LCC27 - Australia's Safest LPG Cylinder Connection
LCC27 (also known as the Type 27 Connection) stands for Leisure Cylinder Connection.
n Australia, it is the new standard connection for new 4.5kg and 9kg leisure gas cylinders and outdoor gas appliances such as BBQs and heaters. The LCC27 valve offers improved durability and safety features to prevent gas leaks.
How will this affect leisure gas cylinders and appliances?
From 1 October 2021, new LCC27 valves have been made mandatory on new and retested gas cylinders that previously used POL (Prest-O-Lite) Type 21 connections. Cylinders with the old Type 21 (POL) valve will be phased out over a ten-year period as each LPG cylinder is due for a retest or ten-year change over.
From 1 April 2022, all new BBQs and gas appliances must be sold with new hose fittings (or connections), designed especially for the new LCC27 valve on the cylinders.
The Dangers of Leisure Gas Cylinders
In Australia, there have been incidents involving this type of gas leakage, where outdoor appliances have exploded and started fires, causing injuries and even deaths. Given that outdoor leisure gas appliances are connected on a more casual basis by the users themselves, there was a lot more scope for error.
The new LCC27 connection provides improved safety features to prevent gas leaks and halt the flow of gas during a fire.
Why is LCC27 (Type 27 Connection) being phased in?
The new LCC27 connection offers several features that vastly enhance the safe operation of outdoor LPG appliances:
- Gas will not flow unless the valve is connected. This means that even if the hose has been disconnected or connected incorrectly, gas will not release.
- Better durability. The rubber seal is less likely to deteriorate and require replacing as it is placed inside the cylinder valve. Additionally, the valve spindle and bleed screw are encapsulated so the user cannot screw them out completely, preventing uncontrolled release of gas
- If there is a fire, gas will stop flowing. This is due to a thermal cut-off feature in the valve.
- Ease of use. On LCC27 hoses, the handwheel is now larger and easy to grip – making it easier to ensure a tight and secure connection.
What does this mean for my old LPG cylinder at home?
Leisure cylinders with the old Type 21 connection (POL) can still be used until they are due to be re-tested or changed over. However, the Type 21 valve cannot be used with Type 21 fittings or connections. This means if you’re purchasing a new gas appliance with the new Type 27 connection (LCC27), you’ll need to replace or swap your leisure cylinder to one with a new one with a Type 27 valve.
What does this mean for my current BBQ, heater or other gas appliances when I get a new LPG cylinder?
BBQs and gas appliances with the old Type 21 connection (POL) can still be used as they can still be used with the new Type 27 (LCC27) Connection on leisure cylinders.
Summary: The LCC27 cylinder is backwards compatible – consumers don’t need to purchase a new gas appliance.
Never Use an Adaptor for LCC27 (Type 27) to POL (Type 21)
If you purchase a new gas appliance with the new connection type, it cannot be used with your old Type 21 (POL) valve LPG cylinder. It’s important to replace or swap out your LPG cylinder, instead of looking for an adaptor. This is because adaptors give an additional leakage risk. The change between threads means that when tightening one side of the adaptor, the other end is at risk of creating a new leak.
7 Safety Tips on Using Gas Appliances
To prevent gas leaks and fires with gas appliances, it’s important to:
- Read and comply with connection instructions provided with your LPG cylinder.
- Only use LPG cylinders that have been tested in the last ten years.
- Only ever use LPG cylinders in outdoor areas that are well ventilated.
- Keep LPG cylinders upright with relief valves clear.
- Keep LPG cylinders away from sparks, flames and heat.
- Never use homemade hoses or connections.
- Always turn the gas off at the cylinder when not in use.
