Gas certification is one of those areas where the rules vary by state, by van use (private vs hire), and by what you've had installed or modified. Here's the practical picture so you know what you actually need to do.

What Gas Certification Actually Is

A gas certificate is issued by a licensed gas fitter after they've inspected and pressure-tested your van's gas system. It confirms:

• The system is leak-free at working pressure
• Components are within their service life (regulator, pigtails, hoses)
• Appliances are functioning safely
• Installation complies with relevant standards (AS/NZS 5601.2 for caravans)

It's a piece of paper — usually a Compliance Plate / Certificate of Compliance — that proves the work was done by a qualified person to the standard.

When You Need Certification

For Private Use — Owner Vans

Australia does not currently have a single national rule that forces every private caravan owner to have annual gas certification done. However:

• Certification is required any time gas work is done — new installation, appliance replacement, regulator change, pigtail replacement, any modification to gas pipework. The gas fitter doing the work issues the certificate.
• Some insurance policies require gas certification — especially after any work, or at defined intervals. Check your policy.
• If you sell the van — buyers commonly request current gas certification as part of the sale.
• Some caravan parks may ask to see certification, particularly for older or modified vans.

For Hire / Rental Use

If your van is used commercially (rented or hired out), most states require annual gas certification. Specific requirements vary — confirm with your state's safety regulator. This usually doesn't apply to private owners.

State-by-State Snapshot

Rules change. Use this as a starting point and confirm current requirements with your state's gas safety regulator or a licensed gas fitter in your state.

• Victoria: Energy Safe Victoria regulates gas. Annual certification required for hire vans; private vans require certification any time work is done.
• NSW: NSW Fair Trading regulates gas installation. Compliance certificate required for any gas work; periodic re-certification not mandated for private vans but strongly recommended.
• Queensland: Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate. Periodic re-certification typically required for hire vans.
• South Australia: Technical Regulator (DEM). Compliance certificates issued at time of work; hire vans have additional requirements.
• Western Australia: EnergySafety WA. Specific rules apply to caravans used for commercial accommodation.
• Tasmania: Justice / Consumer Building Occupational Services. Hire vans require regular certification.
• NT: NT WorkSafe. Periodic checks recommended.
• ACT: Access Canberra / WorkSafe ACT. Compliance certificate required at time of work.

The Sensible Owner Approach (Regardless of Strict Legal Requirement)

Even where annual certification isn't legally mandatory for private use, getting your gas system checked every 1–2 years by a licensed gas fitter is the smart play. Reasons:

• Pigtails (the flexible hoses between bottles and regulator) have a typical service life of 5 years. A check catches expired ones before they leak.
• Regulators have a typical service life of 10 years.
• Appliance flame checks confirm combustion is clean (no incomplete burn = no CO).
• Catches small leaks before they become problems.
• Keeps you on the right side of your insurance policy.
• If you sell the van, recent certification is a value-add.

What's Typically Replaced at Certification

• Pigtails — every 5 years (or sooner if cracked, perished or damaged)
• Regulator — every 10 years
• POL washers — as needed
• Hose clamps — as needed

What a Gas Fitter Will Do

1. Visual inspection of all gas components
2. Pressure test the system (typically holds 2.75 kPa with no drop over a defined period)
3. Test each appliance for safe ignition and flame quality
4. Replace any out-of-date components
5. Check ventilation and gas locker drainage
6. Issue the certificate

Usually takes 1–2 hours. Cost is typically $150–$400 depending on what needs replacing.

Where to Get It Done

• Mars Caravans branches — book through your nearest branch.
• Independent caravan service centres with a licensed gas fitter on staff.
• Mobile gas fitters who work on caravans — common in larger centres.
• Some caravan parks have arrangements with local gas fitters during peak season.

Always confirm the person has a current LPG gasfitting licence valid in your state. They should provide a certificate with their licence number on it.

Keep the Paperwork

Every gas certificate should be kept with your van's documentation. Useful for:

• Insurance claims
• Resale
• Crossing state borders if questions arise
• Your own service history record

What Voids the Certificate

• Any DIY work on the gas system after certification
• Any modification — adding a new appliance, relocating a fitting, anything
• Use of non-approved components
• Damage from an accident affecting gas components

After any of these, get re-certification before using the gas system again.

The Bottom Line

Private vans don't always need annual certification by law, but a 1–2 year check by a licensed gas fitter is cheap, fast, and keeps you safe, insured and saleable. If you're using the van for hire, annual certification is essentially universal.

Related: Gas System 101· How to Safely Swap a Gas Bottle· "I Can Smell Gas"