Propane regulator question

[PBzeer]

Does the regulator have to be installed in any particular oriention? Such as straight up and down? Or can it be mounted horizontally? Can the regulator body be facing down? I have a front opening locker and it puts the leak test gauge out of sight to mount vertically, so would like to mount it horizontally. Don't know if this is possible though. Oddly enough, as dangereous as propane is, none of the componets seem to come with any installation instructions.

Thanks,

[ebs001]

My regulator is not even mounted and that's the way it came in the propane locker. The main concern with propane is that it is much heavier than air and it is vital to have a vent from the bottom of the locker which allows any leaked propane to be vented down to the outside of the boat.

[PBzeer]

Previous installation had a tank mounted regulator, but is unusable. Locker is vented, though it wasn't air tight when I bought the boat. That's part of the reason for installing new components, to bring it up to spec.

[sailingdog]

I don't think that orientation is all that important on the propane regulator. I've seen them mounted horizontally and vertically. I believe they should be mounted higher than the tank, but other than that, I don't think it matters much. I would check with some one who does a lot of propane installations, like your local barbeque grill installer just to be safe.

[PBzeer]

Ideally, I'd like to mount mine on the roof of the locker, facing the door, then put in an elbow to attach the solenoid to, then run the hose out the locker. Would be the cleanest, most practical installation in my case.

[Faster]

These regulators are set to only 11" water column pressure (0.397 psi) so gravity will play a part in the actual output pressure.

In industry we make sure that low pressure regulators are set up in the same orientation as they will be installed so that these shifts do not occur.

[PBzeer]

By that, do you mean if it is set up to mount vertically, it should be?

[redcorvette1995]

Hi John,

I am doing the exact same project on my O32 at this time.

Todd

[Faster]

Originally Posted by PBzeer

By that, do you mean if it is set up to mount vertically, it should be?

PB - yes, what I mean is that for a low press regulator that is adjusted and set up in a vertical position will be accurate if used in that position. There will likely be a slight shift in pressure if you mount it horizontally due to the different effect of gravity on the balance of forces.(and vice-versa)

You'd have to do an actual trial with a reg to see how much the effect would be - if it's only 1" water column each way it may not be a big deal as far as the appliance is concerned.

Another concern with orientation is the vent hole for the reference (spring) side of the reg - it should be oriented in such a way that water can not enter and fill that side, and ideally should make sure that any water that may get in can get out. If your reg is mounted in a locker, this is less of a concern than if it's mounted on deck in the weather.

Having said all that, most propane regulators are not user-adjustable so they may in fact work well enough whichever way they are installed. Consulting an installer is probably the best way to be sure.

[roline]

The propane regulators do work on differential pressure with reference to atmosphere. Main things are to keep them free from corrosion and dont let them BANG around loose.You can use the hoses to suspend them or fasten then to the inside of the locker. Make sure that the propane tanks will vent gas not liquid when in use. AYBC codes indicate the use of a leak down gage and use a sniffer with a remote control valve. XINTEX has dual sniffer capability, for interior and one could be placed near or in the locker. Remember to do leak down checks as part of standard amintenance.