Gas Regulator NZ: LPG Regulator & Gas Bottle Regulator – Gas Hose and Regulator
The primary function of a gas regulator NZ (LPG regulator) is as a high pressure LPG gas regulator to reduce the gas regulator pressure to safe operating levels.
Inside an LPG bottle, LPG gas pressure could range from 400 to 1200kPa.
The LPG gas bottle regulator drops that to 2.75kPa gas regulator pressure, the standard operating pressure required by LPG gas pressure regulator specifications.
In real-world scenarios, the LPG gas pressure in the gas bottle could vary with temperature, particularly if it’s located outdoors.
Regardless, the LPG regulator must consistently maintain an output of 2.75kPa gas regulator pressure.
Common gas regulator NZ types used include LPG gas bottle regulator, acetylene gas bottle regulator, and oxygen gas bottle regulator.
In addition to the type of gas passing through them, a gas regulator also varies by design and LPG gas fittings NZ.
How Does LPG Regulator Work?
From the LPG gas bottle, gas enters the LPG regulator through the inlet port and the pressure is controlled by a spring-loaded diaphragm.
The LPG regulator works as the diaphragm actuates when pressure changes and adjusts the inlet valve accordingly to produce a consistent output gas regulator pressure.
A n LPG regulator is essential to your LPG system for safe energy use in your home, business, BBQ, caravan, or motorhome.
The pressure within an LPG gas bottle can be 400-1200 kPa vs the 2.75 kPa gas regulator pressure typically required by LPG gas pressure regulator specifications.
An LPG regulator works to automatically reduce high-pressure gas in the gas cylinder to this required gas regulator pressure.
This short video (8:29) explains all the basics of LPG, LPG regulator, gas regulator pressure, gas bottle pigtails, and LPG gas fittings NZ…
LPG is Stored Under Pressure
LPG is stored under pressure as a liquid in a gas bottle.
It turns back into a gas when you release some of the pressure in the gas bottle by turning on your appliance.
The pressure within a gas bottle can be 800-900kPa.
This varies based on the ambient temperature and exposure to the radiant heat of the sun.
LPG Gas Bottle Regulator Types & Sizes
LPG gas bottle regulator types & sizes vary depending on the gas load.
Although the purpose of an LPG regulator is the same, different gas load applications may require different LPG gas bottle regulator types and sizes, like a 45kg gas bottle regulator or BBQ gas bottle regulator.
The appliance’s gas demand determines the type of LPG gas bottle regulator that is installed.
For example, if your home’s appliances’ combined megajoule (MJ) rating is quite high, an LPG regulator with a higher MJ rating size would be required.
Commercial-sized LPG gas bottle regulators are completely different and frequently include two separate gas regulator units, gas hose and LPG gas fittings NZ.
Please note that a BBQ gas bottle regulator should never be used on a home installation.
LPG Gas Regulator Problems
LPG gas is a widely used fuel in NZ households and businesses.
But what if your BBQ grill isn’t heating properly or the flame is too low and ineffective?
LPG gas regulator problems are typically the result of a damaged LPG gas bottle regulator and is the most common cause of heating and operation problems.
Possible LPG gas regulator problems include:
1. Low temperature or low flame
This will limit the amount of LPG fuel feeding your burners and not provide the desired grilling temperature.
This is more typically a clogged gas regulator gas jet in the burner.
2. The grill isn’t receiving gas
If your tank is full and your grill isn’t receiving any gas, it might indicate LPG gas regulator problems. So, contact your gas fitter for service.
You can contact our emergency LPG technicians at 0800 435 427 to promptly address any safety issue and avoid unwanted incidents and safety hazards.
3. The LPG gas bottle regulator connection has frozen
As LPG gas vapour passes through the LPG gas bottle regulator, it expands from high to low pressure, reaching sub-zero temperatures.
In NZ, where temperature and humidity can significantly vary, the expansion process may cause condensation, frost or ice to form on the LPG gas bottle regulator and/or freeze the gas bottle regulator body.
Usually, the freezing should only occur on the outside of the gas pipes and not inside them.
But if you suspect that a frozen gas bottle regulator causes the LPG gas regulator problems, contact your gas fitter right away.
4. Orange or yellow flame
Check the valve and gas hose and especially the gas jets in the burner.
LPG regulator components may need replacing. Once again, contact your gas fitter.
If you notice your gas stove producing yellow or orange flames when used, it could be that the combustion isn’t getting enough oxygen due to clogged LPG gas fittings NZ.
