Is it possible to place a refrigerator near a gas pipe: the subtleties of safe placement of equipment

Residents of apartment buildings and owners of their own homes often wonder whether it is possible to place a refrigerator near a gas pipe and whether such a neighborhood is safe. How to arrange your kitchen space so that there are no problems in the future.

The question of the proximity of a refrigerator and a gas pipe is often found in various forums on repair, construction and home improvement. If it’s clear with a gas stove that the refrigerator needs to be located as far away from it as possible, then what about the gas pipe? What problems can it cause and what do experts think about this?

Transportation

The refrigerator must be transported in an upright position. When transporting, do not place it on its side, because oil from the compressor may get into the condenser. Which, with further operation, will lead to breakdown of the compressor. If during transportation it is only possible to transport it in a “sideways position”, then care must be taken to ensure that the compressor tube is in a vertical position at this time. After delivering the refrigerator to its location, it is necessary to allow the oil to drain back into the compressor. To do this, you need to put it in a vertical position for two to three hours, then turn it on.

Two models together

If you decide to place two refrigerator models together, you need to make sure that there is sufficient ventilation for the rear radiators. Install them so that there is a gap between them. With this arrangement, the doors will not interfere with each other, and condensation will not form on the side walls. High humidity will cause metal parts of equipment to corrode.

Features of the refrigerator

If we talk about whether it is possible to place a gas pipe behind the refrigerator, first of all, you need to analyze all possible hazards and risks when operating refrigeration equipment.

Additionally, it would be useful to consider a brief operating principle of the refrigerator. This will help in identifying possible problems.

Understanding the principle of operation of a refrigerator will help you avoid troubles in its operation and will allow you to place your kitchen unit harmoniously and tastefully

Almost any modification of the refrigerator is designed in such a way that its operation uses freon gas, which, passing through the heat exchanger system, changes its state of aggregation. Due to this, the pressure and temperature of the gas decrease, and the temperature in the refrigeration chamber itself also drops.

At the same time, thermal energy is released outside, then the temperature of the refrigerant gradually increases and it is again sent to the compressor of the device.

Transfer Aspects

When a gas pipe is in the way in the kitchen, it can be moved or disguised. In the first case, you must strictly comply with the regulatory requirements for moving the gas pipe in the kitchen.

The same installation criteria are followed here:

The maximum length of flexible elements is 3 m.

The norm for a gas pipe in the kitchen in height from the floor is 2 m (minimum).

The connection areas must be rigid.

The pipeline itself should be painted.

The areas where the system intersects with the walls are “packed” - a special case is used.

When working on a gas transfer network, block the gas before working.

You need to decide on your tasks. It is better to designate them schematically and show them to specialists.

And the decision to cut or move a pipe in the kitchen is the prerogative of special services. The owner can only indicate his plan. And the masters can approve or prohibit it. They will tell you what the price of such an update is, where it is better to start and who to contact.

The algorithm of actions in solving these problems is as follows:

Contacting the gas company at the registration area. Create a statement about the desired changes.
Based on the application, specialists arrive. They inspect the conditions, carry out checks and make the necessary calculations so as not to violate the norms for the location of the gas pipe in the kitchen.
Creating an estimate. When the finished plan is in the hands of the customer, other formalities are settled, the client pays for the service. If necessary, the plan is modified.

If the work according to the customer’s scenario is not safe, or the estimate does not suit him, he can disguise the pipe. For example, purchase a special elegant box

If there are no dilemmas with the estimate, then within 5 days of its approval, craftsmen arrive to the customer. Before their visit, the client can:

Contact them and find out if they need any consumables and resolve this issue immediately,
Clear the area for dismantling old products and installing new ones. Workers should not have problems accessing the network.
Protect all valuables, kitchen appliances and surfaces. A tarpaulin or similar materials are used for protection. After all, the work ahead is very dusty.
The valve is blocked. Gas should not flow to the pipes during this period. It is easier to connect components using a siphon connection.

The work itself goes like this:

To remove residual gas and debris, the pipes are purged (after the gas is blocked).
The unnecessary component of the system is removed.
The resulting hole is plugged.
A hole is made at the location where the new element is installed.
The new structure and other elements are welded here, if they are included in the project.
The crane is being installed. The connecting areas are sealed with tow.
The stove is connected. The standard is observed at what distance from the gas pipe the stove can be placed. This aspect has already been discussed here (the tap is at the level of the connecting fitting, the minimum distance from the side of the slab is 20 cm). With the upper variation of the wiring, the shut-off valve is placed at the lower end of the gas appliance. Distance from the floor: 150-160 cm. The gas riser is at least 20 cm away from the tap.
A work completion certificate is generated and signed.

