Stove Isolator position

[GCE]

I would like to pull this thread back to the original topic and I should have actually called the thread Stove isolator position in relation to Gas .

I have a problem where the gas regulations have been written without discussing with the electrical industry and that the gas guys in my opinion do not fully understand the regulation that is written .

Going to place some thoughts below

If I look at the regulation and take the first sentence -

9 Electrical equipment and other sources of ignition
Where electrical equipment is placed within the safety distance as specified in figures 3, 4 and 6
such equipment shall be in accordance with the requirements of SANS 10108.
Electrical equipment, such as light switches and plugs, shall be at least 200 mm away from any
burner and potential point of gas release. Where it is necessary to install a gas hob together with an
electric oven, a three-point plug socket shall not be used to connect the electric oven. A proper
isolator switch shall be in place above the level of the hob and it shall have at least 200 mm
clearance from the hob.
No electrical connection shall be made below the hob. See figures 3 and 4 for further connection


The first sentence refers me to SANS 10108 where the heading is " The classification of hazardous locations and
the selection of equipment for use in such locations"

In the reg it states that LPG is heavier than air - Therefore in my opinion I can place the isolator above the hob as it would be in accordance with SANS 10108 . The rest of the regulation does not come into play - Right or wrong ?

If we really have a think on it the Kitchen cannot be a Hazardous area due to a gas hob otherwise we have all got the majority of our installations wrong.
A socket 200mm away from the hob and then plug a toaster in that can sit on the edge of the hob is surely a bigger issue ( if you listen to the gas guys) than the socket itself.

" Electrical equipment, such as light switches and plugs, shall be at least 200 mm away from any
burner and potential point of gas release."

This statement above from there reg does not state in a vertical or horizontal plain - The written clause always takes preference to the illustration, because if we used the illustration only we should then have all isolators on the right side of the hob and not on the left side of the hob ?
It also states from " Burner or gas release" - We can then measure from the burner itself , not from the edge of the frame - Right or wrong ?

If I am right then I say that in my original pic the isolator is fine as it is more than 200mm away from the burner or point of gas release and it complies to SANS 10108

In my opinion we have been taking the word of the gas installers without actually looking at the regulation.

Hi

I have been stirring this topic with the intention of trying to get some results that are workable with regards to the regs.
There is presently what appears to be a draft document out for comment on SANS 10087-1: 2021 and my interpretation of the 200mm from the burner appears to now be adopted in the draft illustration
I am going to attempt to find out and see if I can get a copy to post

[ians]

Here's a thought ... I cant take credit for it ... it was a suggestion someone else made for gas stoves.

Fit an isolator above the counter ... or use the stove isolator then extend the wire to the cupboard next to the stove and fit a socket outlet just below the counter (as high as possible ... because gas is heavier the air) ... problem solved ... everyone is happy.

The gas guy gets his isolator

The plug top doesnt have to be cut off ... so you dont loose your warranty.

The socket outlet is in a compartment away from the gas outlet or small bottle.

Everyone happy?

Now to figue out how to fix my DB in the same room (kitchen) as my 9 kg bottle problem.

[GCE]

Hi

I have been stirring this topic with the intention of trying to get some results that are workable with regards to the regs.
There is presently what appears to be a draft document out for comment on SANS 10087-1: 2021 and my interpretation of the 200mm from the burner appears to now be adopted in the draft illustration
I am going to attempt to find out and see if I can get a copy to post

The new Draft regulations SANS 10087-1 is still at the technical committee stage where the stakeholders are all having input
The feedback I received was that the new regs should stop some of the unnecessary changes that are having to be done
As soon as it comes out for public comment I will let everyone know

In the meantime we have to work with what we have

[ians]

I think there should be more focus on the issue at hand ... invalid COC's ... it not going to help making more rules and regulations if we cant even mange the regs already in circulation.

[GCE]

I think there should be more focus on the issue at hand ... invalid COC's ... it not going to help making more rules and regulations if we cant even mange the regs already in circulation.

The thread was in discussion on the conflict between gas reg and elec regs - If we don't actively get involved in getting the conflicts changed to a workable solution then you will also have a problem.
It is not new regulations, but changes to make them acceptable to industry which is why it is important to belong to an industry related body