‘Internal installation’ means all the piping, appliances, devices, manholes, structural elements, and other related components from the delivery point up to the gas exhaust system. Based on their operating pressure, Internal Installations are specified by the Technical Regulations of OGG 236/28.03.97, OGG 963 Β’/15.07.03 & OGG 976/28.03.12, as effective. Furthermore, pursuant to the Distribution Network Operation Code (OGG B’ 3726/12.08.2021), the Company is the Distribution Network Operator and it is in charge of providing the Main Activity Services that - in terms of internal installations - include:
- Validation of the Internal Installation studies
- Internal Installation Inspection for the issuing of the Internal Installation Use Permit as provided for by the technical internal installation regulations, as applicable.
- Sample testing of Internal Installations that have been first activated more than four (4) years ago.
Functioning and maintenance of the internal installation
If installed in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Regulation, a gas installation meets the requirements for proper functioning. The safety of a gas installation depends on proper functioning, proper handling, regular inspection and scheduled (preventive) maintenance.
Scheduled (preventive) maintenance and regular inspection must be carried out in accordance with the operating and maintenance schedule and the updated gas installation file.
The inspection results and repair details must be recorded and kept available on the premises.
Existing installations may be modified only in conformity with the requirements laid down in the Regulation.
During the functioning of a gas installation, the operating conditions and other circumstances may affect its safety.
Inspecting the installation and carrying out maintenance tasks will allow consumers to:
promptly detect any changes that may affect the safety of the installation;
actively contribute towards environmental protection, as scheduled (preventive) maintenance of gas devices will ensure low pollutant emissions;
cut down on the operating costs of gas devices due to the infrequent need for repair and to its efficient operation.
NB: The odor is added to natural gas for safety purposes, to allow people to sense any leakage immediately.
The Company has the right to carry out inspections, to verify whether the maintenance requirements for internal natural gas installations are complied with. The inspections cover the entire internal installation, including gas devices and systems.
After every maintenance session, repair or adjustment, the authorized technical installer must diligently, accurately and completely fill out and sign the maintenance logbook for boiler rooms, or the required re-inspection certificate for internal piping networks.
The Company has the right to carry out inspections on a gas installation at its own discretion. Consumers must facilitate the inspections carried out by the Gas Distribution Company.
Consumers must keep the gas installation file. The file should include the technical report and drawings, should be updated with all subsequent changes (modifications or expansions) and should also include the inspection and maintenance certificates for the network and devices. The gas installation file must be available to the Gas Company.
Consumers must have the devices and pipes regularly maintained. An individual must be appointed as maintenance officer in the case of non-domestic installations. Maintenance officers for domestic installations are appointed as provided for by Law. Maintenance, inspection and repair work must be carried out by properly licensed professionals.
The legislation governing the maintenance of installations includes, apart from the internal installation Regulations, the decision under our ref. prot. n.: 189533 «Regulation of issues on the functioning of fixed burners for heating and hot water" OGG 2654/9.11.11. Respectively, the requirements of OGG 264/B/15-04-93 apply for industrial boilers, steam generators, oil heaters and air heaters, used in any industrial or manufacturing activity for the production of hot water, vapor and hot air, as applicable.
With regard to the use of covers/cabinets for the protection of natural gas boilers against cold and before placement, Consumers must consult:
It is noted that the improper use of a cover/cabinet may affect the operation of the boiler causing a - potentially serious - damage.