POL and LCC27 Gas Bottle Connections – LCC27 Gas Bottle Adapter: New Gas Bottle Connection
LCC27 gas bottle connections have the LCC27 new gas bottle connection that replaces the older POL gas bottle connections. The LCC27 new gas bottle connection is also referred to as LCC27 gas bottle fittings. The LCC27 gas bottles (LCC27 gas bottle fittings) have new safety features and are also backwards compatible, because they accepts both the POL and LCC27 new gas bottle fittings and gas bottle connections.
These POL and LCC27 gas bottle connections only affect BBQ gas bottle sizes in Australia.
The LCC27 new gas bottle connection does not affect 45kg gas bottle gas bottle connections and other home and commercial gas bottle sizes with POL gas bottle connections.
The older POL gas bottle connections are found on a POL gas cylinder (POL gas bottle), POL gas hose, POL gas regulator and various gas fittings may include a gas bottle adapter.
POL gas bottle connections were previously found on gas bottles ranging from small BBQ bottles to large commercial gas bottle fittings.
The LCC27 gas bottle connections are the safer replacement for POL gas bottle fittings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Do not try to insert an LCC27 regulator into an older POL gas bottle.
Difference Between POL and LCC27 New Gas Bottle Connection
In summary:
- POL gas bottle connections are the most common type of valve & gas bottle fittings, in Australia, for 4kg to 210kg gas bottles, including 45kg gas bottles.
- The LCC27 new gas bottle connection are the new gas bottle connection for BBQ size gas bottles.
- The POL gas bottle connections on BBQ size gas bottles (9kg gas bottle & 4kg gas bottle) are being replaced by the LCC27 gas bottle connections.
- POL refers to a type of valves and gas bottles that have POL gas bottle connections.
- “POL” is an acronym for the company that first made the POL gas bottle fittings — Prest-O-Lite.
- POL gas bottle connections on gas bottle fittings refers to the main valve.
- The POL gas bottle connections are notable for the reverse — left-handed — thread.
- LCC27 gas bottle connections have a normal right-handed thread and the LCC 27 gas bottles are backwards compatible with POL regulators.
- A pressure relief valve is incorporated within both the POL and LCC27 gas bottles, for safety.
You should also be aware of a few more features on both the POL and LCC27 gas bottle connections…
LCC27 to POL Adaptor (gas bottle adapter) Use… Just Don’t
Don’t use an LCC27 to POL adaptor (gas bottle adapter) to connect a gas bottle with POL gas bottle connections to LPG gas appliances that have an LCC27 new gas bottle connection.
Whilst you may have purchased an LCC27 to POL adaptor (gas bottle adapter) at Bunnings or other BBQ store, please remove and discard it because it is a safety hazard.
Exchange your POL gas bottles for LCC27 gas bottles at the same SWAP’n’GO prices.
It can be dangerous to use an LCC27 to POL adaptor (gas bottle adapter) 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 cold burns or fire.
In addition, the LCC27 adaptor (gas bottle adapter) is banned in WA whilst the QLD, VIC, TAS, NT and SA state governments have posted warnings against LCC27 to POL adaptor use. This follows a homeowner receiving severe burns resulting from a gas cylinder fire in Western Australia whilst using an LCC27 adaptor (gas bottle adapter). The injured person was hospitalised for further treatment.
Swapping a POL Gas Bottles for LCC27 Gas Bottles (POL and LCC27 Gas Bottle)
As mentioned, SWAP’n’GO® lets you swap an older POL gas bottles for newer LCC27 gas bottles (LCC27 gas bottle fittings), with the LCC27 new gas bottle connection, at the same SWAP’n’GO prices.
So, if you purchase a BBQ with the LCC27 new gas bottle connection but have an old bottle with POL gas bottle connections, you just need to swap.
You will find both POL and LCC27 gas bottles in the SWAP’n’GO cages during the transition period, which will stretch over a number of years.
Remember, LCC27 new gas bottle connection is backwards compatible with POL regulators.
POL and LCC27 Gas Bottle Fittings
A POL gas bottle fittings are LPG gas bottle fittings used on a range of LPG gas bottles whilst LCC27 gas bottle fittings are only on BBQ gas bottle sizes.
The female POL gas bottle fittings are incorporated into the POL valve fitting on the LPG gas bottle, utilising a left-handed or reverse thread whereas LCC27 gas bottle fittings have a normal right-handed thread.
