- Perth man burnt after connecting the wrong cylinder to a new barbecue
- Two types of LPG cylinder and appliance connections: Type 21 (POL) and LCC27
- New barbecues have LCC27 connections and must be used with LCC27 cylinders
WA’s energy safety regulator says consumers buying new barbecues and other gas appliances this festive season should check which type of LPG cylinder they connect to after a Perth man was left with serious arm burns.
Building and Energy’s message follows an incident in Bibra Lake where a newly purchased barbecue was connected to an incompatible LPG cylinder valve, causing a gas leak and fire.
Two types of valves are available for LPG 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.
Since April 2022, all new leisure gas appliances, such as barbecues and patio heaters, have LCC27 connectors that fit securely to the new cylinder valves. Appliances with LCC27 connectors cannot be used with older Type 21 (POL) cylinders.
“If you’ve purchased or received a new barbecue, make sure your cylinder has an LCC27 valve,” WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said.
“Check the metal outlet on top of the cylinder where the appliance connects. LCC27 cylinders will have a thread on both the outside and inside of this outlet. Older valves only have an inside thread. Seek advice from the retailer if you’re not sure.
“When connecting an LCC27 appliance to an LCC27 cylinder, you’ll be able to easily tighten the large right-handed thread into a secure position. If this process takes effort or results in a loose connection, the cylinder valve may be incompatible and should be checked before using the appliance.”
In the Bibra Lake incident, an insecure connection between a new barbecue and a Type 21 (POL) cylinder caused gas to leak and then ignite. The homeowner suffered burns on his arms and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Mr Abdoolakhan said the safety features in the LCC27 design are aimed at reducing cylinder connection fires and injuries during use of LPG.
“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.”
Building and Energy has banned the use of cylinder valve adaptors following another incident in which a barbecue user was seriously injured.
Appliances with a Type 21 (POL) connector are compatible with either the new or older cylinder valves. Cylinders with Type 21 POL valves can continue to be used while they are in good condition and within their retesting date.
“LPG cylinders have a 10-year test cycle so the Type 21 POL valves will eventually be phased out,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
See the Building and Energy website for more information on LPG safety or watch Gas Energy Australia’s video on LCC27 connections.
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Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au
