LP Gas & Gas Installation FAQs
LP Gas & Gas Installation FAQs (South Africa) — The LP Gas Man
SANS 10087-1:2024–aligned answers for LP gas cylinders, gas stoves, gas geysers and compliant gas installations across South Africa. Need a quote or a Gas Compliance Certificate (CoC)? Book The LpGas Man.
Certificates, Legal & Selling Property
Do I need a gas Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for an LP gas installation?
Yes. All fixed LP gas installations in South Africa require a Gas CoC issued by a registered SAQCC Gas practitioner after inspection and testing.
Is a gas CoC required when I sell my house or commercial property?
Yes. On sale/transfer you need a valid gas CoC for the installation. South Africa uses the SAQCC digital CoC format.
Can I install a gas stove or gas geyser myself and get a CoC later?
No. Only a registered gas practitioner may install, commission and issue a CoC for fixed gas installations.
How long is a gas CoC valid?
It remains valid while the installation and property owner is unchanged, safe and compliant. If the system is altered, falls out of compliance or the installation is now 5 years old, a new CoC is required.
LP Gas Cylinders Outdoors — Distances & Enclosures
What are the minimum safety distances for outdoor LP gas cylinders?
1–2–3 rule: at least 1 m to openings below valve height (doors, low windows, airbricks); 2 m to drains/manholes/forced-draught inlets; 3 m to openings directly above (or fit a compliant non-combustible canopy to reduce). Additional rules do apply.
How far from a boundary wall must LP gas cylinders be?
Up to two cylinders: ≥1 m (or tight to a compliant firewall). More than two cylinders: ≥3 m (or along/around a firewall by ≥3 m).
Can LP gas cylinders be placed against any wall?
Gas Cylinders installed on a boundary wall must have a 30-minute fire-resistance rating. Cylinders may be installed on a single-brick wall only if it is a divider wall and not a boundary wall.
What about thatched roofs or an electric fence above the wall?
Thatched eaves: keep cylinders ≥5 m away (or ≥3 m with a compliant firewall). Electric fence above the wall: fit a non-combustible canopy so the safe path to the fence is ≥1.5 m.
Do outdoor LP gas cylinders have to be in a cage (enclosure)?
Yes in most public-access locations. Exception: H3/H4 homes with an exclusive private yard and no public access. Enclosures need top & low-level ventilation and clear access to close valves.
What ventilation is required for a typical two-cylinder cage?
Provide high-level free area plus low-level openings: at least 60 cm² per side and 60 cm² per cylinder on the front, as low as possible.
Can I install LP gas cylinders under a balcony or inside a recess?
Only if the recess/structure complies (clearances, ventilation and canopy rules). Avoid enclosing cylinders unless built per the enclosure clauses.
Indoors, Flats & Cupboards
How much LP gas is allowed inside a flat or house in South Africa?
Flats/clusters over 2 storeys (H3): 9 kg per unit. Clusters/townhouses/semis ≤2 storeys (H3): 19 kg per unit. Dwelling houses (H4): 19 kg per house. Balconies and attached garages are included in these limits.
Can I keep an LP gas cylinder in a kitchen cupboard?
Yes — one 9 kg cylinder per cupboard, no electrical points in that section, nothing else stored there, and permanent ventilation (e.g., ≥60 cm² low and ≥60 cm² high on door/side, or vented outside).
If not in a cupboard, where should an indoor LP gas cylinder go?
Place it as close as possible to a door that leads outside, with low-level permanent ventilation (e.g., airbricks near the floor or a ≥6 mm external door gap).
Can I manifold multiple cylinders or use a changeover valve indoors?
No. Manifolds and changeovers must be outdoors.
Are LP gas cylinders allowed in garages, basements or below ground?
No. Garages, basements/cellars and below-ground positions are prohibited; never place cylinders above an appliance.
Appliance Clearances, Electrical & Ventilation
How close may an indoor LP gas cylinder be to a gas hob or other heat source?
Keep ≥300 mm from a gas hob; ≥2 m from other fuel heat sources (can reduce to 1 m with a compliant non-combustible heat shield).
How close may electrical switches and sockets be to burners and cylinders?
At the appliance: switches/sockets ≥200 mm horizontally from the nearest burner (or ≥1.5 m high). At cylinders outside: keep electrical equipment out of the prohibited ignition zone of 3m below cylinder valve and 1.5m above cylinder valve
What ventilation do kitchens, flueless heaters and gas geysers need?
