Whether you already own a gas geyser, or you’re still contemplating having one installed; you should know that, although a gas water heater can be a great alternative energy source, if installed incorrectly the consequences can be dire.
We’ve put together some simple-to-follow pointers from #LPGas on getting your gas water heater safely and properly set up.
1. Hire the services of a Registered LPGas Installer
This is essential because a registered installer has received training on how to install LPG appliances in accordance with standards, rules, and regulations set out by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). A registered LPG installer will have an SAQCC Gas registered license card. It details the installer’s scope as well as the expiry date of the license. To check if your installer’s registration is up to date, you can insert their details in the text box on the SAQCC Gas website. Their credentials will be displayed if they are legally permitted to install gas equipment.
2. Permitted Appliance
Ensure that the LPGas appliance that you have purchased has been manufactured as per the safety standards set out by SABS. All LPG appliance permits can be checked on the Safe Appliance database by entering the appliance’s model number.
3. Gas Geyser Type & Requirements
There are several types of LPG water heaters that deliver differing quantities of hot water. You should always consult with a registered installer for advice regarding the best type of LPG water heater to install. Consult with Bugs & Sparks for advice on the best type of LPG geyser to suit your requirements. We will advise on the sizes, types, gas consumption and safety features of units available to the market.
4. Permanent ventilation
When installing an indoor LPG water heater, ventilation is vital and should NEVER be ignored. Ventilation requirements are to ensure that oxygen in the room does not fall below critical and dangerous levels (for the protection of human life and the effective performance of the water heater). User manuals will specify the size and location of vents required for the appliance. The user must ensure that ventilation is not obstructed or blocked in any way. Balanced flue/sealed water heaters do not require permanent ventilation as they draw oxygen from the outside and push combustion gases through a different pipe to the outside.
5. Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
It is the installer’s job to ensure that the water heater is installed safely and is compliant, thereafter issuing you with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). You must insist on receiving your signed Certificate of Conformity (CoC) once the registered installer has completed installing your gas water heater (geyser). The signing of the CoC is to signify that the installation was installed as per the relevant safety standards and that the installation has been tested and is compliant.
6. What Do You Do If You Smell Gas Or Suspect A Leak?
As soon as you smell gas and suspect there may be a leak, close the valve on the supply cylinder. If the cylinder is installed indoors, take it outside and immediately contact a registered installer (like Bugs & Sparks) to carry out a leak detection on the installation. Only once the leak has been repaired will it be safe to once again use your LPG appliance.
7. Legally Filled Cylinders
Consumers of LPG in South Africa must ensure that they’re purchasing legally filled LPG cylinders.
How do you recognize legally filled commercial cylinders?
Through the plastic seal that covers the valve (tap mechanism) on the cylinder- the logo on the plastic seal must match the logo on the cylinder. A strong indicator that the cylinder may have been illegally filled, is if there’s no logo on the plastic seal, if it’s just clear plastic, or if it merely has LPG printed on it.
LPGas Safety Regulations:
Do you need a gas appliance installed, your installation serviced, or just looking for advice on gas installations or regulations, then please reach out to us below.
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