fitting a gas heater. Regulations???

[paulcooper]

Have a plastimo catalytic gas heater to fit to my boat for this winter.

Anyone know the regulations regards fitting.

Can I use gas suitable rubber hose to run about 15 feet to the cockpit gas bottle locker or does it have to be in copper pipe?

At the gas bottle can I just T into the existing pipe to the gas cooker just after the regulator?

Is it OK to do this myself or do I have to employ a registered gas installer?

In anticipation of our Forum "Experts"

Paul.

 

[rob2]

Not au fait with the regulations, but best practice dictates that the long run should be made in copper pipe to a tap by the heater. Flexible hose is only used for a gimballed cooker. The regulations for boats on the inland waterways are stricter and require a certificate from a qualified fitter, although in principle you can install yourself. I believe there are a number of regulations which apply to the components themselves, for example with water heaters, only "room sealed" units are now available.

 

[barfly4657]

[QUOTE Have a Plastimo catalytic gas heater to fit to my boat for this winter. Anyone know the regulations regards fitting?

No Corgi gas fitter will install a catalytic heater nowadays as they've been banned : all permanent heaters must have an exterior flue, You can get away with a portable heater however, on 1.5 metres of reinforced flexible hose direct to the gas cylinder. PM for more, am just round the corner from you.

 

[VicS]

You can do this yourself.

There are no regulations as such that apply to you as a private owner but you should use the Boat Safety Scheme as a yardstick even though it is the scheme for inland water ways.

http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/site/2ndedBSSEssentialGuide_212.asp Section 7 is the relevant part but see also section 8

See also Calormarine's website for lots of useful advice etc

http://www.calormarineshop.co.uk/

You should not really use rubber hose for longer runs than 1 metre.

The testing procedures can be found HERE

Don't forget your catalytic heater still consumes oxygen and produces water vapour. It may be OK for occasional use with good ventilation but for serious and prolonged use a heater with an external flue is needed.

Typical layouts as published by PBO

A simple system

The consequences of getting it wrong

 

[VicS]

Corgi gas fitter

No such thing now as a Corgi gas fitter. Since earlier this year (April ?) the Gas Safe Register replaces the old Corgi scheme (Run by Capita, aka Crapita, of all people)

http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/default.aspx