https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz en-nz JVS Gasfitting Ltd 30 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:42:40 +1200 daily 1 https://www.website.world https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/2240251 If you have LPG bottles installed at your home or business, it's essential they’re in the right place, not just for compliance, but for your safety. As a certifying gasfitter, I often come across LPG bottles installed too close to windows, doors, or ignition sources, all of which can be serious fire and safety risks. But the good news? It’s easy to check, and we’re here to help. Why Location Matters LPG is a safe and reliable fuel when installed correctly. But because it’s heavier than air, any leaks can pool near the ground, increasing the risk of ignition if the bottles are too close to: • Windows and doors (where gas can enter the home) • Electrical boxes, lights, or power points • Sources of ignition such as heat pumps or air con units • BBQs, outdoor fireplaces, or other flames That's why NZ regulations are clear about how far your LPG bottles need to be from these hazards. ✅ What to Check (Quick Checklist) • Are your bottles at least 1 metre away from any door or window? • Is there clear ventilation around the bottles? • Are they upright and securely fastened? • Are they away from any potential ignition sources? • Can the delivery driver access them easily and safely? If you're not sure get in touch and we can come out and do a gas safety check. You can book this in by sending us an email us at info@jvsgasfitting.co.nz, or call us 0800 587 427. Fri, 5 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/2240251 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/2240098 Renovating your kitchen is an exciting time, new appliances, fresh finishes, and a whole new look. But amidst all the design decisions and demolition dust, it’s easy to overlook one crucial part of the process: gas fitting. If you're planning to install or replace a gas hob, there are a few important things to consider early in the renovation process. Getting these right can save you time, money, hassle and ensure your installation is safe and compliant. Here’s what you need to know: Measure the Existing Benchtop Cut-Out From Underneath Before you go shopping for a new gas hob, it's important to measure the existing benchtop cut-out from underneath. This ensures the new hob will actually fit your space, or lets you know if modifications will be needed. Don’t rely on product sizes alone, actual cut-out dimensions can vary between brands and models. Pro tip: Take these measurements with you when shopping, or send them to your supplier. This helps avoid purchasing a hob that doesn’t suit your existing cabinetry or bench layout. Check the Installation Guide Before You Buy Most people don’t think to check installation manuals until after the appliance arrives, but by then, it might be too late. Before you purchase a new hob, look up the installation instructions online. This document outlines all the specific requirements for the appliance, such as: Minimum clearances between the hob and rangehood Distance from splashbacks or walls Ventilation needs Cabinetry cut-out dimensions Gas connection positioning Why does this matter? Because we must follow every requirement in the manual to meet compliance and if something’s not right, the install might not be able to go ahead on the day. Avoid Delays & Extra Charges If your space doesn’t meet the installation requirements, we may not be able to complete the job, and in that case, a minimum call-out fee still applies. Checking everything in advance helps prevent this. By measuring properly and reviewing the installation guide early, you reduce the risk of needing a second visit or additional work, saving time and money. Plan for Gas Bottle Compliance (LPG Installs) If you’re using LPG, the location of your gas bottle is just as important. Bottles must be: Clear of doors and windows A safe distance from ignition sources We recommend sending us photos of your proposed gas bottle location before install day so we can check for any issues in advance. Ready to Renovate? We specialise in safe, compliant, and efficient gas hob installations across Auckland. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen or building new, we can help make the gas side of things stress-free. Contact JVS Gasfitting today to book your installation or ask a question. Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/2240098 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/2240097 When you're buying a new gas hob we recommend that you measure the benchtop cut-out from underneath and take these measurements to your chosen retailer to ensure you purchase the correct-sized hob. It's also a good idea to check the installation guide beforehand, these are usually available online. To ensure compliance, we must follow all requirements outlined in the installation manual. This includes but not limited to, minimum distances from the hob to the rangehood, splashback, walls, and surrounding cabinetry. By reviewing these details prior to our arrival, we can help avoid delays or the need to charge a minimum call-out fee if the installation cannot proceed. Additionally, we must ensure the gas bottle location is compliant. It must be positioned certain distances away from doors, windows, and any potential ignition sources. We recommend sending through photos of the proposed bottle location so we can confirm everything meets safety standards in advance. Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/2240097 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/2225148 With Real Fire gas fires no longer being manufactured, it's vital to stay on top of servicing your gas fire. As the former service agent for Real Fires and later Ignite Fireplace Studio when they took over, we have years of experience in maintaining and servicing these high-quality gas fires, and we're here to help you keep yours in top condition. While some parts are still available through our trusted suppliers, others are no longer available. This makes regular servicing even more important, by staying proactive with maintenance, you may be able to extend the lifespan of your gas fire. Servicing your fire is not only more cost-effective than replacing it, but it also ensures that your fireplace continues to operate safely and efficiently. With our expert knowledge and experience, we can help ensure your gas fire keeps delivering warmth and comfort for years to come. Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/2225148 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879491 Save yourself from accidentally hiring a Gasfitter who isn't qualified by asking for the card. All authorised tradespeople must carry their NZ Practising Licence issued by the Board. Ask to sight it before any work begins. You can also check the register to see if someone is qualified Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879491 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879495 Your kitchen gas hob should be serviced every year by a qualified gasfitter. Having it serviced regularly ensures that the gas hob is safe to use and that it is producing the right heat and energy efficiency when cooking. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879495 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879487 Gasfitting is any work involved in installing, altering or repairing gas appliances including the fixing or unfixing of any gas pipes, ventilation or flue pipes, commissioning gas appliances and ensuring their safe operation (including the testing, setting, checking and adjusting of safety devices, combustion conditions and controls associated with the gas installation and ensuring there is adequate ventilation). Gasfitting includes work on appliances fitted to ships, boats, caravans, motorhomes, trains and any other vehicles, and also includes work on gas appliances fixed within buildings that are supplied by gas bottles of any size. A certifying gasfitter is responsible for the testing, verification and the supervision of tradesman gasfitters, Journeyman gasfitters, limited certificate (trainee gasfitters) and exempted persons. Work that is not defined as gasfitting includes: Work on portable gas appliances which have the gas bottle attached such as barbecues, cabinet heaters and patio heaters, although the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board strongly recommends that a gasfitter is used. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879487 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/882163 Gas appliances need to be operated and maintained in accordance with their operating instructions (where applicable), to ensure they remain safe in normal use, and are only used for the purpose for which they were designed and tested. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/882163 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879489 Licence category | Certifying Gasfitter The highest qualification available. These people are qualified and registered. They are responsible for ensuring both their own work and the work of anyone they supervise is done competently. A Certifying Gasfitter provides gasfitting certificates. (Also see gasfitting certificates at www.worksafe.govt.nz) Licence category | Tradesman Gasfitter These people are qualified and registered and usually work independently. However, a nominated certifying tradesperson (supervisor), is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the work is done competently. Licence category | Journeyman Gasfitter These people have completed a trade qualification but have not passed the Board's licensing exam. They are registered and authorised. Training | Limited Certificate Trainee Gasfitter These are people who are working towards becoming qualified. They can do the work but must be supervised by a certifying person who is ultimately responsible for ensuring the work is done competently. Licence category | Exemption 20 These people are not registered and don't have a full qualification, but they can do gasfitting work within the scope of the exemption that has been granted. They may also be granted permission to file gasfitting certificates of compliance. Licence category | Exemption 21 These people are not registered and don't have a full qualification, but they can do gasfitting work provided they are supervised by a certifying person, who must ensure that the work is done competently. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879489 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879650 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is the generic name for mixtures of hydrocarbons (mainly propane and butane) stored in the liquid state. LPG is colourless, odourless and heavier than air. A stenching agent is added to give it a distinctive and unpleasant smell, sometimes described as rotten cabbage, so that even a very small leak can be easily detected. LPG burns readily in air and is an excellent fuel for heating, cooking and for vehicles. In most places in the world LPG is propane gas. In other places butane is sometimes used. New Zealand is unusual in that its LPG is a mixture of both propane and butane. This is why it is important that imported LPG appliances are suitable for New Zealand’s mixture of gases. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879650 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879492 If you are a landlord of any residential premises, you must ensure any gas appliance or installation in the premises is safe and you must not allow any person to use an unsafe gas appliance or installation. You must ensure that the occupier of any residential premises is provided with adequate instructions for the safe use of any gas appliances or installation. