Gas Bayonet Fitting – Gas Bayonet Hose – Connect & Disconnect

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Home 9 Residential LPG Blogs 9 Gas Bayonet Fitting – Gas Bayonet Hose – Connect & Disconnect

30 Aug, 2023 | Residential LPG Blogs

In this article:

Learn how to connect and disconnect a gas bayonet fitting.

Gas Bayonet Fitting – Gas Bayonet Hose – Connect & Disconnect

Gas bayonet fittings are used to connect a gas appliance to the gas bayonet wall socket or floor mounted female gas fitting. The gas bayonet hose connects the gas bayonet fitting to the gas bayonet heater or other appliance. The gas fittings consist of a male and female gas bayonet fitting that connect like a bayonet light globe.

The most popular style of gas heaters in Australia are Portable Gas Bayonet Heaters.

A portable gas heater connects to your home gas supply by means of a gas bayonet hose with a brass push & twist-to-lock gas bayonet fitting.

Gas Bayonet: Gas Bayonet Fitting, Gas Bayonet Hose & Gas Bayonet Wall Socket

Gas bayonet fittingA gas bayonet or gas bayonet fitting provides a method of attaching a gas bayonet heater to a gas bayonet wall socket with a gas bayonet hose. All are part of the gas bayonet system of gas fittings.

A male gas fitting connects a gas appliance — typically a gas bayonet heater — to a fixed female gas bayonet wall socket or floor mounted female gas fitting, attached to the gas supply. The male gas fitting is attached to the end of the gas bayonet hose.

The female gas bayonet fittings are attached to the gas supply line and affixed to the wall or floor.

You connect a gas bayonet by pushing in and twisting clockwise to lock it in place.

To disconnect, you push in slightly, turn anti-clockwise and then pull the male gas fitting out.

Read more for additional information and an important money saving tip…

Gas Fittings for LPG & Natural Gas Heaters – Gas Bayonet Installation

Gas bayonet hoseGas fittings for gas bayonet heaters connect the gas heater to the gas source.

They include gas bayonet hose with the male gas fitting assembly that plugs into the female gas fittings. (see image)

The gas bayonet installation includes the female gas fittings connected by gas pipe fittings to the gas bottles or natural gas heater connections.

Female gas bayonet installation can be into a wall or through the floor

Most heater have an electrical connection to power the fan, igniter and control board.  Some radiant heaters do not require electricity.

Female Gas Bayonet Wall Socket

Female Gas Bayonet Fitting

The female gas bayonet wall socket or floor socket is permanently attached to your wall or floor and the supply gas line is connected to it through the wall or floor.

The female gas fittings have two locking lugs that are used to engage the male gas fittings and lock it in place.
 
A rubber O-ring seals the connection.
 
It also contains the on/off gas valve that is automatically actuated when a male fitting is fully inserted and locked.

Gas Bayonet Hose and Male Fitting

Male Gas Bayonet Fitting

The male gas fitting is affixed to the end of the gas bayonet hose, which is attached to the portable heater.
 
The male bayonet has two push-and-twist slots for engaging the two locking lugs on the female bayonet socket.
 
It also has a protrusion that pushes on and opens the automatic gas valve, when the male fitting is fully inserted and locked in place.

Inspect & Clean the Gas Bayonet Fitting

It is important that both gas fittings be clean and free of any dirt or debris before trying to connect them.
 
Pieces of dirt and debris can cause the connection to leak.
 
Needless to say, if you inspect the connectors and discover any damage, do not attempt to connect them.
 
You should also periodically inspect the gas hose for any damage or degradation.
 
Call your gas fitter to make any needed repairs.

Gas Bayonet Installation

A licensed gas fitter must always do the gas bayonet installation.

Female gas bayonet fitting for installationThe female gas fitting is installed through a wall or the floor and is connected to the gas bottle piping.

Hence, it involves significant plumbing work, which should only be performed by certified professionals.

The male bayonet installation is just a matter of attaching it to the end of a gas bayonet hose, typically done by the hose manufacturer.

Various components may be required to properly connect gas cookers or heaters to the bayonet fittings, including:

  • Gas bayonet hose
  • Gas bayonet wall socket: angled or straight in brass, chrome or stainless steel
  • Gas bayonet floor socket
  • Mounting bracket

Connecting the Gas Bayonet

Connecting the Bayonet Fitting

The actual physical act of connecting the two gas fittings is very similar to the changing of a bayonet light globe.

The male fitting is inserted into the female fitting, with the locking lugs aligning with the engagement slots.
 
You push in and twist clockwise to lock it in place.
 
Please note that you need to push in rather firmly, as the gas valve spring is quite strong.

Disconnecting the Gas Bayonet

To disconnect a gas bayonet you basically just reverse the process.
 
You push in slightly and turn anti-clockwise, to disengage the locking lugs, and then pull the male fitting out.
 
There may be a small whiff of gas when you connect or disconnect the bayonet.  This is normal.