Is it possible to place a refrigerator next to a gas stove? Answer from an expert

Any thrifty housewife should know not only how to wisely manage money when going to a store or market, but also how to rationally use kitchen appliances, which consume kilowatts of increasingly expensive electricity, with minimal losses for the family budget. 1. Stains need to be removed immediately, when they are still fresh, or they need to be pre-treated. You can try cleaning them with soap and water first. Old stains sometimes disappear only after you wash the item several times.

Food spoilage

Such “swings” are not in vain for the internal microclimate of the refrigerator chamber. There is no stability of cooling, you understand, therefore, there is no way to maintain an even temperature.

And as a result, sometimes the food will simply freeze. This is especially bad for fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs. After a bunch of parsley is covered with a thin crust of ice, the smell will almost disappear and there will be almost no taste left.

Also, red caviar really doesn’t like freezing. It tastes completely different and becomes deformed.

Of course, this will not happen right away, but after a couple of years of operation of the equipment in a similar mode. And further! The freezer will also become covered with ice. And you will have to clean it much more often than under normal conditions.

Risks of proximity of a refrigerator and a gas pipe

Having considered the principle of operation of the refrigerator, we can name several main details that you need to take a closer look at. Considering that a heat exchanger, compressor, and evaporator are involved in the work, certain risks may arise.

Consequently, you should approach the choice of a place for installing equipment more judiciously and carefully, if possible, adhering to certain recommendations of specialists.

During heat exchange, the system gives off heat, which is why the walls of the refrigerator can become quite hot. This depends on the make and model of the equipment. In addition, the operation of the compressor, which charges freon and forces it to move through the system, is impossible without electricity.

While the refrigerator is operating, its walls will certainly heat up, so take this important aspect into account when installing the equipment

As a result of operation, two danger factors arise. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at what you should pay close attention to:

Heat transfer through the walls. For some types of equipment, temperatures can reach quite high values. Manufacturers, arranging test drives of equipment, recorded an abnormal increase in temperature, up to 50-60 degrees. The indicators are high, given the special location of the equipment in an apartment or house. An increase in temperature to such levels is directly associated with malfunctions in the operation of equipment parts.
Electricity itself is dangerous. Exposed wire, sparks and shorts from faulty components can transfer current to the pipe. A short circuit in the wiring of a refrigerator that is located close to the gas main can theoretically lead to a fire or voltage supply to the gas pipe.

Are the presented risks really dangerous when operating refrigeration equipment installed near a gas pipe? What exactly can you encounter in everyday use?

A fairly common consequence of faulty wiring in an apartment or problems with refrigerator components is a fire in the room.

What to do if there is no other way out

Experts in the repair of household appliances admit that in miniature kitchens or rooms with an inconvenient layout, it is possible to place a refrigerator near the radiator in the kitchen, provided that it is protected from a nearby heat source. They offer simple and easy-to-implement options for protecting refrigerated cabinets from overheating:

Place the refrigerator so that it faces the radiator with its side wall rather than its back. In this case, the radiator can be closed partially or half its length, but not completely.
Sew the central heating riser and pipes with the coolant into a plasterboard box or wrap it with any heat-insulating material. This can be foamed polyethylene, expanded polystyrene, penofol, mineral wool or glass wool.
Install a partition between the refrigerator and the battery, which will be 20-30 cm above the top edge of the radiator.

The implementation of the listed protection measures will not require large expenditures of money, but will prevent overheating of the refrigerator and premature wear of the compressor. Thermal insulation of the refrigerator will help save money in the family budget, which would have to be paid for excessive consumption of electrical energy.

How to protect your refrigerator

If you have to place the refrigerator near the radiator, you can give preference to built-in models. However, this option is only suitable for those who are just planning to order kitchen furniture and will be able to select the device of the desired size in advance.

Owners of non-built-in refrigeration cabinets can independently protect equipment from overheating by making a heat-insulating partition and installing it between the side wall of the appliance and the heating radiator. The shield can be made from sheet foam, chipboard, plywood, plexiglass, plasterboard, and for more effective reflection of thermal energy, it can be covered with foil on the side adjacent to the battery.

Alternative accommodation options

Knowing at what distance the refrigerator should be placed, and not wanting to violate the rules of its operation, residents of apartments with small kitchens can choose one of the alternative installation options:

If the apartment has a storage room, it is perfect for installing a refrigeration unit. The main condition for such placement is the presence of an electrical outlet in the closet to which the unit can be connected.
Place the refrigerator in the hallway or hallway. In this case, you need to ensure that the distance from the unit to the opposite wall allows residents and guests of the apartment to move freely along the corridor.
A glazed loggia or balcony adjacent to the kitchen and connected to it by a common doorway is perfect for placing large equipment. However, with this installation option, it is necessary to constantly monitor the humidity and air temperature in the room. Manufacturers allow the use of climate class N devices in the temperature range of +16...+32°C, and SN-T class models - from +10 to +43°C. A decrease or increase in the thermometer beyond the specified limits can cause unstable operation of the unit or its breakdown.
In a private house or a two-level apartment, a refrigerated cabinet will fit well into the free space under the stairs leading to the second floor. At the same time, it can be used in different ways: to focus on a free-standing device or to build closets and storage drawers next to it.

