LPG Gas Cabinet Heater Banned in Australia: Indoor Portable Gas Heaters with Gas Bottle
The NSW government has expressed concern that banned LPG gas cabinet heater, indoor portable gas heaters with gas bottle, are being sold to consumers via auction web sites.
The following article explains what a “gas cabinet heater” is and what is behind the ban.
Why is the Gas Cabinet Heater Banned in Australia?
A gas cabinet heater are types of indoor portable gas heaters with gas bottle inside which is unsafe.
In summary:
♦ With a gas cabinet heater, an indoor leak of the LPG tank, regulator or hose could be catastrophic
♦ These types of indoor portable gas heaters typically do not pass the stringent Australian emissions testing
♦ Gas cabinet heaters lack some of the safety features found on other types of indoor portable gas heaters
♦ Gas cabinet heater portability lends itself to the misuse of the portable gas heaters in prohibited rooms, creating a safety hazard
♦ The fittings on these indoor portable gas heaters that are imported are sometimes incompatible with Australian fittings
♦ Gas cabinet heater safety track record in other countries was viewed as unacceptable
What is a Gas Cabinet Heater? Portable Indoor Gas Heaters with Gas Bottle
A gas cabinet heater is an indoor portable gas heaters with gas bottle inside the heater itself.
The portable gas heaters typically have wheels and some think they resemble Star War’s R2D2.
The gas bottle inside the indoor portable gas heaters is typically a standard 9kg gas bottle, as used with gas barbecues.
While these indoor portable gas heaters are manufactured and sold in other countries, they are banned in Australia.
The problem stems from the fact that some uninformed or unscrupulous vendors are importing and selling the gas cabinet heater on popular auction web sites.
When was the Gas Cabinet Heater Banned in Australia?
The use of a gas cabinet heater in Australia has been effectively banned since the 1980s.
The ban was enacted based on concerns relating to safety issues.
Dangerous emissions and the risk of fires if portable gas heaters are rolled too close to flammable materials, like curtains.
A gas cabinet heater type of indoor portable gas heaters cannot be safety certified for use in Australia.
Combined with the fact that all States require safety certification for the sale of gas appliances, this is the basis for the portable gas heaters prohibition.
Gas Cabinet Heater Leaks
What could be an inconsequential leak on an outdoor BBQ could be catastrophic with a gas cabinet heater.
The close proximity of the burner to the gas bottle inside these indoor portable gas heaters, combined with the fact that any gas leak would be slow to dissipate indoors, makes for a very real potential fire hazard.
This is one of the reasons that appliances with fuel inside, including portable gas heaters, are banned from indoor use under Australian Standard AS4553.
Indoor Portable Gas Heaters Emission Standards
Australia has some of the most stringent standards on indoor portable gas heaters combustion emissions of any country in the world.
The gases of primary concern are CO and NOX.
To be certified for use in Australia, indoor portable gas heaters must meet or surpass these strict standards.
Inasmuch as other countries requirements for portable gas heaters are not as rigorous, or they may not have any requirements at all, indoor portable gas heaters designed for these countries typically do not pass the Australian emission testing requirements for indoor portable gas heaters.
Gas Cabinet Heater Lacks Safety Devices
Most gas cabinet heaters lack the safety features that are common with the safety certified indoor portable gas heaters sold in Australia.
These missing features include tilt cut-off switches and oxygen depletion sensors.
Misuse of Gas Cabinet Heater
It is not safe to use indoor portable gas heaters in sleeping rooms or small rooms, like bathrooms or hallways.
Certified gas heaters are installed by licensed gas fitters so they know not to install portable gas heaters in these areas.
However, gas cabinet heaters are usually on wheels and can be moved to any room in the house.
An uninformed user could easily put themselves and their family at risk by using portable gas heaters in these areas.
Portable Gas Heaters with Wrong Gas Regulator and Gas Fittings
In Australia, the standard valve connector is a POL fitting or an LCC27 fitting.
Other countries use other fittings like QCC and OPD.
This is not an issue with other portable gas heaters, as they use a bayonet connection.
The potential problem is that these indoor portable gas heaters being imported may be incompatible with Australian gas bottle fittings.
This may force the use of adaptors, which are dangerous themselves.
Safety Track Record
Gas cabinet heaters are allowed in other countries.
The Australian regulators considered their safety track record regarding the use of these portable gas heaters.
In their view, the experiences in other countries supports the Australian ban on these indoor portable gas heaters.
Look for Australian Gas Appliance Certification Labels
There are no ‘Gas Appliance Police’, so it is up to each of us to be aware and check for safety certification prior to purchasing any gas appliance, including portable gas heaters.
All gas appliances should have Australian gas appliance certification labels. (see image)
Gas cabinet heaters are NOT certified.
Please take special care if you consider buying indoor portable gas heaters from individuals or unknown companies found online at an auction or shopping website.
Safe Gas Heaters: Comparing Flued vs Unflued Portable Gas Heaters
Australians looking to buy a gas heater for their home will find that the available indoor gas heaters are broadly grouped as either FLUED or UNFLUED portable gas heaters.
What is the difference and which one should you buy?
Here is a review of the pros and cons for you to consider when you decide on which type of heater is right for you:
Comparing Flued vs Unflued Portable Gas Heaters
Eric Hahn has over a decade of experience in the LPG industry and has become a key figure in shaping how LPG is marketed and communicated. As the creator of one of the world’s first LPG blogs, Eric has authored over 200 technical posts, helping educate and inform the industry and consumers.
Eric has served on multiple committees for Gas Energy Australia and the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to important discussions and advancements within the global LPG sector. He has presented at WLPGA Annual Conferences, sharing his expertise as a speaker, panellist, and panel chair.
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