Gas Appliances Directive Explained


The Gas Appliances Directive (with the official reference number 2009/142/EC) applies to appliances and fittings. The appliances it covers are those ‘burning gaseous fuels used for cooking, heating, hot water production, refrigeration, lighting or washing’. Also referred to as GAD, this directive covers mainly consumer and commercial products. Other devices intended to be incorporated in the appliances that have a regulating, controlling or safety feature, are covered by the GAD as well.


Please note that the Directive on Appliances Burning Gaseous Fuels has not harmonised the gas types and supply pressures in EU Member States (or other installation aspects). Member States are therefore allowed to determine their gas types and supply pressures. For the correct and safe use of gas appliances, it is very important to know the type of gas used and the supply pressure.


WHICH PRODUCTS ARE COVERED BY THE GAS APPLIANCES DIRECTIVE 2009/142/EEC?

The Gas Appliances Directive (2009/142/EC) covers appliances and fittings that match the definition provided in the directive:


‘appliances’ means appliances burning gaseous fuels used for cooking, heating, hot water production, refrigeration, lighting or washing and having, where applicable, a normal water temperature not exceeding 105 °C. Forced draught burners and heating bodies to be equipped with such burners shall also be considered as appliances.

‘fittings’ means safety devices, controlling devices or regu­lating devices and sub-assemblies, other than forced draught burners and heating bodies to be equipped with such burners, separately marketed for trade use and designed to be incorporated into an appliance burning gaseous fuel or assembled to constitute such an appliance;


WHICH PRODUCTS ARE NOT COVERED BY THE GAS APPLIANCES DIRECTIVE 2009/142/EEC?

Appliances specifically designed for use in industrial processes carried out on industrial premises are excluded from the scope of the Gas Appliances Directive.


HOW TO COMPLY WITH THE GAS APPLIANCES DIRECTIVE 2009/142/EEC:

This Directive sets out the process of certifying whether an appliance conforms with the requirements for it to be placed on the market. For series-manufactured appliances, the process has two phases: First, the EC type-examination by a Notified Body. Secondly, the manufacturer must either complete one of three EC declaration of conformity to type procedures, or opt for the EC verification procedure.


In cases where the appliance is produced as a single unit or in small quantities, the manufacturer can opt for EC verification by single unit.