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Alfresco Rangehoods Electrical & Ventilation Requirements

7 min read

Building an outdoor kitchen is an exciting project, but one crucial element that often gets overlooked is proper rangehood installation. Unlike indoor rangehoods, alfresco models require careful planning to ensure effective smoke extraction, fire safety, and compliance with Australian regulations.

Failing to follow the correct electrical and ventilation requirements can result in costly modifications, potential safety hazards, and even legal non-compliance. To help you avoid these issues, this guide covers everything you need to know, including:

Why your rangehood should be installed before your BBQ and cabinetry
The 1200mm clearance rule and why it matters
How to avoid buying a non-compliant rangehood
The importance of adequate rangehood coverage
Remote switching and gas solenoid interlock requirements

By following these guidelines, you can create an efficient, compliant, and safe alfresco kitchen that enhances your outdoor cooking experience.

Why Should You Install Your Rangehood Before Your BBQ & Cabinetry?

Many homeowners make the mistake of installing their BBQ and cabinetry first, only to realise later that the rangehood doesn’t fit properly.

Key Reasons to Prioritise Rangehood Installation:

Ensures proper clearance and compliance with Australian ventilation regulations
Prevents expensive modifications to cabinetry and ducting
Allows for correct electrical wiring before BBQ and benchtops are installed

Ideal Installation Sequence for an Alfresco Kitchen:

Install the rangehood and ventilation ducting, ensuring proper positioning and clearance
Complete electrical connections, including remote switches if required.
Fit the BBQ and appliances, positioned correctly for compliance
Install cabinetry and benchtops, around the rangehood for a seamless finish

By following this sequence, you’ll avoid major installation issues down the line.

Minimum Clearance Requirement for BBQ Rangehoods

One of the most important Australian safety regulations for outdoor kitchens is the 1200mm clearance rule.

What Is the 1200mm Rule?

Your alfresco rangehood must be installed at least 1200mm above the BBQ’s cooking surface.

Why Is This Clearance Important?

Maintaining the required 1200mm clearance between your BBQ and rangehood is essential for safety, performance, and legal compliance. This clearance helps prevent fire hazards by reducing the risk of open flames reaching the rangehood, which could otherwise cause damage or pose a fire risk. Proper spacing also ensures effective smoke extraction, keeping fumes away from the cooking area and improving air quality in your alfresco space. Additionally, adhering to this clearance is necessary to meet Australian building standards, helping you avoid compliance issues and potential fines while ensuring a safe and functional outdoor kitchen.

If your rangehood is installed too low, it becomes a fire risk and can void your warranty. If it’s installed too high, it won’t effectively remove smoke and heat, making your alfresco space uncomfortable.

Pro Tip: If your alfresco area has a low ceiling, choose a rangehood with higher extraction power to compensate for the increased distance.

Avoid Buying a Non-Compliant Rangehood

Not all alfresco rangehoods on the market are suitable for legal installation in Australia. Buying the wrong model could mean it can’t be installed at the required height, leaving you with a costly mistake.

What to Check Before Purchasing an Alfresco Rangehood:

Check the rangehood’s installation height range

Ensure it allows for at least 1200mm clearance from the BBQ

Confirm airflow capacity (m³/h)

Outdoor rangehoods should have at least 2000m³/h airflow

Verify ducting compatibility

Some alfresco spaces require additional venting solutions

Why Does the Rangehood Need to Span Over the Cooking Area Adequately?

Choosing the right rangehood width is crucial for effective smoke and grease extraction.

How Wide Should Your Alfresco Rangehood Be?

Ideally, the rangehood should be wider than the BBQ
For a 900mm BBQ, choose at least a 1200mm rangehood
For a 1200mm BBQ, opt for a 1500mm+ rangehood

What Happens If the Rangehood Is Too Small?

Smoke won’t be captured properly, leaving lingering fumes
Grease can escape, leading to buildup on walls and ceilings
Poor airflow can reduce the lifespan of your rangehood

Pro Tip: Choose a model with powerful side extraction to improve smoke capture in outdoor conditions.

