If your caravan has any gas appliances, a stove, fridge, heater, or geyser, you need a Gas Certificate of Compliance (CoC). It’s a legal requirement in South Africa, and without one, you’re driving around with an uninsured, potentially unsafe gas system.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Gas Certificate of Compliance?
A Gas CoC is an official document issued by a registered LP Gas installer confirming that your caravan’s gas system is safe, properly installed, and compliant with SANS 10087-3 (the South African national standard for LP Gas installations in caravans and motorhomes).
The certificate covers:
- Gas bottle storage and mounting
- Regulator type and condition
- All gas lines and connections
- Appliance installations
- Ventilation requirements
- Leak testing
Why Do You Need One?
It’s the Law
South African law requires a valid Gas CoC for any gas installation. Operating a gas system without one is illegal and can result in fines.
Insurance
Most insurance companies will not pay a claim on a caravan if you don’t have a valid Gas CoC. That means if your caravan burns down due to a gas fault (or any other reason), your insurance claim could be rejected.
Safety
Gas leaks cause fires and explosions. A proper inspection ensures your system is safe for you and your family. It’s not just paperwork. It could save your life.
Selling
When you sell your caravan, a valid Gas CoC gives the buyer confidence and makes the sale smoother. Many buyers won’t even consider a caravan without one.
What Does the Inspection Cover?
Gas Bottles and Storage
- Bottles are the correct type and size
- Bottles are secured properly in the designated compartment
- The compartment has drainage (so leaked gas flows down and out, not into the caravan)
- Bottles are within their test date
Regulator
- Correct regulator for the system (typically 2.8 kPa for caravans)
- Not expired (regulators have a 10-year lifespan)
- Properly connected with no leaks
Gas Lines
- Copper pipes or approved flexible hoses
- No kinks, damage, or corrosion
- Properly supported and clipped
- Not running through engine bays or near heat sources
Connections
- All joints are tight and leak-free
- Tested with gas leak detection fluid or an electronic detector
- No home-made or improvised fittings
Appliances
- Each appliance is properly installed according to manufacturer specifications
- Flames are blue (yellow flames indicate incomplete combustion)
- Ventilation openings are clear and adequate
- Safety devices (flame failure cutoffs) are working
Ventilation
- Low-level and high-level vents are present and unobstructed
- Drop-out vents in the gas bottle compartment are clear
- Adequate ventilation for each appliance
Common Failures
The most common reasons caravans fail gas inspections:
- Perished gas lines. Flexible hoses deteriorate over time, especially in the South African sun. They crack, become brittle, and leak.
- Expired regulator. Regulators older than 10 years must be replaced.
- Blocked vents. Owners sometimes block ventilation openings to keep insects out. Don’t do this.
- Incorrectly installed appliances. DIY gas appliance installations often fail inspection.
- Leaking connections. Loose fittings or corroded joints.
Most failures are cheap and quick to fix. The installer can often do the repairs on the spot and retest.
How Much Does It Cost?
A gas inspection and certificate typically costs R300-R600 depending on the installer and the number of appliances.
Repairs (if needed) vary:
- New gas hose: R100-R300
- New regulator: R150-R400
- Minor connection repairs: R100-R200
It’s a small price for safety and peace of mind.
How Long Is It Valid?
There’s no fixed expiry on a Gas CoC in South Africa, but:
- Insurance companies may require it to be renewed annually or bi-annually
- If you modify the gas system (add or remove an appliance, change a gas line), you need a new certificate
- A gas CoC issued to the seller is technically valid for the new owner, but some insurers want a fresh one in the new owner’s name
Our recommendation: get a fresh inspection every 2 years or whenever you change anything in the gas system.
Where to Get It Done
Look for a registered LP Gas installer in your area. They must be registered with the LP Gas Association of Southern Africa (LPGASA) and carry a valid registration card.
Ask your local caravan dealer or caravan park for recommendations. They usually know the reliable installers in the area.
Gas Certificates at Caravan Center
At Caravan Center in Vereeniging, every caravan we sell comes with a valid Gas Certificate of Compliance. If you need a new gas certificate for your own caravan, we can point you to a trusted installer.
Contact us at caravancenter.co.za/contact.