If You Continue to Smell Gas

However, if you detect a continuous leak, you should disconnect the gas bayonet immediately and inspect for dirt or damage, including to the O-ring inside the female connector.
 
In the extremely unlikely event that the female fitting is still leaking, even after disconnection, you need to turn the gas off at the source.
 
In any situation where you have an ongoing problem, you should always call your gas fitter.
 
Never attempt your own gas repairs or allow any unqualified person to try to fix it for you.
 
For gas emergencies, don’t hesitate to call us at 1800 819 783.

Money Saving Tip for Summer Storage of Gas Bayonet Heaters

Use purpose made dust plugs or secure small plastic bags around the connectors to keep out dirt and insects, as they can clog the heater during the following season.
 
This could save you an expensive gas fitter repair bill!

25 Gas Heater Safety Tips

Gas heaters are a great way to heat your home.
Enjoy the safe use of your gas heater by following these simple gas heater safety tips:

Safety first with gas heaters1.  Always read you gas heater owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper set-up and safe operation.

2. Fixed gas heaters and gas bayonet must be installed by licensed gas fitters in accordance with the local gas and electrical authority regulations.

Gas heaters should not be built in unless designed for that purpose.

3. Choose a gas heater that is appropriately sized for the room.

Please refer to manufacturer’s specifications prior to purchase or relocation of the heater.

4. Do not use the gas heater unless it has been certified for use by the Australian Gas Association or SAI Global.

Look for the attached label or badge when you purchase the heater.

5. If equipped with a filter, the filter should be regularly cleaned during heating season to maintain proper air flow.

Gas heaters and children6.  Keep children and pets away from gas heaters.

A one metre “Kid Free Zone” is a good idea.

Young children should always be supervised to ensure that they DO NOT play with the appliance.

7. Do not permit children to adjust the heater controls or move the heater.

8. Turn gas heaters off when unattended and when you go to bed.

9. Never sit on a gas heater.

10. Do not cover or place articles on or in a gas heater.

11. Keep gas heaters at least one metre away from all flammable objects including furniture, drapes, books and boxes.

Windows covering that can be wind blown into the heater should be restrained.

12. Never use a gas heater to dry clothing, shoes or other articles.

13. Never place the gas heater where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and start a fire.

14. Gas heaters should only be used in rooms with adequate ventilation.

Fixed ventilation must conform to local regulations.

15. Never use a portable gas bayonet heater in a bedroom, bathroom, toilet, sauna or a room used for sleeping.

Certain flued heaters may be used in bedrooms but check the manufacturer’s specifications before such use.

No aerosols near gas heaters16.  Never use or store flammable liquids or aerosols near a gas heater.

17. Portable gas heater hoses & power cords cannot be extended through a doorway into an adjacent room

18. Do not operate a gas heater where painting is being done or has recently taken place.

19. Most manufacturers suggest periodic inspection and service of the appliance and installation. Two years is the most common recommendation.

Please refer to your owner’s manual for more information.

20. Never attempt to disassemble or service the heater yourself.

Always use a qualified technician.

21. In the event that the gas hose or electrical connection should become damaged or the heater malfunctions in any way, do not operate until it is fixed by a qualified service person.

22. If you have a flued gas heater:

Be sure that you have it professionally installed by a gas fitter.

Regularly check the flue for unobstructed venting.

Be aware that insects, birds and animals can build nests in vent pipes.

If you suspect a problem, call a qualified gas fitter.

23. Do not use outdoor gas heaters indoors.

Outdoor gas heaters may create carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide can make you dizzy, give you headaches or flu-like symptoms. Extended exposure can be fatal

24. Never use a gas oven to heat your home.

25. If you smell gas at any time in your home:

• No flames or sparksNo open flames if you smell gas

• Don’t operate light switches, appliances or telephones.
• Leave the area with the doors and windows left open.
• Shut off the gas at your gas bottle valve(s) by turning clockwise.
• Don’t turn back on until it has been checked by a gas fitter.
• Report the leak to your gas supplier.
• If Elgas is your gas supplier you can call us on 1800 819 783 from a gas-free location.
• Do not return inside your home until the gas has had time to dissipate.
• DO NOT USE AN ELECTRIC FAN.
• Remember that LPG is heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas and basements.
• Get your system checked by your local gas fitter.

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Eric Hahn

Steve Reynolds

Technical Consultant

Steve Reynolds is a leading expert in the LPG industry with over 22 years of experience. As part of the national management team at ELGAS, Steve ensures the safe and efficient storage, handling, and transportation of LPG. He serves as the lead investigator for incidents and collaborates with authorities on industry developments.

Steve is a technical advisor to Standards Australia and Gas Energy Australia (GEA), and an active member of the World LPG Association (WLPGA), contributing to global standards and technical reviews. He holds a BSc. (Hons) in Industrial Chemistry from UNSW and has held senior safety and technical roles at ELGAS, making him a trusted authority in LPG safety and standards.