Don’t Use an LCC27 Adaptor in Lieu of an LCC27 Gas Bottle
Owners of barbecues and gas appliances should not use an LCC27 adaptor to connect gas bottles with an old POL gas fitting to appliances with a new LCC27 gas bottle (type 27 gas bottle) fitting.
Staying safe while using LPG gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) for your barbecue or portable gas appliance is crucial.
That includes using LPG gas bottles that have the correct cylinder valve for your gas appliances.
In recent years, there have been important changes to the types of cylinder valves and connections used on LPG gas bottles for barbecues and portable gas appliances in Australia.
Here’s why adaptors pose a potential hazard:
Mismatched Threads with LCC27 Gas Bottle vs POL Gas Bottle
There are currently two main types of valves on LPG gas bottles – ones with Type 21 POL gas fitting and LCC27 gas bottle (type 27 gas bottle) fittings. These valves have different thread directions:
- POL gas fitting is the older type of gas bottle fitting with left-handed thread
- LCC27 gas bottles are the newer type and have right-handed thread
Barbecues or portable gas appliances manufactured after 1 April 2022 will have the newer LCC27 gas bottle connection on their gas hoses.
Appliances manufactured before then will have the older POL gas fitting.
An LCC27 gas bottle will connect to barbecues and portable gas appliances that have either a POL gas fitting or an LCC27 gas bottle fitting.
However, LPG gas bottles with a POL gas fitting can only be connected to appliances with a POL gas fitting.
It’s important to check what kind of connection you have on your barbecue or portable LPG gas appliance before you buy or swap your LPG bottle.
It can be dangerous to use an LCC27 adaptor on a POL gas fitting to enable it to connect a gas appliance designed for an LCC27 gas bottle connection.
This is because the two connections have different thread directions, so as you tighten one connection you can actually loosen the other connection, potentially leading to a gas leak and the risk of fire or injury.
How to Tell the Difference Between Regulator Gas Fittings
Older regulators with a POL gas fitting have a male connector which is threaded on the outside.
Newer LCC27 regulators have a larger female connector which is threaded on the inside.
The LCC27 gas bottle is backwards compatible with barbecues and gas appliances that have either a POL gas fitting or an LCC27 gas bottle fitting, since it has both an internal POL gas fitting thread and an external LCC27 gas bottle thread. See image below.
Safety Feature Defeated with LCC27 Adaptor
The LCC27 gas bottle valve is designed with improved safety features and protection.
The key safety feature of an LCC27 gas bottle is that it will not release gas unless an appliance gas fitting is properly installed.
Using an LCC27 adaptor nullifies this safety feature.
In contrast, gas bottles with the older POL gas fitting will release gas without anything being attached, creating a potential safety hazard.
However, an LPG gas bottle with a POL gas fitting is incompatible with barbecues or portable LPG gas appliances that have an LCC27 gas bottle connection.
If you have a gas appliance with an LCC27 gas bottle connection, and your current LPG gas bottle has a POL gas fitting, you should swap your POL gas bottle for an LCC27 gas bottle.
The cylinder valves provide connection safety by ensuring there are no points where leakage could occur.
Using an LCC27 adaptor overrides the new safety feature and can increase the risk of accidental gas release, compromising your safety.
Understanding the Valve Types
POL Gas Fitting
A POL gas fitting is the older style commonly found on older gas bottles and appliances manufactured before 2022.
POL gas fitting valves use a left-hand thread with a smaller diameter than the newer LCC27 gas bottle.
LCC27 Gas Bottle Fitting
Introduced for improved safety features, the LCC27 gas bottle valves are now mandatory on all barbecues and gas appliances manufactured since April 2022.
The LCC27 gas bottle valve has a right-hand thread and a larger diameter than a POL gas fitting.
The good news is that the LCC27 gas bottle valve is backward compatible, meaning it can connect to both a POL gas fitting and one intended for an LCC27 gas bottle connection.
Choosing the Right Combination:
- LPG Gas Appliance Age: Barbecues and portable LPG gas appliances manufactured before April 2022 will most likely have a POL connection and can be connected to an LPG gas bottle with either a POL gas fitting or LCC27 gas bottle valve. Newer LPG appliances with an LCC27 connection cannot be connected to an LPG gas bottle with a POL gas fitting. Do not use an LCC27 adaptor to connect them.
- LPG Gas Bottle Valve: LPG gas bottles come with either POL gas fitting or LCC27 gas bottle fitting. If you have an LCC27 gas bottle, it can be used with appliances that have either a POL gas fitting or an LCC27 gas bottle fitting. However, LCC27 gas appliances are a newer type and cannot be used with a POL gas fitting.
The LCC27 Gas Bottle Phase-In
SWAP’n’GO has been phasing in LCC27 gas bottles since 2022 and this will continue over the next few years.
LCC27 gas bottles are being introduced into the gas bottle population at a rate that is faster than new LCC27 gas appliances are being sold.
The result is that you will still find both POL and LCC27 gas bottles in the SWAP’n’GO cages for the next few years.
This phase-in process is designed to provide the appropriate number of each type of gas bottle as time goes by.
Ensure Safe Use of Your LPG Barbecue or Portable Gas Appliance:
- Don’t use an LCC27 adaptor to connect a POL gas bottle to an LPG gas appliances with LCC27 gas fitting.
- If you have been using an LCC27 adaptor, remove it and discard it. Swap your POL gas bottle for an LCC27 gas bottle.
- When you are ready to get a fresh LPG gas bottle, be sure to check the connection type on your barbecue or portable gas appliance so that you can select the right bottle for your appliance.
- If your LPG gas appliance was manufactured after April 2022, it will have an LCC27 gas bottle connection and you must only connect it to an LCC27 gas bottle.
- Barbecues and portable gas appliances manufactured for Australia before April 2022 will most likely have a POL gas fitting and can be connected to an LPG gas bottle with either a POL gas fitting or an LCC27 gas bottle fitting.
- Do not attempt to change or repair cylinder valves or appliance hoses and regulators if they show signs of wear, damage, or poor condition. Consult a licensed gas fitter to upgrade to an LCC27 compatible valve assembly.
By following these simple steps and avoiding the use of an LCC27 adaptor, you can significantly reduce the risk of gas leaks and accidents while enjoying the convenience of your LPG gas barbecue or portable gas appliance.
Safety should always be your top priority when dealing with LPG gas.
More Safety Information
Refer to the following for more safety information and guidance:
Safety Warning for Use of LPG Adaptors
Summer safety warning for the use of LP gas adaptors (WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety)
LPG Cylinder Connection Guidance information
Transitional requirements for the implementation of the new LCC27 LPG cylinder connection (Gas Technical Regulators Committee)
LP gas cylinder adaptors on converting old POL to LCC27, banned in Western Australia (WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety)
Australian Standards
AS/NZS1596:2014 The storage and handling of LP Gas (Standards Australia)