Remember that a yellow flame is also a sign of carbon monoxide in the combustion, a highly toxic fume when inhaled.
Stop using the stove immediately and contact our emergency team at 0800 435 427 to have it inspected and fixed.
Gas Changeover Valve Problems & Fittings
Gas bottle fittings and couplings include the gas bottle regulator, pigtails, gas piping, connectors, gas changeover valves, and gas bottle fittings.
Gas bottle fittings called pigtails or copper pigtails are flexible gas tube fittings that connect the gas bottle to the changeover valve or directly to the LPG gas bottle regulator.
The gas to the LPG gas pressure regulator typically comes from the changeover valve, which determines the gas bottle used.
Gas Bottle Pigtails, POL Gas Fitting & LPG Gas Fittings NZ
Home gas bottles are connected by gas bottle pigtails (flexible pipe or gas hose) to a changeover valve, which is connected to the LPG gas regulator with a POL gas fitting.
Pigtails can be made of solid copper, rubber, or braided metal over a rubber interior and a POL gas fitting on the end.
Copper is generally considered the best choice for gas bottle fittings, as a rubber gas hose and braided pigtails have a limited life span.
Without flexible gas bottle pigtails, a rigid gas hose would be more susceptible to cracking and leaks.
A portable gas heater can be connected to your home LPG supply using a bayonet gas hose connection.
The male connector on the end of the heater gas hose plugs into the female connector.
If you need a new full gas bottle from ELGAS for your home or business in NZ, call us at 0800 435 427. Order a replacement gas bottle when the first bottle runs out and you will never run out of gas.
Gas Bayonet Connections
If you have a portable gas heater, it will be connected to your home LPG supplied using a gas bayonet connection.
Gas bayonet connectors can be floor or wall mounted.
The male connector, on the end of the heater gas hose, plugs into the female connector which is, in turn, connected to the LPG service piping.
Please see:
How to Connect & Disconnect Gas Bayonet Fittings
LPG Gas Piping
A gas line runs from the LPG gas regulator to your appliances. This gas line is the service piping.
LPG pipe generally consists of copper or plastic polyethylene tubing.
The propane piping must be installed correctly and legally by a qualified professional gas fitter for the installation to be safe and serviceable.
BBQ Gas Bottle Regulator & LPG Gas Fittings NZ
BBQ gas bottle regulator fittings (QCC gas bottle fittings) involve fewer components than home installations.
Typical BBQ gas bottle regulator fittings include a QCC LPG gas bottle regulator with QCC gas bottle fittings, gas hose, and connector.
The QCC LPG gas bottle regulator, gas hose, and connector usually come as an assembly, but hoses are also sold separately.
How to Change a Gas Regulator – Change a BBQ Gas Bottle
To remove the gas regulator, make sure the gas bottle is turned off by turning clockwise firmly.
Unscrew the gas regulator by turning the handwheel anti-clockwise.
1. To change (attach) a gas regulator (change a BBQ gas bottle), place the full gas bottle on the BBQ mounting hook or in its holder/shelf, depending on your BBQ or heater.
The BBQ gas bottle should ALWAYS be kept upright.
Your LPG gas bottle must NEVER hang by the gas hose.
2. Remove any dust cover or plug that may be inside or over the female valve opening on the full BBQ gas bottle, where the BBQ gas regulator screws in.
Please note that, if it is a screwed-on plug, you must turn it anti-clockwise to remove it.
3. Inspect the BBQ gas hose and gas regulator for any damage.
Some BBQ gas regulator types have rubber O-rings on the connector.
The O-ring should also be undamaged.
The connector should be clean and dirt free prior to insertion.
4. Screw the BBQ gas regulator into the valve opening by turning BBQ gas regulator hand wheel clockwise.
Tighten well by hand only.
Make sure the gas hose is not kinked.
5. When you change a gas regulator (connect a BBQ gas bottle), you should do a leak test. Without turning on the BBQ, open the gas valve hand wheel to turn on the gas (anti-clockwise).
Spray the entire BBQ gas regulator, valve and gas hose with soapy water to check for any possible leaks.
You will see bubbles or smell gas if there is a leak.
If you have a leak, you should immediately turn the gas off (clockwise) and fix or replace the leaking component.
6. Assuming you have no leaks, you are ready to use your BBQ or other gas appliance.
Turning the BBQ gas bottle ON a couple of turns is sufficient.
You should not turn it hard to the open stop.
7. Remember, when you are finished with your BBQ, gas heater, or other gas appliance, you should always turn off the gas at the BBQ gas bottle first.
Close clockwise firmly by hand only.