LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. LPG is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases which can be used as fuel in heating and cooking appliances, and vehicles.
LPG is a flammable gas so it is important that you follow some safety rules. The liquid in your LPG cylinder expands 270 times when it forms into gas, so even though your cylinder may look small - it is actually holding a lot of flammable LPG!
How to stay safe with LPG
LPG use at home
You may use LPG around your home to run your BBQ, heater, or you may even use it to operate your entire house's heating and cooking needs. The LPG will be delivered in gas cylinders. The quantities used may require certification under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) and the Tauranga City Plan. For more information call us on 07 577 7000.
All new approved LPG cylinders have a lifespan of 10 years and will require re-testing after 10 years before they can be refilled.
What size LPG cylinder do I need?
Different appliances around your home will require different sized gas cylinders. Here is a general guide:
9kg: BBQ, patio heater, gas hob, mobile cabinet heater
90kg (or two 45kg cylinders): Gas heating system, gas cooker
Over 100kg: Full house operating from gas (i.e. water, heating cooking)
Over 300kg: Commercial use
Different sized gas cylinders will need to be fitted and stored differently.
Installation
Under 15kg
You can connect gas to freestanding appliances such as your BBQ or mobile heater by yourself. A qualified gasfitter should carry out the installation if you have a gas hob system, or other fixed gas appliances.
It is recommended that you store these gas cylinders outside. If you do need to store your cylinder inside, make sure that it is:
15kg - 100kg
Cylinders over 9kg cannot be stored inside or under a building. They must be installed by a qualified gasfitter in order to meet required legislation. A gasfitter certificate should be provided. If you are not sure what this is, then make sure you ask your gasfitter.
Between 100kg - 300kg
Cylinders must be installed by a qualified gasfitter. You will also need to obtain a location certificate, if you are not sure what this is, please check with your gasfitter or our hazardous substances team.
Safety tips
Gas bottles should:
- be stored in an area ventilated to the outside
- be no larger than 9kg
- not be in the same compartment as a power point or electrical appliance, e.g. waste disposal or dishwasher
Some extra safety tips:
- always use an approved gasfitter for all installations
- never tamper with safety valves or other fittings. Do not use excessive force to open or close valves
- check for leaks whenever reconnecting small cylinders onto appliances such as your BBQ
- make sure you only use the intended gas in appliances. LPG and Natural Gas are different!
- Inspect and service all gas appliances as required by the manufacturer
- turn off all appliances and pilot lights
- turn off supply at the gas meter or cylinder
- open all doors and windows for ventilation
- avoid naked flames or possible ignition sources. Ignition sources include light switches, power points, mobile phones and pagers.