Don’t Use an LCC27 Gas Bottle Adapter in Lieu of an LCC27 Gas Bottle
Owners of barbecues and gas appliances should not use an LCC27 gas bottle adapter to connect gas bottles with an old POL gas fitting to appliances with a new LCC27 gas bottle (type 27 gas bottle) fitting.
Staying safe while using LPG gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) for your barbecue or portable gas appliance is crucial.
That includes using LPG gas bottles that have the correct cylinder valve for your gas appliances.
In recent years, there have been important changes to the types of cylinder valves and connections used on LPG gas bottles for barbecues and portable gas appliances in Australia.
In addition, the LCC27 adaptor (LCC27 to POL adaptor) is banned in WA whilst the QLD, VIC, TAS, NT and SA state governments have posted warnings against gas bottle adapter use. This follows a homeowner receiving severe burns resulting from a gas cylinder fire in Western Australia whilst using a gas bottle adapter. The injured person needed to be hospitalised for further treatment.
New Gas Bottle Connection for Gas Bottles for BBQ
An LCC27 or Type 27 is a new gas bottle connection fitting.
LCC27 new gas bottle fittings replace the old POL gas fitting on gas bottles for BBQ – specifically the 9kg gas bottle and 4kg gas bottle in Australia.
There is no new gas bottle connection for 45kg gas bottles and larger.
LCC27 Gas Bottle and LCC27 Gas Bottle Adapter – LCC27 to POL Adaptor
Use of an LCC27 to POL adaptor increases the chance of gas leaks.
An LCC27 gas bottle is a gas bottle with a safety enhanced LCC27 valve.
An LCC27 gas bottle is typically a 9kg gas bottle or a 4kg gas bottle size.
The safety improvements include the prevention of gas release when no regulator is attached.
LCC27 gas bottles, also called a type 27 gas bottle, are primarily used in Australia.
A gas bottle adapter (LCC27 to POL adaptor) could be used when a new BBQ or heater with an LCC27 regulator is fitted to an older POL gas bottle.
The LCC27 to POL adaptor facilitates the use of an LCC27 gas bottle regulator on a gas bottle with a POL gas fitting.
No POL to LCC27 adaptor is required when a new LCC27 gas bottle is used with an older POL regulator equipped appliance.
The LCC27 gas bottle is backwards compatible, accepting both a POL regulator and LCC27 gas bottle regulator.
Note that POL valves are still used on 45kg gas bottles, as well as larger sizes.
Mismatched Threads with LCC27 Gas Bottle vs LCC27 to POL Adaptor
Here’s why an LCC27 to POL adaptor poses a potential hazard:
There are currently two main types of valves on LPG gas bottles – ones with Type 21 POL gas fitting and LCC27 gas fitting (type 27 gas bottle). These valves have different thread directions:
- POL gas fitting is the older type of gas bottle fitting with left-handed thread
- LCC27 gas bottles are the newer type and have right-handed thread
Barbecues or portable gas appliances manufactured after 1 April 2022 will have the LCC27 new gas bottle connection on their gas hoses.
Appliances manufactured before then will have the older POL gas fitting.
An LCC27 gas bottle will connect to barbecues and portable gas appliances that have either a POL gas fitting or an LCC27 gas fitting.
However, LPG gas bottles with a POL gas fitting can only be connected to appliances with a POL gas fitting.
It’s important to check what kind of connection you have on your barbecue or portable LPG gas appliance before you buy or swap your LPG bottle.
It can be dangerous to use an LCC27 gas bottle adapter (LCC27 to POL adaptor) on a POL gas fitting to enable it to connect a gas appliance designed for an LCC27 new gas bottle connection.
This is 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 fire or injury.
How to Tell the Difference Between Regulator Gas Fittings
Older regulators with a POL gas fitting have a male connector which is threaded on the outside.
The newer LCC27 gas bottle regulator has a larger female connector which is threaded on the inside.
The LCC27 gas bottle is backwards compatible with barbecues and gas appliances that have either a POL gas fitting or an LCC27 gas bottle fitting, since it has both an internal POL gas fitting thread and an external LCC27 gas bottle thread. See image below.
Safety Feature Defeated with Adapter Gas Bottle Use
Adapter gas bottle (LCC27 to POL adaptor) use increases the chances of gas leaks.
The biggest problem is having a right and left-handed thread on the same connection.
Tightening one may loosen the other, creating the possibility of gas leaks.
