When new branches are installed to new appliances, which section is required to be pressure tested?

The correct answer is that the newly installed branches must be pressure tested. When extending or modifying a gas piping system, it is crucial to ensure that any new additions are leak-free and can safely handle the pressure of the gas. This focuses specifically on the branches that connect to new appliances, as they may introduce additional risks if not properly tested.

Testing only the new branches is particularly important because it verifies that the segment of the system affected by the installation is secure, ensuring that any joints, fittings, or connections made during installation are reliable. This step is crucial in maintaining safety and compliance with the National Fuel Gas Code, which prioritizes rigorous testing standards to prevent gas leaks and ensure proper functionality of appliances.

While it may seem logical to test the entire system or existing branches, they are not the focus of this specific requirement since they were not altered or added to during the installation process. Therefore, it's essential to concentrate the pressure testing on the newly installed components.