Gas installations changes to AS/NZS 5601

In September 2022, a new edition of Part 1 – General Installations (AS/NZS 5601.1) was published by Standards Australia, superseding the 2013 edition.

Gas fitters must comply with AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 (in full) from 30 March 2023, which incorporates a 6-month transition period. However, as the standard is adopted through State and Territory gas/plumbing regulations, not through the National Construction Code, please check with your regulator regarding the formal adoption date in your jurisdiction. 

What works are captured within the scope of the new edition?

The 2022 edition applies to all new installations, and any modifications / extensions to existing installations. It does not apply retrospectively to existing gas installations, or the repair of existing gas installations. 

Are there any significant changes? 

In short – yes. There are both major changes to the way an installer can demonstrate compliance, to more nuanced definition changes. 

For example, the definition of ‘ignition source’ has been expanded. This will have a marked effect on locations of particular installations. 

Additionally, Section 2 now has two pathways available for the design of a compliant installation, being;

• Essential Safety Requirements, and
• Performance based Design Requirements.

The first ‘Essential’ requirements are conservative, prescriptive outcomes that read akin to the superseded edition. The second ‘Performance’ requirements, though, provide an opportunity for complex or one-off installations to demonstrate key fundamental principles in the design and operation of a method or system. 

It will be important to review the amended edition, in its entirety, before beginning any gas installation work. All residential and commercial installations are affected by these changes. 

How are residential installations affected?

• New guiding imagery on the installation of pipes in cavity walls.
• The minimum clearance for rangehoods and downward-facing combustible surfaces above the trivet (excluding a 'wok trivet') has increased to 650mm. For replacements in existing installations this measurement is 600mm and can be taken from the highest part of the highest burner.
• A flue from a gas appliance can no longer terminate within a roof space, irrespective of the roof cover type.
• Amended requirements for locating flue terminations under a covered area, or in a recess of balcony.

How are commercial installations affected?

• Further restrictions have been developed regarding the use of semi-rigid connectors for catering equipment.
• New requirements for combustible surface protection adjacent to commercial catering equipment.
• New requirements for the use of hose assemblies with free standing commercial catering equipment; which can no longer be attached via a hose assembly to a connection point under the equipment, and additional protections for high-level connections are developed.
• If more than one commercial catering appliance is to be installed, an isolation valve will be required.
• Installations within educational institutions must be isolated.
• More detailed information of the effect of altitude on supply pressure, specifically for high-rise buildings, is now included.

What about changes common to both residential and commercial?

• Brazing and hot pipe work is now prohibited within 1.0m of a non-metallic component.
• Above-ground installation of multi-layer pipes is now prohibited.
• Emergency isolation is now required for any multi-layer pipe installation, which includes a new definition of a required fire safety system.
• The technical regulator in your State or Territory must be consulted prior to commencing any ‘hot-tapping’ work, whereby a pipe remains charged during an operation.

To find out more, contact HIA's Building Services team.

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