Gasfitter notes
Access Canberra routinely inspects building sites and assesses feedback and complaints from property owners.
To address any issues found, or to raise awareness of best practice, Access Canberra issues plumber notes.
Email BBS@act.gov.au for more information.
View other industry notes.
Composite gas pipe
Please read this information before using, installing or supplying any brand of Composite gas pipe in conjunction with AS/NZS 5601:1:2013 - General installations.
Compliance
Composite gas pipe systems are suitable for gas installation provided they comply with Australian Standard AS 4176 and carry this standard number. (See also ATS 5200.478 - 2006 regarding technical specification).
Fittings
Non-metallic fittings that have achieved compliance with AS 4176 must not be used above ground (clause 4.3 (e) (i) of AS/NZS 5601:1:2013). Metal fittings must comply with AS 3688. "Water supply - metallic fittings and end connectors" and be marked as suitable for fuel gas installations.
Flow
Fittings used in some systems intrude inside the pipe more than others, causing a greater pressure loss. This may mean you need to use a larger sized pipe or choose to use a different composite pipe system.
Pipe sizing
Pipe sizing tables are provided within the manufacturer's instructions and AS/NZS 5601:1:2013, Appendix F, (for guidance only) gives you two means of pipe sizing - Flow graphs or Tables.
Colour/markings
Composite gas pipe is generally yellow with black lettering; black pipe with yellow lettering is also acceptable. The pipe markings must include: AS 4176/maker's name/gas/pipe size.
Size marking
Pipe sizes are generally listed according to outside diameters and wall thicknesses. For example, a pipe listed at 20 x 2 x 2 means it has a 20mm outside diameter with 2 composite walls, each a total of 2 mm thickness - a bore of 16mm.
AS/NZS 5601:1:2013, Clause 5.2.13 explains the requirements for proprietary multilayer pipe systems. You can leave a composite (or other) tee to provide a capped or plugged BSP threaded extension point, in a safe and accessible location on the main run. This will allow for safe future extensions by other gasfitters using alternate brands of composite pipe or conventional materials. Remember, it could be you looking for the tee.
Access Canberra will accept the following methods as an alternative to the reversion methods displayed in AS/NZS 5601.1:2013, Clause 5.2.13.
- The installation of six (6) metres of copper pipe beginning at the outlet of the gas meter; or,
- the installation of Pex-AL piping and the fitting of a composite tee fitting the same size as the Pex-Al piping at the ten (10) metre point or at the end of the largest piping run.
Compatibility
Different brands are not dimensionally compatible. You cannot safely use one brand of fitting or tools with another brand. See Clause 4.5.3 of AS/NZS 5601.1:2013.
Protection
Multilayer piping installed above ground shall be protected against - a) degradation from exposure to ultraviolet light; and b) Physical damage where this is likely to occur. Clause 5.3.17 of AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 explains the requirements for protection.
Prohibited
Multilayer composite pipe cannot be used for marine, riverboat, caravan or motor home applications, as per Clause 5.1.4.4 of AS/NZS 5601.2:2013 - LP Gas installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes.
Pressure
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013, Table 4.1 limits the maximum pressure for composite pipe systems to 70 kPa for both natural gas and LPG.
Temperature
Composite pipe with both the inner and outer layer of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) can operate up to maximum temperature of 80°C. Composite pipe with any layer made of non-cross- linked polyethylene (PE or HDPE) is limited to 60°C. For example, PEX/AL/PEX is suitable up to a maximum 80°C, while HDPE/AL/PEX or PEX/AL/HDPE is suitable up to a maximum 60°C.
For further information contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Protection of combustible materials near residential gas cookers and cooktops
This information sheet applies only to cooking appliances in residential premises. It does not apply to commercial premises.
Provided the clearance from the nearest burner to an adjacent combustible wall is 200 mm or greater, the installation will be deemed acceptable.
If the clearance is less than 200 mm, the Australian Standard for Gas Installations, AS/NZS 5601.1:2013, clause 6.2.5, requires that the surface temperature of adjacent combustible surfaces does not exceed 65 C above ambient.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013, Appendix C - Table C1 suggests 4 acceptable methods of protection, they are: Minimum thickness of 5mm Ceramic Tiles, Minimum thickness of 5mm Toughened Safety Glass, Minimum thickness of 0.4 mm Sheet Metal and or any other facing material system, must satisfy the temperature requirements in Clause 6.2.5.
Fixing of 5 mm thick ceramic tiles to the surface would satisfy this requirement.
Stainless steel or glass feature walls near gas cookers / cooktops
Special care needs to be taken when stainless steel or toughened safety glass is to be used as a wall material or wall covering near a gas cooking appliance.
Provided the clearance from the nearest burner to the stainless steel or glass wall is 200 mm or greater, the installation will be deemed acceptable.
If the clearance is less than 200 mm, then for stainless steel
- the wall must not contain combustible materials; or,
- the surface of the wall is to be protected as per AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Clause 6.10.1.2.
