The burning new rule for gas cooktops

The minimum clearance requirements between a gas cooktop and a range hood have increased from 600mm to 650mm.

This is in accordance with the new edition of AS/NZS 5601.1: 2022 Gas installations Part 1: General installations that was published on the 30 September 2022.

A six-month transition period was provided under the Queensland Petroleum and Gas legislation. All gas work licence holders now have an obligation when they issue a Gas System Compliance Certificate to ensure any gas system they install complies with the new standard. These new rules kicked in on 30 March 2023.

New installations

For new building work, the rangehoods and exhaust fans shall be installed in accordance with the rangehood, exhaust fan, and appliance manufacturers instructions.

Where a difference occurs, the greater clearance shall apply.

In any event, or where no dimension is specified in the appliance manufacturer’s instructions, the overhead clearance between the supporting surface of the trivet for the cooking vessels of the gas cooking appliance and a rangehood or exhaust fan shall not be less than 650mm for a rangehood, and not less than 750mm for an exhaust fan.

Kitchen Renovations

For kitchen renovations in an existing property where new cupboards and rangehoods have been installed, gasfitters will be expected to install the gas cooking appliance in accordance with the new gas installation clearances, 650mm minimum or the clearance prescribed in the gas appliance installation instructions or rangehood installation instructions, whichever is greater.

Existing installations

In a case where the appliance is being replaced, the overhead clearance from the highest part of the highest burner of the appliance to the range hood shall not be less than 600mm unless the appliance manufacturer’s instructions specify a greater clearance.

Where no dimension is specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, the overhead clearance from the highest part of the highest burner of the appliance to the rangehood shall be not less than 600mm, and not less than 750mm for an exhaust fan.