Gas certificate of compliance in SA: when you need one and who issues it

In South Australia, a licensed gas fitter must give you an electronic certificate of compliance (eCoC) within 30 days of finishing gas work. That includes work on gas pipes, installing or replacing a gas appliance such as a cooktop or hot water unit, and converting an appliance from one gas to another, for example LPG to natural gas. Repairs and maintenance on an existing appliance don't need one. The system is run by the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR).

What a gas certificate of compliance confirms

According to SA.GOV.AU, the tradesperson and any contractor involved must both sign off on the eCoC, and it confirms that:

• the tradesperson is correctly licensed
• the completed work has been tested, is safe and meets the Australian Standards
• the contractor has told you about any existing safety concerns.

eCoCs are emailed to you. If you don't have email, the tradesperson must print it for you.

When you need a gas certificate

Gas fitters must give you an eCoC for (SA.GOV.AU; business.gov.au):

• work on gas pipes
• installing or replacing appliances such as hot water units and stove tops
• converting to an alternative gas, for example from LPG to natural gas.

In a renovation, the common triggers are a new or relocated gas cooktop, a new gas oven or heater, replacing a gas hot water system, and disconnecting the gas when a kitchen goes all-electric. If in doubt, ask your gas fitter whether your job needs a certificate before work starts.

When you don't need one

A gas certificate isn't required for repairs or maintenance on an existing appliance (SA.GOV.AU). Servicing a gas heater or fixing a broken-down appliance without modifying it doesn't need a certificate. The OTR still recommends servicing and maintaining all gas appliances regularly for safety (Department for Energy and Mining).

Who can issue a gas certificate in South Australia?

Only the licensed gas fitter who did the work. Gas fitters are licensed through Consumer and Business Services (CBS), and the OTR oversees the eCoC system and gas installation standards. Before work starts, you can:

• check the tradesperson's licence on the CBS licence search
• ask to see their ID and licence
• ask for an eCoC once the job is done.

Those three steps come straight from the OTR's consumer advice (Department for Energy and Mining). Spriggs & Co. are licensed plumbers and gas fitters, Licence No. 284188, and we install gas ovens, cooktops, heaters and hot water systems across Adelaide (see our gas fitting service).

Why the certificate matters

• It's the law. Gas eCoCs are required under the Gas Act 1997 and its regulations (business.gov.au).
• Insurance. SA.GOV.AU warns that without an eCoC, insurance companies could refuse claims if the related work causes a fire or damage.
• A record of the work. It shows what was installed, by whom and when, which is useful when you sell, rent out or renovate again.

If a tradesperson refuses to give you an eCoC, contact the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR eCoC information). The OTR's eCoC enquiries contact listed on business.gov.au is 08 8226 5500 or otr.ecoc@sa.gov.au.

Gas work that comes up in bathroom and kitchen renovations

Kitchens

Moving a cooktop to an island, swapping a cooktop or oven, or capping the gas when you go to induction all need a licensed gas fitter and a certificate. Our kitchen renovation guide covers the plumbing and gas side in more detail.

Bathrooms and hot water

SA.GOV.AU says a gas instantaneous water heater must not be installed in a bathroom or a room with limited ventilation unless it's a room-sealed type. Unflued and natural-draught gas appliances shouldn't be used in small rooms such as bathrooms, in bedrooms or in rooms with limited ventilation (SA.GOV.AU). If an old gas heater sits in a bathroom you're renovating, plan to move or replace it.

Heaters and flues

Signs of an unsafe flue include discoloured walls or appliances and moisture on the inside of windows. If you notice these, SA.GOV.AU advises having a licensed gas fitter inspect the appliance before you use it.

If you smell gas

The Department for Energy and Mining's safety advice is (Department for Energy and Mining; SA.GOV.AU):

• If gas catches fire, call 000 immediately.
• If you smell gas outdoors, call 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532) to report it.
• If you smell gas on your property, turn off the gas supply after the meter and call a licensed gas fitter.
• If you smell gas inside, evacuate and ventilate the home, turn off the electricity and gas at the meter, and call a licensed gas fitter.

The same advice recommends a carbon monoxide alarm and never using outdoor gas appliances indoors.

See all our plumbing, gas fitting and renovation services, including kitchen renovations with gas cooktop connections.