How to Connect Gas Bottle to BBQ & How Do I Disconnect Gas Bottle from BBQ
How do I connect gas bottle to BBQ and how do I disconnect gas bottle from BBQ are two oft-asked questions. Connecting and disconnecting BBQ gas bottles can be done by hand without tools. Always do a leak test after connecting.
To attach an LPG gas bottle to BBQ you first need to remove any dust or safety plug that may be fitted.
You then attach or place the LPG gas bottle in the intended position, insert the BBQ gas regulator and tighten.
Remember to always leak test after you attach a BBQ gas bottle (patio gas bottle). See below for more detailed instructions.
This video shows how to change a BBQ gas bottle for POL connectors (1:19)
7 Steps To Connect a BBQ Gas Bottle
1. Attach LPG gas bottle on the BBQ mounting hook or in its holder/shelf, depending on your BBQ or heater.
The BBQ gas bottle should ALWAYS be kept upright.
Your LPG gas bottle must NEVER hang by the gas hose.
2. Remove any dust cover or plug that may be inside or over the female valve opening, where the BBQ gas regulator screws in.
Please note that, if it is a screwed-in plug, you must turn it clockwise to remove it (reverse thread).
3. Inspect the BBQ gas regulator and hose for any damage.
Some BBQ gas regulators have rubber O-rings on the connector.
The O-ring should also be undamaged.
The connector should be clean and dirt free prior to insertion.
4. Screw the BBQ gas regulator into the valve opening by turning BBQ Gas Regulator Hand Wheel anti-clockwise (reverse thread) for older POL connectors and clockwise for newer LCC27 connectors.
Tighten well by hand only.
Make sure the gas hose is not kinked.
5. Without turning on the BBQ, open the Gas Valve Hand Wheel to turn on the gas (anti-clockwise).
Spray the entire BBQ gas regulator, valve and gas hose with soapy water to check for any possible leaks.
You will see bubbles or smell gas if there is a leak.
If you have a leak, you should immediately turn the gas off (clockwise) and fix or replace the leaking component.
How to test for gas leaks with soapy water (1:00):
For more detailed instructions, please see BBQ Gas Leak Test
6. Assuming you have no leaks, you are ready to use your BBQ or patio heater.
Turning the BBQ gas bottle ON a couple of turns is sufficient.
You should not turn it hard to the open stop.
7. Remember, when you are finished with your BBQ or patio heater, you should always turn off the gas at the BBQ gas bottle (patio gas bottle) first.
Close firmly by hand only.
NOTE: These instructions only apply to POL fittings and LCC27 fittings.
POL and LCC27 BBQ Gas Bottle Connections
An LCC27 gas bottle is backwards compatible, so you can screw a POL regulator into it, as shown in the connection diagrams below.
However, you cannot connect an LCC27 regulator to an old POL gas bottle.
For safety reasons, avoid the use of an LCC27 adaptor.
It’s easier, safer and less costly to just swap your old POL gas bottle for a full LCC27 gas bottle at the same SWAP’n’GO prices.
4 Steps to Disconnect a BBQ Gas Bottle
1. Make sure the Gas Valve Hand Wheel is turned OFF (Clockwise)
2. To remove regulator from gas cylinder valve (remove regulator from gas bottle), start by turning the Regulator Hand Wheel clockwise (reverse thread) for older POL connectors and anti-clockwise for newer LCC27 connectors.
Be aware and careful, as a small amount of gas remaining in the gas regulator and hose may be released when you remove regulator from gas cylinder valve (remove regulator from gas bottle).
3. Removing gas cylinder from BBQ by lifting the empty BBQ gas bottle off of the mounting hook or out of its holder/shelf, depending of your BBQ.
4. Take the empty LPG gas bottle (patio gas bottle) to your nearest SWAP’n’GO location to exchange for a full one.
How to remove a gas cylinder valve regulator instructions only apply to POL & LCC27 fittings
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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.