What is a Flame Failure Device and why do I need one?

What is a Flame Failure Device and why do I need one?

So you've just bought a new caravan, it's very exciting and now you're looking for a new BBQ to go with it... but the salesman hands you the keys to your new van and warns you it will be illegal to connect your barbecue unless it has a flame failure device.
What is it? What does it do? Why do you need one? And when do you need one? 
Below we will aim to answer all of these questions for you and simplify this new gas standard.
** Update on the Weber Flame Safeguard Device at the bottom - Now Available! **

What is a flame failure device?

flame failure device (or a flame safeguard system) is a safety device on an appliance that protects the user while the appliance is being used.

What does it do?

The device works by detecting if the flame of a burner happens to blow out and then the device cuts off the gas supply. This prevents a build-up of gas inside the appliance and the gas valves/hoses (and escaping into the environment) which prevents a gas explosion.

The flame failure won't stop the burner from blowing out, but it does keep you safe from a potentially dangerous situation and allows you to re-light the appliance and start cooking again quickly and safely without a dangerous build-up of gas.

Why do I need one?

A few years ago there was a revision to the gas standard that overlooks gas installations in caravans and boats.
This standard states that all appliances shall be fitted with flame safeguard systems to all burners. There is also a note to this clause that clarifies that this requirement also applies to appliances connected to quick connect devices (such as gas bayonets).
It has been confirmed by Gas Authorities that when a BBQ is connected to a bayonet, it is deemed as part of the installation, so must have the same safety features as an installed appliance.

This standard is AS/NZS 5601.2 (you can read it here if you'd like) and you can find all the details under Clause 6.4

When do I need one?

You will need a flame failure device on your BBQ anytime it is connected to your caravan (or boat) via any of the gas bayonet points on the vehicle.

However, you still don't require a flame failure device if your BBQ is connected directly to a gas cylinder. So if you use a separate cylinder for your bas bottle and connect the hose directly to the cylinder, you can continue to do so.

Weber Q Flame Safeguard Device
" Weber Flame iQ "

**LATEST UPDATE**
15/12/2023

When will Weber’s flame safeguard device be available?
Weber's innovative flame safeguard device for the Weber Baby Q is now available! The “Flame iQ” sells for $199.95 and is now available for existing Baby Q1200 & Q1000 (Classic 2nd Gen) models, and the New 2023 Baby Q1200N & Q1000N.

Can it be retrofitted to a Weber Baby Q?

Yes. It is available as a retrofittable device for existing Weber Baby Qs (Q1000 and Q1200) as well as newly purchased NEW Weber Baby Qs (Q1000N & Q1200N) models.

Will new Weber Baby Q’s be available to purchase with the flame failure device already fitted?
No. It will only be available as a retrofittable device to suit both newly purchased ‘out-of-the-box’ Weber Baby Q barbecues and in-market Weber Baby Qs (Q1000, Q1200, Q1000N, and Q1200N).

Check out the explainer video below from Weber detailing all the features of the new Flame iQ  flame safeguard device.


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