PNG Cooktop Installation & Retrofit Guide India | Gas Stove
Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is rapidly becoming the preferred cooking fuel in Indian urban households due to its uninterrupted supply and cost-effectiveness. However, transitioning from the traditional LPG cylinder system to a PNG connection requires adherence to specific installation, safety, and technical standards.
Whether you are installing a new PNG stove or converting your existing LPG cooktop, understanding these requirements is crucial for a safe, efficient, and compliant kitchen.
1. Initial Connection and Infrastructure Requirements
The first step in using PNG is establishing the connection, which is handled exclusively by the authorized City Gas Distribution (CGD) company in your area (e.g., IGL, MGL, Adani Gas, Gujarat Gas).
| Aspect | Requirement | Note |
| Availability Check | Confirm that PNG pipeline service is active in your society or locality. | You must apply and complete all paperwork (proof of ownership/NOC for renters) before installation. |
| Professional Installation | The entire piping and meter installation must be carried out only by certified technicians authorized by the CGD company. | Unauthorized modifications to the main gas line or meter are strictly prohibited and highly dangerous. |
| Meter Placement | The gas meter, control valve, and regulator are typically installed outside the kitchen (often on a wall or balcony). | The location must have adequate ventilation and should not be concealed by furniture or cabinets to allow for easy access, reading, and maintenance. |
| Pipeline Material | The main piping is usually a combination of GI (Galvanized Iron) or Copper pipe, leading from the main riser to the kitchen’s appliance valve. | Concealing the main pipeline behind walls or concrete is generally discouraged for safety and maintenance access. |
| Gas Hose Connection | The final connection from the appliance valve to the cooktop must use an approved, flexible, steel-braided rubber hose (typically meeting IS:9573 standards) no longer than 1 metre. |
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2. Converting an LPG Stove to PNG (Retrofitting)
Due to fundamental differences in fuel properties—LPG is high-pressure and high-energy; PNG is low-pressure and lower-energy—an LPG stove cannot be used with PNG without modification. This process is called retrofitting and must be done by the CGD’s authorized service partner.
The Critical Step: Jet Replacement
The core of the retrofit process is replacing the burner nozzles, or jets.
- LPG Jets: These have a smaller orifice diameter to handle the high pressure of LPG (approx. 294 mbar) and limit the flow of the high-energy fuel.
- PNG Jets: These have a larger orifice diameter to ensure an adequate volume of the lower-pressure PNG (approx. 21 mbar) is supplied to the burner to achieve an optimal flame.
| Retrofitting Step | Technical Requirement | Importance |
| Burner Jet Change | Replace all existing LPG jets with new PNG-specific jets. | Ensures correct fuel-to-air ratio for efficient and stable combustion. |
| Air-Fuel Mixture Adjustment | The technician must adjust the secondary air inlet on the burner to optimize the gas-air ratio. | Prevents problems like the flame lifting off the burner (flame lift) or producing black soot (incomplete combustion). |
| Retrofit Kit & Standards | Only authorized kits and components, conforming to the manufacturer’s and CGD standards, should be used. | Non-certified modifications (like drilling the existing jet) invalidate the stove’s warranty and pose serious safety risks. |
| Stove Compatibility | Check the stove manufacturer’s guidelines. Some very old or unbranded LPG models may not be suitable for safe and efficient retrofitting. |
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3. Safety and Performance Testing
Safety checks are mandatory after the installation or retrofitting is complete.
| Test / Check | Procedure | Safety Sign-Off |
| Gas Soundness Test | The system is tested for gas pressure and leak-tightness using a calibrated manometer. | Confirms that there are no leaks in the piping network. |
| Leak Detection | All joints (especially pipe connections, valves, and the hose attachment) are visually inspected using a soap-water solution. | Any bubbles indicate a leak that must be immediately rectified before use. |
| Flame Stability & Colour | The burner is lit on all settings (high and low flame). The flame must be a steady blue cone. | A yellow/orange flame indicates poor combustion (soot formation), while a lifting or blowing flame indicates incorrect pressure/jet size. |
| Ventilation | The kitchen must have proper cross-ventilation (exhaust fan, windows) to safely disperse PNG, which is lighter than air, in the event of a minor leak. |
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4. Compliance with Indian Standards (BIS IS 17153:2019)
For the highest assurance of safety and quality, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifies a dedicated standard for PNG cooktops.
- BIS IS 17153:2019: This standard specifies the construction, operation, safety requirements, and testing for domestic gas stoves intended for use with PNG at a standard inlet pressure of 21 mbar.
