Gas guide
Gas cylinder sizes in South Africa
The common gas cylinder sizes in South African homes are 9 kg, 19 kg and 48 kg of LPG, holding about 22, 45 and 113 litres of water capacity. A 9 kg suits a hob or heater, 19 kg a stove, and 48 kg a gas geyser or a whole house; SANS 10087-1 says one 48 kg supply cylinder with a 48 kg reserve is normally enough for a home.
Sizes at a glance
| Gas | Water capacity | Typical use | Where it can stand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 kg | 22 L | Gas heater, small hob | Indoors (max 9 kg per flat) or outside |
| 19 kg | 45 L | Stove, hob | Indoors (max 19 kg total per house) or outside |
| 48 kg | 113 L | Gas geyser, whole-house installation | Outside only |
Capacities and indoor limits are from SANS 10087-1:2008. Exact dimensions vary by supplier and cylinder model; ask your supplier for the one you'll use so we can plan the cage and position.
Which size for your installation
Size the cylinders to what runs at once, not just to how long a refill lasts. A cylinder can only turn so much liquid into gas per hour, and a gas geyser draws far more than a hob. That's why a gas geyser is normally run from 48 kg cylinders, and why the standard's worked example for a stove, a water heater, a fridge and lights recommends one 48 kg in use with a second in reserve.
Two cylinders and a changeover
Two cylinders on a manifold with a changeover valve mean the supply swaps to the full cylinder when one runs empty, so the geyser doesn't die mid-shower. It's the standard layout on the plots and smallholdings of the West Rand, where refills are further away.
Where the cylinders go
Outside: on a firm level base, at least 1 m from doors, windows and airbricks below the valve, 2 m from drains and manholes. Full distances are on gas installation regulations in South Africa. We site them on the first visit of any gas geyser or gas stove installation.
LPG vs natural gas
Cylinders hold LPG. Parts of Johannesburg also have piped natural gas, which is a different gas at a different pressure, and appliances are set up for one or the other. Everything on this site is about LPG installations.
Get it installed or certified
- Gas geyser installationSized, mounted, piped, certified
- Gas stove installationStove, hob or oven, tested
- Gas certificate of complianceInspection, test, COC
- Get a priceCall 083 498 1693 or use the form
More gas guides
- How a gas geyser works
- Geyser types compared
- Gas vs electric stove
- Gas installation regulations
- SAQCC Gas explained
- Checking for a gas leak
Part of Gas Wizards — gas installers in Johannesburg and the West Rand.
Quick answers
Can I keep a 19 kg gas bottle inside?
Yes, in a house, as long as the total inside is no more than 19 kg (SANS 10087-1:2008) and there's floor-level ventilation.
What size gas cylinder do I need for a gas geyser?
Normally 48 kg, often two with a changeover, because a geyser draws gas faster than small cylinders can supply.
Is a 48 kg cylinder allowed indoors?
No. At 48 kg it exceeds the indoor limit and belongs outside.