{"id":9642,"date":"2025-07-17T07:00:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T05:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/2017\/09\/11\/can-the-lpg-cylinder-be-left-in-the-sun\/"},"modified":"2026-06-09T07:50:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T05:50:55","slug":"can-the-lpg-cylinder-be-left-in-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/can-the-lpg-cylinder-be-left-in-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Gas Cylinders in the Heat: What Is Allowed, What Is Dangerous?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Can a gas cylinder be left in the sun? A simple question \u2013 but one with significant implications, especially in summer. As temperatures rise and the sun beats down on balconies, patios or campsites, many users of <strong>LPG<\/strong> start to wonder: <em>Is this dangerous? Can the gas cylinder explode?<\/em><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>What happens in extreme heat? And how can I store or transport my gas cylinder safely \u2013 for example, in a car? In this article, we explain how heat affects gas cylinders, when there is a real risk \u2013 and why the <strong>safety valve<\/strong> plays a crucial role. We also provide practical tips on summer storage, correct handling in everyday life and clarify common misconceptions. This way, you stay safe even on hot days.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gas_Cylinder_in_the_Sun_%E2%80%93_Is_It_Dangerous\"><\/span>Gas Cylinder in the Sun \u2013 Is It Dangerous?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When outdoor temperatures exceed 30 degrees and the sun shines relentlessly on balconies, gardens or campsites, many users of <strong>LPG<\/strong> ask the same pressing question: <strong>Can I leave my gas cylinder in direct sunlight?<\/strong> Or is that dangerous \u2013 maybe even explosive?<\/p>\n<p>Whether used with a gas barbecue, a camping stove or a pizza oven \u2013 gas cylinders are a common sight in summer. At the same time, numerous half-truths circulate about their correct handling in the heat. Some say a cylinder must always be kept in the shade. Others claim that <strong>small cylinders<\/strong> could explode in the sun.<\/p>\n<p>So, what is actually true? And how much heat can a cylinder safely withstand? In the following sections, we explain what happens physically, how gas cylinders are constructed, and why the integrated <strong>safety valve<\/strong> is such an important protective feature \u2013 <strong>to keep you safe even in the heat.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Gas cylinder in the sun - allowed or dangerous? - Tips in the GOK tutorial\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XZ3MTCBwaKw?list=PL07k85Qz2IkhUsay3NJhiaJ-NeFPQh5eu\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_to_a_Gas_Cylinder_in_the_Heat\"><\/span>What Happens to a Gas Cylinder in the Heat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When <strong>LPG<\/strong> inside a gas cylinder heats up, the pressure inside increases. This is due to the physical properties of <strong>liquefied gas<\/strong>: as the temperature rises, more of the liquid turns into gas \u2013 thus increasing the internal pressure.<\/p>\n<p>Even if this is the case here, there is absolutely no danger to life and limb. LPG cylinders are <strong>never filled to 100%<\/strong>. Almost 20 percent of the cylinder is not filled with the liquid phase of the medium. There has to be room above the liquid phase for a gaseous buffer to form. This ensures that the cylinder won\u2019t immediately reach its capacity limits when the temperature increases.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Gas supply<\/strong> companies recommend storing gas cylinders and cartridges in cool, dry places. However, according to our research, there is no specific guideline regarding the ideal ambient temperature for storing gas cylinders. As a general rule: avoid extreme temperatures. In everyday household use, such extremes are rarely encountered \u2013 especially if storage recommendations are followed.<\/p>\n<p>But: even if a cylinder is exposed to direct sunlight for a few hours in summer, this is usually <strong>not dangerous<\/strong>. The construction of the cylinder and its <strong>safety valve<\/strong> are designed for precisely such situations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Important to know:<\/strong> The cylinder itself is not the issue \u2013 improper handling is. Anyone who follows the basic rules has nothing to fear, even on the hottest days.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12021\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12021\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fuellstand-80-Prozent-Gasflasche-GOK-Blog.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12021 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fuellstand-80-Prozent-Gasflasche-GOK-Blog.jpg\" alt=\"LPG cylinders are never filled to 100%. 80 percent filling volume is the defined maximum.\" width=\"900\" height=\"652\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fuellstand-80-Prozent-Gasflasche-GOK-Blog.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fuellstand-80-Prozent-Gasflasche-GOK-Blog-300x217.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fuellstand-80-Prozent-Gasflasche-GOK-Blog-768x556.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fuellstand-80-Prozent-Gasflasche-GOK-Blog-705x511.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12021\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">LPG cylinders are never filled to 100 percent. 80 percent filling volume is the defined maximum.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"en_beitrag_box\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"en_beitrag_box\"><span class=\"en_like_h3\">You might also be interested in<\/p>\n<p><\/span>Discover more helpful content on this topic.