Gas geyser safety: what every household should know

If you smell gas

1. Do not light anything, and do not switch lights, fans or appliances on or off.
2. Open doors and windows.
3. Close the gas valve at the geyser or the main meter valve.
4. Leave the area and call a gas technician or your gas company’s emergency number.

Flame failure protection

Conventional geysers have a thermocouple in the pilot flame. While it is hot it holds the gas valve open; if the flame goes out it cools and the valve closes within a minute or so. Never jam or wedge this valve open yourself. It is the reason a pilot going out during load shedding is an inconvenience rather than a danger. A proper auto ignition device such as Autopilot replaces the pilot’s job with its own gas controller and emergency shut-off.

Flues and carbon monoxide

Burning gas produces carbon monoxide if air is short or the burner is dirty. It has no smell and can kill. A geyser must have a flue venting outside, with a cap, and enough air around the burner.

Never install a gas geyser inside a closed bathroom without a proper flue. Headache, dizziness or drowsiness while the geyser runs are warning signs: switch it off, ventilate and get it checked.

Rooftop and outdoor geysers

• Use a stable platform and a safe way to reach the geyser.
• Protect from wind with a ventilated enclosure, never a sealed one.
• Fit a pressure relief valve on the tank and keep its outlet clear.

Choosing a safe add-on device

Autopilot has been in use for over three years with no safety incidents reported to us by customers, has its own gas controller with emergency shut-off, and needs no change to the gas main line.

• Real operating record in Pakistani homes over several winters.
• Its own automatic gas control with an emergency shut-off.
• No cutting or modifying the gas main line.
• Weather-proof electronics, clear instructions and a supplier you can contact.