If none of the options are suitable, you can place the unit in the bedroom or family room. The proximity to modern household appliances cannot harm the health of the apartment’s inhabitants or disturb their sleep, since even when the compressor is on, the refrigerator operates quietly. The main problem that arises with this placement is how to successfully fit the refrigerator into the interior of the room.

Some apartment owners dismantle part of the wall between the kitchen and the adjacent room, which in most cases is not permanent, and build a special niche for the refrigerator. This option has the right to life if permission is previously obtained from the state housing inspection authorities. Otherwise, when selling, exchanging or donating an apartment, such arbitrariness may be considered inconsistent and result in a fine.

Small kitchen design ideas: video

It is well known that it is not recommended to place the refrigerator next to objects that emit heat: heating radiators, ovens and hobs. It is clear that if there is a gas stove in the kitchen, the refrigerator should be located at a remote distance from it, but is it possible to place the refrigerator next to the gas pipe?

To answer this question, you should consider the risk factors that arise during the operation of the refrigerator and correlate their danger when exposed to the gas pipeline.

How does it happen in reality?

The gas stove is usually connected to the pipe in the kitchen using a flexible hose, in front of which there is a shut-off valve. That is, to disconnect a gas-using household appliance from the gas pipeline, it is enough to close the valve and unscrew one nut on the outlet with a wrench.

To disconnect a gas stove from a gas pipe, you only need to know how to handle a wrench and have a head on your shoulders

The operations of temporarily disconnecting and then connecting back are extremely simple. However, before you turn off the gas stove yourself, you should think again. If everything is put back in place after the repair and the stove is properly reconnected, the gas guy won’t even notice anything. It is enough to tell him that no one touched the stove, it was simply moved to the side.

The inspector will not be able to make any claims against such a house owner for arbitrariness. The stove is in its old place, there are no gas leaks - everything works properly.

But every time the gas worker has to pay about 500–1000 rubles simply for the fact of coming. However, no one here wants to pay extra. How much such savings are justified - you will have to decide personally.

Yes, and we should not forget about the dangers of such manipulations. It’s one thing that this is illegal, and another thing is that by deciding to disconnect the stove from the gas pipe yourself, you are endangering your life and that of your household.

Often kitchen renovations go like this:

the owner of the house unauthorizedly disconnects the gas stove from the pipe with a wrench;
then repair work is carried out on the premises;
then the owner again independently connects the stove back to the pipe.

No extra costs for calling a gas technician. And everything is basically completely illegal.

Then the master comes with an annual inspection, sees arbitrariness, but cannot do anything. There are no gas leaks, and it is impossible to prove unauthorized actions.

Seals are placed only on meters. Moreover, if problems are discovered during the inspection, then the employees of the inspection organization will certainly issue an invoice for disconnecting/connecting and correcting the identified deficiencies.

Near a stove or boiler

When installing a refrigerator next to a stove, do not forget that the stove will heat its body. To reduce the harm from such a “neighborhood”, you can install a partition between them, covered with foil on both sides. This simple device will help reduce heating of the side surface.

When installing a refrigerator next to a gas boiler, you need to take into account that the boiler heats up during operation. It is better to have some distance between them. It is also important to know that the rear grille of the unit requires air cooling, so it cannot be placed close to the wall or in a niche. The exception is models that have limiters that do not allow the back of the device to be brought close to the wall.

What distance should be

For most refrigerators and stoves, the minimum acceptable distance from each other will be 25 centimeters.

This is the clearance amount often mentioned in the manufacturer's operating instructions or referred to by technicians.

In a small room, when you have to save square meters, they try to fill the space with something useful.

However, for every rule there is an exception. The most modern devices (both refrigerators and stoves) are equipped with effective thermal insulation, and their very design prevents heat or cold from escaping to the side walls. Such models can be placed side by side without fear.

Refrigerators and stoves are not cheap household appliances. For many people they last for many years. In our country, the fleet of these units is updated slowly. The bulk is equipment produced many years ago. Therefore, it is better not to place the refrigerator next to the stove.

The main reason is the heating of the side of the stove and the adjacent side of the refrigerator.

The surfaces of the refrigeration chamber, which are poorly insulated from the external environment, are very often heated by such proximity. Each cycle of increasing temperature causes the refrigerator compressor to work harder.

Is it possible to put hot food in the refrigerator: warm soup, food and food in a pan

The more often the stove is used for cooking, the more stress the refrigerator's air conditioning system receives. If equipment operates at the limit of its capabilities, it wears out faster and fails.

