AS/NZS 5601 changes

On 24 March 2023, Standards Australia published a correction amendment for AS/NZS 5601.1:2022. The correction amendment makes changes to the following clauses.

• Preface
• Clause 5.2.11 (more detail below)
• Clause 6.4
• Clause 6.4.1
• Clause 6.10.1.1 and
• Table 6.10.2.3

All changes are minor in nature and the intent of the clauses remains unchanged. Gasfitters are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the full correction amendment.

The detailed changes for the Preface and other clauses mentioned above can be purchased at the Standards Australia store.

Clause 5.2.11

1. Delete last paragraph and replace with the following:

Alternatively, for a Class 1a building in Australia, or detached or multi-unit dwelling in New Zealand, a system or device that automatically shuts off the gas supply if gas tightness is adversely affected by a fire emergency event shall be provided. The system or device which shuts off the gas supply shall be installed in a readily accessible location as close as practicable to the point of supply and prior to any multi-layer pipe. The device shall be sized and commissioned in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure safe and correct operation and avoid nuisance tripping.

2. After Note 3, add the following:

NOTE 4: This clause also applies to the alteration of consumer piping using multi-layer pipe in an existing installation but does not apply to the replacement of a gas appliance in an existing installation.

On 30 September 2022, Standards Australia published a revision to AS/NZS 5601.1, which included significant changes from the previous standard affecting persons carrying out gasfitting work

6-month transition period

Energy Safe Victoria and the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) provided industry a 6-month transition period for implementation of the standard. Work completed prior to, or during this period, was assessed against the old standard. However, gasfitters could choose to use the new standard during this period.

Certain projects could also be assessed against the old standard. For example, if work was installed but not completed before the new standard was implemented. Or if the work related to new building work where the building permit was issued prior to 30 September 2022 . If completion of the work occurred after the transition period, we will assess that part of the work against the new standard.

From 30 March 2023, after the 6-month transition period, work will be assessed against the new standard.

Gasfitters are expected to comply in full with the 2022 edition of AS/NZS 5601.1 from this date.

Why was there a transition period?

To ensure industry had sufficient time to become familiar with the new requirements in the standard. And taking into consideration this significant change:

Multi-layer pipe installed in new buildings and the modification of consumer piping in existing buildings using multi-layer pipe will now require automatic isolation in the event of a fire. This is in the form of an automatic shut off valve interlocked to a fire safety system or alternatively for class 1a residential building other devices such as an excess flow device or Under Pressure Shut-off device (UPSO) can be used.

Both Energy Safe and the BPC understand the need to allow time for suppliers to build up stock of the gas components that will be required for installations to meet the new requirement.

Scope

AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 outlines requirements relating to the design, installation and commissioning of gas installations that are associated with the use or intended use of natural gas, LP gas or biogas. The standard forms part of the Victorian plumbing regulatory regime and applies to gasfitting work carried out in Victoria.

Key changes

The following changes were made as part of the publication. This information is a summary only and is not intended to be a substitute for the whole standard.

On 1 October 2020, Standards Australia published the revised AS/NZS 5601.2 2020.

The requirements of this standard apply from 1 April 2021, except for changes relating to cylinder quick-connect devices which apply from 1 October 2021.

Scope

This standard outlines requirements relating to the design, installation, repair, alteration, modification, replacement and commissioning of LP Gas installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes. The standard forms part of the Victorian plumbing regulatory regime and applies to gasfitting work carried out in Victoria.

Regulatory bodies

Standard installations in caravans are regulated by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) via Section 221B of the Building Act 1993 which defines plumbing laws as including provisions in the Gas Safety Act 1997 and the Gas Safety (Installation) Regulations 2018.

Complex installations in boats and catering vehicles are regulated by Energy Safe Victoria via Section 72 of the Gas Safety Act 1997 and the Gas Safety (Installations) Regulations 2018.

Key changes

The following changes were made as part of the publication. This information is a summary only and is not intended to be a substitute for the whole standard.

Other information

Introduction of cylinder quick-connect device (Type 27 valve)

From 1 October 2021, existing LP cylinder ‘POL’ (Type 21) fittings/valves will be gradually phased out on leisure cylinders (nominally 10kg or less) and replaced by ‘Type 27’ quick-connect device valves with an external thread.

The new valve will be known as the Leisure Cylinder Connection Type 27 valve or LCC27.

These new valves won’t allow gas to flow when the valve is open unless the gas connection is made, and will reduce the risk of potential gas leakage and gas safety incidents. The matching pigtail connection is referred to in AS/NZS 5601.2 as a “cylinder quick-connect device”.

For guidance on acceptable materials to be used between the cylinder and regulator for piping systems in caravans and boats, gasfitters must refer to Table 5.1.4.3.

Note: Adaptors to convert a Type 21 to a cylinder quick-connect device shall not be permitted.

Prohibited cylinder connection methods

AS 2473.2 Valves for compressed gas cylinders, Part 2: Outlet connections (threaded) and stem (inlet) threads is a secondary referenced document which prohibits the use of elastomeric jointing methods (Bullnose fittings) on Type 21 POL connections.

On 1 October 2020, Standards Australia published Amendment 4 to AS/NZS 5601.1: 2013.

Amendment 4 relates to the use of new quick connect devices for LP Gas cylinders (LCC27) which apply from 1 October 2021 for leisure cylinders (nominally 10kg or less).

The new valve incorporates a back check valve to prevent gas flow unless the gas connection is made. The new valve and connection are aimed at reducing the risk of gas leakage and gas safety incidences to improve consumer safety.

Gasfitters are required to comply with the requirements of Amendment 4 from 1 October 2021 after a 12-month transition period.

The LCC27 cylinder valve is backwards compatible – consumers do not need to purchase a new gas appliance. The Type 21 (POL) valve mains approved for service life, until a cylinder is due for retest and 10-year changeover.

Key changes

The following changes were made as part of Amendment 4. This information is a summary only and is not intended to be a substitute for the whole standard.