Kitchens may need permanent high/low ventilation depending on appliance input. Flueless space heaters and certain gas water heaters require permanent ventilation and are restricted from some rooms; we size vents during a site survey.
Regulators, Pipework & Materials
Which regulator pressure is used for typical domestic LP gas appliances?
Domestic appliances use low-pressure LP gas regulators matched to the appliance. We set and test during commissioning.
Can gas pipework run through walls or outside?
Yes, if correctly routed, protected/sleeved where required, supported and pressure-tested. We follow SANS construction and material rules.
Can LP gas flexible hoses be used permanently?
Use approved LPG hoses within length limits and replace when aged/damaged. We check dates and condition during service.
Capacity, Local Authority & Fire Safety
When must my LP gas installation be registered with the local authority?
Premises using or installing more than 100 kg of LP gas must be registered with the local authority; specific fire-fighting provisions apply.
Do I need signage at the cylinders?
Yes for most public-access sites — “No smoking / No naked flames / No unauthorised entry / No cellphones”. Private H3/H4 homes with exclusive yards are typically exempt.
Are LP gas cylinders allowed under overhead power lines?
No. Keep cylinders outside the exclusion zone near overhead lines; firewalls may be required for adjacent hazards.
Maintenance, Testing, Refills & Safety
How often should my gas installation be inspected?
At intervals not exceeding 5 years. Manifolds are on a planned 5-year cycle; pigtails older than 5 years must be replaced.
What testing happens before a CoC is issued?
We inspect workmanship and components, pressure-test stages, verify operating pressures, commission the appliances and then issue the digital CoC.
Can LP gas cylinders be in direct sunlight or rain?
Yes. Cylinders are designed for outdoor conditions. Place them on a level, non-combustible base, protect from tampering/vehicle damage and fit a compliant canopy or cage if required.
I smell gas — what must I do immediately?
If you suspect a gas leak or incident: immediately close the cylinder or main shut-off valves. Extinguish open flames only if it’s safe. Do not operate electrical switches or appliances, and avoid using phones near the area. Keep people clear and move upwind. Ventilate by opening doors and windows if it’s safe to do so. If there’s a fire, a strong smell of gas, or the situation isn’t under control, call the fire service from a safe location. Once safe, arrange an inspection by a registered gas installer before restoring use.
How can I check how much gas is left?
Weigh the cylinder. The full mass equals the tare weight (stamped “TW”) plus the gas contents. Example: TW 10.5 kg + 9.0 kg ≈ 19.5 kg when full.
Alternatively, use the warm-water level test: pour warm (not boiling) water down the side of the cylinder, wait a few seconds, then run your hand down the metal. It will feel warm above the liquid level and cool below, giving an approximate fill level. Use care to avoid scalds and ensure the cylinder is upright and isolated before testing.
Buying & Project Questions
What affects the price of a compliant gas installation?
Pipe length/route, penetrations, appliance load, regulator/spec, cylinder size/count, cage/canopy/firewalls and distances from kitchen/geyser. We quote after a quick site check.
Which cylinder size is best for a gas hob, braai or geyser?
Hobs often pair with 9 kg (indoors cupboard) or 19 kg (outdoors). Gas braais/geysers typically use 19/48 kg outdoors. We size to your demand and SANS limits.
Are composite LP gas cylinders allowed?
Yes if approved and correctly installed/secured; clearances and enclosure rules still apply.
Can LP gas cylinders go on an apartment balcony?
Yes within the H3 per-unit limits; the balcony counts as part of the unit. Clearances and ventilation still apply.
Do insurers require a gas CoC?
Most insurers expect a valid gas CoC for claims related to gas installations. Keep your digital CoC handy.
Ready for a compliant LP gas installation or Gas CoC? Book The LpGas Man
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Why choose us?
As a renowned provider of gas installations, our team with years of experiance are highly skilled and fully registered technicians are dedicated to following all applicable regulations and best practices to guarantee the excellence and safety of our services and our clients. We offer personalized consultations to assist you in determining the most suitable gas line layout and cylinder placement for your specific needs and requirements. With a deep understanding that each customer has distinctive needs, we adopt a customized approach to every project By closely collaborating with you to comprehend your unique requirements. We can deliver tailored solutions that fulfill your needs and surpass your expectations.