Ideally, the kitchen space is organized according to the rule of the working triangle. The kitchen is divided into three zones, each of which does not intersect with the others. The first top is the refrigerator, cabinets, the second is the stove, the third is the sink. The distance between sectors is 1.8-2 m.

In practice, it is not always possible to achieve such a layout. The permissible distance between the refrigerator and the gas stove is 30-50 cm. Most manufacturers recommend sticking to 50 cm for their models.

Is it possible to place a refrigerator next to a gas stove? This arrangement has its positive sides. During operation of the gas stove, the ambient air temperature rises. And the refrigerator begins to work at maximum capabilities. If it is single-compressor, then the unit lowers the temperature until ice appears. In a two-compressor system, the degrees in the freezer become lower.

That is, it will be enough to leave a small gap between household appliances. The optimal size of empty space is 25 centimeters. This is enough so that the operating stove does not affect the cooling unit.

You can place the refrigerator next to the stove at a minimum distance of 25 cm. In this case, it is necessary to place a cabinet, rack or some additional partition between the appliances.

The manufacturer must also be taken into account. For example, Bosh allows a distance between the stove and the refrigerator of 30 cm. And the minimum distance between the Zanussi refrigerator and the stove is 50 cm. Therefore, it is recommended that you first read the operating instructions from the manufacturer.

You can place the stove at a distance of 10-15 cm to ensure the safe operation of refrigeration equipment.

Possible problems and their prevention

The question of whether it is possible to place a refrigerator next to a gas pipe in the kitchen also implies the location of the electrical equipment of the stove or oven. Working near heated surfaces will reduce the performance of the refrigerator. The device reacts sharply to the surrounding temperature.

Before furnishing the kitchen, it is necessary to take into account the class of the refrigerator, which indicates the maximum temperature suitable for its operation. Incorrect layout will lead to much more noticeable and undesirable consequences than slow cooling of the refrigerator compartment.

Motor or rotor failure

The optimal temperature inside the refrigerator compartment does not fall due to an increase in outside temperature. However, when the surface of the unit heats up, the motor is forced to work harder to maintain this temperature. The rotor rotates almost continuously, although at first glance it seems otherwise. Even after quickly cooking food, the sides of the stove or oven take a long time to cool down.

Increased load significantly reduces the life of the compressor. And after 3-5 years the refrigerator will have to be replaced. In addition, if the refrigerator is high, compensation for the temperature difference will be carried out at the expense of that part of it that does not require cooling. Due to the instability of the internal microclimate, food will begin to deteriorate.

To prevent this problem, it is recommended to install a narrow (15-20 cm) bottle holder between household appliances. She will make minor adjustments to the kitchen layout. A built-in cabinet with provided outlets for a gas pipe can also act as a protective barrier.

Overpayment for electricity

A motor forced to work harder spends many times more electricity. In addition, electricity is also taken for a “jerk” before forced cooling of the freezer. The result is higher bills and overpayments that could have been avoided by shielding the refrigerator from heating appliances.

Refrigerator enamel deteriorates

The enamel side of the refrigerator will crack over time due to exposure to high temperatures. Even earlier it will be covered with drops of fat. They don't look very aesthetically pleasing and are difficult to remove. Rough rubbing with metal sponges will leave scratches on the enamel.

In such a neighborhood, it is recommended to install a heat-insulating partition. You will also have to remember to wipe down the refrigerator after each meal. For the first time, you can cover the side with improvised paper or foil.

Consequences of overheating

Constant operation at elevated temperatures leads to serious technical problems. Overheating causes:

increasing the operating time and reducing the rest period - excessive energy consumption occurs;
engine failure - the cost of a new engine and its replacement will cost half the price of the refrigerator;
uneven freezing - affects the quality of products;
leakage of the unit - the temperature inside the refrigerator rises;
reducing the shelf life of food;
thermostat failure;
fire.

Due to the constant interaction of cold and hot air behind the unit, condensation accumulates, and then mold appears. The walls are deteriorating.

The inspection process of a plug cone tap through tension

Holding the tap plug with a handle, use the 17th key to unscrew the locknut and the nut in turn.

Remove the limit washer.

We press our finger on the pin of the cork, turning the cork with a handle. When the plug jams, you can lightly tap the stud with a hammer, after screwing the nut onto it first, so as not to damage the thread. You need to hit the nut!

We take out the plug.

Cleaning the plug and body, followed by lubrication and assembly, is carried out in the same way as a coupling valve. We clean the restrictor washer from old grease.

Apply lubricant to the valve body where the limiting washer meets.

We put the limiting washer on the groove of the stud. To do this, place the tap plug in the half-open position.

Screw the nut through the slot onto the faucet plug.

By tightening the nut, we adjust the degree of tension of the tap. We check by turning the tap handle. The tap should not turn with force, but it should not move too easily. We tighten the locknut.

Once again we check the smoothness of the ride.

Important Rules

Anyone who is going to hide communications must take into account one important rule.