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879492 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/882162 LPG and natural gas heaters are used widely to warm New Zealand home and businesses. Used wisely, gas is instant, reliable, efficient and safe. However, like any other form of energy it must be treated with respect to prevent accidents. In small rooms (eg bedrooms and bathrooms) a permanently installed gas heater may only be used in restricted circumstances. Ask a licensed gasfitter for advise. Don't use unflued gas appliances, such as LPG cabinet heaters or instantaneous water heaters in small rooms or in bedrooms and bathrooms. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/882162 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/880357 Never use damaged or corroded cylinders, This can lead to leaks and fires. Check the date stamp, By law cylinders must be tested every 10 years. Always store and use cylinders upright. Cylinders should be housed in a suitable enclosure. Check cylinders for dents and corrosion, especially around the base. Never attempt to remove or repair cylinder valves. Never expose cylinder to extreme heat. Never incinerate an empty cylinder, It may explode. Never try to fill your own cylinder, Only trained persons using special equipment can do so safely. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/880357 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879504 All gasfitting carried out since 1st July 2013 requires certification. Once gasfitting is connected, the person responsible for the work has to issue a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC) that indicates the gas installation or part installation is safe to use and the gasfitting work has not adversely affected any other part of the gas installation. This is supported by certificates of compliance (COCs) for any gasfitting defined as high risk or general risk. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879504 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879490 As of the 1st of July 2013 every imported LPG installation (this means appliances for boats, caravans and imported or manufactured commercial appliances) has to be endorsed by an approved practitioner. This is a requirement by energy safety and is important to keep you, and those around you, safe. As an approved practitioner Jason can endorse your imported appliances for boats and caravans as well as commercial appliances, Jason can complete your gas jobs for them too. He can check yours out and make sure it’s safe and sound to use in New Zealand. Jason comes under the ‘21 or fewer’ category which applies to gas appliances or any description of which there are 21 or fewer in New Zealand. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879490 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879496 When it comes to Gasfitting though there isn't a lot you can legally do. Visit the PGDB website to check its legal or gives us a call and we can let you know. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879496 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879503 Did you know its an insurance requirement to have your gas fire serviced as per the manufacturers specifications? Not only is it a requirement but it also ensures its working at its best. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879503 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879494 Always ensure adequate ventilation when using your gas appliance, ensure ventilation openings are clear and if in doubt open a window or door. Gas appliances actually need a lot of fresh air to work properly! Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879494 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879652 Natural Gas Consists mainly of methane. The large proportion of methane is one of the reasons natural gas has such a good safety record. Methane is lighter than air and will disperse relatively easily if there is a gas leak. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Is a hydrocarbon fuel comprised primarily of propane or butane, either separately or as a mixture. LPG is non-toxic, and non-corrosive. LPG is produced during the production of oil and gas, and is stored in tanks and transported by road tanker trucks or in cylinders. LPG is mainly stored in tanks in liquid form and is heavier than air. LPG tends to collect in low points and is more difficult to disperse than natural gas, so is therefore more prone to catch fire or explode if a leak occurs. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879652 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879488 As a Certifying Gasfitter Jason has gained the highest qualification available. He can complete both the work and sign off on the job. This means when you book your gas fitting projects with us, Jason can manage the job from start to finish, meaning you only have to deal with the one person. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879488 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879493 When buying a new or second hand gas appliance consider its safety as part of your decision. Only buy appliances that have been tested for safety. You must also consider the safety of the appliance if you are selling it to others. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879493 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879651 Natural gas is a highly combustible odourless and colourless hydrocarbon gas largely composed of methane. Natural gas is created in roughly the same manner as oil, by processes that act upon organic matter over millions of years. A stenching agent is added to give it a distinctive and unpleasant smell, sometimes described as rotten cabbage, so that even a very small leak can be easily detected. High combustibility coupled with ease of use and good clean combustion makes natural gas a highly valued resource. Natural gas is primarily used for heating homes, cooking and running appliances such as water heaters and clothes dryers. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.jvsgasfitting.co.nz/blog/879651