Liquid Gas UK is urging installers to check LPG regulator replacement dates in homes, motorhomes and holiday park appliances.
According to a statement, LPG regulators have limited lifespans and can become faulty if not replaced at the time recommended by the manufacturer, which is often every ten years.
Richard Hakeem, director of technical and safety policy, at Liquid Gas UK explained that regulators play an important role in reducing the pressure of LPG in the cylinder to the much lower pressure required to run the appliance.
Richard said: “If a regulator fails, it can lead to over pressurisation of the appliance and an accumulation of LPG, which is a fire or explosion risk if an ignition is present.
“All regulators should have their date of manufacture stamped or marked on them and should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the instructions have been lost or do not give such information the regulator should be replaced not more than ten years after manufacture.”
Richard recommended that when selecting a regulator, a model with a means of protecting the downstream hose, pipework and appliance from overpressure should be used. There are two main devices available; one for residential properties and commercial activities in the UK, and one especially designed for touring caravans and motorhomes built to EU standards.
He added: “The protection mechanism comes into effect in the unfortunate event of a regulator malfunction, so is a key safety consideration.”
These recommendations from Liquid Gas UK follow recent news that an explosion at a holiday cottage in Staffordshire was a result of a faulty, aged regulator, it noted. In the UK, approximately 193,000 off-grid homes use LPG as their primary fuel source for heating and cooking and is extensively used in holiday parks and motorhomes for its versatility, efficiency and low-carbon credentials.
Richard said: “Everyone in the industry has a role to play in raising awareness of best practice and safe use of LPG appliances. When installed and checked regularly, LPG appliances are a fantastic source of heating, cooking and hot water.
“If an installer has any doubt over the safety of an appliance or any queries relating to regulators, we urge you to contact the manufacturer urgently.”