Appliances (BBQ’s) Connected via Gas Bayonets
Industry businesses should be familiar with the standard covering gas installations in a Recreational Vehicle AS/NZS 5601.2.
A previous Technical Bulletin (published November 2019) outlined the details of the requirement for gas appliances (such as BBQs) connected via a bayonet fitting, in particular the requirement for such appliances to have a flame safeguard system. The communication can be found HERE
Flame safeguard systems, simply put, are a safety fallback device that protects an appliance user while the appliance is in operation (e.g. a BBQ while cooking is under way). It works by immediately cutting off the gas supply if the flame on a burner happens to blow out thus stopping a build-up of gas inside the appliance and its interior gas valves, preventing a gas explosion
While flame failure won’t fix the issue of a burner blowing out, it will keep the appliance user safe from a potentially very dangerous situation and allow use of the appliance (e.g. cooking) to resume quickly and safely without a gas build-up.
AS/NZS 5601.2 Clause 6.4 states that all appliances shall be fitted with flame safeguard systems to all burners. The note to this clause clarifies that this requirement also applies to appliances connected to quick connect devices (such as gas bayonets).
Gas Authorities have confirmed that when a BBQ is connected to a bayonet it is deemed part of the installation, so must have the same safety features as an installed appliance.
It has been identified that several popular BBQs used within the Caravan Industry do not have the required flame safeguard systems (in particular Weber Q and Ziggy brands). Manufacturers and dealers are reminded that any appliance (such as BBQs) that is supplied with a Recreational Vehicle must have the required safety features. This applies regardless of whether the BBQ is either installed or provided separately and needs to be considered in any package deals put together, e.g. as dealer or show specials.
In order to be compliant with the gas standard AS/NZS 5601.2, a manufacturer or dealer must ensure that any gas appliance you provide with your Recreational Vehicle has flame safeguard systems on all burners.
Note: Please be aware that outdoor domestic BBQs connected directly to a gas cylinder do not require a flame failure device. However, it is important to be aware that these appliances are not approved for use with a gas bayonet fitting.
Did you know a lot of gas portable BBQs are equipped with flame failure? A lot of you must have heard about flame failure but are quite clueless about it. Well, to answer your question, it is a safety device that would protect you while you are cooking your favourite meals or preparing for a grand feast. It cuts off the gas supply in case the flame on top of the burner somehow blows out.
The gas releases instead of building up inside the BBQ and its interior valves. That’s great, right? After all, when the gas accumulates, the chances of an explosion touch the sky. For further details, please check out the following article.
Why the Burner Flame Blows Out?
Suppose you are cooking outside when it is windy. A strong gust of wind can blow out the flame. This will wreak havoc on your plans of preparing a huge meal. Although flame failure cannot fix such an issue, it keeps you safe from a potentially dangerous situation and lets you resume cooking later in a seamless manner.
The burner flame also blows out when the burner is not installed properly and when the air to gas ratio is incorrect.
What are the Features of BBQ Flame Failure?
● A large number of modern-day brands have been providing flame failure upgrades on all the standard BBQ models. As it is a factory-fitted upgrade, you cannot get the device as an additional accessory. The flame failure should be fitted at the time of purchase.
● The BBQs with flame failure must have a timer. The timer regulates the time the gas takes to flow through the BBQ. It is set to ten minutes. To continue cooking, you must press the timer button after every eight minutes.
● Flame failure is unfortunately not commonly available with the reverse control models. These are a bit rare but some brands provide BBQs with controls on the left instead of the right.
● Many BBQ product ranges come with flame failure as an extra advantage. You primarily notice them in camps, caravans, and national or recreational parks.
How Does Flame Failure BBQ Differ from Standard Ones?
Flame failure BBQ looks a bit different from a standard BBQ. The control knobs lie on the right side.
Flame failure models feature a customised faceplate that accommodates the timer and hides the extra parts needed for installation. Standard BBQs have knobs and a piezo igniter.
How to Operate Flame Failure BBQs?
Operating flame failure BBQs is a bit challenging. You must keep in mind the below steps with utmost caution –
● Turn the knobs to off.
● Turn on the valves located at the gas supply.
● Press down the flame failure button made of metal and continue holding it down.
● When holding down the button, turn on the pilot light by pressing down the ignitor. You may see the pilot flame through the control end of the BBQ. If the ignition does not happen, release the flame failure and wait approximately ten seconds before trying.
● If the pilot is alight, hold down the flame failure for ten to twenty seconds and release.
● Turn on one or both the taps to high. You will see cross-lighting on the primary burner.
● After usage, turn the taps off to extinguish the burners. Then go on to turn off the gas supply for extinguishing the pilot light.
Signs You Need Flame Failure BBQ
It is considered an excellent idea to opt for a flame failure if you wish to use the BBQ for commercial purposes. This includes catering and events, food services, community associations and clubs, etc. In such contexts, the BBQ is after all used in open spaces where the wind can cause difficulty as opposed to in domestic backyards. The backyards have walls and fences to protect the BBQ.
If you reside in an extremely windy region, flame failure is believed to be a worthwhile investment even when you are using it domestically. Obviously, with some models, you get a flame failure no matter what.
Bottom Line
It is incredibly significant to remember that gas is dangerous and human beings have harnessed the capacity to utilize it for pleasure. Do not get carried away, though. Remember, flame failure could make the difference between singed eyebrows and properly cooked snags.
To install flame failure to your existing BBQ, please rely on a reputed manufacturer – someone who is efficient, reliable and experienced. Check on the gas safety precautions or else you would be putting yourself and your family members in grave danger. Who would want that, right?
Drop into Tucker Barbecues stores in Mona Vale, Silverwater and Taren Point for some great friendly advice on our products.
