Renewing a gas system

Just a thought for bed time.

Doesn't the solenoid valve, be it before or after the bubble tester, render the bubble tester ineffective?

At least unless it is energised before opening the bottle valve and will anybody do that?

Maybe I've missed something but I thought that having a bubble tester enabled the whole system to be checked for leaks every time the gas was turned on. If the solenoid is off it wont do that ( even if the positions are reversed)

The bubble tester will only check the system when the solenoid is operated which will be from inside the cabin presumably.

While not suggesting that the bubble tester should not be fitted some self discipline will be required to go and check it after opening the solenoid.


BTW a source for gas fittings often at prices well below Calor's is BES
 
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I note in all of these references that my conviction that the regulator should be connected directly to rigid piping seems to be supported.

[/ QUOTE ]On the contrary, there's a convincing argument that a cylinder-mounted regulator may be safer. To start with, the regulator may be better protected against accidental damage. Plus there's the fact that the flexible hose is then only subjected to low pressure gas. In reality though, both alternatives are safe enough as long as the locker is properly self-draining. I just use a single Camping Gaz cylinder with cylinder-mounted regulator.
 
Hi Dipper,

May I ask you a question...

Do you find you get a bit lazy with the solenoid and use it instead of the bottle valve.

We don't have one, I made a definite decision not to fit one as we are now in the habit of turning the gas on and off as we use it as sea; and always when going to bed etc. Though as we pass the gas locker to go to bed and it is on-the-level rather than upstairs it may be a little easier for us.

They have become almost compulsory which is a shame as the 'rules' don't take into account an anal skipper and different types of boat. I am not asking you to put yourself in hock with an answer here, I was just wondering (anyone who has similar may also give me advice) if your behaviour changed?
 
No. I ALWAYS ALWAYS turn the gas off at the bottle immediately after using the hob/grill. I use the solenoid manually only between courses eg bacon then toast then tea and then turn the gas off at the bottle. In fact, the command 'Gas off' is probably more commonly heard on my boat than 'Ready about'!

The main purpose of the solenoid as far as I'm concerned is that it is connected to the alarm sensors and will immediately trip off at the first whiff of gas or even a solvent (Reminder not to use Danish oil on the wood. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif).

One reason I put the solenoid before the bubbler was the fact it was linked to the alarm and would cut off more of the system.

Earlier in the thread VicS mentioned self discipline regarding turning the bottle off. This is something that can't be legislated for but it is just as important as all the other safety factors. As you inferred, it would be all too easy to rely on the solenoid rather than the valve on the bottle. For this reason, I wouldn't have the solenoid on its own (not linked to the alarm) because for me it would serve no useful purpose.
 
Strikes me that there must be a market for "off the shelf" gas kits for boats! Most installations are probably very similar, feeding a cooker from one or two locker-fitted gas bottles. I've looked into replacing my gas system, though not in any depth, but keep getting fed-up trying to sort out all the different fittings, pipes, brackets, sizes, threads, solenoids, valves and components that would be needed to make my boat fully compliant. Compliant with what, though....! My boat is not used for chartering and the Insurance company have, to date, not requested a survey. So, other than for peace-of-mind, why upgrade. Like others above, I never have the gas on except when cooking and regularly check all connections for leaks with soapy water. I wish boating was simple...!
 
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