Connecting to OnGas LPG - Residential
Cylinder LPG Connections
A typical domestic installation consists of two 45 kg cylinders. Once the duty cylinder has been expelled, it will automatically change over to the reserve cylinder to ensure the customer does not run out of gas. A regulator is supplied as part of the system installed by the gasfitter. This indicates whether a cylinder has become empty. The customer contacts OnGas to re order, and the empty cylinder will be removed and replaced with a full one.
OnGas rent the cylinder to the customer on an annual basis, and take care of any maintenance that needs to be carried out.
The four steps to a connection
1 Find out if LPG can be delivered to the property
Contact OnGas on 0800 84 12 12. We will arrange a site visit if necessary. OnGas must make sure that the property is accessible for deliveries and within our delivery range. OnGas can also advise on the most appropriate location for the gas cylinders.
2 Select Appliances
A comprehensive range of gas appliances is available and it is recommended that these are purchased from an OnGas Channel Partner.
3 Supply billing details
An OnGas representative will gather all the information needed to become a customer, including billing details. A Welcome Pack will be sent which includes the customer’s account number and a brochure outlining terms and conditions.
4 Installation of appliances and cylinders
A certified gasfitter will install the LPG cylinders, run pipes from the cylinder station to the various appliance points around the property and install the appliances.
Turning on the gas supply
A gasfitter will turn on the gas, and then ensure that the installation is completely safe and legally compliant with all gas standards and codes (see section 10 of the Vector Guide to Gas, Regulations, codes and standards for more information). The property owner will receive a copy of the gasfitter’s certification and another copy is sent to OnGas.
Cylinder station locations
Cylinders and associated equipment are installed externally on buildings. They must be located so gas delivery can be made safely by one person without excessive manual handling or risk to customer’s property. In situations where certain conditions cannot be met, other options such as locating the cylinders remotely and piping to the installation can be considered. Please refer to the LPG Associations Code of Practice number 2 “Installation and maintenance of twin 45kg LPG cylinder systems” for more information.
Twin pack cylinder stations cannot be positioned within certain distances of openings such as doors, windows, air vents or flue terminals. They should be at least one metre away from any readily ignitable material including paper, dry grass or oily substances. The stations can be contained in their own storage cage, or mounted against the premises with a chain to ensure the cylinders are secure.
Click here to download the cylinder station placement requirements.
The number of appliances installed in a building affects the vapourisation capabilities of a twin pack. All installations must be sized correctly to provide adequate vapourisation to ensure appliance performance is not compromised. Please refer to the LPG Associations Code of Practice number 2 for more information.
Delivery considerations
Cylinder distribution requires a truck to come on site and transfer cylinders. The following questions must be met before this supply option can be considered:
- Does the property have steep access?
- Does the property access have narrow or unsealed roads?
- Can the truck park within 50 metres of the cylinder location?
- Can the truck park safely while delivering cylinders?
- Are there any dogs on site?
- Are there any steps that the driver would need to contend with to deliver the cylinder?
- Is there any other obstacle that would stop the driver from delivering the cylinder in a safe and appropriate manner?
Reticulated LPG connections
Reticulated LPG is becoming more widely available, especially in new subdivisions. A specially engineered bulk vessel safely stores a large supply of LPG, and gas travels through underground pipes before passing through a meter attached to the premises.
Reticulated LPG gas connections are managed and constructed in the same way as natural gas connections.
In some cases, storage is subject to the Resource Management Act (RMA), depending on the relevant local authority.