Gas Regulators – Gas Regulator Pressure & Gas Fittings
Gas regulators, gas regulator pressure and the gas fittings are all important for home LPG gas use. The LPG gas pressure regulator (LPG regulator) controls the pressure from the gas bottle to the gas appliances.
So, say 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?”
Find out here…
LPG Regulator and Gas Regulator Pressure
Gas regulator, changeover valve & pigtails
An LG regulator (gas regulator) automatically modulates high pressure gas to a maximum pre-determined limit and is connected by gas fittings. The gas regulator pressure is determined by the gas appliances attached.
The image show a gas regulator, a manual changeover valve and pigtails.
LPG (propane) gas regulators reduce the gas regulator pressure delivered to the gas appliances from the gas bottles.
The pressure within a gas bottle can be 800-900kPa vs the 2.75kPa typically required.
LPG gas regulators are usually factory pre-set to the standard operating pressure for the appliances.
This short video (8:29) explains all of the basics of LPG, gas regulators and fittings…
Gas Regulators Functionality – How LPG Regulators Work
Gas 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 pre-set gas regulator pressure.
The diaphragm works in combination with springs and other parts within the regulator.
The diaphragm actuates when pressure changes and adjusts the inlet valve accordingly to produce a consistent gas regulator pressure output.
It also works in conjunction with the gas 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 gas regulator operates correctly.
LPG is Stored Under Pressure
2x 45kg gas bottles
LPG is stored under pressure, as both a liquid and gas in 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.
Gas Bottle Pressure vs Gas Regulator Pressure for Appliances
Whilst the gas bottle pressure can be 800-900kPa, the required gas regulator pressure for Australian LPG gas appliances is typically only 2.75kPa.
So, a gas regulator is required to reduce the pressure and ensure a consistent 2.75kPa is safely delivered from the gas bottle to your appliances.
What are LPG Gas Fittings, Gas Hose & Gas Valve ?
Automatic changeover valve
The gas fittings include the gas hose, gas valve, gas bottle changeover valve, piping and connectors required to build a complete LPG gas system, connecting the gas bottles to the appliances.
Gas bottle changeover valves determine from which gas bottle the gas is being taken.
Licensed gas fitters are required for all gas related work, involving gas regulators and gas fittings, on homes and businesses.
BBQ Gas Hose, BBQ Gas Regulator & BBQ Gas Fittings
BBQ gas hose & BBQ Gas Regulator
Typical BBQ gas fittings include a BBQ gas hose and BBQ gas regulator. The BBQ gas regulator, BBQ gas hose, and connector usually come as an assembly, but hoses are also sold separately.
The connector fitting can be an older POL fitting or the newer LCC27 gas bottle fitting.
Camper valve adapters may also be required.
Gas Pigtail
Copper gas pigtail
Home gas bottles are connected by tubing, known as a “ gas pigtail”, to a gas bottle changeover valve and the changeover valve is connected to the gas regulator. A gas pigtail 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.
Rubber gas pigtail
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.
Gas Bottle Changeover Valve
Manual gas bottle changeover valve
The gas bottle changeover valve controls which gas bottle is in use, when two gas bottles are installed on your home. As the name implies, the gas bottle changeover valve changes over which gas bottle is in use.
A gas bottle changeover valve 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 Fitting
LPG bayonet connection
If you have a portable gas heater, it will be connected to your home LPG supplied using a gas bayonet fitting.
A female gas bayonet fitting can be floor or wall mounted.
The male gas bayonet fitting, on the end of the heater hose, plugs into the female gas fitting which is, in turn, connected to the LPG service piping.
Please see:
How to Connect & Disconnect Gas Bayonet Fittings
Gas Pipe
LPG gas piping
A gas pipe runs from the gas regulator to your appliances, inside your home. This gas pipe generally consists of copper tubing or flexible composite piping.
The gas pipe 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.
Give us a call on 131 161 if you need help finding one in your area.