As registered gas installers, we often get asked all kinds of questions about gas and we thought it was about time that we put together a list of frequently asked questions about LPG gas in South Africa.
In this article, we address some of the burning questions asked by our valued clients, family and friends.
LPG is an acronym for liquefied petroleum gas. This flammable substance is made up of propane, butane, and isobutane.
LPG is most commonly used for heating purposes such as spatial heating, water heating and cooking in residential and commercial environments.
Gas is extremely safe to use. However, the safety of gas ultimately depends on the following:
· All the necessary guidelines were followed during installation, including the issue of a gas compliance certificate
· Regular repair and maintenance are carried out on the cylinder and its components as well as the gas appliance
LPG is a clean-burning substance which cannot burn without air and therefore the flame can never travel backwards into the cylinder.
Many people have the opinion that if you have a small bottle connected to your appliance you don't need a certificate of compliance. This is in fact untrue.
The regulations SANS 10087 – 1 state that any fixed appliance (that does not fall under the portable appliance regulations) which is connected to a gas bottle, irrespective of the amount or size of that bottle, that home must have a gas compliance certificate.
Also if there is a change in ownership of such property that has LPG in that home, a certificate of compliance needs to be issued before transfer of that property can be completed.
Because LPG is a liquid fuel, it falls under the same category as diesel, petrol and paraffin. All of these are subject to monthly price adjustments which are determined by the Department of Energy.
These prices are based on local and international factors and may also differ depending on the province you are in.
The following are all factors that may cause a gas leakage:
· Improper handling of gas appliances
· Defective rubber tubing
· Faulty regulator fitting
Whatever the cause may be, it is extremely important to know how to detect a gas leak early, before major damage is done.
LPG is colourless and naturally odourless. However, there is an odour producing substance that is added to the mixture to make it possible to detect gas leaks. This can be identified as a sulphur or rotten egg smell.
Click here to read about what you need to do when you detect a gas leak in your home.
Simply pour hot (not boiling) water down one side of the cylinder and look out for a line of condensation which will appear on the bottle. That line will indicate the level of gas in the bottle.
If you don’t see condensation, use your hand to feel the temperature of the cylinder after pouring the water onto the bottle. The surface will be cooler where there is gas in the cylinder and hotter where there is no gas.
Absolutely not. Gas cylinders are pressurised, making them dangerous to refill if you are not a qualified technician using specialised tools and equipment to do the job.
Always take your empty cylinder to a registered gas supplier to have it refilled safely.
We are always happy to answer any questions that you may have about gas, gas installations, gas compliance certificates and anything else related to natural gas.
Therefore, if there is something you would like to know that we have not covered in this article, or if you would like to find out more about our gas installation services in Cape Town, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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