Cylinder Test Dates Explained
Every refillable cylinder carries a stamped test date. Knowing how to read it tells you whether your cylinder can be filled.
In practice
Read it in seconds
The stamp on the shoulder or neck ring tells you, at a glance, whether the cylinder is in test.
Out of test? We can help
Bring it in and we will check the stamp and arrange retesting or repair before your refill.
In test vs out of test
The stamped date records the last time the cylinder passed periodic inspection. Whether it is still valid depends on the interval for that cylinder and gas — but the principle is simple.
- In test — the date is within interval, so the cylinder can be filled.
- Out of test — the interval has passed, so it must be revalidated before it can be filled again.
- The interval itself varies by cylinder type and gas — go by the stamp and current regulations.
If your cylinder is out of test
An out-of-test cylinder is usually fine — it just needs revalidating before it can be filled. We can check the stamp, and arrange the inspection and any testing it needs, so it goes back into service rather than to waste. Bring it in or talk to our team and we will take a look.
Where to find the test date
The test date is usually stamped on the cylinder shoulder or neck ring, recording when it last passed periodic inspection. If the cylinder is within its interval it is "in test" and can be filled; if not, it must be revalidated first.
- Find the stamped date on the shoulder/neck ring.
- In test → ready to refill. Out of test → needs revalidation.
- Adams Gas can arrange retesting or repair before your refill.
Getting a cylinder back in test
Check the stamp
Bring the cylinder in or ask at refill — we read the stamped test date to see whether it is still in test or due for revalidation.
Inspect and revalidate
If it is out of test we arrange the periodic inspection and any testing the cylinder needs, carried out to current UK requirements.
Re-stamp and return to use
A cylinder that passes is re-stamped with a new test date and put back into service, so it can be filled again. One that fails is withdrawn.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the test date on my cylinder?
Typically stamped on the shoulder or neck ring. Bring it in if you are unsure and we will check it.
What does "in test" mean?
It means the stamped test date is still within the interval for that cylinder and gas, so the cylinder can legally and safely be filled.
My cylinder is out of test — what now?
It must be revalidated before it can be filled. We can check the stamp and arrange the inspection and testing it needs, then return it to service.
The stamp is hard to read — can you help?
Yes — bring the cylinder in and we will read the markings for you. If they are unclear or the cylinder is out of test, we can arrange revalidation.
Not sure if your cylinder is in test?
We check every cylinder before filling, and can arrange retesting if it is out of date. Talk to our team.