gas bottle regulators

[millar84]

Hello,

I have a butane gas bottle with a regulator fitted.
I'm replacing this with a propane bottle. Do I have to buy a different regulator as it's a different gas/bottle?

Also is there a chance that there is different size connections I should be aware of when connecting the pipe work & regulator to the new gas bottle?

Cheers

 

[Damian]

Butane In the blue cylinder and Propane in the red cylinders use different regulators if the regulator is fited directly to the cylinder as the connections are different.
If you have a bulkhead mounted regulator then just the pigtails (the hose from the cylinder to the regulator) need changing.

If you have cylinder mounted regulator then just the regulator needs changing, the hose is the same, but it is always wise to change the hose anyway and use the correct new gas hose jubilee clips to secure both ends.
The hose should be changed every 3 years at the most, providing it is not damaged in any way

 

[JTQ]

Butane In the blue cylinder and Propane in the red cylinders use different regulators if the regulator is fited directly to the cylinder as the connections are different.

This is however not true in all case, though was a typically UK practise. My cylinder mounted regulators on my current 2008 and earlier 2002 caravans have been 30mB units suitable for either gas, requiring only a change of the fitting adaptor.
To my mind a better arrangement than now adopted by the NCC in that the high pressure gas is confinded to a solid connection and not to a flexible tube.

 

[ProfJohnL]

For clarity on the matter,

The regulator required has to match the pressure requirements of the appliances in the caravan. This is for safety and legal reasons.

To check this you must look at the data plate which will tell you which gas categories and pressures that apply.

Probably the most accessible data plate will be in the fridge.

As a matter of law, gas appliances must not be operated on supplies for which they are not designed or approved, so if you have an older style caravan that is approved for Propane at 37mB and Butane at 28mbar, it is not approved to be used on a 30mB regulator for either gas.

Whilst the newer 30mB appliances may look similar to the older 28/37mB versions, there may be small differences in the burner and injectors, and the aeration settings. With some appliances this will adversely affect their combustion and could lead to dirty combustion and dangerous fumes.

Any Gassafe registered engineer/fitter finding a mismatch between regulator and the designed operational pressure would have to flag up the mismatch.