Requirements for Remote Switching in Alfresco Kitchens

Many high-end alfresco rangehoods come with a remote switch feature, allowing users to turn on the fan from ground level.

Why Is Remote Switching Useful?

Remote switching adds convenience, safety, and accessibility to your alfresco rangehood setup. With a ground-level switch, you don’t need to reach up to turn the rangehood on, making operation effortless and more user-friendly. It also enhances safety by preventing accidental burns, as you won’t need to interact with controls near a hot BBQ. For larger alfresco kitchens, remote switching improves accessibility, allowing for easier operation without needing to step away from your cooking station. This feature is especially beneficial in high-ceiling outdoor spaces, where accessing the rangehood’s built-in controls may be difficult.

Electrical Installation Tips for Remote Switching:

Ensure wiring is in place before cabinetry and benchtops are installed
Choose a weatherproof switch for outdoor durability
Opt for wireless remote control models if hardwiring isn’t practical

Looking for an alfresco rangehood with remote switching? Check out our BBQs and Alfresco Rangehoods range.

Additional Requirements Apply to Alfresco Rangehoods in Enclosed Areas

If your alfresco kitchen is partially or fully enclosed, additional ventilation and safety measures are required, including a gas solenoid interlock system.

What Is a Gas Solenoid Interlock?

A gas solenoid valve automatically shuts off the gas supply if the rangehood is not running. This prevents carbon monoxide buildup in enclosed spaces.

Who Needs a Gas Solenoid?

A gas solenoid interlock is essential for certain alfresco kitchen setups to ensure safe gas operation and compliance with ventilation regulations. If your outdoor area is enclosed with walls and a ceiling, a gas solenoid is required to prevent dangerous gas buildup. It is also necessary for commercial-style BBQ setups, where large burners produce significant heat and fumes, requiring additional safety measures. Additionally, many local councils mandate gas solenoid interlocks as part of compliance requirements for enclosed alfresco kitchens. Installing a gas solenoid ensures that gas appliances only operate when proper ventilation is in place, reducing safety risks and keeping your alfresco space legally compliant.

Pro Tip: If your alfresco area is partially enclosed, consider adding extra ventilation or ducting to improve airflow.

Ensure a Safe & Compliant Alfresco Rangehood Installation

Installing an alfresco rangehood isn’t as simple as mounting it above a BBQ. Proper planning and compliance are essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and legal installation.

Need help choosing the right alfresco rangehood? Our experts can guide you through the best models, installation requirements, and compliance rules. At Addison Appliances, we specialise in high-quality alfresco rangehoods that meet Australian safety standards. Explore Alfresco Rangehoods or contact us today for expert advice!

Build your dream alfresco kitchen with confidence!

Our Blog

Alfresco Rangehoods Electrical & Ventilation Requirements

Table of Contents

Why Should You Install Your Rangehood Before Your BBQ & Cabinetry?

Key Reasons to Prioritise Rangehood Installation:

Ideal Installation Sequence for an Alfresco Kitchen:

Minimum Clearance Requirement for BBQ Rangehoods

What Is the 1200mm Rule?

Why Is This Clearance Important?

Avoid Buying a Non-Compliant Rangehood

What to Check Before Purchasing an Alfresco Rangehood:

Why Does the Rangehood Need to Span Over the Cooking Area Adequately?

How Wide Should Your Alfresco Rangehood Be?

What Happens If the Rangehood Is Too Small?

Requirements for Remote Switching in Alfresco Kitchens

Why Is Remote Switching Useful?

Electrical Installation Tips for Remote Switching:

Additional Requirements Apply to Alfresco Rangehoods in Enclosed Areas

What Is a Gas Solenoid Interlock?

Who Needs a Gas Solenoid?

Ensure a Safe & Compliant Alfresco Rangehood Installation

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