LPG gas cabinet heaters banned

What is a cabinet heater

A cabinet heater is a portable heater with a gas cylinder placed inside directly behind the heating surface, typically a 9kg gas cylinder, as used with barbecues.

These heaters are manufactured and sold in other countries, and are available illegally online, in stores and at market stalls in Australia.

However, they have been banned in Australia since the 1980s.

The ban is based on concerns relating to safety issues.

Why cabinet heaters are banned

Here is useful information on why this gas appliance is banned Australia-wide.

LPG gas cabinet heaters with a gas cylinder inside (directly behind the heating surface) aren't safe because:

• a leak in the LPG cylinder, regulator or hose could be catastrophic
• they typically do not pass stringent Australian emissions testing
• they lack safety features found in other types of heaters
• portability lends itself to misuse of the heater in prohibited rooms, creating a safety hazard
• the fittings on imported models are sometimes incompatible with Australian fittings
• their safety track record in other countries is deemed unacceptable.

The dangers of cabinet heaters

Leaks

What could be an inconsequential leak on an outdoor barbecue could be catastrophic with a cabinet heater.

The proximity of the burner to the gas cylinder and hose, combined with the fact that any gas leak would be slow to dissipate indoors, makes for a dangerous, potential fire hazard.

Emission standards

Australia has some of the toughest gas appliance combustion emissions standards of any country in the world.

To be certified for use in Australia, gas heaters must meet or surpass these strict standards.

Cabinet heaters designed for other countries typically don't pass the Australian emission testing requirements.

Lack of safety devices

Most cabinet heaters lack the safety features common to safety certified gas heaters sold in Australia.

These missing features include tilt cut-off switches and oxygen depletion sensors.

Misuse

Cabinet heaters are usually on wheels and can be moved to any room in the house.

It isn't safe to use LPG gas cabinet heaters inside a home including lounge rooms, sleeping rooms or small rooms such as bathrooms or hallways.

An uninformed person could put themselves and their family at risk by using them in these areas.

Certified gas heaters are installed by licensed gas fitters who know not to install heaters in these areas.

Fittings

In Australia, the standard valve connector is a POL fitting.

Other countries use other fittings such as QCC and OPD.

Imported cabinet heaters may be incompatible with Australian gas fittings.

Safety track record

When supporting the ban, NSW Fair Trading considered the:

• safety history of the cabinet heaters
• experiences in other countries with the cabinet heaters.

Be careful what you buy

It's up to consumers to be aware and check for safety certification prior to purchasing any gas appliance.

Take special care if buying gas appliances from individuals, unknown online companies, and auction or shopping websites.

Making a complaint

When making a complaint, you should include:

• details of the issues you are experiencing
• copies of any correspondence that shows how you have tried to resolve the matter.

How NSW Fair Trading will handle your complaint 

Your complaint will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate resolution. This may include:

• providing you with information to help resolve your complaint
• recording the complaint issues to assist in future compliance programs, or
• contacting the other party to try and resolve the dispute.

You can lodge a complaint: 

Online

If you cannot resolve your matter, submit your complaint by using our form.

Make a complaint

By mail

Post your complaint form and documentation to: 

NSW Fair Trading

PO Box 972 

Parramatta NSW 2124 

Ask a question 

If you are unable to find the information you need, you can call us between 8:30am to 5pm on Monday to Friday. You can also use our form to make an enquiry. 

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