This means that the gas pipeline can only be hidden with removable structures, for example, a special casing or fire-resistant plasterboard box. But it is prohibited to hide it in grooves or in the thickness of the wall.

Depending on the style of the kitchen, you can use the equipment in different ways.

Such a box should be easily and quickly removed to allow inspection and repair of gas services.

If communications could be transferred, then perhaps the problem would be solved much easier. But such a service is often expensive, and permission for it is very rarely issued.

Plasterboard construction

When creating an interior in the kitchen, the gas pipeline system can become a big obstacle. It can become an obstacle to the normal arrangement of furniture or prevent the normal installation of household appliances. Solving this problem is real, all you need is desire.

You may be interested in: Wallpaper design for a modern kitchen

The most effective method is to create a plasterboard box. In order to create such a design, you need to prepare:

Scheme for decorating a gas pipe with a plasterboard box: 1 – frame made of steel profile, 2 – sheathing made of plasterboard sheets, 3 – stiffener made of steel profile, 4 – utility pipes.

plasterboard sheets, for the kitchen it is better to use moisture-resistant ones;
metal profile;
screwdriver for securing elements;
self-tapping screws, it is better to take them with a reserve;
scissors for cutting profiles, a knife for cutting drywall.

You can purchase all the tools and materials without any problems at any hardware store.

Before you start installing the structure, you need to take measurements and carry out calculations. The box should not be too bulky, but if necessary, there should be access to the gas pipe. We install a metal profile structure. It is very important that it is securely attached to the wall. Everything is covered with plasterboard sheets.

This structure must be prepared before facing. Putty is used for this. It is very important to cover all joints with plaster mesh; it will increase the strength of the putty layer. Any material can be used as a facing material, the main thing is that it matches the entire interior.

Advantages of a plasterboard box:

good appearance;
ease of installation.

Disadvantages of a plasterboard box:

such a design can take up useful space, this will be especially noticeable in a small kitchen;
safety precautions may be violated, since the gas pipe is partially closed and access to it is complicated;
If it becomes necessary to inspect or repair the gas system, this structure will be completely dismantled.

Muscovites are concerned about the gas sector

— Please tell us how to call a specialist to replace a gas stove via the Internet?

- How can you tell if a locksmith is real?

- He will definitely present an ID with a photograph and stamps. And by calling Mosgaz on the mentioned phone number, you can make sure that this particular specialist has come to you.

— Can mechanics change the gas pipe that runs inside the house through our apartments? It has long since fallen into disrepair and is leaking gas...

— According to the Housing Code, the maintenance of in-house engineering is the responsibility of residents and management companies. The networks you are talking about are common property. If our specialists determine the fact of a gas leak, and your management company does not carry out the work to eliminate it, you must contact the Department of Capital Repairs of the city of Moscow. "Mosgaz" is engaged in technical maintenance aimed at preventing disruptions in the operation of gas equipment and emergencies.

— I also want to ask about façade gas pipelines—are there any explosion hazards?

- No, don't worry! We regularly monitor façade gas pipelines.

— I’m a pensioner, I have an old gas stove, it needs to be replaced, but it’s expensive. Is there anything you can do to help?

— With this question, you need to contact the prefecture of your district, which creates a list of categories of citizens for free installation of gas appliances. And we, realizing that many people cannot afford to purchase an appliance and replace it, are preparing a new service that will be performed within the framework of Mosgazservice - installing gas appliances on credit. I think we will launch it on September 1st.

— Is it possible to independently buy a meter for gas equipment and install it through you?

- Of course you can. But keep in mind that there are good manufacturers and there are bad ones. Therefore, there is a list of recommended devices - there are about 20 items in it. I would advise you to choose any device from this list, because it will meet the requirements not only for quality, but also for the accuracy of measuring the amount of gas consumed. We do not regulate either the manufacturer or the brand, but we give advice so that you do not have problems later: the supplier may estimate your consumption to be much higher than what the device recorded, and will absolutely legally demand replacement, and you will be subject to double expenses.

— Previously, special additives were added to household gas, which gave it a pungent odor, so that people could detect a leak in their apartment even at low concentrations. But recently the gas has no distinct specific odor. What does this have to do with?

— Mosgaz is responsible only for gas transportation, but not for its composition and characteristics. At the same time, we, of course, control all parameters at the entrance of transported gas into our networks. At our control points we have devices that record the amount of additives. I understand this problem very well, I am aware of it and I share your concern. We forward the demands to the gas supplier. I'll tell you: out of 6 delivery points, at 2 points the amount of odorant is slightly lower than the declared characteristics.

— We were sent a notice about maintenance work on the gas pipeline and gas equipment and asked to provide access to the apartment from 07/01/11 to 09/01/11. But our house is not listed on your website in terms of work. What if they are scammers?

