- Two types of LPG cylinder and appliance connections: Type 21 POL and LCC27
- New gas appliances must only be used with LCC27 cylinders to prevent leaks
- Compulsory labels and signage will help consumers choose correct cylinder type
WA’s energy safety regulator is introducing new signage and labelling requirements to help consumers choose the correct type of LP gas cylinder for a safe connection to barbecues and other appliances.
Two types of valves are available for LP gas cylinders between 3.7kg and 9kg. Cylinders with traditional Type 21 POL valves are still in use, but they are being phased out in favour of a safer design called LCC27.
Under a prohibition order issued by Building and Energy, gas retailers must display signs about the two valve types on cages and other cylinder storage areas from 15 June 2025. From 15 September 2025, labels with similar information will be required on the cylinder collar.
WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said older gas appliances are compatible with POL and LCC27 cylinders, but newer equipment must only be used with LCC27 cylinders.
“If you’ve bought a new leisure gas appliance since April 2022, such as a barbecue or patio heater, it will have an LCC27 connector that only fits securely to a cylinder with an LCC27 valve,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“You should be able to easily and securely tighten the appliance’s large right-handed thread on to the cylinder. If this process takes effort or the connection is loose, the cylinder valve may be incompatible. Check the signs and labels or ask the retailer if you’re not sure.”
Last year, a Bibra Lake homeowner received serious arm burns after gas leaked and ignited due to an incorrect connection between a new barbecue and an old POL cylinder.
The Director of Energy Safety also banned cylinder valve adaptors following serious injuries to a Perth barbecue user who was trying to use an adaptor to connect LCC27 equipment with a POL cylinder.
Mr Abdoolakhan said the LCC27 design includes important safety features.
“A gas-tight connection is required before the gas will flow, which reduces the risk of gas escaping if the cylinder valve is opened or disconnected,” he said.
“The appliance connection point also has a thermal shut-off function to stop the gas supply if a certain temperature is reached in the event of a fire.
“Cylinders with POL valves can continue to be used while they are in good condition and within their 10-year retesting date, but they will eventually be phased out in place of the LCC27 design, which is much safer.”
See the Building and Energy website for more information on LP gas safety or watch Gas Energy Australia’s video on LCC27 connections.
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Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au
Images: Signage and labels to show compatibility between gas appliances and cylinders.
Image: Correctly connecting an LCC27 appliance connector with an LCC27 cylinder valve.
