SECTION 8
PROPANE SYSTEM
in a light reflective color. Rust, scratches
and/or dents can affect the safety of the
cylinder. Inspect the cylinder at regular
intervals. If there is a problem, have it
evaluated by a qualified technician and
discard it. DOT requires that a visual
inspection be made prior to each filling.
Any cylinder that has been exposed to fire,
leaks or seems damaged should not be
refilled. Do not attempt to repair any
containers, container valves, regulator or
appliances by yourself. Use only trained
certified propane gas service technicians to
perform repairs.
Propane cylinder recertification
If you have an older RV you should know that,
according to Federal law, DOT cylinders may
only be used for 12 years after their
manufacture date (the number of years for
certification may vary in your area). After that,
the cylinders must be "recertified" which
provides another five years of use. The
cylinders can be recertified every five years
thereafter. Federal DOT (Department of
Transportation) regulations require periodic
inspections and re-qualifications of the
propane cylinders. DO NOT USE damaged or
rusted containers.
Verify with your local propane dealer that all
required inspections and certifications have
been completed on the propane cylinder
within the correct time period before refilling
the cylinder.
PROPANE REGULATOR
Have the LP system checked for leakage
each time a cylinder is refilled or after any part
of the propane system has been
disconnected.
The two-stage regulator has the only moving
components in the propane system. Its sole
function is to reduce the pressure from the
propane containers to a safe and consistent
low operating pressure. The first stage
reduces the container pressure to 10-13 lbs.
The second stage reduces the 10-13 lbs. of
pressure further to an operating pressure of
11” W.C. (water column) or 6.35 oz. of outlet
pressure to your appliances.
The second stage is adjustable and will need
to be adjusted by your dealer or qualified
propane service technician for optimum
performance (this adjustment should always
be made with a properly calibrated
manometer). If the pressure is too high, it
affects performance and safety; if the
pressure is too low, your appliances will not
operate correctly.
If your RV is equipped with the “automatic”
two-stage regulator, with both cylinders full of
propane, turn the lever on the regulator
towards the cylinder you wish to use first. This
will now be the “supply” cylinder and the other
the “reserve.” Slowly open both cylinder
valves. The indicator on top of the regulator
will turn bright green. When the cylinder
becomes empty, the indicator will change to
bright orange. Now turn the regulator lever to
the side of the “reserve” cylinder and the
green signal should return. You may now
remove the empty cylinder to have it refilled
without interrupting the flow from the full
bottle. After filling the cylinder, connect the
pigtail hose and slowly open the bottle valve.
HOSES, PIPES, TUBES & FITTINGS
The hoses, pipes, tubes and fittings used in
your propane system are designed to
withstand pressures exceeding those of the
propane system. However, because
environment and time can both contribute to
the deterioration of these components, they
must be inspected for wear at regular
intervals.
Propane regulators must always be
installed with the regulator vent facing
downward. Regulators that are not located
in baggage compartments have been
equipped with a protective cover. Make
sure the regulator vent faces downward
and (if applicable) the cover is in place to
minimize vent blockage that could result in
excessive gas pressure causing fire or
explosion.
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