HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR CYLINDER IS EMPTY?
The only reliable way of calculating how much gas in in your cylinder is by weighing the cylinder on a scale: The following method can be used:
Every cylinder will have a Tare Weight (TW) stamped on the side – (this is the mass of the cylinder when completely empty). For example, a 9kg might have a Tare Weight of 10.5kg (weight of cylinder when completely empty), plus the 9kg of gas so then the full cylinder’s weight will be 10.5kg + 9kg = 19.5kg.
HOW LONG WILL YOUR GAS CYLINDER LAST?
Every appliance will have a consumption rating, usually in grams/hour or kilograms/hour. This indicates the gas consumption of your appliance if used at maximum.
For example, if a cooker top uses 184g/h, when using a 3kg cylinder you will get 3000g (cylinder capacity) divided by 184g/h (appliance gas consumption) = 16.3 hours of usage.
IS GAS CHEAPER THAN ELECTRICITY?
Yes and no, it depends on your application but it’s certainly more reliable! When using gas for cooking, lighting and heating, gas is more efficient. This will also depend on your appliance’s gas consumption.
E.g. an 100cp (candle power) lamp uses 60g/hour, so on a 3kg cylinder you will get 50 hours of usage. With an 11Lt/min water heater using a 19Kg cylinder you get about 10.85 hours of usage, so if I take a 5-minute shower every day I will get 130 showers, just over a month.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF A GAS CYLINDER?
A cylinder will last 10- 15 years depending on the conditions under which a cylinder is kept in. If you own a private cylinder, we will check it and repair and maintain it so we know that it leaves our shop in a suitable and safe condition. We can also dispose of your old cylinder safely if needed.
WHAT IS A “ROGUE” OR ILLEGAL GAS FILLER?
Rogue gas fillers are people who fill gas bottles without meeting the requirements laid out by the LPG association. There has been much talk of “illegal and rogue” gas fillers in South Africa; it was a particularly hot topic on Carte Blanche in 2014. It has been damaging to the safety and integrity of the gas industry for those who are filling legally.
You are never sure what you will get, e.g. the correct amount of gas in the cylinder and if it is LPG that is sold to you. Another major risk you are taking is that rogue fillers don’t test and maintain the cylinders to ensure their safety. It is also important to note that if something should happen to your property due to an illegal cylinder being faulty, you would not be covered by your insurance company.
Things to look for when buying “legit gas”
- Colour coded safety seal
- Seals are barcoded
- All reputable gas suppliers will have individual barcodes on each seal
- The re-seller will be proud to say who his supplier is
DO YOU NEED A REGISTERED GAS INSTALLER TO INSTALL A GAS APPLIANCE?
If you are installing a fixed appliance (stove, hob, fireplace and or geyser) you will need a registered gas installer to install that appliance. The installer must supply you with a unique SAQCC no.
For any appliance that is not permanent (roll about heater, gas lamp, cooker top) no installer is required.
IF YOU HAVE A LEAK OR GAS SMELL WHAT DO YOU DO?
Switch off the appliance, the emergency valve (valve should be diagonal to the piping) and close the cylinder. Phone your installer to come have a look and repair it for you. DO NOT TEST WITH A FLAME!
Credit to GasSA