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Learn about the NYC Fire Code

Select the right

G-TEC Torch Booster

for your torch

Purchase a G-TEC Torch Booster

Contact G-TEC with questions or to purchase a Torch Booster

Installing G-TEC Torch Boosters In New York City

This page explains the technical requirements for installing G-TEC Torch Boosters. There is also a requirement for a Certificate of Approval for TB-15 and TB-30 Torch Boosters and for a Site Specific Certificate of Approval for TB-60, TB-125, TB-250 and TB-500 Torch Boosters. Click here for more information about the Torch Booster approval process in New York City.

InstallTB153060125

Installation Overview For TB-15/30/60/125 Torch Boosters

This is a general description of how to install TB-15 through TB-125 Torch Boosters - please read the User’s Information and Installation Manual that is included with with your Torch Booster for complete installation details.

 

New York City has specific installation, permit and operational requirements which must be met - please refer to the User’s Information and Installation Manual which comes with the Torch Booster for details. It is your responsibility to comply with all New York City Codes, Rules and Regulations. Torch Boosters must be installed by a Licensed Master Plumber; do not install a Torch Booster in New York City unless you are a Licensed Master Plumber.

Start with the right tools! - You will need a roll of Teflon sealant tape, 4 sizes of open end wrenches ( 9/16”, 5/8”,3/4” and                                                     7/8”) and an adjustable wrench that opens at to least 1 1/4”.

 

Install a tee fitting in the building gas line

 

 

TB-15 and TB-30 Torch Boosters require a minimum 1/2” diameter low pressure natural gas supply pipe. TB-60 requires a minimum 3/4” diameter supply pipe and TB-125 requires a minimum 1” diameter supply pipe. A qualified technician should install a tee in the existing gas line with a 1/2” male fitting for the TB-15 and TB-30, 3/4” for the TB-60 and 1” for TB-125 Torch Boosters. Do not attempt this installation yourself unless you are a Licensed Master Plumber.

Pipe Tee.png

Connect the ball valve to the gas line

 

G-TEC includes a shutoff valve with each system, 1/2” for the TB-15/30 and 3/4” for the TB-60/125. Apply Teflon sealant tape to the thread on the male pipe end then tightly screw the shutoff valve onto the pipe.

Wrap the end of the gas pipe with Teflon tape

IMG_3310 Pipe w Teflon.jpg
IMG_3312 Pipe and Valve.jpg

Screw the shutoff valve onto the pipe and tighten with a wrench

IMG_3314 Stainless Hose and Ball Valve.jpg

Connect the flexible supply hose to the shutoff valve

 

After the shutoff valve is connected to the supply pipe screw the adapter fitting into the ball valve. Be sure to use sealant tape for this fitting and tighten the adapter with a 7/8” open ended wrench. Next, screw the flexible hose onto the adapter with a 3/4” wrench.

Braided stainless steel hose

Adapter Fitting

Shutoff Valve

Connect the other end of the stainless steel supply hose to the gas inlet fitting on the back of the Torch Booster

 

You must use the stainless steel hose supplied by G-TEC. Do not substitute any other hose, hard pipe connection or anything else. Safety equipment inside the Torch Booster is calibrated to this hose and anything else will cause the system to shut down without warning.

You will need two wrenches for this step. Use a 9/16” wrench on the nut at the end of the hose for the TB-15/30/60 or ¾” wrench for the TB-125, and a 5/8” (TB-15/30/60) or 3/4” (TB-125) wrench on the nut attached to the cabinet. When tightening the fitting hold pressure on the cabinet nut so that it does not turn.

 

If there is a lock washer on the Booster you can do this step with one wrench. If there is not a lock washer on the Booster use a second wrench to brace the nut on the fitting on the Booster while tightening the hose. Failure to do this may twist the copper tubing inside the Booster and VOID THE WARRANTY.

IMG_3317 Stainless Hose and Back of Unit MASTER.jpg
IMG_1869 TB30 FDNY Reg Wrench EMAIL.jpg

Connect the regulator, flashback arrestor and  B to 1/4” NPT fitting to the gas outlet fitting

 

When connecting the regulator and gauge to the Torch Booster use sealant tape on the high-pressure outlet fitting on the Torch Booster. Be sure to hold a wrench on the high pressure outlet fitting when screwing on the regulator to relieve pressure on the fitting. Failure to do so may result in twisting the internal piping and will void the warranty.

 

Connect a regulator-mount flashback

arrestor check valve to the regulator.

 

If you purchased one, connect the B to NPT

Adapter to the end of the flashback arrestor

check valve for connection to the pipe going
to the jewelers’ torches.

IMG_1867 TB30 w FDNY Regulator Annotated 5x7 EMAIL.jpg
IMG_3874 Shut off valve yellow handle.jpg

Use the right fittings and connectors on your hoses and torches

The Fire Department Certificate of Approval calls for shutoffs, check valves and fittings at each torch which conform to National Fire Protection Association Standard 51 and Compressed Gas Association Standard E-1.

 

At each bench on the natural gas and oxygen pipes there must be UL Approved shutoff valves

as well as a simple check valve.

 

At the hose connections screw-type clamps are no longer

allowed; clamps which are permanently attached and cannot

be adjusted are required.

IMG_5360 Hoke Torch Clamps Not CGA Comp.jpg
IMG_3563 CGA Clamps on Hoke Torch 5x7 EMAIL.jpg
Simple Check Valve.png

G-TEC has the parts you need to complete your Torch Booster installation and comply with the Certificate of Approval

Bench Fittings For Torch Booster Image Only.jpg

Start the Torch Booster!

