Phil wrote:
Help I am totally confused and do not know what to do

Ed Sirret says the following on 2004-10-14

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.

I have just purchased a gas hob (inset into worktop) from B and Q
Sterling BGH1

the installation instructions state

Natural Gas
the appliance is designed for UK installation using a flexible
connection with tubing in accordance with the regulations inforce
length of 900mm is recommended.

Does it specifically state (or imply) that a rigid connection is prohibited?

Sterling customer services tell me the following
they have never heard of this.
The hob only started to be sold at the end of last year
The print date on the instructions is 11-10-2004

What do I do?
Which is the correct way of fitting this?
As per the manufacturer's instructions
Are there any insurance implecations of fitting not in accordance with
manufacturers design
What would a Ed do?
What would any other corgi Fitter do?

Scratch head, mutter incantations in gasinstallerese, burn
incense^H^H^H^H^Hsmoke pellet, ask corgi tech info line 3 times and take
majority opinion :-)

Does anyone have the exact text for BS 6172:2004 as I cannot find it

11 Gas Connections

11.1 General
....
11.1.3 Unless stated otherwise in the manufacturer's instructions, a gas
hob shall be connected to the termination point by a rigid fixed
connection.
....
11.1.5 Any flexible connector shall not be subjected to direct exposure
to hot flue products or to contact with hot surfaces (see also 11.4).
11.1.6 Where rigid pipework is used, an isolation valve with means of
disconnection shall be provided.

11.2 Connections for 2nd family gases
11.2.1 The gas installation pipe to the termination point shall conform
to BS 6891 or IGE/UP/2 [17], as appropriate.
11.2.2 Any flexible connector shall conform to BS 669-1 or BS 669-2, as
applicable.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.2.2 The flexible connector should
be installed such that it cannot be subjected to undue forces either in
anticipated normal use or whilst being connected or disconnected. The
flexible connector should be positioned in such a way that it will not
suffer mechanical damage by being trapped by a stability device (see
Clause 12).

11.2.3 The location of the termination point shall be in accordance with
the cooking appliance manufacturer s instructions, where this is specified.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.2.3
The termination point should be permanently attached to a firmly fixed
gas installation pipe and positioned such that the flexible connector
hose hangs freely downwards. The termination point should be securely
fixed to the wall by means of a backplate adaptor or suitable
alternative. The termination point should be securely fixed to the wall
immediately behind the appliance at a height of approximately 750 mm
from the floor, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. The
termination point should be accessible for disconnection after moving
the cooking appliance.