— Every year, Mosgaz employees carry out maintenance of gas equipment in residential buildings. This is done routinely with prior notification to the prefecture and housing organizations. But not all residents provide access to the premises at the time indicated in the plan, and then we have to return there again to conduct a technical inspection. And you need to provide access to our employees - otherwise, all responsibility for disruption of gas appliances rests with the apartment owners and management company. You can clarify information about maintenance at the territorial division of the State Unitary Enterprise "Mosgaz" - its dates will not be postponed.

— Can a gas pipe go behind the refrigerator? Is it necessary to call Mosgaz or can you connect the stove yourself?

— Access to gas pipes cannot be limited either by building structures or appliances. The shut-off device (gas valve) must be in direct view. The connection of a gas appliance must be carried out by an organization or specialists who have the right to carry out this type of work and provide a guarantee for them. It is not recommended to connect the stoves yourself.

— My gas whistles when the burner is on. Maybe it's because I flooded the burner? What are the telltale signs of a stove problem?

— From mid-August to the end of September I leave Moscow. How can I avoid paying for gas during this time?

— Recalculation of payment for consumed gas can be made based on a certificate submitted from the housing organization for the period of absence of the subscriber. In this case, no calculations will be made. To do this, you must first inform the gas supplier Mosregiongaz by providing the relevant documents to it. The gas distribution scheme in a residential building provides for a shut-off device located on the riser, mainly in apartments on the 1st floor. It is intended for carrying out any routine maintenance on the riser. If you leave the apartment for a long time, this device cannot be covered. At the same time, we advise you, if there is this disconnecting device in your apartment, to inform the housing organization about your location for prompt communication.

— In the Konkovo area at the address: st. Generala Antonov, 5, bldg. 2, the gas was turned off for the period from August 22 to 24. I tried to find out who, where and how would provide some kind of replacement during the gas outage. In the control room of Mosgaz they are sent to Konkov's DEZ, there they are sent to Mosgaz. The Mosgaz hotline was told to contact the foreman responsible for the work. Konkov's DEZ replied: nothing will be provided. No one can answer how the monthly gas payment will be recalculated and whether electricity costs will be reimbursed for those who use a portable electric stove.

— When insulating facades, work is being done to replace the wall gas pipeline. The work is carried out by the specialized construction organization PSK-21 LLC (8-495-947-06-35), the customer of the work is the Moscow Department of Capital Repairs. According to the schedule agreed with the Directorate of the Single Customer (DEZ) and the Konkovo Administration, the gas in this house was turned off from August 22 to 24. The construction organization is obliged to provide residents with electric stoves while the house is disconnected from gas. At the same time, I inform you that the State Unitary Enterprise Mosgaz can provide a certificate of gas shutoff for a given period in order to recalculate payments for gas consumed.

Advantages and disadvantages of this arrangement

To fully appreciate the pros and cons, you should consider what difficulties and conveniences you will encounter.

First, let's define the advantages:

The ability to place a refrigerator and gas pipe in your kitchen according to your preferences, focusing on interior design, etc. It is not uncommon that the kitchen layout is done at the expense of simple safety rules.
Ease of cleaning the room. By installing the refrigerator at a short distance, it is possible to reduce the area for the accumulation of dust, dirt and other debris.

Oddly enough, we could not find more advantages. As mentioned above, only compliance with the rules for installation and use of equipment can guarantee safety during its operation.

Next, let's look at the disadvantages:

difficulty in maintaining equipment;
placing the refrigeration equipment too close to the wall creates incorrect conditions for its operation;
in some cases, the gas shut-off valve is located behind the refrigerator, so it does not allow you to shut off the gas supply, and even in the case of a visit from a gas service employee, you will have to explain why there is no free access to the gas tap.

Often, inspectors or gas workers refer to the fact that it is prohibited in principle to close the gas system for access with foreign objects. However, they do not provide precise wording or references to laws or acts.

Gas services reprimand them for, in their opinion, incorrect placement of the refrigerator, which prevents access to the meter for data verification, as well as the control valve

Having studied this issue, we also did not find clear concepts and requirements for the placement and arrangement of a gas pipe in Russian legislation, except for technical regulations. But it does not say at what distance from the gas pipe the refrigerator is allowed to be placed.

Can't be moved, hidden

One of the frequently proposed ways to solve the problem of a small kitchen and place all the necessary furniture and equipment in it is to make drastic changes - combining the kitchen and living room. But if you are a law-abiding citizen, then you cannot do a redevelopment that combines the kitchen and living room. More precisely, it is possible, but only if the stove in the kitchen is electric and the water heater is too. Gas equipment - a stove or gas burner is required to be installed in a room separated from living rooms by a wall with a door.

Just like in a fairy tale, the placement of the comma in this phrase is of great importance. If you decide that the amount of work, approvals and financial costs is not worth modern kitchen interior design, then we will try to solve the problem using decorative methods.

