LPG Pipework?

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andythilo

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The plastic coated copper pipe looks pretty good to me. If it's OK for autogas I can't think of a reason why it wouldn't be OK for a cooker and/or heater on a boat.

Compression fittings are normally used, I don't think you would find it easy to find hose tails and regulators with flared fittings.
 
vyv_cox said:
The plastic coated copper pipe looks pretty good to me. If it's OK for autogas I can't think of a reason why it wouldn't be OK for a cooker and/or heater on a boat.

Compression fittings are normally used, I don't think you would find it easy to find hose tails and regulators with flared fittings.
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I thought you had to flare the end of the pipe to fit the compression fittings? i.e using olives?
 
You will have to cut back the plastic outer to expose the copper for a joint. Compression fittings require a straight and undamaged (not deformed) end slipped into the fitting. Tightening the nut compresses the olive, gripping the pipe.

Rob.
 
Ahh ok, so I cut back the plastic, put the nut over first, pop an olive in between the pipe and fitting and tighten it up? Should I use any PTFE (gas version) tape or sealing compound?
 
No you should not use tape or jointing compound on compression fittings.

Tape is only for (tapered) threaded joints where the seal is made by the threads. The threads no not contribute to the seal on a compression fitting, they just tighten it altogether.The seal is made between the fitting and the olive and between the olive and the pipe.

Jointing compound can obscure a badly made joint.

Do not overtighten them or you will compress the pipe and damage the seal between the olive and the pipe.

Finger tight plus 1 turn is adequate.

Use copper olives not brass ones!

There used to be some useful guidance for the DIY gas installer on the Calormarineshop website but sadly seems to have now gone. Not supposed to DIY I suppose.
 
Well I know I should use a gas engineer. I'll get price.

How many do their own pipework? Or is it really a stupid idea?

I may run the pipes etc.. and get the engineer to hook it all up?
 
Please dont do this work yourself get a gas engineer.
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In view of the questions asked and the (sorry) lack of competance demonstrated probably sound advice ... but it's not rocket science .. the necessary skills can easily be learnt... trouble is you cannot afford to learn by your mistakes with gas.( or it could be rocket science!)


The finished instalation should ... must even .. be properly tested.

You will find the tests required described HERE
 
andythilo said:
How many do their own pipework? Or is it really a stupid idea?
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There's no legal requirement for a qualified fitter on seagoing boats. There may be a requirement to be competent (can't quite remember the structure of the GSIUR hence whether the exemptions apply to the whole thing or just qualifications).

HOWEVER,

Regardless of the law, it's only common sense that such work should be undertaken by someone competent. I don't mean to be rude, but someone who doesn't know how to assemble a simple compression fitting doesn't strike me as such a person. Seriously consider getting a pro in, or at least a knowledgeable mate to help you. If you do go pro, you can reduce the cost by making sure the pipe route is cleared and accessible, possibly even thread the pipe through (but not fit any fittings). That way you're only paying for the skilled part of the job, not the labouring that anyone could have done.

Pete
 
Before you even start find a gas engineer who will test your system and ask him what he will pass if you do any of the work, get him to approve the pipe etc before you buy it; how to run it through bulheads; fixing intervals etc etc etc.
It would be a real PITA to struggle running pipe around the boat only for the man to turn it down....
 
Fair comments. I've never done gas installation. I can plumb and I can wire a house, I can build and fix PCs and I could even build you and fly a model helicopter. Just another skill I wanted to add.

I will find a local fitter and ask them about the pipe and what work I can do, i.e run the pipes, fit grommets through bulkheads etc..

Thanks for the honest advise, better to be safe than sorry, especially as my boat is petrol :)
 
Just another point (or two)

The Gas safe registered fitter is required to be additionally qualified to work on LPG systems.. The average domestic installer may not be and he would be in deep mire if he did work on LPG.
Also the man will have to be willing to work on boats ... not all may be!
 
VicS said:
Just another point (or two)

The Gas safe registered fitter is required to be additionally qualified to work on LPG systems.. The average domestic installer may not be and he would be in deep mire if he did work on LPG.
Also the man will have to be willing to work on boats ... not all may be!
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not only does he have to be registered for LPG he also has to be registered for boats all gas appliances that he works on in them.

and if that sounds like a lot of red tape dont forget that he has to complete ( and pay for ) an accessment for basic LPG, boats, and each of the individual appliances and then get reaccessed every 5 years

not a bit of wonder its hard to get a qualified installer (and pay him):(
 
Although as the BSS examiner told me this afternoon, I don't need a qualified installation if it's a private boat.

He also ok'd the pipe I want to use, so I'm going to do the installation, and then get it inspected/tested by a qualified engineer.
 
not only does he have to be registered for LPG he also has to be registered for boats all gas appliances that he works on in them.
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You are saying that not only does he have to be specifically qualified to work on LPG but that he has to be additionally qualified and registered to work on boats!

I think that's an extra level of qualification and registration beyond what was previously required.

It'll be next to impossible to get anyone to do the work on boats.
 
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