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

Residents of apartment buildings and owners of their own houses often think about whether it is possible to put a refrigerator near a gas pipe and whether such a neighborhood is safe. How to equip the kitchen space so that in the future there are no problems.

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

Features of the refrigerator

If we talk about whether it is possible to place a gas pipe behind a refrigerator, first of all, we need to analyze all the possible danger and risk factors during the operation of refrigeration equipment.

Additionally, it will not be superfluous to consider a brief refrigerator working principle. This will help in identifying possible problems.

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

Almost any modification of the refrigerator is designed so that freon gas is involved in its operation, which, passing through the heat exchanger system, changes its state of aggregation. Due to this, the pressure and temperature of the gas decreases, and the temperature in the refrigerating chamber itself drops.

Along with this, thermal energy is given out, then the temperature of the refrigerant gradually rises and it is again sent to the compressor of the device.

Risks of the neighborhood of the refrigerator and the gas pipe

Having examined the principle of operation of the refrigerator, there are several basic details that you need to look closely at. Given that a heat exchanger is involved, compressor, evaporator, certain risks may occur.

Therefore, one should approach the choice of a place for installation of equipment more reasonably and carefully, if possible, adhering to certain recommendations of specialists.

During heat transfer, the system gives off heat, which is why the walls of the refrigerator can get quite hot. It depends on the brand and model of equipment. In addition, the operation of a compressor that catches up freon and makes it move through the system is impossible without electricity.

During the operation of the refrigerator, its walls will certainly heat up, so consider this important aspect when installing equipment

According to the results of operation, there are already two hazard factors. Therefore, we consider in detail what it is worth paying close attention to:

1. Thermal return through the walls. In some types of equipment, the temperature can reach quite high values. Manufacturers, arranging test drives of the equipment, recorded an abnormal temperature increase, up to 50-60 degrees. The performance is high, given the special arrangement of equipment in the apartment or house. Raising the temperature to such indicators is directly related to violations in the operation of equipment parts.
2. Electricity in itself is a danger. The bare wire, spark and short circuit from faulty components can transmit current to the pipe. A short circuit in the wiring of the refrigerator, which is close to the gas line, could theoretically lead to a fire or voltage to the gas pipe.

Are the risks presented really dangerous when operating refrigeration equipment installed near a gas pipe? What specifically can be encountered in domestic use?

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

Possible consequences of such a neighborhood

Assume that the refrigerator is located close to or close to the gas pipe. What can happen in this situation?

Firstly, there is not enough airflow for the operation of the refrigeration equipment itself. If you look at the operating instructions, it indicates that for normal operation it is necessary to leave a ventilation gap.

If this is excluded during installation, a possible equipment failure and, as a result, expensive repairs are possible. Although some manufacturers of equipment do not have such recommendations, due to the design features.

Secondly, with a faulty compressor, the latter may overheat, followed by a short circuit and heating of the gas pipe. Gas, as you know, is an increased danger. Overheating of the compressor will lead to excessive heating of the walls of the refrigerator.

According to experts, if we consider a possible increase in the temperature of the walls, then the indicators are unlikely to exceed the mark of 60 degrees (this is also indicated by studies of equipment manufacturers). This is not even an average, but the maximum. And even if we consider that the wall will be at a distance of 20-40 mm from the pipe, this factor will not be able to somehow affect the gas pipeline system.

If the gas pipe is in contact with the current, it will not be difficult to notice. In places of welding or holders, the paint on the pipe begins to peel off and burn

There is no danger with fullfit. Heating of the pipe is possible and real, but no harm will result from this, with some exceptions. With constant exposure to elevated temperatures, even if not 60 degrees, but only 30-40, the pipe will be painted. Therefore, the maximum that threatens in this case is the need pipe painting.

Thirdly, a close-mounted refrigerator can fail and short-circuit to a pipe. A very common reason why fires occur in apartments is a compressor or wiring fault in the refrigerator.Although in this case, the opinion of experts is different. Even if a bare cable or spark gets on the pipe, there is no danger.

This point of view is supported by a number of reasons:

1. The gas pipes are made of metal and go into the ground, so when contacting the electrical wire, a common grounding of the phase will occur. Even if the machine installed on the meter does not work, the phase will be grounded and, as a result, will not pose any threat to humans.
2. Suppose if an underwater cable is rubber and a bare cord or a spark from a faulty refrigerator gets on it, what will happen in this case? Most modern gas stoves are connected with a protective neutral wire, so there is no danger.
3. If the stove is working properly, the connections are tight, with a torn cable, spark and other malfunctions of refrigeration equipment, there is no danger to the consumer. Except when an electric shock occurs directly from a faulty device.

On the forums you can find a lot of quite conflicting information. And, often, the opinion of ordinary users differs from the statements of experts. They have a different point of view, and here's why.

