Gas pipe

BarryH

BarryH

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Had a look at the gas system today and didn't really like what I saw, so I ripped it all out From the cylinder to the gas cooker. The copper pipe running from the stern locker to the flexi hose was green. The flexi hose had surface cracks.
Ive seen copper gas pipe sold by Camperlands Ltd, which is sold for camper/caravans funnily enough. Seems a bit cheaper than the stuff sold by the local swindlery. Is there any difference between the copper tube used in campers to the stuff used in boats?

I've a very basic system in the boat. There'll be no joins in the pipe apart from where it joints the bubble leak detector and the flexi hose connections. I will need to sort out a gas locker that drains overboard as the existing set up is just a recess moulded into the locker base.
 
Be aware that both imperial and metric copper pipe/fittings are still in widespread use for LPG, both on boats and in caravans. Just make sure everything is compatible. I doubt if you needed to worry about the copper pipe looking 'green'. Suggest you check out BES who supply everything you could possibly need in both metric and imperial. (just google BES).
 
BarryH said:
Had a look at the gas system today and didn't really like what I saw, so I ripped it all out From the cylinder to the gas cooker. The copper pipe running from the stern locker to the flexi hose was green. The flexi hose had surface cracks.
Ive seen copper gas pipe sold by Camperlands Ltd, which is sold for camper/caravans funnily enough. Seems a bit cheaper than the stuff sold by the local swindlery. Is there any difference between the copper tube used in campers to the stuff used in boats?

I've a very basic system in the boat. There'll be no joins in the pipe apart from where it joints the bubble leak detector and the flexi hose connections. I will need to sort out a gas locker that drains overboard as the existing set up is just a recess moulded into the locker base.
Click to expand...

I am not aware of any difference in the pipe sold for caravans vs that sold for boats. I think you will only find one type listed by Southampton Calor centre. http://www.socal.co.uk/

I suggest you check BES http://www.bes.co.uk/ for prices for all materials and components you need. Usually very competitive.

What you really ought to read is the section on LPG installations in the Boat safety scheme. There is a new edition in the pipeline but not available on line yet.

However the relevant section of the old edition is Chapter 7 archived here: http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/media/180428/bss guide 2005 complete web.pdf
 
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As an enthusiastic diy,er i,m always ready to push my skills to their limits, ocasionaly beyond with unsatisfactory results.
As a retired natural and lpg gas installer I would advise caution in dealing with such a volatile fuel as the slightest mistake could be catistrophic.
A quick glance at the Safe Boat guidelines indicates that its not intended to be taken as diy manuel, rather guidance for a competent person.
A competent person in this context is generaly taken to be someone who can produce up to date recognised certificates relating to the task undertaken.
Hope this is not taken as a put down, more a view formed from my experiences in servicing and commisioning various units, installed by appearently experienced heating engineers.
 
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centaur1 said:
As an enthusiastic diy,er i,m always ready to push my skills to their limits, ocasionaly beyond with unsatisfactory results.
As a retired natural and lpg gas installer I would advise caution in dealing with such a volatile fuel as the slightest mistake could be catistrophic.
A quick glance at the Safe Boat guidelines indicates that its not intended to be taken as diy manuel, rather guidance for a competent person.
A competent person in this context is generaly taken to be someone who can produce up to date recognised certificates relating to the task undertaken.
Hope this is not taken as a put down, more a view formed from my experiences in servicing and commisioning various units, installed by appearently experienced heating engineers.
Click to expand...
A certificate is not necessarily a sign of competence
 
sailorman said:
A certificate is not necessarily a sign of competence
Click to expand...

Quite agree. Our present boat, (pre-loved) came with a gas installation, completed and signed for by a "Corgi" installer.
It leaked, and the bubble tester had been installed in such a way, that even if he had remembered to put in the fluid,, which he hadn't, it would have been impossible to see it.
 
I must tell my Border Terrier about this business opportunity!

I use meths.
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NormanS said:
Quite agree. Our present boat, (pre-loved) came with a gas installation, completed and signed for by a "Corgi" installer.
It leaked, and the bubble tester had been installed in such a way, that even if he had remembered to put in the fluid,, which he hadn't, it would have been impossible to see it.
Click to expand...
 
The previous owner of my boat was a keen but inept DIY'er. His unprotected 240v. shore cabling was neatly attached to the gas piping.

I have removed both and wired a properly protected electrical installation but have yet to make a decision on an oven. I will admit to carrying
a small Webber gas BBQ for use at anchor. It stows in my cockpit lazarette.



sailorman said:
no oven then, Ah you must have a microwave
Click to expand...
 
Sadly in any group some will be incompetent and some downright criminal. In Corgi days it was always rumoured that some fitters used a ringer to pass the exams for them! Actually a competent person could be anyone with the experience to do the job. Although not qualified as a gas fitter, I and many people I have worked with designed and installed gas systems for gases that could kill you without being lit - shared technology with a LPG system.

If you are not confident about achieving a safe (and tested) installation, you can still save quite a bit by sourcing the components at the best price and maybe running the lines ready for terminating - with the agreement of your fitter.

Rob
 
daveyw said:
BSC?
"They don't allow covered pipe" ? Grateful if you could provide link to that rule.
Click to expand...

BSC is presumably the Boat Safety Certificate for inland waterways.

I can't see anything in the document linked upthread that would outlaw plastic-coated copper tube. The closest thing is a requirement that it be visible for inspection, which I think is meant to mean removable joinery panels etc, not an absence of manufactured covering on the tube itself. However, I have heard of BSS inspectors making up their own rules in practice...

Pete
 
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