Gas Experts

[rlea]

I'm replacing my 10mm copper pipe from my bubble tester to my shut off valve inside the boat. From there the 10mm copper pipe feeds the only appliance on board, a 3 ring hob, grill & oven.
My question is. Does the copper pipe to my cooker need to be replaced with an approved rubber pipe.
Thanks for your help and advice

 

[PCUK]

It needs to be replaced with new copper.

 

[Steve Clayton]

Have a read of the Boat Safety Scheme for LPG installation. It will give you info on pipework, supporting recommendations, locating given other circumstances, protecting, flexible pipe fitting, etc

 

[vyv_cox]

The only reason for having a flexible hose would be to allow the stove to gimbal. (is that a word?) If your stove is fixed there is no need for rubber hose. Unless the existing copper is in very poor shape I cannot see the need to replace it.

 

[VicS]

The only reason for having a flexible hose would be to allow the stove to gimbal. (is that a word?) If your stove is fixed there is no need for rubber hose. Unless the existing copper is in very poor shape I cannot see the need to replace it.

Even with a fixed cooker I have used a short hose for ease of installation.

10mm seems a large size.

Not sure of the need for a shut off valve inside the boat although adjacent to appliances is normal
The primary shut off valve is the bottle valve.

Boat safety scheme section 7 http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/downloads/BSS_Guide_chap7.pdf


Comprehensive and simple gas installations from an article in PBO by Peter Spreadborogh of Southampton Calor centre

 

[rob2]

With a fixed cooker, or any other appliance, it is common practice to make the final section a large loop of copper pipe such that the appliance can be moved out sufficient to gain access to the connection for assembly and disassembly. Not sure how that fits with the BSS, which is strange as fixed, non-gimballed cookers are more common on inland craft where BSS applies.

Rob.

 

[lw395]

With a fixed cooker, or any other appliance, it is common practice to make the final section a large loop of copper pipe such that the appliance can be moved out sufficient to gain access to the connection for assembly and disassembly. Not sure how that fits with the BSS, which is strange as fixed, non-gimballed cookers are more common on inland craft where BSS applies.

Rob.

I think I would prefer a flexible hose to a rigid joint that has been stressed by moving the cooker.

 

[rob2]

Sorry, I said loop and really should have said coil. This is the usual way to plumb cookers and fridges in caravans and motorhomes - it allows sufficient movement to get your hand and spanner to the connection before any significant strain has been applied to it.

Rob.

 

[GrahamM376]

I wonder why the bubble leak detector is so popular as it requires positive action to use and only indicates leaks downstream - how often to people check for leaks? A pressure gauge on the other hand will show pressure drop in the entire system every time the bottle is shut off.

 

[lw395]

You can check for leaks by shutting off at the bottle, waiting an hour, then turning the gas on at the cooker. If you don't hear it hiss, it has leaked away.
Like the gauge, this method may be flawed if the bottle valve does not shut off completely.
Gauges can be vulnerable to damage and corrosion.
Bubble testers are more direct. You can't argue with being able to see the flow of gas.

 

[Gordonmc]

Is it just me?

Option 1:
High pressure hose
Wall mounted regulator
Solenoid shut-off
Test point
Bubble leak detector
Bulkhead fitting
Coil
Pipe clips

Alternative:
Run a bit of flexible hose from the regulator.

It seems a bit of a no-brainer so I wonder why I replaced the US gas system on my boat consisting of a grey plastic flexible hose with copper pipe and most of the Option 1 add-ons.
I have probably been reading these forae too much

 

[VicS]

IIRC the newest standards :

Summary of legal requirements and standards
en 12864 annex M
This standard is for the design and manufacture of
regulators for LPG cylinders to supply appliances installed
in saltwater boats.
• Material in contact with the atmosphere shall be suitably
corrosion resistant. In particular this includes internal
components above the diaphragm.
• The vent shall be on the edge of the diaphragm, in a
suitable location and of suitable size to drain water which
may collect on the diaphragm.
• Shall incorporate an over-pressure relief device, the
vent shall be provided with a pipe connection facing
downwards.
• Operating pressure specification to annex D.
PD 5482 - 3 2005
Codes of practice for LPG installations in boats,
yachts and other vessels: ‘Regulators must
conform to EN 12864.’
BS en ISO 10239 2000
Small craft LPG installation regulation covering
all vessels built after Nov 2000: ‘Regulators must
incorporate a pressure relief valve.’
BS en ISO 10239 2008
Regulators installed in vessels used in a saltwater
environment must conform to EN 12863 annex M.
Systems must include a high pressure gauge​

Note that it is a pressure gauge on the HP side. I am not entirely sure that I see the usefulness of that.

I am more used to industrial gas regulators with gauges on both Hp and Lp sides of the regulator:-