 

How To Start Your TB-15/30 Torch Booster

  • Before starting the Torch Booster be sure all gas valves between the Booster and the building gas meter are open, a torch is attached and its valves are closed.

  • On the left side of the Torch Booster flip the ON switch up - the green ON and amber RESET lights will turn on and the fans will start.

  • Press the START button on the right side and hold it down until the amber RESET light goes out - the red COMPRESSOR light in the middle stays on. The Torch Booster will now continue to run by itself. If the START button is released before the amber RESET light turns off the Torch Booster is designed to shut itself off.

  • If the Torch Booster shakes at startup, quickly turning on and off, it means there is not enough gas flow to the unit. Continued attempts to start the Torch Booster in these conditions can damage the unit - call G-TEC at 1-716-831-9695.

  • To turn the Torch Booster off press the ON switch on the left side down.

 

How To Start Your TB-60/125 Torch Booster

  • Before starting the Torch Booster be sure all gas valves between the Booster and the building gas meter are open. At the high pressure outlet be sure a torch is attached and its valves are closed. The Torch Booster will not start if there is an open gas outlet.

 

  • On the left side of the Torch Booster press the green button - the light above it and the RESET light on the right side of the cabinet will turn on.

 

  • On the right side press and hold the black START button until the RESET light above it goes out - the COMPRESSOR light in the center stays on. The Torch Booster will now continue to run by itself. If the START button is released before the amber light turns off the Torch Booster is designed to shut itself off.

 

  • If the Torch Booster shakes at startup, quickly turning on and off, it means there is not enough gas flow to the unit. Continued attempts to start the Torch Booster in these conditions can damage the unit - call G-TEC at 1-716-831-9695.

 

  • To turn off the Torch Booster press the red button below the COMPRESSOR light.

Now test all hose and fitting connections with soapy water to be sure there are no gas leaks. If there are gas leaks re-tighten the connection until the leak stops. 

InstallTB250500

Installation Overview For TB-250 And TB-500 Torch Boosters

DCP_1161 Gas Supply View 3x3 email.jpg
FDNY Regulator and B NPT Adapter.jpg

Connect the Torch Booster to building gas piping

TB-250 and TB-500 Torch Boosters are hard piped to the utility gas supply and require a minimum 1 1/2” diameter supply pipe. Narrower pipe will reduce gas flow volume through the Torch Booster.

G-TEC Torch Boosters are manufactured with two gas inlets for gas supply pressure of less than 1 psi or 1-5 psi. In New York City all utility gas pressure is less than 1 psi so connect the supply pipe to the inlet closest to the red/yellow power shutoff.

The 1-5 psi inlet should be capped with a metal cap and sealed with Teflon sealant.

Power supply to the Torch Booster must be 208V, single phase 30 amp service. Use a Buck & Boost transformer to provide proper power supply if it is not readily available. Higher or lower voltage will cause burning and melting in the electrical cabinet and void the warranty.

Torch Boosters should be installed with 12” space on all sides for cooling air flow and to allow access for annual scheduled maintenance.

We strongly discourage installing the Torch Booster under a cabinet or where a ladder is needed to reach it.

Connect the Booster to shop bench piping

 

When connecting the regulator and gauge to the Torch Booster use sealant tape on the high-pressure outlet fitting on the Torch Booster. Be sure to hold a wrench on the high pressure outlet fitting when screwing on the regulator to relieve pressure on the fitting. Failure to do so may result in twisting the internal piping and will void the warranty.

 

Connect a regulator-mount flashback  arrestor check valve to the regulator. Do not use sealant for this connection.

 

G-TEC offers an optional B to NPT adapter which screws on to the flashback arrestor and presents a female 1/4" NPT fitting for easy connection to the piping connecting the Torch Booster to the bench gas distribution piping.

Use the right fittings and connectors on your hoses and torches

The Fire Department Certificate of Approval calls for shutoffs, check valves and fittings at each torch which conform to National Fire Protection Association Standard 51 and Compressed Gas Association Standard E-1.

 

At each bench on the natural gas and oxygen pipes there must be a UL Approved shutoff valve as well as a simple check valve.

 

At the hose connections screw-type clamps are no longer allowed; clamps which are permanently attached and cannot

be adjusted are required.

IMG_5360 Hoke Torch Clamps Not CGA Comp.jpg
IMG_3563 CGA Clamps on Hoke Torch 5x7 EMAIL.jpg

G-TEC has the parts you need to complete your Torch Booster installation and comply with the Certificate of Approval

Bench Fittings For Torch Booster Image Only.jpg

How To Start Your TB-250/500 Torch Booster

  • Before starting the Torch Booster be sure all gas valves between the Booster and the building gas meter are open, a torch is attached and its valves are closed.

  • On the left side of the Torch Booster press the green button - the light above it and the RESET light on the right side of the cabinet will turn on.

  • On the right side press and hold the black START button until the RESET light above it goes out - the COMPRESSOR light in the center stays on. The Torch Booster will now continue to run by itself. If the START button is released before the amber light turns off the Torch Booster is designed to shut itself off.

  • If the Torch Booster shakes at startup, quickly turning on and off, it means there is not enough gas flow to the unit. Continued attempts to start the Torch Booster in these conditions can damage the unit - call G-TEC at 1-800-451-8294.

  • To turn off the Torch Booster press the red button below the COMPRESSOR light.

 

Now test all hose and fitting connections with soapy water to be sure there are no gas leaks. If there are gas leaks re-tighten the connection until the leak stops.

Learn about the NYC Fire Code

Select the right

G-TEC Torch Booster

for your torch

Purchase a G-TEC Torch Booster

Contact G-TEC with questions or to purchase a Torch Booster

G-TEC manufactures compact natural gas compressors.
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