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General Information - Purchasing and installing appliances

Natural Gas (NG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) are not the same. The correct gas must be used for the appliance. Information below should assist the consumer in purchasing the correct appliance.

Buying New Appliances

When purchasing appliances, make sure they are designed to operate on natural gas and are manufactured to an Australian Gas Association approved standard. An Australian Gas Association badge should be attached to certified appliances.

More information on AGA certification.

Buying Second-Hand Appliances

If you buy a second-hand appliance, always check the ID plate to ensure that it is a natural gas appliance. When a second-hand appliance is installed, the certified gasfitter must service the appliance to make certain that it is operating safely.

Converting Appliances

Natural gas is not the same as LP gas; therefore LP gas must not be used to fuel appliances designed for natural gas. Operating an appliance on the wrong type of gas can be extremely hazardous. Most (but not all) appliances can be converted to run on natural gas. A certified gasfitter or the appliance manufacturer must perform conversions of gas appliances from one fuel to another.

Bayonet Fittings

A certified gasfitter must install bayonet fittings. Bayonet fittings are installed to allow the connection of appliances (such as portable unflued heaters and BBQs) for domestic use. You can’t determine the type of gas that is supplying a bayonet simply by inspecting the fitting, so it is especially important that you check that the heater will run on the gas supplied to your residence.

Installing Appliances

Installing natural gas appliances, service and maintenance work on any part of a natural gas system must be performed by a certified gasfitter.

Once installation is completed, the gasfitter is required to issue you with a Certificate of Compliance, certifying that the gas installation meets all statutory requirements and it is safe for gas to be supplied to you. A gas supplier must receive a copy of the Certificate of Compliance before they can connect gas to your installation.

Using Appliances Safely

Once installation is completed, the gasfitter should instruct you how to use the appliance correctly. Always follow these or the manufacturer’s instructions, and have your appliance serviced regularly.

Contact your gas retailer or gasfitter for further information.