- Mandatory Certification: The ISI Mark certification is now mandatory for PNG gas stoves, assuring consumers of minimum thermal efficiency (at least 50%) and rigorous safety features (such as CO/CO2 emission control).
Recommendation: While older LPG stoves can be retrofitted, consumers are increasingly advised to purchase new, dedicated PNG cooktops that are BIS certified under IS 17153:2019 for optimal efficiency and guaranteed safety compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – PNG Cooktop Installation & Retrofit
Here are the most common questions regarding the installation and retrofitting of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) cooktops in Indian households, complete with essential compliance and safety information.
1. PNG Connection and Feasibility
Q1. How do I get a new PNG connection in my house?
A. You must apply to the authorized City Gas Distribution (CGD) company operating in your area (e.g., IGL, MGL, Gujarat Gas). The process typically involves:
- Checking the technical feasibility (pipeline availability) in your locality.
- Filling out a registration form and submitting KYC documents (ID and Ownership/Rent Agreement with NOC).
- Paying the initial security deposit and registration fee.
Q2. What is the typical cost for a new PNG connection in India?
A. The total initial cost usually comprises:
- An interest-free refundable security deposit (towards the meter and equipment, often around ₹6,000 to ₹7,000, as per PNGRB guidelines).
- A smaller refundable security deposit towards gas consumption.
- A non-refundable registration/administration fee.
- The charge typically covers up to 15 meters of pipe length. Extra charges apply for piping exceeding this limit.
Q3. Where must the PNG meter be installed for safety?
A. The gas meter must be installed in an easily accessible location with adequate ventilation, preferably outside the kitchen or on a wall close to the entry point. Key safety rules are:
- Do not conceal the meter, regulator, or control valve inside furniture or walls.
- Maintain a minimum distance (∼300 mm) from any electrical points or cables.
2. LPG Stove to PNG Conversion (Retrofitting)
Q4. Can I use my old LPG gas stove with the new PNG connection?
A. Yes, but your LPG stove must be professionally retrofitted to be compatible with PNG. LPG and PNG have different calorific values and operating pressures (LPG ≈294 mbar, PNG≈21 mbar), making a conversion mandatory for safe and efficient use.
Q5. What is the technical difference in retrofitting an LPG stove for PNG?
A. The main difference is the replacement of the burner jets/nozzles.
- The original LPG jets are replaced with PNG-specific jets, which have a larger orifice to allow a greater volume of the lower-pressure PNG gas to flow to the burner, ensuring a proper flame.
- The technician also adjusts the air-fuel mixture for clean combustion.
Q6. Who should perform the LPG to PNG retrofit?
A. Only certified and authorized technicians from the CGD company or their authorized service partners should perform the retrofit. Using an uncertified plumber or attempting a DIY conversion is extremely dangerous and voids all warranties.
Q7. Is the conversion reversible? What if I want to switch back to LPG?
A. Yes, the conversion is reversible. Your CGD company can reconvert the stove back to LPG by replacing the PNG jets with the original LPG jets (or new ones). A service charge may apply for reconversion.
3. Safety, Standards, and Maintenance
Q8. What is the BIS IS 17153:2019 standard and why is it important?
A. IS 17153:2019 is the Indian Standard set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for Domestic Gas Stoves for use with Piped Natural Gas (PNG). It specifies construction, safety, and performance requirements, including a minimum thermal efficiency.
- Importance: Buying a BIS certified PNG stove ensures high safety levels, optimal fuel efficiency, and compliance with national regulations.
Q9. What safety precautions should I follow after installation?
A.
- Use the correct hose: Only use the approved steel-braided rubber hose (often Suraksha hose) and ensure its length is not more than 1 meter.
- Ventilation: Always ensure good ventilation in the kitchen (open windows, use an exhaust fan) while cooking, as PNG is lighter than air and disperses quickly.
- Close Valves: Make it a habit to close the Appliance Valve (the valve near the stove) after cooking, and the main Meter Control Valve if leaving the house for a day or more.
Q10. What should I do if I smell a gas leak?
A. PNG has an added odorant for detection. If you smell gas:
- Do not operate any electrical switches, appliances, or mobile phones.
- Close the appliance valve and the main meter control valve immediately.
- Open all doors and windows to ventilate the area.
- Call the CGD company’s 24-hour emergency helpline from outside the house.
Q11. What color should the PNG flame be?
A. A properly adjusted PNG flame should be steady, blue, and clean with a distinct inner cone. A yellow, smoky, or unstable flame indicates improper combustion, which may be due to incorrect retrofitting, a clogged jet, or poor air-fuel mixture, and requires immediate servicing.
