Introduction
Did you know? If you have a gas installation on your property, it’s a requirement of law that you have a valid certificate of compliance for this installation. Let’s take a quick look at what you need to know about gas certificates of compliance – what it is, who can issue one, and how much you should expect to pay for the inspection and certificate.
Why do you need a Certificate of Compliance for gas in South Africa?
According to legislation, a gas compliance certificate must be issued when there has been a transfer of ownership for a property with gas installations and appliances. A gas compliance certificate is also required when there is a new gas appliance installed on the property, or any modifications have been made to an existing gas installation.
What is a Gas Certificate of Compliance?
Also known as a certificate of conformity, a gas compliance certificate provides proof that the gas installation has been installed safely and according to standard, is in safe working condition and free from leaks or other potentially dangerous issues that could result in a fire or explosion.
For a gas installation to qualify for a certificate of conformity, it must comply with the strict regulations issued by the South African Bureau of Standards for LPG installations.
Gas appliances
Gas installations include all fixed or built-in appliances such as:
- Gas stoves/ovens
- Gas geysers/water heaters
- Gas fireplaces or braais
How long is a Gas Certificate of Compliance valid for in South Africa?
With every new transfer of ownership of a property with gas installations, a new gas compliance certificate must be issued. However, gas appliances and installations should undergo routine maintenance at least once a year, and when this happens, a new certificate of compliance should be issued.
What are the requirements for a Gas Compliance Certificate in South Africa?
Your gas installation must conform with certain standards in order to be eligible for a gas compliance certificate:
- No leaks present
- All rubber components must be replaced every 5 years
- Maximum cylinder size of 9kg for flats/apartments
- Maximum cylinder size of 19kg inside a house
- Maximum of 100 kg gas permissible outside a free-standing property
- Only correctly selected fittings must be used
- Each appliance must have an isolation valve which has been SABS approved
- No electrical connections behind the hob and oven
- The hose must be longer than 2 meters in length and must not pass through a solid partition
- The cylinder must be positioned on a firm base and must be:
- 5 metres from an electrical point above the valve
- 1 metres away from a door, open window, or boundary wall
- 3 metres away from a window below the cylinder
- 2 metres away from drains or air-conditioning inlets
- A gas geyser must be 1.4 metres from the ground surface and 1 meter away from the valve.
Why do I need a certificate of compliance for gas in South Africa?
Gas is becoming increasingly popular with Eskom’s constant electricity price hikes. There specific regulations homeowners must comply with when installing gas equipment in their homes to ensure their insurance policy remains valid.
According to the regulations that were introduced in 2009, all gas installations must have a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) according to the Pressure Equipment Regulations passed with the Occupation Health and Safety Act. This certificate is proof that the installation has been properly inspected by a competent individual who has declared the installation safe and leak free.
It is also important for homeowners to know:
- When selling their home with gas appliances, they are required to obtain a gas certificate and deliver a copy to the new purchaser.
- The inspection is important not only for their insurance policy to remain valid, but even more importantly, it is done to ensure that the installation is safe and their family is not put at risk.
- If a gas appliance has been incorrectly installed and results in a gas leak this could have major health implications for a family, not to mention the huge danger of a gas-related explosion.
Who can issue a gas compliance certificate in South Africa?
According to the regulations, any individual who has a liquid gas installation in their home must have a certificate of conformity that has been issued by an authorised person registered with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGAS).
- The onus is on the homeowners to ensure that they have this certificate in their possession – not the installer.
- Without a valid gas certificate, it is possible for an insurance company to repudiate a claim if a defective gas appliance caused damage to property or person.
How long is a gas COC valid in South Africa?
A certificate of compliance is valid as long as no changes or alterations have been made to the installation, however, a new one must be issued:
- Before a property can be transferred as part of a sale
- After a new appliance has been installed
- If any alteration or moderation has been made to the installation
How much does it cost to get a gas certificate of compliance?
The inspection for a gas compliance certificate costs in the region of R750 – R1000. If there is nothing wrong with the installation, a compliance certificate will be issued on the spot without further cost. If work needs to be done to make the installation compliant, you will need to pay additional costs for labour and parts.
Conclusion
Gas it up, safely...
It is important to remember that a gas compliance certificate is a condition of sale for property. A valid CoC is also a requirement for insurance purposes, and without one, an insurance company can reject your claim for damage caused as a result of any mishap with your gas installation. A gas compliance certificate can only be issued by a registered gas practitioner, and these are now issued electronically. Get professional help.