Geyser as part of a kitchen set. This is the simplest and most obvious way: enclose the gas water heater in a furniture cabinet, then from the outside it will not be noticeable where the device is located - it will be hidden by the cabinet door. When ordering furniture, you should only take into account the requirements for the installation of gas appliances.

Geyser in a decorative casing. From the advice given above, another solution follows: modern models of gas instantaneous water heaters can have not only a functional, but a beautiful body that you do not want to hide. There are very decorative solutions: with a glass panel decorated with painting or photo printing.
Geyser and refrigerator. It’s worth talking about a refrigerator in a small kitchen, but now let’s mention the option of a tandem refrigerator and geyser. If the location of the column allows, you can place a small refrigerator under the column. This option also requires the use of modern models of gas water heaters. Their design is such that the burner is located in the upper part and the bottom of the device does not heat up. In addition, they have automatic ignition: the burner flame lights up when the water is turned on, so there is no need to provide easy access to turn on the burner. When placing appliances in this way, you should take into account where the stove is located so as not to damage the refrigerator.
If you can’t hide it, you need to show it beautifully. In an industrial or loft style interior, a gas water heater, pipes and chimney can become part of the design. Another option is suitable for a country style interior. Hang wooden shelves in a retro style on the sides of the gas water heater, place beautiful dishes or kitchen utensils on them, and draw a shelf with objects on the body of the water heater.

Alternative methods of protection

Still, you can fit the refrigerator into the interior of the kitchen, taking into account its size, without reducing its efficiency. Protective shields and partitions will ensure safe isolation of the refrigerator both from the gas pipeline and from the associated household appliances - stoves, ovens.

The refrigerator can be placed in a homemade or ordered built-in cabinet made of chipboard, reeds or polystyrene foam, protected with a cut cork sheet. In this case, it is important to provide enough space around for ventilation. The materials are resistant to moisture, but can become deformed from prolonged heating.

A more universal solution is a thin heat insulator made of inorganic materials. For example, drywall, fiberglass. This affordable raw material not only withstands temperature changes, but is also moisture resistant and additionally provides electrical insulation. Easily attached with double-sided tape.

Installation standards

The rules and regulations for installing a gas pipe in the kitchen are as follows:

Before work, close the main valve.
The gas pipeline is purged if the pipe is moved.
The pipe is secured to the wall. These are special clamps and brackets.

The type of fastener is determined by the length and diameter of the pipes.

If there are electrical cables near the pipes, then the minimum distance here should be 25 cm. And gas equipment is 50 cm away from the electrical panel.
Location near cooling equipment is unacceptable. In this matter, owners often make mistakes. Is it possible to place a refrigerator near a gas pipe? It is forbidden. So the refrigerator radiator can quickly overheat, and the device itself will become faulty.
The minimum distance from the gas pipe to the stove is formed as follows: the branch to it goes only along the line of the connecting fitting. The shut-off valve is placed 150 cm from the floor and 20 cm from the side of the stove. The slab is installed using a heat-resistant flexible hose.
Work should be carried out in a room with stable ventilation and natural light.
The minimum ceiling height is 220 cm.
The slab and the opposite wall must be separated by at least 100 cm.
The surfaces around the pipes and slabs are covered with fire-resistant material - plaster.
The pipes are routed so that the slab is 7-8 cm from the walls.
The stove is used only in a kitchen that has a fence from the corridor: a wall or partition and a door.
The height of the gas pipe from the floor is at least 2 m.

Another important aspect is the maximum length of certified gas hoses. In Russia it has no restrictions. In Europe it is 2 m. We can have products from 2 to 10 m or more. It all depends on the owners’ tasks and working conditions.

Refrigerator and stove: a dangerous combination

And not only are you simply “killing” the motor of your refrigerator, you are also regularly overpaying for light. The refrigerator already drags a lot without this, but if you force it to work 5-6 times more intensely, you yourself understand how much money it will cost.

And this is an absolutely wonderful option. Foil or mirror perfectly reflects heat, and such a partition can be much thinner than other options. The only negative is that the mirror reflection is out of place; it can be removed using corrugated glass placed on top.

Apartment standards

The gas pipeline is installed in the apartment according to a previously developed plan. But even before this, it is necessary to determine the operating conditions of the gas pipeline. So, if gas units operate in the kitchen, it will become a mandatory element for them. Its presence in the boiler room is the key to warmth throughout the house.

For the positions of the gas pipe in the kitchen and apartment, the standards are as follows:

No installation in residential areas or ventilation shafts.
Intersection with openings for windows and doors is unacceptable.
Laying in hard-to-reach areas is prohibited. For example, behind designer decoration on the wall. Gas equipment must be provided with quick and easy access in case of malfunctions.
The minimum distance of the gas pipe from the floor is 2 m.
When using thin-walled pipes, the length of flexible communication components should not exceed 3 m. The density of connections of network elements is also of great importance.
Installation is permitted only in those rooms where the minimum ceiling height is 220 cm. And these rooms must be well ventilated.
The kitchen should not be provided with ventilation affecting the living areas.
Wall and ceiling surfaces close to gas appliances must have a special coating of non-combustible plaster. If there is no such coating on the wall, it must be insulated from gas appliances using a metal sheet. Its suitable density is 3 mm.

