Install LPG gas – caravan procedure

Ensure piping is firmly fastened, protected and all unions and joints are accessible.

Piping should be constructed from continuous lengths, from the regulator to branch points and from those points to the appliance. Piping must be continuous when passing through sleeping accommodation.

Where piping passes through partitions or bulkheads the penetration shall be vapour-proof. Piping must be:

• secured against vibration
• protected where it passes through partitions or bulkheads
• sufficiently flexible to avoid excessive stresses resulting from movement of the caravan
• at least 25mm from any electrical service
• protected against abrasion, kinking, or permanent deformation.

Where rigid piping is installed, it should be protected from direct contact with metallic parts of the structure and be at least 100mm from exposed live parts of electrical fittings.

Do not use jointing compounds to compensate for ill-fitting joints and do not apply to compression joints, union joints or POL fittings.

Support piping with prefabricated clips of either the same material as, or of a material compatible with, the pipe and fasten with nuts and bolts, rivets or screws.

Supports must be provided within 150mm of every bend, elbow, tee or branch fitting, excluding loops, and elsewhere at spacings not greater than specified in AS/NZS 5601.2: 2013.

They should only be used between the regulator and rigid piping or between rigid piping and the appliance. Where there is only one appliance involved, a flexible hose can be used between the regulator and the appliance.

Protect hose assemblies from exposure to ultraviolet light. They should be separated by at least 100 mm from any part of an engine exhaust system and not subjected to temperatures above 65°C.

Each appliance must have a readily accessible (that is. without the use of a tool) shut-off valve installed (prior to the inlet connection). Valves must be of a quarter turn type and clearly indicate whether the valve is open or closed. The valve should be labelled with its purpose.

The high pressure piping between the cylinder and the regulator shall allow for vibration, either by including a suitable hose assembly between 500mm and 600mm long (with a nominal size of 6mm), or alternatively by providing loops or U-bends in the connecting piping.

Always use cylinder regulators with overpressure protection so downstream pressures will not exceed 14kPa.

Quick-connect devices or crimp fit

Do not install quick-connect devices or crimp fit fittings (for example vega or b-press) in a caravan.

Install all gas appliances in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

When installing the appliance locate it such that:

• it may be easily ignited
• maintenance and adjustments can be performed
• there is no hazard to the caravan or its contents
• undue restriction to the movement of persons is avoided
• the risk of harm to persons is minimised
• risks associated with the storage, use or release of hazardous or flammable substances is minimised.

Gas cookers should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Refer to AS/NZS 5601.2: 2013 when installation instructions or clearances around gas cooking appliances are not specified. Always install appliances in an accessible location, with sufficient clearances to allow access to, and removal of, all serviceable components.

Allow sufficient clearance from combustible materials so these surfaces do not exceed 65°C above ambient temperature during operation.

Gas cooking appliances must have a warning label attached advising users that the appliance should be ventilated when in use and not used for space heating.

If the gas cooking appliance is installed on a gimbal ensure:

• the gas connection is a flexible hose
• limit-stops are fitted to allow movement but minimise hose stresses
• clearances to combustible surfaces are maintained, otherwise you must fit a heat deflector
• the appliance remains within the gimbal at all angles of tilt
• movement is prevented when the appliance is not in use.

• All gas appliances should be approved for use and installed by a licensed gas fitter. 
• Gas appliances should be serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions or at least every 2 years by a licensed gas fitter. 
• Gas appliances installed inside caravans require permanent ventilation. Ensure ventilation openings are not blocked or restricted. 
• Gas appliances approved for outdoor use are not permitted to be installed or used inside the caravan.

When commissioning a gas appliance consider the appliance’s features and safety requirements and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check that LP gas locker or cylinder compartment labels are displayed in prominent positions and cylinders and cylinder restraints are in good order.

Set the regulator outlet pressure to 3.0 kPa with all gas appliances operating simultaneously.

Check the appliance is in safe working order by:

• testing and purging the appliance and the installation
• igniting each burner and adjusting where necessary
• testing the flue’s performance
• testing all safety devices.