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Using carbon monoxide detection equipment

The following information is for gas-fitters who are testing domestic gas appliances for carbon monoxide (CO) spillage using CO measuring equipment.

Note: A CO/CO2 analyser is now a mandatory piece of equipment for gas fitters to meet their compliance obligations.
Some gas appliances may spill other products of combustion such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and yet not produce and spill CO. Although not toxic like CO it is still important to check for spillage of these other products of combustion. If in doubt, then check at the draught diverter using a smoke producing device and conduct a visual inspection of heat exchangers for cracks.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct use of your testing equipment. Before testing ensure your equipment has been calibrated within the past 12 months using test gases that are NATA traceable or equivalent. Your equipment supplier should be able to assist you with this requirement. Refer to Gas Information Sheet No.37, Carbon Monoxide Measuring Equipment for more details.

Australian Standards

Australian Standards for gas space heating appliances, indirect gas-fired ducted air-heaters and Type 2 decorative effect gas appliances require that:

  • there shall be no leakage or spillage of combustion products from the combustion circuit or draught diverter of an open flued appliance at 5 minutes after ignition when the appliance is operated at nominal gas consumption.
  • for Type 1 decorative effect gas appliances installed in an existing fireplace spillage shall not occur 10 minutes after ignition when operated at nominal gas consumption.
  • gas space heaters, indirect gas-fired ducted heaters and Type 2 decorative effect appliances shall be so constructed that there is no leakage of circulating air into the heat exchanger or of flue products into the circulating air system.

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This information was developed by Energy Safe Victoria, and reproduced with approval by Consumer, Building and Occupational Services

Last updated: 10 Feb 2023

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