A gas braai brings convenience, consistent heat, and a cleaner cooking experience — no more struggling with charcoal! But before you connect your gas braai and fire it up, it’s important to understand the legal requirements for LPG installations in South Africa.
Whether you’re upgrading your outdoor kitchen or setting up a small gas braai on your patio, EHL Gas ensures your installation meets all the SANS (South African National Standards) regulations and safety requirements.
Here’s everything you need to know.
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is safe and efficient — but it’s still a flammable substance. Improper installations can lead to dangerous gas leaks or fire hazards. That’s why South African law requires compliance with SANS 10087-1, the national code for the handling, storage, and use of LPG in domestic environments.
1. Use a Registered Gas Installer
Legally, all gas appliances must be installed by a qualified and SAQCC Gas-registered installer. This ensures the job meets safety codes and that you receive a Certificate of Conformity (COC) — a legal requirement.
2. Obtain a Certificate of Conformity (COC)
A COC confirms the installation complies with all safety standards. It’s required for:
Insurance claims
Property sales
Municipal compliance
Peace of mind for homeowners
💡 EHL Gas provides COC certificates with all compliant installations.
3. Safe Placement of Gas Cylinders
Gas cylinders must be:
At least 1 metre from doors, windows, drains, and electrical appliances
Stored upright and on a solid base
Protected from direct sunlight and tampering
Securely fastened if outdoors or in windy areas
4. Proper Piping and Ventilation
Piping must be SABS-approved and professionally connected.
Areas where the gas braai is used must be well ventilated to prevent gas buildup.
5. No DIY Gas Connections
It’s illegal — and unsafe — to connect your gas braai or swap gas lines yourself unless you’re certified.
Yes, but only under specific conditions:
The braai must be vented or flued to ensure proper airflow.
Installations must follow room volume and ventilation requirements set by SANS standards.
Always consult a certified installer first.
No. DIY installations are illegal. You must use a SAQCC-registered gas installer and receive a COC for legal and insurance purposes.
Not usually, but your installation must still comply with SANS regulations and pass inspection by a qualified gas practitioner.
Outdoors, away from doors, windows, electrical points, and drains — at least 1 metre clearance on all sides.
Without a COC, your insurance can reject fire or damage claims. You also risk legal penalties and safety hazards.
We recommend a safety check once a year, especially before peak braai season or after long periods of disuse.
At EHL Gas, we don’t just sell LPG — we deliver peace of mind. Whether you’re installing a built-in gas braai or upgrading your outdoor cooking area, we’ll:
Handle full SABS-compliant installations
Provide certified COCs
Advise on safe cylinder placement
Offer regular maintenance and leak checks
👉 Contact EHL Gas today for expert advice and a compliant installation that keeps your home safe and your braai burning strong.