Is it possible to place a microwave in the dishwasher and other places?

Also, some doubt whether it is possible to put baby food in the microwave for heating, but this is not only convenient, but also safe for the baby. Most modern microwaves have various additional functions such as grilling or steaming. In this article we will talk about whether it is possible to place a microwave in the dishwasher and other places.

There is a kitchen of 6 sq.m. Through much torment we came to this project. Girls, please see if everything has been taken into account, my eyes are already blurry.

A gas meter is a fairly high-quality device, and each unit has passed mandatory laboratory testing.

Responsibility for unauthorized connection

To ensure the safe operation of gas equipment, Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 410 dated May 14, 2013, updated as of January 1, 2021, was issued. Providing measures to ensure the safe use of gas equipment in residential buildings and apartments. The same document determines that only authorized organizations are given the right to manipulate gas appliances. Gas service workers have the right to check the compliance of installed gas appliances with the list in the gas supply contract. With whom the maintenance contract is concluded.

If the inspection reveals a device not specified in the contract, this is considered an unauthorized connection. This entails a fine, an obligation to compensate for losses, administrative and even criminal liability.

Amount of penalties

For starting gas independently, the homeowner is subject to a fine of 10 to 15 thousand rubles. Provided that the gas networks are connected in a technically sound manner. But there is no permission to connect. If this action is committed by a business entity, then penalties are determined by the court. Their possible size is from one hundred to two hundred thousand.

But if the unauthorized connection caused serious consequences, then criminal liability is also provided. List of consequences classified as serious:

if as a result of an unauthorized connection there was a leak or theft of “blue fuel” in a significant amount;

if the network, gas pipeline and related technological facilities are damaged or rendered unusable;

there was a threat to the life and health of residents and gas service workers.

If any of the listed consequences occurs, the punishment may be imprisonment. Valid for up to 2 years.

In addition to the above liability, the person who committed the violation is obliged to compensate for the damage. Which was caused to the gas supply organization by unlawful actions.

What are the consequences of unauthorized transfer or installation of a gas water heater?

During the initial installation or transfer of a gas water heater, only employees of a specialized organization have the right to connect to the networks. But all the necessary papers must be completed:

fire service report on working ventilation system and chimney;

gas use project and connection permit;

passport of the installed water heater;

application from the homeowner to carry out gas installation work.

In case of unauthorized reinstallation or installation of the column, the violator faces a fine of 10-15 thousand rubles. But criminal liability is also possible. In accordance with Article 38 of Federal Law No. 69 “On Fire Safety”, it is possible to bring criminal liability under Art. 165 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The article provides:

fine up to 80.0 thousand rubles;
imprisonment for up to 2 years;
corrections for the same period;
arrest for up to a year.

Responsibility for moving the dispenser in case of property damage or death

If, as a result of moving the dispenser yourself, property was damaged or people were injured, then the liability is much more serious:

the fine can be up to half a million rubles;
arrest up to 6 years;
forced labor up to 60 months.

Find out how to install a gas water heater without harming yourself or your neighbors, and not getting fined, from the video.

Gas appliances make our lives immeasurably more comfortable. But when installing and operating them, it is extremely important to comply with all rules and regulations. And then you won’t have to bear punishment and suffer from remorse.

Is it possible to place a refrigerator next to a radiator or gas pipe?

In order for the equipment to work properly, it is necessary to ensure that the optimal temperature regime is maintained in the kitchen. For normal operation of the equipment, the temperature must be between +5°C and +40°C.

Maintain as much distance as possible between them.
Do not place the refrigerator close to heating appliances or a stove. If the gap between them is still small, the refrigeration equipment should be placed sideways to the heat source.
You can use a protective screen made of thermal insulation material - polystyrene foam, chipboard or cork board.

Why not?

As a rule, the temperature required for normal operation of equipment ranges from 15ºC to 30ºC. An increased temperature threatens the operation of the compressor under load, and accordingly its service life decreases and energy consumption increases. It follows from this that it is not recommended to place it near heat sources - near a stove, gas boiler, or installed on a warm floor. There should be a gap of at least five centimeters between the refrigerator and other kitchen equipment to ensure constant air circulation.

If the floor on which this unit will stand is heated, you need to try to ensure that the heating system pipes do not pass through the place where it will be installed.

Otherwise, it will be constantly heated from below, which will lead to continuous operation of the compressor, increasing the load on the unit, its wear and energy consumption.

Is it possible to place a refrigerator next to a gas pipe, what will a specialist say?