GAS ALERT
Some cookers have not been installed and supported adequately to prevent the cooker shaking within
the installation cavity. There have been instances where the support below the cooker has broken at
the rear, fixing bolts have come out or sheared off and the top timber frames have flexed placing stress
on the inlet connection or pipes within the cooker.
There are a number of contributing factors that can increase the shaking inside the caravan.
• Over or uneven loading of the caravan producing incorrect ball weight.
• Travelling at high speed off bitumen.
• Leaving level ride bars connected on rough road conditions.
• The varying quality in performance of the suspension systems and wrong tire pressures.
Caravans with no shock absorbers are harder on impacts absorbed within the caravan.
WHAT YOU MUST DO
1. Contact a licensed gas fitter to check that the base of your cooker has been supported and/ or the top
frame is braced to prevent flexing. If you find that the cooker is not supported as per the installation
instructions and requirements of AS/NZS 5601 you must contact the caravan manufacturer to have this
rectified and
2. The appliance must be checked by a licensed gas fitter for any damage and leaks. Fitting a gas leak
detector is also recommended
3. If you are unsure of how to assess the installation or you are unable to contact a caravan
manufacturer because it has ceased trading contact Swift for further advice on: 03 93593068 or by email
accounts@swiftappliancegroup.co.au
In the USA and Canada leak detectors are now being mandated to be fitted in all caravans. Although it is
not mandatory in Australia, fitting a leak detector is the best way of ensuring that leaks are detected if
one develops over time. The Detector must be fitted below the cooker and inside the cabinet so that it
can sound an alarm if any leak develops. If you have a gas appliance installed under the bed then a
second detector should be fitted. Swift can supply a detector at minimal cost related to this alert.
This Gas Safety Alert is issued by Swift as a result of information gathered in co operation with Caravan
Manufacturers, Plumbers and Repair centres.
Swift Group—Swift Caravan Cookers
PRA number: 2015/14707
Date published: 25th May 2015
Product information
Product description
Caravan Gas Cookers
Identifying features
All cookers up to 5 years old by date of caravan purchase. (Cookers are required to be regularly serviced but must be checked by Swift after five years).
What are the defects?
The caravan gas cooker has not been installed with adequate support in the cavity in accordance with AS/NZS5601 in order to prevent movement.
What are the hazards?
Excess movement or vibration may cause the cookers fitting lines to leak, posing a potential risk of explosion or fire.
Where the product was sold
Nationally
Traders who sold this product
Various caravan manufacturers
Supplier
Swift Group
Supplier's web site
What should consumers do?
1. Contact a licensed gas fitter to check that the base of your cooker has been supported and or the top is braced to prevent flexing. In particular check below the cooker to ensure the base of the oven is resting on a shelf and is not hanging freely.
2. If you find that the cooker is not supported as per the installation instructions and requirements of AS/NZS 5601 you must contact the caravan manufacturer to have this rectified and the appliance must be checked by a licensed gas fitter for any damage and leaks. In particular the licensed gasfitter must confirm the installation mounting is adequate and undamaged, there is no damage to the appliance and the pipes from the interlock valve, to the oven burner and the grill burner have no signs of damage or fatigue. Fitting a gas leak detector below the appliance is also recommended.
3. If you are unsure of how to assess the installation or you are unable to contact a caravan manufacturer because it has ceased trading contact Swift for further advice on: 03 93593068 or by email accounts@swiftappliancegroup.co.au