The male POL gas bottle fittings are used on pigtail connectors, BBQ gas regulators and other hose style connectors. LCC27 gas bottles typically only connect to BBQ size gas regulators, including outdoor gas heaters and other outdoor gas appliances.
At one time, the POL gas bottle fittings were used in many countries, including the USA, but it has faded in popularity.
Currently, Australia is the most notable POL gas bottle fittings user. LCC27 gas bottles are unique to Australia.
The following chart shows the acceptable and unacceptable gas bottle connections involving POL and LCC27 gas bottle fittings with POL and LCC27 gas bottles.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Do not try to insert an LCC27 regulator into an older POL gas bottle.
LCC27 Gas Bottles (LCC27 Gas Bottle Fittings) with LCC27 New Gas Bottle Connection
The LCC27 gas bottles with LCC27 gas bottle fittings – LCC27 gas bottle – is replacing the POL gas bottle connections because BBQ regulators now have the LCC27 new gas bottle connection with LCC27 gas bottle fittings.
The LCC27 gas bottle fittings are a safety improvement over the older POL gas bottle connections.
No gas will come out of LCC27 gas bottles (LCC27 gas bottle fittings) unless a regulator is properly screwed in.
With the older POL gas bottle connections, gas will come out of the gas bottle even if nothing is screwed in.
LCC27 gas bottle fittings are reverse compatible with POL gas bottle connections, as shown in the image above.
In other words, both a POL and LCC27 regulator will screw onto an LCC27 gas bottles (LCC27 gas bottle fittings).
OPD Valves for Propane Tanks – Propane Tank Overfill Valve
An OPD gas bottle connections have an OPD cylinder valve. OPD is the acronym for “Overfill Protection Device” or “Overfilling Prevention Device”.
OPD gas bottle connections are best described as a propane tank overfill valve.
As the name suggests, an OPD gas bottle connections have a protective mechanism, that prevents propane tank overfill, built into the valve.
OPD valves are used in the USA, instead of POL gas bottle connections.
Gas Regulator Gas Pressure
A gas regulator controls the regulator gas pressure at which the LPG is delivered from the gas bottle.
BBQ gas regulators typically come equipped with an attached gas hose.
The gas regulator screws directly into the gas bottle connections whilst the gas hose is attached to the BBQ.
The standard BBQ regulator type in Australia, since 2022, is a regulator with LCC27 gas bottle connections.
The new regulator has a female LCC27 new gas bottle connection, with a right-handed thread, that fits male gas bottle fittings on the LCC27 gas bottle valve.
Older BBQs and BBQ gas bottles have POL gas bottle fittings.
POL Gas Bottle Connections Continue on 45kg Gas Bottles and Larger
Unlike the LCC27 gas bottles for BBQs, the LCC27 new gas bottle connection does not apply to the larger residential gas bottles.
On home gas bottles, like a 45kg gas bottle, the gas line pigtail have POL gas bottle connections that screws into the large female threaded gas bottle connections on the side of the valve.
So, home gas bottles have NOT switched to the LCC27 new gas bottle connection.
POL gas bottle connections are unique in that it has a left-handed or reverse thread gas bottle fittings.
So, to tighten a POL gas bottle fittings, you turn the connector anti-clockwise.
Tightening of pigtail gas bottle fittings is done with a wrench.
You should always do a soapy water leak test after every POL gas bottle fittings reconnection.
Gas Bottle Connections Seal on POL Gas Bottle Fittings
The POL gas bottle connections were originally designed as a metal-to-metal compression seal gas bottle fittings.
Pigtail gas bottle fittings still use metal-to metal-connections.
However, some BBQ POL gas bottle fittings are now manufactured with rubber O-rings because they further improve the gas bottle connections seal.
The downside is that these gas bottle fittings can become damaged or deteriorate over time so they should be checked regularly.
Gas Valve Hand Wheel on POL and LCC27 Gas Bottles
Located on the top of the POL and LCC27 gas bottles, the gas valve hand wheel controls the flow of gas, once the gas bottle fittings are secure.
There is no difference between gas valve hand wheels on POL and LLC27 gas bottles.
Turning the hand wheel anti-clockwise starts the flow of gas but you should avoid turning it hard to the open stop.
Opening the valve 2 or 3 turns is all you need.
You shut the gas off by turning the hand wheel clockwise, tightening firmly by hand only.
