Opting for an LPG gas geyser is a smart move for many South African homeowners looking to save on electricity bills and enjoy a continuous supply of hot water. However, unlike simply plugging in an electric appliance, installing a gas geyser requires adherence to strict safety standards and regulations. In South Africa, these are primarily governed by SANS 10087-1 (the South African National Standard for the handling, storage, distribution, and maintenance of liquefied petroleum gas installations).

Our expert service providers often share stories of homeowners who, in an attempt to cut costs, opted for uncertified installers or tried DIY solutions. The results, as they've recounted, range from minor non-compliance issues that lead to rejected insurance claims to, more seriously, gas leaks or carbon monoxide build-up due to improper ventilation – hazards that pose a significant risk to life and property. The golden rule, repeatedly stressed by industry professionals, is to always use a certified gas installer. They understand the intricacies of these regulations and can ensure your installation is not only functional but, most importantly, safe and compliant.

This comprehensive checklist, drawing directly from the insights of registered gas installers across the country, will guide you through the critical requirements for a safe and compliant LPG gas geyser installation in South Africa.

The Non-Negotiable: Certified Gas Installer

This cannot be stressed enough. The very first item on your checklist, and arguably the most crucial, is to engage a registered and qualified gas installer.

• Why it's essential: Only a certified installer, registered with an accredited body like the SAQCC Gas (South African Qualification and Certification Committee for Gas), is legally permitted to install gas appliances in South Africa. They have the training and expertise to interpret and apply SANS regulations, ensuring your installation is safe and compliant.
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Upon completion of a new installation, any modification, or a change of ownership, a registered installer must issue a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). This document is your proof that the installation meets all safety and regulatory requirements. Without a valid CoC, your insurance claim could be rejected in the event of a gas-related incident. Our professionals have seen firsthand the heartbreak when a claim is denied because the CoC was either non-existent or issued by an uncertified individual.

Site Assessment and Geyser Placement

The location of your gas geyser and its associated gas cylinders is paramount for safety. Your installer will conduct a thorough site assessment to determine the most suitable placement, taking into account crucial safety distances.

• • Ventilation Requirements:Outdoor Installations: Many LPG gas geysers are designed for outdoor installation, which naturally provides excellent ventilation. Even then, they need to be positioned to allow for proper air circulation around the unit.
  • Indoor Installations (if applicable): For indoor gas geysers (which are generally "balanced flue" or "room-sealed" units), permanent ventilation is absolutely vital. This ensures that sufficient oxygen is available for combustion and that harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, are safely expelled. Your installer will assess the room volume and ventilation openings required as per SANS 10087-1. This is not something to guess at; inadequate ventilation is a leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. One installer recounted a close call where a homeowner felt constantly tired and dizzy, only to discover a poorly installed indoor unit was causing carbon monoxide to accumulate.
  • Proximity to Openings:Gas cylinders must be placed at least 1 meter away from any opening (doors, windows, airbricks) that is below the level of the container valve.
  • If a window is above the cylinder, there needs to be at least 300mm between the bottom of the window and the top of the bottle, with a non-combustible roof or cover (like a gas cage) installed between them.
  • Proximity to Ignition Sources and Drains:Cylinders must be at least 2 meters away from any open drain or depression where gas could accumulate if there's a leak.
  • A minimum distance of 3 meters is required from electrical sources of ignition, such as outside plug points, distribution boards, motors, pool pumps, and generators, if the electrical source is below the gas valve. This can be reduced to 1.5 meters if the electrical source is above the cylinder.

• Proximity to Combustible Materials: Ensure the area around the gas cylinders is kept clear of any combustible materials (weeds, dry grass, paper, waste, flammable chemicals) for at least 3 meters.
• Boundary Walls: Cylinders should be at least 1 meter away from a boundary wall, unless the wall is a double brick "firewall" exceeding 1.8 meters in height with no ventilation gaps.
• Level and Firm Base: Gas cylinders must be located on a firm, clean, well-drained, and level base.

Gas Bottle Cages and Storage

Proper storage of LPG cylinders is critical for safety and compliance.

• Security: Gas bottles, especially larger ones (exceeding 100kg total), must be stored in a lockable steel cage. Even for smaller domestic installations, a sturdy, well-ventilated cage is highly recommended for security and protection from tampering or accidental damage.
• Ventilation in Cages: Any enclosure, including gas cages or cupboards, where gas containers are placed, must have permanent ventilation. This allows for the dissipation of any minor gas leaks and prevents gas build-up.
  • Cylinder Size Limits: For internal installations in houses (including cluster housing and group housing not exceeding two storeys), a total maximum of 19 kg of LPG is allowed.
  • Flats are allowed a maximum of 9 kg per flat internally.
  • No fixed installation shall be installed inside a garage.
  • For outdoor installations at free-standing properties, a maximum of 2 x 48kg cylinders is typically permitted without additional fire safety measures.

