- Written by Eric Hahn
Home LPG Gas Regulators & Fittings
So, you’ve just moved into your first home that has LPG gas.
You go outside and look at the gas bottles, with all the valves, connections and other gear, and you wonder... “What is all of this stuff and how does it work?”
What are LPG Gas Regulators & Fittings?
• LPG (propane) gas regulators regulate the pressure at which the LPG is delivered to the gas appliances, from the gas bottles-cylinders.
• The gas fittings include all the gas valves, piping and connectors required to build a complete LPG gas system, connecting the gas bottles to the appliances.
• Changeover valves determine from which gas bottle the gas is being taken.
• Licensed gas fitters are required for all gas related work, involving regulators and fittings, on homes and businesses.
LPG is Stored Under Pressure
LPG is stored under pressure as a liquid in a gas bottle.
It turns back into a gas when you release some of the pressure in the gas bottle by turning on your appliance.
The pressure within a gas bottle can be 800-900kPa.
This varies based on the ambient temperature, exposure to the radiant heat of the sun and the amount of gas remaining in the gas bottle.
Bottle Pressure vs Appliance Pressure
However, the required appliance inlet pressure for Australian LPG gas appliances is typically only 2.75kPa.
So, a regulator is required to reduce the pressure and ensure a consistent 2.75kPa is safely delivered from the gas bottle to your appliances.
Regulators Control & Reduce the Pressure
Although the purpose of LPG regulators is the same, different applications may require different types of regulators.
The gas demand of the appliances determines what type of regulator is installed.
For example, if the combined megajoule (MJ) rating of your home’s appliances is quite high, a regulator with a higher MJ rating would be required.
Commercial sized regulators are completely different and frequently comprised of two separate units.
The regulator shown (right) includes an automatic changeover valve.
Also, please note that under no circumstances should a BBQ regulator ever be used on a home installation.
How do Regulators Work?
Regulators have a diaphragm, which is a flexible rubber disc that responds to pressure changes and functions to regulate the flow of gas to the proper pressure.
The diaphragm works in combination with springs and other parts within the regulator.
It also works in conjunction with the regulator vent which allows the diaphragm to move freely.
If the vent is obstructed, the diaphragm will not operate properly.
The vent should remain free of dirt and debris to ensure the regulator operates correctly.
The gas bottles are connected by tubing, known as “pigtails”, to a changeover valve and the changeover valve is connected to the regulator.
Pigtails can be made of solid copper, rubber or braided metal over a rubber interior.
Copper is generally considered the best choice, as rubber and braided pigtails have a limited life span.
Also, pigtails can catch or trap debris over time so they should be replaced any time the regulator is replaced.
Pigtails are "flexible" and will absorb the shock of sudden movement or jarring, if the installation is accidentally bumped or moved out of place.
Without the flexible regulator connection, the piping would be rigid and more susceptible to leaks caused by movement.
LPG Gas Changeover Valves
The changeover valve controls which gas bottle is in use, when two gas bottles are installed.
Changeover valves come in two types, with manual (shown) and automatic changeover versions.
As the names imply, manual changeover valves require manual intervention while automatic changeover valves automatically switch between gas bottles when the first bottle runs dry.
Gas Bayonet Connections
If you have a portable gas heater, it will be be connected to your home LPG suppplied using a bayonet connections.
Bayonet connectors can be floor or wall mounted.
The male connector, on the end of the heater hose, plugs into the female connector which is, in turn, connected to the LPG service piping.
Gas Service Piping
A gas line runs from the regulator to your appliances.
This gas line is the service piping. It generally consists of copper tubing or flexible composite piping.
The service piping needs to be installed correctly and legally, in conjunction with the gas bottles, for the entire installation to be safe and serviceable.
Licensed Gas Fitter is Required
Please remember that all gas installations must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter.
You can find a licensed gas fitter in your area by using our TradeFinder™ map tool.
How to Operate Gas Bottle Changeover Valves
Automatic Gas Changeover Valves
Manual Gas Changeover Valves
Remember to Order Your Gas Bottle
Comments, questions or feedback?
The information in this article is derived from various sources and is believed to be correct at the time of publication. However, the information may not be error free & may not be applicable in all circumstances.