Most of the housing stock in the Russian Federation was built during the Soviet era. At that time, the grounding of gas pipes was not so widespread. It seems that many residents of high-rise buildings and the private sector, in order to reduce consumption and reduce the performance of electricity meters, use gas pipes to unwind, throwing them at zero.

And the rules for wiring electrical wiring around the house were somewhat different, so partly the allegations of ordinary citizens may be valid.

An important condition for the normal functioning of the refrigerator is the availability of sufficient air circulation around it. Therefore, it is necessary to leave at least a minimum distance between the wall and the refrigerator

To this view, there is a danger of not only a fire, but also a person being injured by electric shock. Therefore, a closely installed refrigerator can simply be shocked, and if current flows from it to the pipe, then it is likely that a fire can occur. In this case, one should think about whether it is worth endangering the health and life of oneself and loved ones.

Regarding the allegation of insufficient ventilation between the refrigerator and the wall, there is some common sense. For the normal operation of most refrigerators, it is extremely important to ensure a normal flow of air to cool the walls.

At the same time, with the development of technology, the production of a new type of refrigeration equipment is also moving, for which it does not matter where it will be placed, it does not require sufficient air passage, etc.

An example of this is closed-type refrigerators, which are mounted in kitchen sets and represent a single “composition” with other kitchen appliances. Therefore, you need to pay attention to what type of refrigerator you plan to install.

Compliance with simple safety measures and recommendations of the manufacturer of refrigeration equipment will allow you to equip the kitchen area with comfort and convenience for use.

The forums also have a lot of comments about the fact that inspection bodies or supervisors often scare residents with the danger of such accommodation, literally threatening fines and cutting off the supply of blue fuel. Of course, there is no legislative responsibility in this regard for consumers, but, nevertheless, no one needs unnecessary proceedings.

The history of one of Moscow high-rise buildings seemed relevant. Complaints were filed against the owner of the apartment, and after that, statements were written to the court because of the noise that the refrigerator makes. It sounds strange and ridiculous, but the complaints were not baseless.

In the course of numerous inspections, including with the involvement of district inspectors, it was found out that the owners, while updating the interior, installed a refrigerator close to the gas pipe. Due to a faulty compressor, at the time of start-up and operation, the latter transmitted vibration to the gas pipe. Subsequently, the noise, the roar from the operation of the refrigerator got all the neighbors in the riser.

One of the first symptoms of an early compressor failure is the increased noise at startup. Therefore, the change in the sounds made by the device should be treated carefully.

The situation is not pleasant, but during the court session the owner of the apartment was obliged to correct the situation. As soon as the refrigerator was put off the chimney, the noise disappeared. At the same time, the tenant himself did not feel discomfort.

For other causes of noise and vibration of gas pipes, read this stuff.

As you can see, the proximity of the refrigerator and the gas pipe does not pose any danger, you only need to observe the distance, monitor the serviceability of the equipment, and eliminate the breakdowns in time.

Advantages and disadvantages of this arrangement

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

First, let's determine the advantages:

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

Oddly enough, but more benefits could not be found. As mentioned above, only compliance with the rules for installation and use of equipment can guarantee safety during its operation.

Next, we focus on the shortcomings:

• difficulty in servicing equipment;
• too close the location of the refrigeration equipment to the wall creates inappropriate conditions for its operation;
• overlapping in some cases gas valve It is located behind the refrigerator, therefore it does not allow shutting off the gas supply, and in the case of a visit, the gas service employee will have to explain why there is no free access to the gas valve.

Often, controllers or gas workers cite the fact that it is forbidden in principle to close the gas system for access by foreign objects. However, they do not provide exact wording or references to laws or acts.

The gas services make a comment for the improper, in their opinion, placement of the refrigerator, which closes the access to the meter for data verification, as well as the control valve

Having studied this issue, we also did not find in Russian legislation clear concepts and requirements for the placement and location of a gas pipe, except for technical regulations. But it does not talk about how far from the gas pipe it is allowed to place a refrigerator.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

When deciding how to place the refrigerator correctly, you need to build on the principle of operation of the equipment, as this can directly affect the durability and functionality of the latter:

As you can see, there are no legislative norms and rules on the placement of refrigeration equipment near a gas pipe. According to experts and manufacturers of refrigerators, to prevent breakdowns and fires, as well as other problems, the equipment should be placed at a sufficient distance.

If the gas pipe cannot be left completely open, a clearance of 50-60 mm is allowed. At the same time, we recommend that you take care of free access to the meter and valve in order to avoid unnecessary disputes with inspection bodies.

Do you have your own opinion on this issue? Please share it with our readers in the block below.Tell us if you had to defend such a placement with regulatory authorities.