If connecting a gas stove may seem simple for many individuals, this operation is however more complex than it seems. Indeed, gas is a dangerous source of energy that must be handled with care. To avoid any gas leaks and the dangers that ensue, it is important to ensure that you correctly connect your gas cooker to a standard installation. Let’s do a check in.
How to connect a gas stove?
You have opted for a gas cooker and you plan to supply it with city gas or a gas bottle for cooking your food. You can completely connect a new or used gas stove to one of these solutions, the only operating condition being the installation of the correct injectors and the connection pipe. Indeed, the gas stoves sold on the market are equipped by default with injectors for town gas, but they are equipped with a set of injectors for bottled gas, because the two devices require different burners. Likewise, it is important to buy the correct connection pipe for your installation, knowing that this connects the gas stove to the gas source.
Here are the steps for plugging in your gas stove.
Step 1: checking the shut-off valve
For homes that receive city gas, the connection includes a gas inlet valve to which the connecting pipe must be connected. Before making this connection, it is imperative to check the correct conformity and the nature of the shut-off valve. Only the classic standardized tap and the ROAI type tap (valve with integrated automatic shut-off) comply with the standards in force. If you have one of these taps, you will be able to connect your hose.
Attention, because the devices without valve or equipped with a valve with welded end without thread are not regulatory. These installations are dangerous and present risks of leakage and explosion. Consequently, they are prohibited and require upgrading before any gas stove connection.
Step 2: choosing the connection pipe
Three types of connection pipes are accepted for cooking with gas:
- The flexible connection pipe : this pipe remains the most widespread. On the other hand, this pipe cannot be connected directly to the tap; a special tip (pacifier) is required. In addition, these hoses have a limited lifespan, indicated on their rubber surface. It is essential to replace them before they expire.
- The twistable flexible hose : this pipe is very practical since it can be connected directly to the shut-off valve by screwing it on, or even to the gas cooker. This hose also has a limited lifespan, but there are more resistant models with unlimited lifespans.
- The rigid connection : this type of connection is to be made for built-in and non-accessible gas stoves. This remains the safest solution for these installations, but it must be carried out by a professional.
Step 3: connecting the gas cooker
The first step should be to close the gas supply before any intervention.
With a standard shut-off valve with no screws, all you have to do is screw the hose onto it and connect the pipe to the gas cooker.
With a non-standard faucet, without screw thread, it is necessary to connect the pipe to the faucet, pass a hose clamp over the pipe and tighten it with a screwdriver. At the level of the gas stove, the connection is made with a teat and a clamp.
At the end of the installation, make sure to always tighten the connections using a multi-grip pliers.
What precautions should be taken?
To make a successful connection and use your gas stove safely, certain precautions must be observed. Know that since 1is July 1966, all new construction and modified gas connection installations must be fitted with an ROAI or self-closing safety valve. They are the only completely sealed devices that prevent a gas leak.
Here are the points of precaution to be observed:
- As soon as you touch the gas connector, systematically cut off the supply beforehand using the shut-off valve, located near the meter.
- The control valve must always be accessible and located between 5 and 170 cm from the ground.
- The validity date of a rubber hose is a maximum of 10 years. It is imperative to replace the hose as soon as it expires. Stainless steel pipes have an unlimited lifespan, but they are more expensive.
- For your installation, be sure to place the correct burners on your gas cooker (for town gas or bottled gas).
You may have known it, but under the agreement signed in 2017 between the Ministry of Housing and Sustainable Habitat, ANAH and GRDF, you can claim a free diagnosis of your gas installation, aid for the replacement of a control valve for equipment or for the purchase of new secure equipment, as well as the free delivery of a metal pipe with an unlimited lifespan to make your connection.
In the event of a gas leak, here are the simple steps to take:
- Open your doors and windows.
- Turn off the gas.
- Get out of the apartment and call the fire department. Do not make any calls or operate any device likely to generate sparks in the home.
- Stay outside the accommodation until the firefighters arrive and wait for their agreement to enter it again.