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BBQ gas cylinder changes
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ConsumerNew valves on LPG cylinders
From 1 April 2021 LP Gas cylinders with new valves are being phased in.
When you next exchange your BBQ or outdoor gas appliance LP Gas cylinder after 1 April 2021, you may receive a cylinder with the new valve. You won’t need to replace your BBQ or outdoor gas appliance as the new valve, known as the LCC27, will safely and easily connect to the hose on your existing BBQ.
The LCC27 valve is being introduced to improve safety and reduce the risk of BBQ fires and accidental gas leakage from LPG cylinders.
Cylinders with the current valves - Type 21 (POL) - may continue to be used. These valves will be phased out over a ten-year period as each LPG cylinder is due for a retest or ten-year change over.
Later in 2021, BBQs and gas appliances with new hose fittings, designed especially for the new valve, will also be phased in. A timeline of these changes is shown further below.
Watch Gas Energy Australia’s video on how to connect the new valve to your BBQ.
The new valve is safer
The LCC27 valve has built in safety features:
- Gas will not flow unless the valve is connected to your BBQ’s hose assembly. This means gas cannot flow from the cylinder even if the valve handle has been left in the open position and the hose assembly is disconnected.
- The rubber seal is protected from exposure inside the cylinder valve and, so it is less likely to deteriorate and need replacing and can be checked during refilling of the cylinder.
- When used with an LCC27 appliance connector, a thermal cut-off in the new appliance connection will stop gas from flowing if there is a fire.
Connecting your existing Type 21 (POL) appliance to the new valve
The new LCC27 valve looks different to the current POL valve. It has both an inside and outside thread, ensuring it is compatible with all existing and future BBQ and LPG appliance connections. Refer to the images below of each valve type.
To connect to your current LPG appliance, simply screw your BBQ or gas appliance hose end into the inside threaded opening of the valve in anti-clockwise direction, until a tight connection has been made.
Test for gas leaks
Always check the connection for gas leaks. Use a squeezy bottle filled with soapy water (use dishwashing liquid and water). Squirt the connection with the suds from the soapy water solution. Bubbles will form if gas is escaping. Find out more about testing your connections here.
If there are no leaks, turn on the gas flow, by turning the valve handle (on top) in an anti-clockwise direction. Gas will stop flowing if you unscrew the hose, even if the handle has not been turned off. However, the cylinder valve handle must be closed before disconnecting the hose assembly for replacement or refilling.
Current Type 21 (POL) LPG valve
New Type 27 (LCC27) LPG valve
New BBQ hose connections
From 1 October 2021 new appliance connections are being phased in.
And from 1 April 2022 the new connection will be mandatory on all new BBQs, patio heaters and other outdoor LPG appliances with a hose assembly manufactured after this date. Refer to the transition timeline below.
The new LCC27 hose connection (refer to the image below) has been designed specifically for the LCC27 valve and contains the thermal cut-out feature to stop gas from flowing if there is a fire.
The new appliance connection attaches to the new valve using the outside thread, rather than the inside. It is easier to attach due to the large plastic nut and is screwed on in a clockwise direction.
Current Type 21 LPG appliance connection
New Type 27 LPG appliance connection
Transition timeline
New LCC27 valve and appliance connections
FAQ's - new LCC27 valve and connections
Does this change impact all LPG cylinders?
No. Only ‘leisure’ cylinders are changing – this includes 4.5 or 9kg portable cylinders typically connected to an outdoor BBQ, outdoor appliance or caravan or boat.
Will I still be able to use my existing gas appliances with the new valve?
Yes the new valve is compatible with existing appliance connections.
Can I still swap an old empty cylinder at a cylinder exchange facility?
Yes. Empty cylinders may be swapped with a full cylinder which has the correct valve needed for your gas appliance.
Is the new valve compatible with existing caravan and boat installations?
Yes.
When will BBQ, gas appliance, boat and caravan manufacturers be required to start fitting the new connections on gas appliances and gas installations?
From 1 October 2021, appliances with the new connection may be sold.
There is a window of six months when appliances with either the new LCC27 or current Type 21 (POL) connection can be manufactured.
From 1 April 2022, newly manufactured appliances must be supplied with the new LCC27 appliance connector.
Note that requirements are not retrospective and apply to appliances manufactured after that date. Appliances manufactured prior to 1 April 2022 that have the Type 21 (POL) may still be sold and used. This includes both new and second hand appliances.
If I buy a gas appliance with the new connection will it be compatible with the cylinder I have at home with the old valve?
No it will not be compatible. The new appliance will only connect to a cylinder with the new LCC27 valve and will not be able to be connected to an old cylinder valve.
Adaptors must not be used to connect an appliance with a new connection to a cylinder with an old POL valve. Adaptors are an additional leakage risk and the change from right hand thread on the appliance LCC27 connector to left hand thread on the POL cylinder valve means tightening one side of the adapter risks creating a new leak at the other end of the adaptor.
Partially filled cylinders can be returned to an exchange cylinder outlet facility for exchange with a full cylinder with the new valve. Alternatively if you wish to keep the cylinder an LPG cylinder test station can replace the cylinder valve with a new LCC27 valve.
Will a gas appliance with the new valve connection provide as much gas flow as the existing valve connection?
Yes. The new valve and connection can operate and deliver the gas consumption required by existing gas appliances and gas installations in caravans and boats.
Can I still sell and supply boats and caravans with the old appliance connection after the mandated date?
Yes. Boats and caravans gas installations with the old connection that have a gas installation compliance certificate prior to April 2022 may still be sold and used.
However, boats and caravans that have a gas installation compliance certificate after 1 April 2022 must have the new connection.
I have an old appliance with the POL appliance connector. Can I swap to the new safer connection?
Yes, as long as you have a cylinder with the LCC27 connection. After 1 October 2021 a new hose assembly with a LCC27 appliance connector can be purchased that can replace your existing hose assembly. Contact the appliance manufacturer/agent to ensure the replacement hose assembly is compatible and engage a registered gas fitter to replace them.
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