Flame failure devices explained - Caravan's, RV's & Boats
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Last updated: 11 Feb 2026
Flame failure devices explained: why they matter for caravan BBQs (and what “thermocouple” means)
Answer (TL;DR): Flame failure (also called a flame safeguard) is the safety feature that shuts off gas if a burner flame goes out. In Australian caravans, it’s the key difference between a portable BBQ and one that’s appropriate to plug into a bayonet/quick-connect outlet. Sizzler Deluxe 2.0 and Sizzler MAX use built-in thermocouple-based flame failure on both burners: here’s what that actually means.
Safety & compliance (Australia)
- Industry guidance treats bayonet-connected BBQs as part of the caravan installation - so flame failure on all burners matters.
- Flame failure is usually built into the BBQ’s gas control system, not an external add-on.
- Always follow your BBQ’s data label and use proper shut-off/isolation practices when storing or travelling.
Quick comparison: flame failure in our caravan BBQs
These are the caravan-ready BBQs we currently stock that include built-in flame failure suitable for bayonet connection.
| Model | Burners | Flame failure included? | How it’s described | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizzler Deluxe 2.0 | 2 | Yes | Thermocoupler / thermocouple flame failure device on each burner | Designed specifically for bayonet-connected caravan use where gas must shut off automatically if the flame goes out. |
| Sizzler MAX | 2 | Yes | Flame failure on both burners (thermocouple-style system) | Same safety outcome as Deluxe 2.0, with more cooking depth and capacity for larger meals. |
Mobile tip: swipe left/right on the table to view all columns.
What is a flame failure device (in plain English)?
TL;DR: It’s a safety shut-off that stops gas if the flame goes out.
If a burner is blown out by wind or goes out unexpectedly, a flame failure system is designed to stop gas from continuing to flow. In caravan setups: where BBQs may be connected to a fixed gas supply - this matters far more than in a backyard bottle setup. In fact, in Australia, any device that is plumber in (uses a bayonet fitting) inside a caravan, RV, or boat MUST by law have a flame failure device. Not doing so is illegal and will void any insurances, and can lead to serious injury or worse!
Why flame failure is so tied to caravan bayonet connections
TL;DR: Bayonet connection changes how the BBQ is classified and what safety features it needs.
Once a BBQ connects to a caravan bayonet outlet, it’s commonly treated more like an installed appliance than a portable accessory. That’s why the caravan industry draws a clear line: bayonet-connected BBQs should have the same kind of automatic gas shut-off protection as other installed gas appliances.
Is flame failure built in: or do you buy an “external device”?
TL;DR: Most of the time it’s built in; many BBQs can’t be converted later.
Flame failure usually involves the BBQ’s valves and sensing system, so it isn’t a universal bolt-on accessory. That’s why caravan-focused BBQs advertise it as a core feature rather than an optional extra. Only the Webber, who were not prepared for the law changes in Australia, have an external device for flame failure protection - but it requires a power source and costs an extra $200 (as of the date of this post). All other known BBQ models have it built into the unit.
What does “thermocouple” actually mean?
TL;DR: It’s the sensor system commonly used to make flame failure work.
Many caravan BBQ descriptions explain it simply: a thermocouple senses whether a flame is present and shuts off gas if it isn’t. That mechanism is what sits behind the flame failure feature, and why Sizzler models are often described as bayonet-ready. In a more technical sense, the thermocouple produces a voltage when hot. The hotter it gets the larger the voltage. If the flame goes out, the thermocouple coolds down and once the voltage drops below a certain point it triggers the gas to be shut off.
Does flame failure replace the need for shut-off and isolation?
TL;DR: No: you still need good shut-off habits.
Flame failure protects against a flame unexpectedly going out. Isolation and shut-off protect you when the BBQ isn’t in use or is being stored. A safe caravan setup treats both as standard practice.
Shop & related guides
FAQ
Do I need flame failure if I run my BBQ from a separate bottle?
Many bottle-fed BBQs don’t use flame failure, but bayonet-connected caravan setups are treated differently and usually require it.
What is a thermocouple on a BBQ?
It’s part of the flame-sensing safety system that helps shut off gas if a burner flame goes out.
Do Sizzler Deluxe 2.0 and Sizzler MAX have flame failure built in?
Yes. Both models are described with flame failure on each burner; Deluxe 2.0 is explicitly described as using a thermocoupler/thermocouple system.
Can I add flame failure to any BBQ?
Often no. Flame failure is typically integrated into the BBQ’s control system, and many models aren’t practically convertible.
Still unsure whether your BBQ is suitable for bayonet use? Reach out via our contact page and tell us what model you’re running and how you plan to connect it.
