Can I connect a gas barbecue to a bayonet point?

In Western Australia, laws relating to barbecue and gas appliance installation are regulated by Energy Safety WA.

Energy Safety WA regulations state that if your barbecue is placed in an “outdoor” area, then you can connect the barbecue to a bayonet point. However, if your barbecue is placed in an “enclosed” area, then it is illegal to connect the barbecue to a bayonet point. In this case, the barbecue must be connected through a fixed connection to the gas piping of the home.

You may be surprised to learn that your alfresco area is classed as “enclosed” even if it is outdoors. We will discuss the difference between “outdoors” and “enclosed” in more detail in a future blog, but in the meantime please visit the Energy Safety WA link below for more information:

Commerce.wa.gov.au

If you do connect your barbecue to a bayonet point, your barbecue may not receive enough gas to run the burners at full heat. The more burners on a barbecue, the more mega-joules of gas the barbecue will require when all burners are running. This is the reason that many people say that natural gas barbecues don’t cook as well as LPG barbecues.

If you have a large barbecue (5 or more burners), then we recommend that you ask a gas fitter to connect your barbecue directly to your gas supply instead of using a bayonet point. A gas fitter can ensure that the gas pipe is large enough to supply the barbecue with all the gas it needs if all burners are being used. A gas fitter can also ensure that the barbecue is installed correctly and safely, and that the installation complies with the regulations set down by Energy Safety WA. 5 Star Plumbing & Gas are experts in this area. We service all of Perth metro, and we specialise in the suburbs of Karrinyup, North Beach, Osborne Park Carine, Churchlands, Doubleview, Gwelup, Innaloo, and Scarborough.

Be aware that failing to comply with Energy Safety WA regulations can cause heartache down the track. We have heard of cases where insurance companies have not paid for fire damage resulting from an incorrectly installed barbecue. There are also cases in Perth where local council inspectors have refused to sign off on final inspection of newly constructed homes and/or alfresco areas, because the barbecue has been incorrectly installed.

If you are in the process of building or renovating your home, discuss your barbecue requirements with your builder or gas fitter early in the construction phase. This will ensure

that gas pipes of sufficient diameter are laid all the way out to the barbecue area, and it will avoid ripping up gardens and paving bricks later.

5 Star Plumbing & Gas are licensed gas fitters. We stay up-to-date with all the latest Energy Safety WA regulations concerning gas barbecue installation.

5 Star Plumbing & Gas service all of the Perth Metro area, and we specialise in the following suburbs: Karrinyup, North Beach, Osborne Park Carine, Churchlands, Doubleview, Gwelup, Innaloo, and Scarborough.

For all your barbecue installation requirements, call us now: 0422 674 705

5starplumbingngas@gmail.com.au

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