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Gas connection changes

BBQ gas cylinders (bottles) are changing

Since 1 April 2021, LP Gas cylinders with new valves are being phased in.

When you exchange your BBQ or outdoor appliance LP Gas cylinder, you may receive one with the new valve. The new valve, known as the LCC27, will safely and easily connect to the hose on your existing BBQ or outdoor appliance.

The LCC27 valve aims to improve safety and reduce the risk of BBQ fires and accidental gas leakage from LPG cylinders.

Cylinders with the current valves can still be used. These valves will be phased out over ten years as each LPG cylinder is due for a retest or ten-year changeover.

BBQs and gas appliances with new hose fittings are being phased in.  A timeline of these changes is shown below.

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. If the valve handle has been left in the open position and the hose assembly is disconnected, gas will not flow.
  • The rubber seal is protected from exposure inside the cylinder valve. It is less likely to deteriorate and require replacing, it can also be checked during refill.
  • When used with an LCC27 appliance connector, a thermal cut-off 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 existing LPG appliance, screw your BBQ or gas appliance hose into the threaded opening of the valve in an anti-clockwise direction until a tight connection is made.

Test for gas leaks

Always check the connection for gas leaks. Use a spray bottle filled with soapy water (dishwashing liquid and water). Ensuring the appliance is connected to the cylinder, the gas cylinder valve is turned on, and gas appliance control valves switched off, spray the connection. Bubbles will form if gas is escaping.

If a leak is detected, turn off the gas cylinder and do not use the cylinder or appliance until the cause of the leak has been repaired.

If there are no leaks, turn on the gas flow, by turning the valve handle (on top) in an anti-clockwise direction. The valve handle must be closed before disconnecting the hose assembly for replacement or refilling

For a video explaining the new connection

See the new consumer educational video here

New Type 27 (LCC27) LPG valve

New Type 27 (LCC27) LPG valve, phased in from 1 April 2021

Current Type 21 (POL) LPG valve

Current Type 21 (POL) LPG valve. Phasing out from 1 April 2021 – complete phasing out over ten years

Timeline – phase in of new LCC27 valve and connections

image that shows timeline of phase in of LCC27 valves on cylinders and new applicances
What else is changing?

BBQ hose connection

All new BBQs, patio heaters and other outdoor LPG appliances with a hose assembly manufactured after 1 April 2022 must have the new LCC27 connection. The new connection 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 LCC27 connection attaches to the new valve using the outside thread, rather than the inside. The the large plastic nut is easier to use and is screwed on in a clockwise direction.

New Type 27 LCC27 appliance connection

New Type 27 (LCC27) appliance connection (hose), to be phased in from 1 October 2021 and mandated from 1 April 2022.

Current Type 21 POL appliance connection

Current Type 21 (POL) appliance connection (hose), being phased out from new LPG appliances
by 1 April 2022.

FAQs

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 a ‘swap and go’ 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 supplier or retailer to ensure the replacement hose assembly is compatible with the connection on the barbecue. Follow the supplied instructions to disconnect the POL hose assembly from the appliance and connect the new hose. Ensure the new connections are tight and are checked for leaks using soapy water.

Last updated: 01 Aug 2022

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