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Home » Going off the grid? How to safely set up a gas system

Going off the grid? How to safely set up a gas system

Supplied by SAQCC Gas

SAQCC Gas is increasing safety awareness in the gas industry to emphasise the benefits of more awareness around compliance and registration at consumer and practitioner levels.

SAQCC Staff. Image supplied by Eamonn Ryan | Cold Link Africa
SAQCC Staff. Image supplied by Eamonn Ryan | Cold Link Africa

South Africa’s power grid has been a topic of concern for many years, with load shedding and power outages being a common occurrence. This has led many homeowners and businesses to consider going off the grid and finding alternative sources of energy. One such alternative is gas, and with the help of a registered gas practitioner, it is possible to safely remove your home or business from Eskom’s grid.

Using gas as an alternative source of energy has many benefits, including cost-effectiveness and reduced carbon emissions. It is important to note, however, that gas must be handled with care and that compliance with safety regulations is crucial. This is where a registered gas practitioner comes in.

A registered gas practitioner is a professional who is trained and qualified to work with gas systems. They can provide advice on the best gas systems for your home or business, install and maintain gas systems, and ensure that your gas system lis compliant with safety regulations.

When using gas as a lifeline, it is important to ensure that your gas system is compliant with safety regulations.

This includes regular maintenance and servicing of the system to ensure that it is functioning properly. It is also important to have an electronic Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC). The paper book CoC is being phased out and will no longer be valid from April 1, 2023 and an updated CoC is required every time there is repair, maintenance, or servicing done on gas systems.

While gas is an excellent alternative source of energy, it is not the only option out there. Other renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can also be used to go off the grid depending on your business or home needs. However, gas is often the primary focus due to its accessibility, established and well-regulated industry in South Africa plus its ease of use. Gas systems are often easier to implement immediately versus the high costs of solar power solutions that can take much longer to save up for.

In conclusion, going off the grid is a viable option for homeowners and businesses in South Africa who are tired of dealing with load shedding and power outages. By using a registered gas practitioner, it is possible to safely remove your home or business from Eskom’s grid and use gas as an alternative source of energy.

Compliance with safety regulations is crucial, and an electronic Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is required. Visit the SAQCC Gas website to find a local registered gas practitioner.

The South African Qualification and Certification Committee for Gas (SAQCC Gas) is an integral part of the system that ensures safe gas installation and use in South Africa. It provides training and certification for gas practitioners and oversees compliance with safety regulations.

ABOUT THE SAQCC GAS

The SAQCC Gas is a non-profit company that has been constituted by the four  (4) Member Associations to establish a central database that displays details of registered Gas Practitioners authorised to work on gas systems. The SAQCC Gas is mandated by the Department of Employment and Labour to register gas practitioners within the following gas industries:

  • Liquefied petroleum gas
  • Compressed industrial and medical gases
  • Refrigerant gases
  • Natural gas

The Member Associations are:

  • LPGSA – Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa
  • SACGA – Southern Africa Compressed Gases Association
  • SARACCA – South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association
  • SAGA – Southern African Gas Association