What do gas detectors do and when are they mandatory / List of companies accredited by ANRE that can install such equipment

Automatic gas detectors are mandatory in rooms where there are boilers or stoves, where the windows are double-glazed or secured or have a thickness greater than 4 millimeters, according to the legislation in force. These equipment can only be installed by companies authorized by the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE). On the ANRE website we find a list of 5,700 accredited companies throughout the country. They set their own rates that they charge to customers.

The technical norms regarding natural gas supply require the installation of automatic detectors that trigger the alarm and automatically shut off the gas supply when the concentration of methane gas in the air reaches at least 2% by volume.

Thus, according to ANRE order no. 89/10.05.2018 for the approval of the Technical Norms for the design, execution and operation of natural gas supply systems, gas sensors are mandatory in:

• Rooms in which gas-consuming devices are installed (for example central heating units, stoves, etc.) if the glazed surfaces (windows) have panes thicker than 4 millimeters or are of a special type (thermopane, secured, etc.).
• Rooms where there is a significant risk of poisoning, fires or explosions due to accumulated natural gas leaks.

The same rules stipulate that it is forbidden to take automatic gas detectors out of operation, even for a short period of time, or to continue using the stove or boiler in rooms where the respective sensors do not work according to the technical specifications given by the manufacturer.

Technical checks on gas installations are done every two years, and the general overhaul, every 10 years

The owners or users of natural gas facilities are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the facilities.

They must carry out the periodic technical checks once every 2 years at the most and the general technical overhaul every 10 years at the latest.

If, following the verification or revision, it is found that the installation does not meet the conditions of safe operation, the customer has the obligation to take measures to repair the equipment, including the installation of automatic detectors with electrovalves, where applicable.

Repairs to equipment and installation of detectors can only be carried out by economic operators authorized by ANRE, based on a service contract.

If the customer cannot provide proof of carrying out periodic checks or revisions, the operator of the gas distribution system has the right to interrupt the gas supply until repairs are made or until the documents are presented.

List of companies authorized to carry out works in the natural gas sector, on the ANRE website

On the ANRE website there is a list of almost 5,700 companies (5,696 to be exact) throughout the country authorized to do such works in the field of natural gas.

Here we can choose a company depending on the county and town we are in and the type of authorization: design or execution of gas installations, connection, etc. For Bucharest, there are 917 companies in the list.

The owner of the gas installation, the user or the association of owners, in the case of blocks, concludes a contract with the company of their choice. This company carries out the work and issues a document with which the owner of the installation requests the distribution company to resume gas supply.

It should also be emphasized that the representatives of the gas distributor (Distrigaz Sud in the case of the explosion in Rahova) do not have the right to recommend or suggest any work company, only to specify that the company needs to be authorized by ANRE. People are free to choose which company they want from the ANRE list.

The rates charged by ANRE authorized companies are not regulated. Firms are free to set their own rates, depending on costs, complexity of work, geographic area and other economic factors.