FG Fuel Gas Inspector Exam Prep

FG Fuel Gas Inspector Study Guide

Exam Overview

Fuel Gas Inspector (FG)

• Questions: 60 multiple-choice
• Time Limit: 2 hours (120 minutes)
• Format: Open book
• Cost: $320
• Code Book: 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• Delivery: PRONTO (in-person or online remote proctoring)

The Fuel Gas Inspector verifies the design, installation and inspection of fuel gas piping systems and equipment, gas-fired appliances and venting systems. Every question is drawn solely from the 2021 IFGC — this is a single-book exam, which rewards deep familiarity with the IFGC's organization.

A note on the [IFGS] / [IFGC] markers: many IFGC sections carry a bracketed [IFGS] marker, meaning the text comes from the International Fuel Gas Standard (the ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 content the IFGC incorporates). Combustion air (304), pipe sizing (402), and testing (406) are IFGS sections. The marker does not change how you apply the provision — it just tells you the source.

Exam Content Breakdown (official outline weights)

1. General Requirements and Administration – 27% (16 questions)

• Authority of Inspector (3%), Permitting and Documentation (3%), Clearance (8%), Guards (10%), Clearance Reduction Method (3%)

1. Inspection and Testing – 7% (4 questions)

• Procedures (4%), Purging (3%)

1. Venting Materials, Installation, and Sizing – 17% (10 questions)

• Materials (3%), Installation (7%), Sizing (7%)

1. Piping Systems, Materials, Installation, and Sizing – 22% (13 questions)

• Materials (3%), Installation (9%), Pressure and Flow Control (3%), Sizing (7%)

1. Combustion Air – 20% (12 questions)

• Volume (3%), Openings (3%), Sizing–Combustion Air (7%), Sizing–Exterior Openings (7%)

1. Types of Gas and Specialty Gas Systems – 7% (5 questions)

• Installation–Gas Systems (3%), Installation–Specialty Systems (4%)

1. General Requirements and Administration (27%)

Authority of the Inspector (Chapter 1)

• 104 Duties and powers of the code official: the official enforces the code, renders interpretations, and adopts policies and procedures; the official may not waive code requirements
• Right of entry (104.6): where entry is necessary to inspect and the premises are occupied, the official presents credentials and requests entry; if refused, the recourse is the remedies provided by law — not forced entry
• Disconnection of service utilities (108.3): the code official is authorized to order the disconnection of a fuel gas utility service to a building served by a hazardous or unsafe installation, with notice to the owner and the serving utility (immediate disconnection without notice is allowed for imminent danger, with notice given as soon as practicable)

Permitting and Documentation (Chapter 1)

• 106 Permits: required before installing, altering, repairing or replacing a fuel gas system; construction documents accompany the application
• 107 Inspections: required inspections must be made and approved; work must remain accessible until inspected
• Approval is required before the system is placed in service

Appliance Location and Access (303, 306)

• 303 Appliance location: appliances are installed in locations that comply with their listing and do not create hazards; specific prohibitions apply (e.g., unvented room heaters in bedrooms/bathrooms except the narrow 303.3 exceptions, such as a single wall-mounted unvented heater ≤10,000 Btu/h with the required room volume)
• 306 Access and service space: appliances must have access for inspection, service, repair and replacement; appliances in attics and under-floor spaces require a passageway and a 30-inch-by-30-inch level working space at the appliance, with a luminaire and receptacle, and the passageway sized to remove the largest appliance

Clearance to Combustibles (305, 308)

• 305 Installation: appliances are installed with the clearances to combustible material required by their listing; where unlisted, the IFGC default clearances apply. Appliances are protected from physical damage and, in locations subject to vehicle impact, are protected by guards or elevated
• 305.3 Elevation of ignition source: in garages and similar areas, the ignition source of an appliance is elevated not less than 18 inches above the floor unless the appliance is listed as flammable-vapor-ignition resistant
• 308 Clearance reduction: where a listed clearance cannot be met, Table 308.2 gives the allowable reduction when an approved reduced-clearance protective assembly (such as sheet metal with a ventilated air space) is installed. The reduction percentages and required air gaps come straight from Table 308.2

Guards (305)

• Appliances installed in a location subject to mechanical damage — driveways, parking areas, traffic aisles — must be protected. Guards (posts, rails, or equivalent) or elevation protect the appliance and its gas connection from impact. This 10% slice of the exam tests where guards are required and that they match the listing conditions.

2. Inspection and Testing (7%)