If the clearance is less than 200 mm, then for toughened glass:
- Toughened safety glass used as splashbacks shall be marked as "Toughened Safety Glass" to indicate that it is fit for purpose or a letter is to be supplied by the architect, designer, glass supplier or glass manufacturer indicating that the glass is fit for purpose at the clearance stated and complies with AS/NZS 2208; and,
- if the glass is affixed to a combustible surface, that surface is to be protected as per AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Clause 6.10.1.2.
Notes
The intent of the second point above may be met if documentation is provided to the effect that the fixing method will ensure the temperature of the combustible surface will not exceed 65 C above ambient during normal operation.
The recommended minimum clearance from the nearest burner to the surface of the glass is 140 mm.
Use of hose assemblies with cooktops
Please read this information before using an approved flexible gas hose assembly to connect a cooktop. This discussion is not about bayonet points and hoses; it is about flexible braided hoses that require permanent connection.
The installation of hose assemblies is allowed in the ACT for cooktops from regulators inside cupboards because of the ease of fitment and the accessibility of the regulator for adjustment. Regulators behind under bench ovens are inconvenient for consumers and gasfitters.
Note there are some cooktops that the manufacturer has explicitly prohibited the use of a flexible hose assembly on. Please ensure that you check the underside of the cooktop and or the manufactures instructions to see whether the manufacturer prohibits the use of a flexible hose assembly.
AS/NZS 5601:1 Gas installations
AS/NZS 5601:1, clause 6.6.3, paragraph 1, states: "A means of isolation shall be provided on the inlet connection of an appliance, in accordance with Table 6.4". Table 6.4 shows that an isolation valve for a cooking appliance in residential premises is optional.
Looking at clause 6.6.3, the 2nd paragraph states "where a hose assembly is used to connect a gas appliance, the means of isolation shall be located in accordance with clause 5.9.7" The intention of this paragraph is to emphasise that a valve is required and to refer to clause 5.9.7 to determine the location of that isolation valve, however clause 5.9.7 addresses arrangements for portable appliances.
The most logical location for an isolation valve is before the appliance regulator.
Note screwing double flared ball valves into regulators is a prohibited practice because the thread on a double flared ball valve is a parallel thread.
The use of a fitting that has a tapered male thread on one end and a flare on the other end may be suitable for screwing into the regulator outlet, providing a fixed connection at the regulator inlet and a "union" at the outlet. We usually see a copper or Pex-Al type pipe in the cupboard with an appliance regulator and then; screwed into the outlet of that regulator, a flexible braided hose that has a flare fitting at its outlet end screwed to the cooktop.
Determination
Access Canberra has determined a ruling that all cooktops installed with flexible hose assemblies must have an isolation valve fitted. The installation arrangement will be: inlet piping, isolation valve, regulator, flexible hose assembly (flared end at the outlet of the regulator).
For further information contact the Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Appliance Conversion
The conversion of a Type A gas appliance from one type of gas to another will present gas safety risks which must be managed.
These risks will vary according to the way the conversion is carried out and may be managed by a number of means as appropriate to the circumstances. Manufacturer supplied kits and instructions must be used when available.
The following table provides for most situations.
Situation | Location | Controlling risk |
|---|---|---|
New appliance being set up during manufacture for a particular type of gas or converted prior to delivery using a manufacturer supplied kit and instructions (see notes 1 & 2) | Manufacturer's premises |
|
New or existing appliance being converted using the manufacturer supplied kit or modified components if kit is not available (see note 2) | Consumer's premises |
|
Notes:
- Appliances converted at the consumer's premises must be tested with the appropriate gas to verify gas tightness, correct turn down ratio and safe operation.
- Appliances may only be converted to a gas type for which the appliance has been approved under the terms of its certification by a certification assessment body, e.g., AGA, SAI GLOBAL, IAPMO, Global Mark etc.
- Many gas appliances are approved for both Natural Gas and LPG, however there are some appliances (including barbeques) that are only approved for use with LPG and cannot legally (nor safely) be converted to operate on Natural Gas.
For further information please contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81
Gas Appliances
You should employ a licensed gasfitter whenever you need to have gas appliances installed.
Buying gas appliances
Immediately after completing appliance work, gasfitters are required to inspect and test the appliance to ensure it operates as per manufacturer's instructions and specifications. Gasfitters must provide a compliance certificate to the owner on completion of all gas fitting work. They must also provide written notification to the owner or occupier of the premises if they believe an appliance is unsafe.
Owning gas appliances
Owners and users of gas systems must ensure the systems are kept in safe working order and maintained as per manufacturer's instructions. Owners and users should comply with any safety related advice provided.
Defective gas appliances
If your gas appliance has been fitted with a defect tag, you should not touch it. It is an offence for any person to remove, alter, damage or deface a defect tag attached to an appliance.