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#weiterfuehrend\"> See related posts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"42\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safety_valve_for_a_worst-case_scenario\"><\/span>Safety valve for a worst-case scenario<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"44\" data-end=\"280\">The most important safety mechanism for LPG cylinders is the gas cylinder itself! Standardised and designed, manufactured and tested to the highest quality standards, LPG cylinders are extremely safe \u2013 particularly when exposed to heat.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"282\" data-end=\"535\">The so-called <strong data-start=\"296\" data-end=\"312\">safety valve<\/strong> is installed only for the highly unlikely worst-case scenario. This is part of the <strong data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"418\">gas cylinder valve<\/strong> and opens automatically if the internal pressure exceeds a specific threshold \u2013 for example, due to intense heating.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"537\" data-end=\"858\">In the event of a very significant pressure increase, the valve purposefully releases a small, non-critical amount of gas to reduce the pressure. This process is referred to as <strong data-start=\"714\" data-end=\"726\">blow-off<\/strong>. The gas escapes to the outside \u2013 usually audibly. The key point is: this is not a malfunction but an intentional safety mechanism.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"860\" data-end=\"1003\">Once the pressure has been reduced through blow-off, the valve closes again automatically. The cylinder can then continue to be used as normal.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1155\"><strong data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1034\">Conclusion at this point:<\/strong> The gas cylinder itself is very safely constructed, and the safety valve is an additional and reliable safety mechanism.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Storage_Set-Up_in_Summer_%E2%80%93_What_Is_Allowed\"><\/span>Storage &amp; Set-Up in Summer \u2013 What Is Allowed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In principle, <strong>gas cylinders<\/strong> can be stored both indoors and outdoors \u2013 even with occasional direct sunlight. Their construction, materials and <strong>safety valve<\/strong> are all designed for such conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Nonetheless, some important rules and recommendations apply:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Store the cylinder in the shade whenever possible<\/strong>, e.g. on the north side of the house or under a canopy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Never store gas cylinders in: cellars, stairwells or bedrooms!<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Always place the cylinder upright<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Secure the cylinder to prevent it from tipping over<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>More guidance can be found here:<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Storage of gas cylinder + gas cartridge: where, where not and how many? Facts and tips from GOK\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_LkOf_ZPUsM?list=PL07k85Qz2IkhUsay3NJhiaJ-NeFPQh5eu\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Also ensure the gas cylinder is not exposed to direct heat from other sources (e.g. patio heaters or open flames).<\/p>\n<p>For mobile uses \u2013 such as camping \u2013 ensure the cylinder is not left in the sun for extended periods, especially when unattended. A portable sunshade can help, but is not strictly required.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9120\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9120\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/1024-Keller-Treppe-Gasflasche-Lager-e1607584085724.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9120 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/1024-Keller-Treppe-Gasflasche-Lager-e1607584085724.jpg\" alt=\"Even though it might seem logical to store gas cylinders in the cellar during hot weather \u2013 please do not do this under any circumstances! It is strictly prohibited and dangerous to store gas cylinders below ground level.\" width=\"900\" height=\"603\" title=\"\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9120\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Even though it might seem logical to store gas cylinders in the cellar during hot weather \u2013 please do not do this under any circumstances! It is strictly prohibited and dangerous to store gas cylinders below ground level.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Transporting_in_the_Heat_%E2%80%93_Particularly_Relevant_in_Cars\"><\/span>Transporting in the Heat \u2013 Particularly Relevant in Cars<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Transporting gas cylinders in summer \u2013 especially by car \u2013 carries specific risks. Even though the cylinder is technically built to withstand high temperatures, the inside of a car can heat up to over 60 \u00b0C in direct sun. This significantly raises the pressure inside the cylinder.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Basic rules for safe transport in the heat:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Never leave gas cylinders in a closed vehicle!<\/strong> Not even briefly \u2013 e.g. when shopping or during a rest stop.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Always secure cylinders across the direction of travel<\/strong> \u2013 ideally with tension belts or in a holder.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Open a window or sunroof slightly<\/strong>, if a short stop is unavoidable.