CAUTION: Never open the valve when unattached
Bleed Screw on POL and LCC27 Gas Bottles
The POL and LCC27 gas bottles are both equipped with a bleed screw for decant filling because it is required when having a BBQ bottle filled at a service station.
It is a small slotted screw on the side of the valve.
The filling technician opens the screw during filling to determine proper filling.
On the other hand, most large gas depots fill cylinders by weight, on digital scales, so the bleed screw is not used.
There is no difference between bleed screws on POL and LLC27 gas bottles.
CAUTION: Never open the bleed screw on your gas valve
Dip Tube on POL and LCC27 Gas Bottles
POL and LCC27 gas bottle valves have a tube that sticks down into the cylinder, called a ‘dip tube’.
It extends down to the bottom of the ullage area (see image).
Ullage is the 20% unfilled space at the top of the gas cylinder that allows for expansion of the gas.
This dip tube is connected to the bleed screw and lets the filling technician know when the cylinder is filled up to the ullage zone, because it starts venting a white cloud of gas
There is no difference between dip tubes on POL and LLC27 gas bottles.
Pressure Relief Valve on POL and LCC27 Gas Bottles
The pressure relief valve is the single most critical gas bottle fittings safety feature on an LPG cylinder.
It is incorporated within the POL and LCC27 valves and appears as the protrusion opposite the main connection. (See image)
It usually incorporates some kind of plastic dust cover that should be left in place.
Pressure relief valves are designed to relieve excess pressure that might result from overfilling or exposure to excessive heat or fire.
The function of a pressure relief valve is to keep a cylinder from rupturing in the unlikely event of excessive pressure build-up.
The pressure relief valves are held in the closed position by the force of a powerful spring inside.
As long as the pressure is less than that of the spring no gas will vent since the valve will remain closed.
There is no difference between pressure relief valves on POL and LLC27 gas bottles.
Gas Venting on POL and LCC27 Gas Bottles
Having the pressure relief valve releasing gas is a rare event.
Most people will never experience venting.
If the pressure rises beyond the force of the spring, the valve will open to vent the excess pressure.
You may hear a hissing sound and see cold white gas vapour being released because the pressure relief valve has been activated.
Once sufficient pressure is released, the valve stops releasing gas since the spring pressure can push the valve closed.
If this ever happens, just stay clear of the area and let the gas dissipate.
IMPORTANT: The pressure relief valve must be pointed safely away from combustible materials.
You should also call your LPG supplier, from a safe location because you should advise them that your gas cylinder is venting gas.
Do not use your mobile phone, any electrical devices or other ignition sources near a venting gas cylinder.
There is no difference between possible gas venting on POL and LLC27 gas bottles.
Newer BBQs Incorporate LCC27 New Gas Bottle Connection
A BBQ gas regulator and hose usually come as an assembly but hoses are also sold separately.
BBQ gas regulators with the LCC27 new gas bottle connection incorporate the LCC27 gas bottle fittings and involve less components than home installations because the BBQ gas bottle fittings are just the gas regulator and hose compilation.
BBQ Gas Leak Test
It is important to regularly leak test your BBQ gas bottle fittings, gas regulator and hose.
Leaks from these items are frequently the cause of BBQ gas fires.
How to Test POL and LCC27 Gas Bottle Fittings
This test works on both the POL and LCC27 gas bottle connections and gas bottle fittings.
Put some soapy water in a spray bottle.
Turn on the gas bottle without turning on the BBQ.
Next, spray the entire gas bottle connections including the valve, gas regulator and hose assembly with the soapy water.
Bubbles will form if there is a gas leak and you may also smell the gas.
When done, rinse gas bottle fittings with clean water to remove the soap solution.
For more details, please see: BBQ Gas Leak Test
Hot To Safely Attach or Change Your on POL and LCC27 Gas Bottles
Connecting & Disconnecting Your Gas Regulator with POL and LCC27 Gas Bottle Connections
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Do not try to insert an LCC27 regulator into an older POL gas bottle.
An LCC27 new gas bottle connection has the LCC27 regulator with a female fitting that screws onto the male LCC27 gas bottle fittings.
The gas bottle fittings have a normal right-handed thread.
The male connector of a gas regulator, with a POL gas bottle fittings, has a reverse or left-handed thread. (POL shown in image)
So, to detach, you turn the POL fitting clockwise and then anti-clockwise to re-attach.
Full step-by-step instructions:
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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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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.