Gas Piping and Connections

The integrity of the gas piping system is paramount to preventing leaks.

• Pipe Material: Only Class 1 or Class 2 copper pipes, or other approved gas piping materials, are permitted for gas installations. It's important to note that this is not the same copper piping used for water plumbing, which is typically Class 0.
• Protection for Pipes: Any copper pipe passing through or embedded in a wall, cement, or the ground must be protected with a protective sleeve. This prevents corrosion and damage.
• Flexible Hoses: Reinforced "orange" gas hoses connecting appliances must not be longer than 2 meters and are strictly forbidden from passing through any walls or solid partitions. They should be visible and easily accessible for inspection.
• Isolation Valve: Each gas appliance must have an isolation valve, allowing the gas supply to that specific appliance to be shut off independently.

Flue Pipe Installation (for Indoor/Some Outdoor Geysers)

For gas geysers that produce combustion by-products (typically indoor units and sometimes outdoor units in extreme weather areas), a flue pipe is essential to safely expel these gases.

• Purpose of a Flue: A gas flue, also known as a flue pipe or chimney flue, safely expels combustion gases, preventing the accumulation of toxic fumes and ensuring proper ventilation.
• Indoor Geysers: All indoor gas geysers (Type B and C) must be installed with a flue system that directs emissions to the outside. These are often balanced flue or room-sealed units that have specific flue kits designed for them.
• Outdoor Geysers (exceptions): While most outdoor gas geysers are open-flue (Type D) and don't require an additional flue in typical conditions, in extreme weather areas, they might be installed with a weather box. In such cases, a flue might be needed to prevent overheating or the flame from blowing out. Your installer will advise on this.
• Flue System Design: The flue system must be correctly sized and routed to ensure efficient and safe expulsion of gases. Incorrectly installed flues can lead to back-drafting and the build-up of dangerous gases indoors. A plumber once shared a story about a geyser installed too close to a neighbour's window without a proper flue, leading to complaints about strange smells. The solution involved rerouting the flue pipe and ensuring proper ventilation.

Preventing Common Non-Compliance Issues

Many compliance issues arise from seemingly small oversights. Registered installers are trained to spot and prevent these.

• Incorrect Distances: The most frequent non-compliance issue observed by professionals is incorrect distances between gas cylinders and doors, windows, drains, or electrical points. These distances are not arbitrary; they are critical for safety in the event of a gas leak.
• Lack of Ventilation: Insufficient or obstructed ventilation, especially for indoor units or gas bottle cupboards, is a major safety concern that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Uncertified Equipment: Using non-SABS approved equipment, incorrect valves, or unapproved piping materials is a direct violation of SANS regulations and compromises the safety of the entire installation.
• DIY or Unregistered Installers: Attempting a DIY installation or hiring an unregistered person is perhaps the biggest pitfall. Not only is it illegal, but it almost guarantees non-compliance and exposes your household to significant risks. This is why a CoC from a registered installer is legally required.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Even after a compliant installation, ongoing safety requires regular checks.

• Periodic Inspections: While a CoC is valid for five years, it's highly recommended to have your gas installation inspected and serviced periodically, ideally every 12-18 months, or if you suspect any issues.
• Rubber Components: All rubber components (hoses, seals) must be replaced every five years, as they can degrade over time.
• Regulators: Gas regulators should be replaced every ten years.

By following this comprehensive checklist and, most importantly, entrusting your LPG gas geyser installation to a certified professional, you ensure that your home benefits from efficient hot water while remaining safe and compliant with South African regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often do I need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for my gas geyser?

A new CoC is required upon the completion of any new gas installation, after any modification or alteration to an existing gas installation, or when a property with a gas installation changes ownership. While a CoC is generally valid for five years, it’s advisable to have your installation inspected more frequently, especially if you notice any unusual smells or issues.

Q2: Can I install an LPG gas geyser inside my home?

Yes, certain types of LPG gas geysers (specifically balanced flue or room-sealed units) can be installed indoors, provided they are correctly flued to the outside and the room has adequate permanent ventilation as per SANS regulations. It is crucial to consult with a registered gas installer to determine the appropriate geyser type and ensure all ventilation and safety requirements are met.

Q3: What should I do if I smell gas near my geyser?

If you smell gas, immediately turn off the gas supply at the cylinders or main shut-off valve. Extinguish all naked flames, do not operate any electrical appliances or switches, and ventilate the area by opening windows and doors. If the smell persists, evacuate the premises and contact a registered gas installer or emergency services immediately.

Q4: Are there specific requirements for the type of piping used for LPG gas installations?

Yes, South African regulations (SANS 10087-1) specify that only Class 1 or Class 2 copper pipes, or other approved gas piping materials, are to be used for fixed gas installations. Standard copper water pipes (Class 0) are not suitable. Any gas pipe that passes through a wall, cement, or underground must also be protected with an appropriate sleeve.