2 gas appliances REQUIRE 2 seprate regualtors and hoses

SEA3PO

I just learned something new.....I am installing a Dickirson Fireplace...and I already have a Dickirson stovetop...but in the instructions it says I MUST run a separate regulator and hose from the propane locker to the appliance.... news to me...I had just planned on using a "T" and a short hose....

I checked with Dickirson and they sent me a real nice explanation of how a fire could start...and also a copy of the law pertaining to propane installation from the Coast Guard... and of course they are right...
They are real nice folks to deal with...quality product too..

Learn something new every day...

Joel
SEA3PO

Larry H · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 3:19 pm Post subject:

Joel,

My understand of the regs is that you can use only one regulator and two hoses, but the tee has to be in the sealed locker.

Have I been misinformed?

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 5:01 pm Post subject:

why not two regulators,one at each item and only one hose to the bottle from the cab. i can see a concern with home built hoses and screw clamp but if you used custon length factory hoses, machine clamps, then it should be fine I would think.

Larry H · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 5:40 pm Post subject:

Tom,

As I understand it, all connections except the final connection to the appliance have to be in the sealed, vented, locker. The hose from the inside of the locker to the appliance has to be one piece, with no splices or connectors.

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 6:02 pm Post subject:

again the government making things difficult when they have no business being involved. If it was a commercial vessel then yes but all means they have a duty to insure the safety of the passenger. but on a privately owned boat??? that's not for sale commercial?

SEA3PO · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 6:03 pm Post subject:

Yes... the hoses have to be one piece propane hoses...the locker must have at least a 1/2" vent to the outside...(ours do).. the tank, solenoid valve, regulators all must be in the sealed locker...
each appliance must have it's own regulator... and hose...no "T" connections or additional fittings allowed.... I could install a shut off valve between the solenoid valve and the regulator but that was about it...
(so you could have on on and one off)

There is one "T" in the system....between the solenoid valve and the two regulators....

Joel
SEA3PO

Larry H · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 6:46 pm Post subject:

Joel,

If I understand what you said, then the solenoid valve is on the high pressure side of the line, ie: between the tank and regulator. Any failure of the solenoid valve then could leak high pressure (100-150lbs or so) propane or depending on the failure mode could not shut off the high pressure to the regulator.

I have a Trident propane locker and on this page, http://www.tridentmarine.com/stage/lpg_diagram6.htm, the shut off solenoid is clearly shown on the low pressure side of the regulator.

In any event, I installed the locker and included regulator and shut off solenoid as per the instructions that came with the locker.

Larry H · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 6:57 pm Post subject:

Tom,

This is one area where following the perhaps onerous ABYC regs is a good idea.

If you really want any idiot to design and install their own propane system, then perhaps you have not seen the results of a propane explosion on a boat!

I really don't want to be docked next to a propane explosion! Crook

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:07 pm Post subject:

larry, a idiot is not going to read the rules anyhow so they are not protecting you. you have at least one explosion ready to happen on any dock.

like I said if you are going to sell something commercially then yes it needs to be regulated.

SEA3PO · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:15 pm Post subject:

I was at a house fire once when a big ole 250 gal. tank lit off....it was neat.... Looked like an Atomic Bomb....there was a Sheriff (tommy terrific) standing about 10 feet away....it picked him up and threw him at least 20'....
He was not hurt.... but we took him to the hospital anyway...he had to be in shock...... later he laughed about it..

I guess those tanks have a blow off disk...when the pressure gets to high... sure was thrilling...

Later in the day, we were entertained by our chief chopping a hose in half... and on top of all that fun,....we actually saved the house..

Joel
SEA3PO

Larry H · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:45 pm Post subject:

Tom,

You are so right about the idiots! Sad

Won't apply to C-Dorys, but larger boats that have to be surveyed will have to comply with the propane regs to get insurance.

The surveyor's inspection of the propane system on my trawler is what got me to install the correct (I hope) system.

Getting insurance on a larger boat means getting a survey, and surveyors now are holding boats to the current ABYC standards for propane, fuel, and electricity.

Other than sinking, those are the things that can really get you! Wink

Larry H

20dauntless · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:03 pm Post subject:

Tom, my guess is that the regulations came to be from specific problems that people had experienced. And when there is a problem, the government (be it USCG, local police, fire departments, etc) is the one who gets called to rescue people. I see no problem with the government requiring that installations meet certain safety requirements if it means fewer government resources will be put at risk (and incur lots of expenses) rescuing people who did not properly install their propane systems.

SEA3PO · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:26 pm Post subject:

Well said..... I wish all states had "STUPID" laws.... Arizona and Nevada have them..... If you do something stupid...like driving your car into deep water crossing a road, and have to be rescued then they get a ticket...same with folks that go out hiking in blizzards and get lost...or swimming in the LA river overflow... and idiots that run out of gas in boats...on and on..

Joel on a rant ! (home alone)
SEA3PO

rogerbum · Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 6:57 am Post subject:

starcrafttom · Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:29 pm Post subject:

Hell roger breeding is the first stupid thing most of them do anyhow.

Here's one for you. I had one kid, one more then I wanted. so being in the corps, not corpse, I went to see the navy doc about getting snipped. he asked why and I told him that I had one and did not feel right about having another for a long list of reason. I was told point blank that he would not do the snipping until I had 4 or more kids. I told him if I have that many I will need a lobotomy instead. I ended up waiting until I was transferred to the west coast to find a navy doc that would do it.

My guess about most regulations is they come as a job program that some one gets to control. If you don't have a bunch of regulations then you cant have inspectors and compliance office's and all the staff and structure that goes with it. Government for government.
Now I agree that some things do need regulations and checks, the pharmaceutical industry as an example, but a lot is just over kill or no ones business but mine. OK off the box.