Gasfitting installations and safety
Gasfitting installations and safety
This domain tests gasfitting under the Gas Act 1992, the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 and AS/NZS 5601.1. The exam focuses on combustion air, flueing, clearances, pressure, leak testing, purging and certification.
Core rules
- Gas work must be done by a registered gasfitter and certified as required; certifying gasfitters carry the sign-off responsibility.
- Provide combustion air and ventilation to the appliance. Do not seal a cupboard that relies on permanent openings.
- Flue terminals must meet AS/NZS 5601.1 clearances from windows, doors, fans, boundaries and combustible materials. Check the manufacturer’s instructions where they are more restrictive.
- Test the installation for soundness at the specified pressure and duration, purge before commissioning, and verify operating pressure and gas rate.
- Check for spillage and carbon monoxide after installation; a flame that looks acceptable is not a combustion test.
- LPG cylinder storage, separation, regulators and relief arrangements must comply with the standard and local requirements.
Worked example
A new instantaneous gas water heater is going into an internal cupboard. The appliance needs combustion air and a flue. If the cupboard has no permanent high and low openings sized to the standard, the installation fails. A flue terminal under an opening window also fails clearance. The fix is to relocate the terminal or provide compliant ventilation, not to add a generic vent.
Traps
Testing with oxygen instead of air or nitrogen, sealing ventilation to stop draughts, ignoring flue clearances, commissioning without purging, and recording a pass without an operating-pressure check.