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Electrical propane shut off valve

6K views 15 replies 7 participants last post by  Maine Sail 
#1 ·
Hi I recently added a propane heater on my boat and, as per code, I need to install a second low pressure regulator for propane. I am also installing a second shut off valve and I was wonering if i can run it off the same switch/breaker as the existing one that controls my stove. Or maybe I need to use a different breaker all together!

Using the same one would be easier installation. I was thinking of setting it up in parallel. Any thoughts?

Thank you
 
#2 ·
I am a bit confused here. You have two separate propane lockers? I was under the impression one solenoid valve per locker and then the regulator and then the leak gauge and then a "T" for two lines all of which needs to be made inside the locker. I am no expert but I believe this is true. Greg
 
#4 ·
I have one propane locker with 2 tanks but I was told I need 2 seperate low pressire regulators. That's why im asking!! Im pretty sure it would work with one only but I dont want to find out later that it doesnt and have to do the changes over again!!
 
#16 · (Edited)
One regulator is fine but two electric solenoids would be preferred as when you are running the heater the stove would be seeing propane pressure. If the stove had a leak then you could have issues. Both lines need to terminate inside the propane locker. No tees in the boat. I find with manual vlaves people just don't use them. A galley mounted 12V switch or breaker, with a bright RED indicator light, is tough for folks to forget or miss.

I personally prefer solenoids in the high pressure side, right after the tank, so in that case you would need two regulators too. Having seen low pressure regulators leak is why I prefer my solenoid on the high pressure or tank side of regulator..

My favorite solenoids are made by AFC and I install a lot of the model 151. Not a big fan of the low pressure solenoids as I don't find them nearly as reliable over the long haul. The AFC 151 can be found for pretty short money too. This is the SAME valve Fireboy-Xintex relabels and sells for more money.... Never had or seen an AFC 151 fail. everything can but in relation to the "low pressure" solenoids I find the AFC valves to be far more reliable....
 
#6 ·
You can go from the tanks to a T with the output going next through the regulator. From the reg another T and a solenoid on each line.

I have not seen a dual solenoid installation on any boat.
Most installations I have seen use one solenoid and regulator with a T to the appliances similar to that shown below.
 

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#9 ·
You can go from the tanks to a T with the output going next through the regulator. From the reg another T and a solenoid on each line.

I have not seen a dual solenoid installation on any boat.
Most installations I have seen use one solenoid and regulator with a T to the appliances similar to that shown below.
Just wanted to mention that the code now, for a two tank installation, is to have a regulator with two gauges, and two hose connections, so that each tank can be individually leak checked. I have a PR-5412 (scroll down).

All your comments about the second T arrangement I agree with though.

Marine Propane System Products from Fireboy-Xintex

I also have the S1-A leak detector and solenoid valve control.
 
#7 ·
The Trident control panels use a solid state relay to control the solenoid valve. The panel's relay is rated for 1 amp-12vdc and that is what the valve that they sell draws. Two valves gives an 100% overload. I am in agreement with several others-- you only need one valve. the valve (on the high pressure side) will pass all your stove and heater together can use. The regulator is rated for something like 100000 btu/hr and your heater is probably about 10000 but / hr. The stove with oven might be 50000 but /hr.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Now you mention it, all I could find in the ABYC code is that the regulator must include a way of isolating one cylinder from the other - you can't just t them before the gauge - which that regulator includes. Guess the design then necessitates two gauges to be able to leak check it whichever channel is selected.

Why don't they put the gauge after the valve and thus save a guage? Who knows? So you can see if both tanks have gas in with just one selected?

The handy thing with 2 gauges is that if they both drop, you know the leak is downstream, whereas if one drops, the leak is between the gauge and the tank.
 
#12 ·
Any cylinder can be easily isolated from the other because they all have their own valves - to leak test close one and open the other. That is the way a dual tank system is usually, a pigtail from each tank and then into the reg or solenoid depending where it is located.
 
#13 · (Edited)
Tell ABYC that ;)

A-1.7.4 In addition to the valve required at the
cylinder, a multiple cylinder system shall be provided with
a shut-off valve, or automatic check valve, at the cylinder
manifold so that each cylinder can be isolated from
pressure feedback from other cylinders.
 
#15 ·
The "cylinder manifold" in this case, means the T, I think. The dictionary definition of manifold being :

"A pipe or chamber having multiple apertures for making connections."

The regime in that pic has neither an automatic valve, nor a shut off valve, at the manifold / T.
 
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