We often ask ourselves if you can keep gas cylinders on the balcony. This is a topic of primary importance for safety in condominium apartments and beyond. It is, in fact, a popular alternative for homes that are not connected to the gas network or that do not have a central heating system. However, their use in condominiums requires compliance with specific safety rules and regulations.
How many cylinders can be kept on the balcony?
Gas cylinders, although convenient and practical, require special attention for safe use. Outdoor storage, in particular, is subject to specific regulations that aim to minimize risks and prevent accidents. In Italy, the legislation governing the positioning of gas cylinders outdoors is the UNI 7131 of 1999. This legislation establishes the minimum safety requirements for the installation and use of cylinders, in order to prevent accidents and guarantee the protection of people and property.
Furthermore, this regulation defines the maximum quantities of cylinders that can be stored outdoors, distinguishing between generic surfaces and balconies or terraces:
- Generic external surfaces: on these surfaces it is permitted to store a maximum of three cylinders with a total weight of no more than 75 kg.
- Balconies or terraces: on balconies or terraces, the maximum capacity is reduced to a single cylinder for a maximum weight of 15 kg.
In addition to the quantity, the UNI 7131 regulation also specifies the locations permitted for the installation of gas cylinders outdoors:
- Adjacency to walls: the cylinders can be positioned near a wall bordering the rooms served, ensuring easy and safe access for their maintenance and use.
- Balconies or terraces: it is permitted to place the cylinders on the balconies or terraces that directly overlook the rooms served, whether they are on the same floor or on the upper or lower floor.
In addition to compliance with regulations UNI 7131, It is essential to take additional measures to ensure safety when storing gas cylinders outdoors:
- Weather protection: cylinders must be stored in a place away from atmospheric agents, such as rain, snow and direct sunlight, which could damage the container and increase the risk of accidents.
- Secure fixing: the cylinders must be adequately secured to the ground or to a stable structure to avoid accidental overturning.
- Distance from heat sources: the cylinders must be kept at a safe distance from heat sources, such as open flames, barbecues or stoves, to avoid the risk of explosions.
- Regular maintenance: it is important to subject the cylinders to regular checks by a qualified technician to verify their integrity and correct functioning.
In addition to the regulations regarding the use of gas cylinders outdoors, it is important to check the existence of any local regulations or condominium regulations that could impose restrictions or bans on the storage of gas cylinders outdoors. In the case of a condominium, it is advisable to consult the condominium regulations to ascertain the current provisions.
The storage of gas cylinders outdoors must be carried out carefully and in compliance with safety regulations. By following the legislation on gas cylinders for domestic use and taking the necessary precautions, it is possible to use gas cylinders safely and responsibly, ensuring your own well-being and that of the people around you.
How to protect a gas cylinder from the sun?
After analyzing the regulatory requirements for outdoor gas cylinder storage, a fundamental question arises: can gas cylinders be left in the sun? The answer is categorical: absolutely not. Direct exposure of gas cylinders to sunlight represents a real danger that should not be underestimated, as it can cause an increase in internal pressure inside the container. This phenomenon, known as thermal expansion, can have serious consequences, including:
- Container deformations: excessive pressure can deform the cylinder, compromising its structural integrity and increasing the risk of ruptures or gas leaks.
- Gas leak: in extreme cases, the increase in pressure can cause gas to escape, potentially creating an explosion or fire.
- Valve malfunction: the high temperature can compromise the correct functioning of the cylinder safety valves, nullifying their protective function.
For these reasons, it is absolutely essential to avoid direct exposure to the sun of the aforementioned.
How many LPG cylinders can be kept outside?
The legislation governing LPG systems, with a nominal heat input of up to 35 kW and not powered by the distribution network, is the UNI 7131. This legislation establishes the criteria for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of these systems. The use of LPG cylinders for domestic use within condominiums is still widespread, for the supply of gas for heating, cooking food and the production of domestic hot water. However, the installation of cylinders in condominium rooms must follow precise safety rules and is subject to possible restrictions.
The installation of LPG cylinders in condominiums is generally permitted by law, except for specific prohibitions established by the condominium regulations. Generally speaking, installation must take place in compliance with the following standards:
- ssafety: The cylinder must be installed in a well-ventilated place, away from heat sources and open flames, and must be adequately secured to prevent it from tipping over.
- ulocation: The location of the cylinder must comply with the provisions of UNI 7131 and, in some cases, may be subject to specific limitations established by the condominium regulations. For example, installation in common areas such as stairs, hallways or cellars may be prohibited.
What temperature can a gas cylinder tolerate?
After having given an overview of the general legislation, how gas cylinders could be prohibited and whether they can be left in the sun, it is also right to ask ourselves whether gas bottles can sit outside in the cold. Protecting gas cylinders is crucial in snow, ice and humidity, as these conditions can affect their functioning. A waterproof thermal cover represents an effective solution to safeguard the integrity of the cylinders and guarantee the safety of our homes. At this point, another question arises spontaneously: a how many degrees does a gas cylinder explode? A temperature increase of just 10°C can cause the steel of the container to yield, leading to its failure.
