NZ Gas Bottle Installation Regulations – Location
It is important that new LPG installations include the proper placement of the cylinders to meet the applicable New Zealand Standards.
An additional consideration is the method of filling.
Installing the cylinders so that they are suitable for either tanker filling or cylinder exchange gives you more options and may save you money on the delivery of your LPG, with tanker filling.
Whenever possible, the cylinders should be installed to conform to the in-situ filling requirements.
In addition, tanker deliveries require an unobstructed line-of-sight between the cylinders and the tanker.
In most cases this means that the cylinders will need to be on the side of the home or commercial structure and not on the backside of the building.
You will appreciate this extra bit of planning and care when you site your new cylinders.
NZ LPG Gas Bottle Location Regulations
In summary:
1. Gas bottles must be placed safely away from ignition sources — primarily electrical devices and flames — in the event of a leak.
2. Gas bottles cannot be placed close to wall openings, including windows, doors and vents, to preclude possible entry and collection of gas in enclosed spaces.
3. Gas bottles must be a safe distance from openings to below ground spaces, for instance drains and pits, to prevent any possible build up of the heavier than air LPG.
4. Gas bottles must be placed in well ventilated locations, avoiding alcoves and enclosures, to prevent possible accumulations of gas.
5. Gas bottles must be placed on a solid base that is not subject to the accumulation of water.
6. Line of sight must be maintained for in situ tanker deliveries.
Please read more for additional information and the required safe distances for placement…
Why You Need to Know
Wall Openings and Drains
For installations of less than 100kg of gas:
For installations of greater than 100kg of gas:
Line-of-Sight to Tanker
Ignition Sources
NBN (Internet) Connection Boxes
NZ Regulations
We must design installations which will satisfy external regulations and to ensure that they do, we construct them to principles laid out in a number of Codes and NZ Standards.
The most obvious one is AS/NZS 1596 “LP GAS STORAGE AND HANDLING” covering tank systems, components, installation of both above-ground and under-ground tanks, cylinder installation, cylinder filling setups (i.e. depots), autogas sites, operations and fire safety.
Perhaps not so well-known, but also very important, is AS 2430.3.4, “CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS AREAS” which defines hazardous zones and distances from sources of ignition.
An Industry Standard which we apply and the standard predominantly used by gasfitters is AS5601, “GAS INSTALLATION” which defines acceptable materials, installation methods and locations, specific appliance installation requirements and pipesizing.
It covers mainly domestic and commercial installations whereas industrial installations are installed to the requirements of AS3814 “INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL GAS FIRED APPLIANCES”.
Cylinders under and inside a building and minor storage
Prohibited Locations
Cylinders should not be installed in the following locations:
(a) In an inaccessible location;
(b) Under a stairway;
(c) In a location where there would be no air movement across the cylinder;
(d) Under a building, other than permitted in section 4.5 of of AS/NZS 1596:2008
(e) In a position that would obstruct egress from a building;
(f) Buried in the ground, unless the cylinder and gas installation have been specifically designed for such a location; or
(g) Where damage is likely to occur, unless adequate protection is provided.
Cylinders under a building supported by piers
Where a cylinder is under a building that is supported by piers, the following requirements apply:
(a) No part of the cylinder shall be more than 800 mm within the perimeter of the building‟s walls (see Figure 4.5 Sec 4 of AS/NZS 1596:2008).
(b) The area between the piers shall be:-
(i) open on at least three sides; or
(ii) enclosed by a construction through which cross-ventilation can occur (eg slats or battens) on at least three sides; or
(iii) a combination of Items (i) and (ii) above.
(c) Where the area between the piers is walled in so as to be vapour-proof, the limitation of Item (a) still applies.
Cylinders on a verandah
See AS/NZS 1596:2008 Sec 4.4.7
Cylinders in use within buildings
The use of LP Gas cylinders and the retention of reserve or exhausted cylinders indoors shall be avoided, wherever practicable.
For information regarding regarding single cylinder installation and multiple cylinder installations, please see: https://lpga.co.nz/aboutUsPractice.php
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The information in this article is derived from various sources and is believed to be correct at the time of publication. However, the information may not be error free & may not be applicable in all circumstances.