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Never \u201cpark\u201d gas cylinders in cars during peak summer<\/strong> \u2013 e.g. when stopping while travelling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In addition: If travelling with gas cylinders in a camper, they must be secured with proper tie-down straps in the cylinder compartment. Campers may carry up to two gas cylinders \u2013 one for use, one as a reserve.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12026\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12026\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Transport-Gasflasche-Auto-GOK-Blog.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12026 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Transport-Gasflasche-Auto-GOK-Blog.jpg\" alt=\"Woman lifting a gas cylinder in the trunk of a car.\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Transport-Gasflasche-Auto-GOK-Blog.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Transport-Gasflasche-Auto-GOK-Blog-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Transport-Gasflasche-Auto-GOK-Blog-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Transport-Gasflasche-Auto-GOK-Blog-705x396.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12026\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Anyone transporting gas cylinders \u2013 especially in hot weather and intense sunlight \u2013 should observe a few rules!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Misconceptions_%E2%80%93_And_Whats_Really_True\"><\/span>Common Misconceptions \u2013 And What\u2019s Really True<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many myths circulate regarding gas cylinders and heat. Here we set the record straight on the most common ones:<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cGas cylinders must never be left in the sun!\u201d<\/strong><br \/>\nNot true. A gas cylinder may be placed in the sun outdoors \u2013 as long as it is upright, well-ventilated and used correctly. Shade is advisable, but not mandatory.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cGas cylinders explode in the heat!\u201d<\/strong><br \/>\nGas cylinders are extremely robust and feature <strong>safety valves<\/strong>. Under normal conditions, explosions are virtually impossible. It would take major external damage or a technical fault.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cIf the safety valve releases gas, the cylinder is defective.\u201d<\/strong><br \/>\nIncorrect. Venting is a normal safety procedure and does not mean the cylinder is unusable. If unsure, a professional inspection is a good idea.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cIt is always illegal to transport cylinders in a car.\u201d<\/strong><br \/>\nNot true. Transport is allowed \u2013 but only if all safety regulations are followed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cA nearly empty cylinder can be left in the sun, but not a full one.\u201d<\/strong><br \/>\nWrong. The fill level is not the issue \u2013 correct handling and following safety rules are what matter.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9106\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9106\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Grillregler-Gasflasche-in-der-Sonne-e1752742427984.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9106 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Grillregler-Gasflasche-in-der-Sonne-e1752742427984.jpg\" alt=\"If the gas cylinder is sitting in direct sunlight or in the hot cupboard under the gas barbecue, a good number of people start to feel uncomfortable. But it doesn&#039;t have to be this way!\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9106\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">If the gas cylinder is sitting in direct sunlight or in the hot cupboard under the gas barbecue, a good number of people start to feel uncomfortable. But it doesn&#8217;t have to be this way!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_%E2%80%93_What_to_Bear_in_Mind_in_Summer\"><\/span>Conclusion \u2013 What to Bear in Mind in Summer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Gas cylinders may be used and stored outdoors even in summer \u2013 including in direct sunlight. Proper handling is key: store upright, ensure good ventilation, avoid enclosed spaces and understand the role of the <strong>safety valve<\/strong>. The technology is designed to handle heat \u2013 uncertainty usually stems from misinformation or myths.<\/p>\n<p>By following these basic principles, <strong>liquefied gas<\/strong> can be used safely even at high temperatures \u2013 whether barbecuing, camping or in everyday life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You are barbecuing and the LPG cylinder is standing in the blazing sun. Some people feel a little queasy in the stomach. Is it possible that the gas cylinder will explode and blow up in your face?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":10405,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[394,395,396,397],"tags":[292,291,301,319,347],"ausgabe":[402],"class_list":["post-9642","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-camping-leisure","category-grill-bbq","category-home-commercial","category-safety","tag-lpg-cylinder","tag-lpg-cylinder-installation","tag-lpg-cylinder-valve","tag-multiple-cylinder-installation","tag-overpressure","ausgabe-start-grillsaison"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9642","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9642"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9642\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10405"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9642"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9642"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9642"},{"taxonomy":"ausgabe","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ausgabe?post=9642"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}