Propane System Design Advice

[WanderingCanuck]

Link to Propex/Heatsource HS2000 installation manual:

[rvpopeye]

On pretty much everything low pressure , the regulators are set to 11"WC.
There are single stage and 2 stage regulators , both ok to use but 2 stage costs more (and maintains pressure more accurately IIRC) . A good brand is Marshall.   

High pressure needs no regulation . That's all I have to say about that......

[WanderingCanuck]

I found this regulator on Amazon.ca, along with a video that very clearly explains the connections it uses.

https://www.amazon.ca/Camco-59313-Vertic...B0024ECBMA

I already have a flexible hose that I've been using for the stove in another application. I'm going to check what fitting is on the end of that, though I still need a regulator.

The manual states that 37mBar should be supplied for full heat output, but that 30mBar will work with less heat output. According to Google, 37mBar is pretty close to 0.5 psi, which many RV propane regulators appear to be. 11"WC is about 27 mBar, less than the lowest mentioned pressure in the manual. Maybe it would work with even less heat output or maybe it would cause a problem. It wasn't clear on lower pressures, and I probably don't want to limit the heat output anyway.

[B and C]

I found this regulator at Tractor supply https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/produc..._vc=-10005

It is a two stage with an outlet fitting that can be plumbed. It states 11" water column and has 160,000 BTU capacity.

Edit to add: My RV is set up like RVPopeye's. No compression fittings. The compression fitting is on the low pressure side on this heater.

[rvpopeye]

Sounds like you might have to use a separate regulator for that and another for any other standard appliances.

Should be doable though..

That $30CDN one is about the right price , maybe even a little less than here.

[B and C]

The one from Canada is meant to be mounted vertically. Watch the orientation of this stuff carefully.

[WanderingCanuck]

I see that the mounting orientation is important, likely because of the vent, but I haven't been able to determine what is venting. Is it propane gas, meaning these need to be outside?

[B and C]

All regulators have a venting mechanism and yes, venting propane in an over-pressure situation. This is one of many reasons I highly recommend an RV approved propane detector as well as a RV CO detector. A lot of people use propane tanks indoors and in vans. Does this mean all of them are going to explode? All of these safeties are there because of liabilities and all you can do is take an educated chance and prepare for the worst. You're more likely to be injured in a auto crash.

[WanderingCanuck]

Don't worry. I will be covering all the bases with CO, LPG, smoke, and a fire extinguisher. Not to mention having three potential exits kept clear and accessible.

[Flying kurbmaster]

All this tech talk PSI,NPI, flared, high pressure, low pressure, regulator, 11”wc,  is turning me on and making me feel inadequate at the same time, a bit like thinking of my ex with her boyfriend. This is my set up. I have a double burner stove, and a Dickenson 1200 vented heater. I have two tanks both 5bls, under the stove at floor level in a compartment that is vented to the outside, holes drilled through the floor, sealed on all the sides, and around the floor. I have access by lifting the lid from the inside so I can turn the propane off and on and remove tanks for refilling. I have an old bbq regulator on a short rubber propane  hose that goes from one tank straight up to the stove. I test all connection with a soapy water after each filling. Hose is attached to wall on way up with some kind of hose bracket.  The line to the heater which is at the other end of the van on the bulkhead is also a rubber propane hose that I have covered with an old garden hose to protect it and it runs under the van secured and tucked up inside the frame channel, to where the heater is and comes up through the floor and connects to the heater also attached to the wall with clamps.  This is connected to the tank with another old bbq regulator that I likely picked off a discarded bbq.. I have a propane detector and a smoke alarm as well as fire extinguisher. I never run my heater while I sleep, and turn off propane at the tanks and drain the lines after every use which is easy to do, I don’t usually stay in the van in very cold weather for very long if I did spend a winter in the cold I have an idea that I would install a 20bl tank closer to the heater in the cab of my van in a vented compartment with a much shorter line. I am thinking about how to do this but don’t see it as a priority at this point. I check the hoses on a regular bases for possible damage. Have had this set up since 2010. I have had no issues and feel safe. I am not recommending that you use my method as I am sure it is not to code but only sharing what I do and can assure you I sleep well.