BajaNomad

Setting Household Propane Pressure

CP - 8-29-2009 at 08:05 AM

Do we set propane pressure with appliance burners on or off?
We have propane OD water heater and industrial stove.
We want to set pressure at water column 11".... but is that 11" with burners going or not?
We are using a General GPK035 Gas Pressure Test Kit.
Thanks for advice.
-CP

[Edited on 8-29-2009 by CP]

Dave - 8-29-2009 at 11:37 AM

What type of regulator?

Russ - 8-29-2009 at 11:43 AM

This is crazy but I blew through 2 of the big regulators on my 1500 lt tank and went to a BBQ regulator. 4 years later no issues with the little one. I run hot water heater, 2 fridges, little freezer and the stove.

BajaGringo - 8-29-2009 at 11:44 AM

If these are all appliances with a propane orifice you should be able to use a standard propane regulator available at any hardware store around. Make sure that you use 3/4" for the OD water heater. It does affect performance...

Bob and Susan - 8-29-2009 at 11:50 AM

use a dual stage regulator

probably red or brown in color

other wise you need two regulators

one on the tank and one on each appliance

Dave - 8-29-2009 at 12:01 PM

Single high pressure regulator will give you around 10psi. Close enough for Mexican government work.

BigWooo - 8-30-2009 at 05:27 AM

The pressure measurement is always "static pressure" which is the pressure measurement in a closed system. In other words do the measurement with all the appliances off.

Make sure you also shut off any pilot lights you may have going.







[Edited on 8-30-2009 by BigWooo]

Pescador - 8-31-2009 at 09:02 AM

When you set water column pressure on an RV, you always do it with a stove burner on. Your initial call for gas will change the pressure. Try reading this info and then you can make a call for yourself. I always set mine at between 11-14 inches.

http://www.rvmobile.com/Tech/Technical.htm

BigWooo - 8-31-2009 at 06:59 PM

Geez...maybe I got bad advice, but I was told when I bought my regulator to do it in a closed system, which is what we did.

That made sense to me, because in a house, there can be a wide variation in burner size. There is no constant like in an RV. A house with a large burner would have a greater pressure drop when open than a house with a small burner, unless there is some universally agreed upon gas flow to use while adjusting.

But then maybe not....this may require more research to assure you make the correct adjustment.