Indoor gas heater warning

Indoor gas heaters, know as cabinet heaters that house LPG cylinders – are illegal in South Australia, but people are still using them.

Homeowners are sourcing them through online suppliers based overseas who sell them through auction and sales websites.

The SA Government advises that this form of heating is prohibited under Section 61 of the Gas Act (SA) 1997.
“Reputable gas appliance retailers in South Australia are well aware of the prohibition of the sale and use of cabinet indoor heaters with LPG cylinders inside the casing and do not stock or sell this type of gas heater,” a spokesman advises.

“No licensed gas fitter will repair this type of heater and you may be left with a dangerous unserviceable heater once it requires repairs.”

An example of the danger was demonstrated spectacularly a few weeks ago….
A mother had just left the room after sitting by her gas heater when it exploded, blowing out the windows of her flat.

Firefighters said gas had leaked from a cracked connection to the 9kg gas bottle at the back of the heater, filled a nearby ensuite bathroom where it expanded and eventually reached the hot bars on the heater.

For more information, or to book a gas technician – please call Sharpe on 131 750.