LPG Gas Cabinet Heaters Banned in Australia – Indoor Portable Gas Heaters with Gas Bottle
The NSW government has expressed concern that banned LPG gas cabinet heaters, indoor portable gas heaters with gas bottle, are being sold to consumers via auction web sites.
The following article explains what a “cabinet heater” is and what is behind the ban.
Why are LPG Gas Cabinet Heaters Banned in Australia?
Indoor portable gas heaters with gas bottle inside are not safe.
In summary:
♦ An indoor leak of the LPG tank, regulator or hose could be catastrophic
♦ They typically do not pass the stringent Australian emissions testing
♦ They lack some of the safety features found on other types of heaters
♦ Their portability lends itself to the misuse of the heater in prohibited rooms, creating a safety hazard
♦ The fittings on the models that are imported are sometimes incompatible with Australian fittings
♦ Their safety track record in other countries was viewed as unacceptable
What is a Cabinet Heater? Indoor Portable Gas Heaters with Gas Bottle
A cabinet heater is an indoor portable gas heaters with gas bottle inside the heater itself.
They typically have wheels and some think they resemble Star War’s R2D2.
The gas bottle is typically a standard 9kg gas bottle, as used with gas barbecues.
While these 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 them on popular auction web sites.
When were Cabinet Heaters Banned in Australia?
The use of cabinet heaters 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 rolled too close to flammable materials, like curtains.
These 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 prohibition.
Leaks
What could be an inconsequential leak on an outdoor BBQ could be catastrophic with a cabinet heater.
The close proximity of the burner to the gas bottle, 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, are banned from indoor use under Australian Standard AS4553.
Emission Standards
Australia has some of the most stringent standards on gas appliance combustion emissions of any country in the world.
The gases of primary concern are CO and NOX.
To be certified for use in Australia, gas heaters must meet or surpass these strict standards.
Inasmuch as other countries requirements are not as rigourous, or they may not have any requirements at all, the cabinet heaters designed for these countries typically do not pass the Australian emission testing requirements.
Lack of Safety Devices
Most cabinet heaters lack the safety features that are common with the safety certified gas heaters sold in Australia.
These missing features include tilt cut-off switches and oxygen depletion sensors.
Misuse
It is not safe to use 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 heaters in these areas.
However, 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 them in these areas.
Wrong Gas Regulator and Gas Fittings
In Australia, the standard valve connector is a POL fitting.
Other countries use other fittings like QCC and OPD.
The potential problem is that the cabinet heaters being imported may be incompatible with Australian gas fittings.
This may force the use of adaptors, which are dangerous themselves.
Safety Track Record
Cabinet heaters are allowed in other countries.
The Australian regulators considered their safety track record regarding the use of these appliances.
In their view, the experiences in other countries supports the Australian ban.
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.
All gas appliances should have Australian gas appliance certification labels. (see image)
Cabinet heaters are NOT certified.
Please take special care if you consider buying gas appliances 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 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:
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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