If you have a gas appliance with an LCC27 gas bottle connection, and your current LPG gas bottle has a POL gas fitting, you should swap your POL gas bottle for an LCC27 gas bottle instead of using an adapter gas bottle (LCC27 to POL adaptor) fix.
The LCC27 gas bottle valve is designed with improved safety features and protection.
The key safety feature of an LCC27 gas bottle is that it will not release gas unless an appliance gas fitting is properly installed.
In contrast, gas bottles with the older POL gas fitting will release gas without anything being attached, creating a potential safety hazard.
However, an LPG gas bottle with a POL gas fitting is incompatible with barbecues or portable LPG gas appliances that have an LCC27 gas bottle connection.
The cylinder valves provide connection safety by ensuring there are no points where leakage could occur.
Adapter gas bottle (LCC27 to POL adaptor) may override the new safety feature and can increase the risk of accidental gas release, compromising your safety.
Understanding the Valve Types
POL Gas Fitting
A POL gas fitting is the older style commonly found on older gas bottles and appliances manufactured before 2022.
POL gas fitting valves use a left-hand thread with a smaller diameter than the newer LCC27 gas bottle.
LCC27 Gas Fitting
Introduced for improved safety features, the LCC27 gas bottle valves are now mandatory on all barbecues and gas appliances manufactured since April 2022.
The LCC27 valve has a right-hand thread and a larger diameter than a POL gas fitting.
The good news is that the LCC27 gas bottle valve is backward compatible, meaning it can connect to both a POL gas fitting and one intended for an LCC27 gas fitting (see image above).
Choosing the Right Combination:
- LPG Gas Appliance Age: Barbecues and portable LPG gas appliances manufactured before April 2022 will most likely have a POL gas fitting and can be connected to an LPG gas bottle with either a POL gas fitting or LCC27 gas fitting. Newer LPG appliances with an LCC27 gas fitting cannot be connected to an LPG gas bottle with a POL gas fitting. Do not use an LCC27 adaptor (LCC27 to POL adaptor) to connect them.
- LPG Gas Bottle Valve: LPG gas bottles come with either POL gas fitting or LCC27 gas fitting. If you have an LCC27 gas bottle, it can be used with appliances that have either a POL gas fitting or an LCC27 gas fitting. However, LCC27 gas appliances are a newer type and cannot be used with a POL gas fitting.
The LCC27 Gas Bottle Phase-In
SWAP’n’GO has been phasing in LCC27 gas bottles since 2022 and this will continue over the next few years.
LCC27 gas bottles are being introduced into the gas bottle population at a rate that is faster than new LCC27 gas appliances are being sold.
The result is that you will still find both POL and LCC27 gas bottles in the SWAP’n’GO cages for the next few years.
This phase-in process is designed to provide the appropriate number of each type of gas bottle as time goes by.
Ensure Safe Use of Your LPG Barbecue or Portable Gas Appliance:
- Don’t use an LCC27 adaptor to connect a POL gas bottle to an LPG gas appliances with LCC27 gas fitting.
- If you have been using a gas bottle adaptor (LCC27 to POL adaptor), remove it and discard it. Swap your POL gas bottle for an LCC27 gas bottle at the same SWAP’n’GO prices.
- When you are ready to get a fresh LPG gas bottle, be sure to check the connection type on your barbecue or portable gas appliance so that you can select the right bottle for your appliance.
- If your LPG gas appliance was manufactured after April 2022, it will have an LCC27 gas bottle connection and you must only connect it to an LCC27 gas bottle.
- Barbecues and portable gas appliances manufactured for Australia before April 2022 will most likely have a POL gas fitting and can be connected to an LPG gas bottle with either a POL gas fitting or an LCC27 gas bottle fitting.
By following these simple steps and avoiding the use of an LCC27 adaptor (LCC27 to POL adaptor), you can significantly reduce the risk of gas leaks and accidents while enjoying the convenience of your LPG gas barbecue or portable gas appliance.
Safety should always be your top priority when dealing with LPG gas.
More Safety Information on Gas Bottle Adaptors
Refer to the following for more safety information and guidance:
Safety Warning for Use of Gas Bottle Adaptors
Summer safety warning for the use of LP gas bottle adaptors (WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety)
LPG Cylinder Connection Guidance information
Transitional requirements for the implementation of the new LCC27 LPG cylinder connection (Gas Technical Regulators Committee)
LP gas cylinder adaptors on converting old POL to LCC27, banned in Western Australia (WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety)
Australian Standards
AS/NZS1596:2014 The storage and handling of LP Gas (Standards Australia)
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.