What type of propane regulator to

Like any part of a propane system, the regulator needs to be protected. Protecting a regulator, for the most part means keeping it covered. Regulators are generally found under the tank dome or if installed outside the dome, they will have the vent pointed down.

The vent is pointed down to prevent rain, ice and debris from entering the regulator. The vent should have a screen that keeps insects out of the regulator as some insects, such as the Mud Dauber a. Dirt Dauber will make a nest in a regulator that's missing its protective vent screen.

Unprotected regulators that are exposed or not pointed with the vent facing down can easily be protected by cutting an empty plastic milk bottle to fit over the regulator until its placement and position can be corrected. Regulators have internal moving parts that are subject to wear and tear and after some time, the regulator needs to be replaced.

Propane companies can tell consumers when the regulator needs to be replaced due to age or malfunction and the consumer needs to take this advice seriously.

The industry norm is 15 years before a regulator needs replacement while some regulator manufacturers recommend replacement every 25 years.

If any regulator has ever been under water, such as on an underground propane tank, it needs to be replaced immediately. In other words, a first stage propane regulator can't be installed independently in an LP Gas system. There must be a second stage propane regulator installed as well.

The first stage propane regulator will compensate for differing tank pressures and will deliver into the gas line at a pressure of 10 pounds or less. The purpose of a first stage propane regulator is to deliver propane at an ample pressure to a downstream second stage propane regulator. That's its only job The REGO variations of first stage propane regulators are numerous and while they are all designed to work with propane tank pressures, the outlet pressures differ by model. First and second stage propane regulators must be properly matched so that the overall gas system is safe and functional.

Propane companies work with REGO regulators every day and are able to determine what size and type of first stage propane regulator is needed for the requirements of the installation. Second Stage Propane Regulators are not used for decreasing tank pressure and, therefore, must be installed downstream of a first stage propane regulator for safe and proper operation.

Any regulator seen installed next to a building, most likely are a second stage propane regulator. Second stage propane regulators work with propane at a pressure supplied by the first stage propane regulator inlet pressure and further decrease that to a pressure that can be used by appliances outlet pressure.

Most outlet pressures of second stage propane regulators are measured in inches water column, such as 11" water column. This is the standard propane pressure delivered to household appliances so that they can safely and properly operate. Second stage propane regulators are only designed to operate in combination with first stage propane regulators. One cannot work without the other. There's nothing that responds to a little care any better than the LP-Gas regulator.

But if it is overlooked, trouble can result. There are some appliances not many designed to work on considerably higher pressures and these use "high pressure regulators", and again these are clearly marked with what gas and what pressure they are designed for.

Each regulator is designed to fit a specific type of cylinder valve and a regulator that fits one type of valve will not fit any of the others. The valve on Propane cylinders has a screw thread and only accommodates Propane regulators. Butane is supplied by Flogas under two brands, Flogas and Ergas. The Flogas Butane cylinders are yellow and always use a "Jumbo" valve. High-pressure regulators have a much narrower nozzle than that fitted to low-pressure regulators and use a much narrower hose see picture below.

Stock code The outlet pressure is adjustable, but it's minimum setting is still very high e. This is the standard regulator for Ergas Compact Butane cylinders i. This is for use on propane cylinders, and regulates the pressure to the standard 37 mbar, which is the pressure required by most appliances designed to run on Propane.