring and connections shall conform to the National Electrical Code. Underground wiring shall meet NEC Article 300.5 requirements for burial depth and protection.
2023 NEC 300.5, 422.1, 680.1 (as applicable)
All outdoor electrical receptacles and connections serving the fire table or nearby shall be GFCI protected.
2023 NEC 210.8(A), 210.8(B)
Leak Testing
2 Rules
Upon completion of the gas piping installation, and prior to connection of the fire table, the entire piping system shall be tested to a pressure of not less than 1.5 times the proposed maximum working pressure, but not less than 3 psig (20 kPa gauge), for a duration of at least 10 minutes, with no discernible drop in pressure.
2024 IRC G2417.4, G2417.5, G2417.6
Testing shall be conducted using air or inert gas, never oxygen or fuel gas. All joints and connections shall be checked for leaks using an approved leak detection solution.
2024 IRC G2417.5, G2417.6
Appliance Installation & Clearances
2 Rules
The outdoor fire table appliance shall be installed strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and listing, including all required clearances to combustible materials.
2024 IRC G2408.1, G2408.2
Adequate combustion air and ventilation shall be provided to ensure safe operation of the fire table.
2024 IRC G2407.1 (Applicable for all fuel-burning appliances)
Final Inspection
2 Rules
Upon completion of all work, including testing and appliance connection, a final inspection by your local building department is required. All tests, including the leak test, must be witnessed or verified by the inspector.
2024 IRC R109.1
Ensure all required documentation, including permits and professional certifications, are available for review during inspection.
2024 IRC R106.3
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