On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 09:38:54 +0100, Another Dave wrote:

For 30 years I've used free-standing gas cookers connected via a
flexible pipe which enables them to be pulled away from the wall for
cleaning.

I've just bought a modern kitchen with an electric under-oven and a gas
hob. The instructions for the hob specify a "fixed" gas pipe though they
don't specifically exclude flexible connections. A fixed connection
means an expensive Corgi job. Is it possible to continue using the
existing flexible pipe?


Both the installation of a freestanding cooker and an inset hob whether by
flexible or rigid pipework are defined as 'gas work'. As such they may
only be performed by competant diyers or registered professionals.

The problem comes when the use of a flexible hose is within the competance
of a diyer but not the costruction of a rigid pipe supply.

In the Gas Fitting FAQ below you will still that the use of a flexible
hose is deprecated (and almost impossible to install in a compliant manner
for the supply of an inset hob).
As of 20th November the loop hole which permitted the use of flexibles is
closed with a revision to BS 6172.
Also required is minimum 300mm of worktop on each side.
Forbidden is fitting 700mm (5 burner) hobs under 600mm gaps in wall
cupboards.

I shall update the Gas Fitting FAQ to reflect these changes soon.


--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html