GIS 48: Obtaining approval for an uncertified Type A gas appliance

Overview

This gas information sheet provides information about how to obtain approval for an individual Type A gas appliance that has not been certified under an authorised Australian acceptance scheme.

Note that the pathway referenced does not apply to Type B equipment, which must be accepted through the Type B assessment process.

Authorised acceptance schemes

Authorised acceptance schemes exist for various gas appliance types. However, Australian certification may not have been approved for one-off Type A gas appliances (imported types in particular).

A licensed gasfitter may only install a Type A gas appliance if:

• there is documented proof of Australian certification
• the appliance carries a certification badge from an authorised acceptance scheme. Certification badges (stickers or plates) are provided by the Australian Gas Association (AGA), SAI Global, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), Global-Mark, Vipac, BSI Group, or Energy Safe Victoria.

The Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC) National Certification Database also provides information about appliance certification. If an appliance is listed as certified then a licensed gasfitter may install it.

Type A gas appliance approval

Several options exist if certification cannot be established:

• The appliance should be replaced with an Australian certified Type A gas appliance.
• If an acceptance scheme already exists for the appliance, an application should be made to an Australian certification body under the relevant scheme (as authorised under Division 5 of the Gas Safety Act 1997).
• If no acceptance scheme exists, then an application can be submitted to Energy Safe for acceptance under section 69 of the Gas Safety Act.

Acceptance of a type A appliance under Section 69 of the Act

Some Type A gas appliances are not yet covered by a relevant Australian Standard or certification scheme. Examples of such appliances are:

• emergency training equipment
• some industrial or manufacturing appliances
• Type A appliances operating on gaseous fuels outside the scope of relevant standards, e.g. hydrogen.

Where a relevant standard or accepted conformity assessment body does not yet exist, an application for “Acceptance of Appliance”, as per Section 69 of the Act can be submitted to Energy Safe in order to allow the appliance to be supplied and installed in Victoria

As part of the approval process, Energy Safe will:

• consider the application and and supplied evidence
• inspect the appliance.

If the outcome is satisfactory Energy Safe will affix a Type A approval badge, representing Energy Safe’s full approval of the appliance, which can then be installed by a licensed gasfitter. Every accepted gas appliance is required to have a compliance (data) plate affixed to it.

As part of the acceptance process Energy Safe can specify testing, modifications and conditions, which are enforceable under the regulations.

Application fee

An application fee will apply for Section 69 approvals. The prescribed fee for making an application is 51 fee units.

See information on fee units

Payment of the application fee is required before the acceptance can be finalised.

Note that if

• an appropriate certification scheme exists or
• a Type B application would be appropriate

Energy Safe can reject an S69 application and instead refer the applicant to those acceptance pathways.

Making a written application to Energy Safe for approval and certification

An application form must be completed and sent to Energy Safe along with all necessary supporting documentation.

• Application for Approval (S69) January 2023:

Email the completed acceptance form to typeAgasapprovals@energysafe.vic.gov.au

The written application to Energy Safe for approval must address at least the following:

• The applicant’s full name, address, Australian business or company number (ABN or ACN), and contact details.
• Details of test results received from a testing agency accepted by Energy Safe.
• Appliance details including (where relevant)
  • manufacturer’s name
  • model identification
  • maximum and minimum gas consumption (MJ/h)
  • nominal gas consumption
  • gas type(s)
  • maximum and minimum gas supply pressures
  • gas pressure at the burner head for the maximum and minimum gas consumption
  • gas pressure at the burner head for the nominal gas consumption
  • burner ignition details (pilots, etc.)
  • flueing details
  • installation and operating instructions.
• Component details including (where relevant)
  • manufacturer’s name
  • model identification
  • gas type(s)
  • maximum and minimum gas supply pressures
  • rated working pressure
  • maximum and minimum gas flow rates
  • electrical specifications, ratings, etc.
  • acceptance number issued under an acceptance scheme authorised by Energy Safe.
• Valve train schematic diagram clearly indicating
  • all components (including brand and model)
  • rated working pressure of all components
  • proposed settings of all adjustable devices.
• Appliance electrical circuit diagram in ladder-logic format clearly indicating
  • safety and control circuits
  • details of all major components (including brand and model)
  • Method of operation of all major components.
• Other relevant details.