Why is there a distinction between the gas network and internal installations?
The distinction between the distribution network and internal building installations is the fundamental pillar of natural gas installation safety. Regulatory frameworks separate these two zones to define exactly where the utility provider's liability ends and the consumer's responsibility begins.
Recent safety concerns in Athenian schools, specifically the Gravas case, have highlighted how critical this separation is. While inspections by the distribution network operator showed no leaks in the external supply lines, a technical audit by the Technical Chamber of Greece revealed significant discrepancies within the school's internal infrastructure. These findings included a failure in the gas detection system at a local gymnasium boiler room and issues regarding the accessibility of shut-off valves.
To ensure safety, the two systems must be managed through different protocols:
- The Distribution Network: Managed by the utility provider to ensure gas reaches the meter safely.
- Internal Installations: Managed by the owner to ensure gas is used safely within the premises.
What are the responsibilities of Enaon EDA regarding the gas network?
Enaon EDA is responsible for the maintenance and monitoring of the medium and low-pressure natural gas distribution network. This scope includes supply pipelines, pressure regulation equipment, and metering systems up to the point where the gas exits the meter.
The company employs several methods to maintain network integrity, including preventive maintenance, leak detection, and emergency interventions. Since 2023, Enaon EDA has utilized Picarro mobile leak detection technology. This system uses specialized vehicles equipped with high-sensitivity laser analyzers capable of detecting even minute concentrations of methane.
Evolution of network inspection coverage
According to data provided by Enaon EDA to the "Oikonomikos Tachydromos," the company has significantly increased its inspection frequency over recent years. This expansion ensures a higher level of redundancy and safety across the entire grid.
| Year | Annual Inspection Coverage | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 120% of the network | Initial phase of enhanced monitoring |
| 2024 | 150% of the network | Increasing frequency |
| 2025 | 200% of the network | Two full cycles per year established |
How do homeowners and public building managers ensure safety?
The final consumer, property owner, or building manager holds full responsibility for the internal gas installations. This includes all piping, gas appliances, and flue gas exhaust systems located within the building's boundaries.
For residential and commercial buildings operating at pressures up to 500 mbar, the law mandates a leak tightness inspection every four years. This inspection must be performed by a licensed installer, who is then required to issue a re-inspection certificate. Beyond these periodic checks, owners must ensure regular appliance maintenance and maintain an up-to-date technical file for the installation.
In public institutions such as schools and hospitals, the burden of organizing these inspections falls on the relevant building owner or the managing authority. Maintaining accurate technical documentation and ensuring the timely renewal of safety certificates are essential requirements for continued operation.
What role does the distributor play in internal inspections?
Although the internal system is the owner's responsibility, Enaon EDA maintains specific oversight roles to ensure the overall safety of the ecosystem. The distributor does not manage the daily maintenance of your boiler, but they do act as a regulatory gatekeeper during key transitions.
The distributor's involvement includes:
- Reviewing technical studies and required documentation before a new installation is activated.
- Conducting on-site inspections prior to the initial activation of a gas connection.
- Issuing the official permit for gas use.
- Performing random sample inspections on existing installations after the initial four-year period has passed.
This oversight ensures that even though the distributor is not the primary maintainer, they can verify that the installation complies with the approved technical designs and safety standards.
What is required to reactivate gas supply after a safety incident?
Reactivating gas supply in a building that has experienced safety issues or technical failures requires rigorous verification of the internal system. It is not enough to simply confirm that the external network is stable; the internal infrastructure must be proven safe independently.
According to Enaon EDA, following the inspections in the Gravas area in 2026, the resumption of service for the affected school complex requires several specific steps. Every internal installation must undergo individual pressure and leak tightness tests. Furthermore, owners must provide signed certificates and a formal declaration stating that no unauthorized modifications have been made to the system. If any changes to the original layout have occurred, a revised technical study must be submitted and approved before the gas can be turned back on.
FAQ: Natural gas installation safety
Who is responsible for checking my home's gas pipes?
The property owner or the resident is responsible for the internal piping and appliances. While the distributor manages the network up to the meter, you must hire a licensed installer to conduct mandatory leak tightness inspections every four years to ensure your home remains safe.
How often does the gas company inspect the external network?
As of 2025, the distribution company, Enaon EDA, inspects the entire distribution network twice per year. This results in an annual coverage of 200%, utilizing advanced laser technology to detect even the smallest methane leaks within the public supply lines.
What happens if I change my gas boiler or layout?
If any modifications are made to your gas installation, you must submit a revised technical study for approval. Ensuring that the actual state of the installation matches the approved technical specifications is vital for maintaining safety and legal compliance with the distributor.
What should I look for in a gas safety inspection?
A proper inspection should include a leak tightness test of the pipes, a check of the gas detection systems, and an assessment of the accessibility of shut-off valves. Following the inspection, a licensed professional must issue a valid certificate of re-inspection.
Why was the gas supply cut off in some schools?
In cases like the Gravas school complex, gas supply may be interrupted due to internal technical failures, such as malfunctioning detection systems or non-compliant installations. Reconnection requires individual testing of all internal systems and the submission of updated technical documentation.
Key takeaways
- Enaon EDA inspects 200% of its distribution network annually through two yearly cycles.
- Property owners are legally responsible for the maintenance and inspection of internal gas installations.
- Internal gas piping requires a mandatory leak tightness inspection every four years.
- Advanced laser technology is used by distributors to detect minute methane leaks in the network.
- Any changes to gas installations require the submission of updated technical studies.
Ensuring long-term safety through technical compliance
Maintaining natural gas safety is a continuous process that requires vigilance from both the utility provider and the end user. While advanced technology like Picarro laser detection provides a robust shield for the public distribution network, the safety of individual homes and schools depends on the consistent application of maintenance protocols. Property owners must prioritize regular inspections and keep technical files updated to prevent the types of discrepancies seen in recent institutional incidents. Ultimately, safety is achieved only when the technical reality of an installation perfectly aligns with its approved engineering designs.
