LPG and natural gas regulators: how to choose and connect them safely

The gas regulator reduces the pressure from the cylinder or the line to the value the appliance can use. To choose one you need three pieces of data: the gas (LPG or natural gas), the required pressure (low or high) and the flow rate, which in the collection ranges from 4 to 12-14 kg/h. Hoses, valves and fittings must be chosen for the same gas and checked against the expiry date printed on them. On fixed installations the work is the job of a qualified installer.

Types

• Pressure regulator. Reduces the pressure from the cylinder to the appliance. Both low-pressure and high-pressure regulators are available; the stated uses include liquefied-gas torches. An example is the pressure regulator ref. AP/68R.
• Multi-outlet or dual-cylinder regulators. Some models have 2 outlets with valve and hose barb, a shut-off valve or a regulator with two flexible hoses. They are needed when you connect two cylinders or two appliances. An example is the Brico Prof Awelco gas regulators.
• LPG hoses and natural gas hoses. They are different products: the orange LPG hose ISO 3821 and the blue LPG hose are for LPG, the natural gas hose for the natural gas mains. They are sold in rolls of 50 or 100 m, in diameters of 8 and 13 mm.
• Stainless steel flexible hoses. Stainless steel flexible gas hoses have a metal braid and are an alternative to rubber hose for connecting appliances.
• Fittings and valves. Cylinder fittings, 2-way fittings such as the 2-way LPG fitting with nut or the LPG fitting with nut, hose barbs with nut and gas valves.
• Gaskets. Sealing gaskets for regulators, to be replaced when they are dry or damaged.

How to choose for the job

Features to look at

• Gas used. LPG or natural gas. Always check the data sheet: an LPG component is not a natural gas component.
• Regulator type. Low pressure or high pressure. It must be the one specified by the appliance manufacturer.
• Flow rate (kg/h). In the collection 4, 8 and 12-14 kg/h. It is the amount of gas the regulator can deliver: it must cover the consumption of the appliance, or the sum of the connected appliances.
• Hose diameter. 8 or 13 mm. The hose must fit the hose barb and be secured with the clamp.
• Standards. The data sheets mention EN 331, UNI 7140, EN 559 and EN 15266. They do not all serve the same purpose: check on the data sheet which product they refer to and for what use.
• Material. The data sheets list aluminium, rubber, metal braid and stainless steel, depending on the item.
• Packaging and contents. Box or blister pack of 1 piece; some items also include flexible hoses or a pressure reducer.

Common mistakes

• Looking for leaks with a flame. Tightness is checked with soapy water, never with a lighter.
• Using an expired hose. The expiry date is printed on the hose: replace it on the date shown, even if it looks intact.
• Swapping LPG and natural gas components. They are different and must be chosen for the gas you use.
• Not securing the hose with the clamp or reusing dry or damaged gaskets.
• Working on the fixed installation yourself. On fixed lines and connections a qualified installer does the work.

Frequently asked questions

Can an LPG regulator also be used for natural gas?

No, they must be chosen for the gas you use. Always check the use stated on the data sheet.

How often should the hose be changed?

At the expiry date printed on the hose. Replace it sooner if you notice cracks or deformation.

How do I check that there are no leaks?

With soapy water on the fittings and the gasket: if bubbles form, there is a leak. Never with a flame.

What does the flow rate in kg/h mean?

It is the amount of gas the regulator can supply in one hour. It must be equal to or greater than the consumption of the appliance, which you will find in the manual.

To choose between regulators, hoses and fittings, go to the Gas regulators collection and ask the AMES technicians for a quote or advice.