A gas bayonet is an outlet used to supply LPG to many appliances, such as gas heaters, without the need to use an additional gas bottle. The bayonet outlet is plumbed into the gas supply from your existing LPG bottle and is low-pressure, making LPG safe to use for homes and businesses.
Gas bayonet fitting – How it works
A female gas bayonet fitting can be floor or wall-mounted. These BSP thread fittings provide a quick connection from the gas supply to your indoor gas appliances. Using LPG or natural gas to fuel appliances such as a portable gas bayonet heater is generally more economical than resistance electric heating.
Popular gas heaters in Australia include makes such as the Rinnai Avenger gas heater. Portable gas heaters are also used in camper vans, motorhomes, and holiday homes.
In summary:
- A male gas bayonet hose fitting can connect your gas appliance, such as a gas bayonet heater, to a fixed female gas bayonet wall socket fitting that is attached to the gas supply.
- The male gas heater bayonet fitting is attached to the end of the gas bayonet braided hose.
- The female gas bayonet wall socket fitting is connected to the gas supply line and is affixed to the wall or floor.
- A male gas bayonet hose makes the gas bayonet fitting connection by pushing in and twisting clockwise to lock it in place.
- For gas bayonet fitting removal, you push in slightly, turn anti-clockwise and then pull the male gas bayonet fitting out.
Female gas bayonet wall socket fitting
The female gas bayonet wall socket fitting is permanently attached to your wall or floor socket and the supply gas line is connected to it through the wall or floor. The fitting has locking lugs. It also contains the on/off gas valve that is automatically actuated when a male gas bayonet fitting is fully inserted and locked. A rubber O-ring seals the gas heater bayonet connection fitting.
Male gas bayonet fitting
The male bayonet fitting is affixed to the end of the stainless steel braided bayonet hose, which is attached to the gas heater. It has two push-and-twist slots for engaging the two locking lugs on the female gas bayonet wall socket fitting. It also has a protrusion that pushes on and opens the automatic gas valve, when the male gas bayonet fitting is inserted and interlinked. The on/off gas valve is shut off when the male fitting is disconnected.
Gas bayonet fitting installation
The gas bayonet fitting installation must always be done by a licensed gas fitter. The female gas bayonet fitting installation is done either through a wall or the floor and connected to the gas bottle piping. The male gas bayonet fitting installation is just a matter of attaching it to the end of a gas bayonet hose, which is typically done by the hose manufacturer. There are various components that may be required to complete the job of connecting a heater. These include:
- Bayonet hose
- Bayonet socket: angled or straight in brass, chrome or stainless steel
- Bayonet adaptor (male)
- Bayonet fitting (male)
- Wall bayonet
- Mounting bracket
Inspect & clean gas bayonet fittings
It is important that gas bayonet fittings are clean and free of any dirt or debris before trying to connect them. Grit or debris can result in an inadequate connection and cause the gas heater bayonet fitting to leak. You should periodically inspect the gas bayonet hose for any damage or degradation. Call your gas fitter to make any needed repairs.
Disconnecting the gas heater or cooker
To disconnect a gas heater bayonet fitting you reverse the process used in connection. For gas bayonet fitting removal, you push the male fitting in slightly and turn it anti-clockwise to disengage the locking lugs and then pull the male fitting out. There may be a small whiff of gas during gas bayonet fitting removal. This is normal, as there may be a small amount of residual gas in the gas hose supply line.
If you continue to smell gas
If you detect a continuous or ongoing leak, you should turn off the gas and disconnect the gas heater. If you have an ongoing problem, you should always call your gas fitter. Never attempt your own gas repairs or allow an unqualified person to try to fix it for you.
Gas heater safety tips
Gas heaters are a great way to heat your home and make things cozy during the colder months. Enjoy safe use of your gas heater by following these simple gas heater safety tips:
- Fixed gas heater connection to the gas supply must be installed by a licensed gas fitter.
- Choose a gas heater that is appropriately sized for the room.
- Use a gas heater that’s been certified for use by the Australian Gas Association or SAI Global.
- Keep children and pets away from gas heaters.
- Turn gas heaters off when unattended and when you go to bed.
- Do not cover or place articles on or in a gas heater.
- Keep gas heaters at least one metre away from any flammable object.
- Gas heaters should only be used in rooms with adequate ventilation.
- Never use or store flammable liquids or aerosols near a gas heater.
- Don’t extend portable gas heater hoses and power cords through a doorway.
- In the event of damage or leaks, don’t use the heater until it’s been repaired by a professional.