Gas regulator

[laketime]

Looked at a job, residential 10kw generator, the customer bought and set the generator. The propane line was run to the unit but the gas guy did not install a regulator at the generator like I usually see. The owner just wants me to hook up the unit and see if it runs ok without the regulator. Do you think that is an issue not having a regulator at the generator and also not having the pressure checked before running the unit?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

There has to be a regulator between the propane supply tank and the equipment. It does not have to be at the equipment.

 

[charlietuna]

The regulator is probably at the tank--but i would not connect ANY gas line to the generator --too much liability. Let the owner or the gas man !

 

[ceb58]

Looked at a job, residential 10kw generator, the customer bought and set the generator. The propane line was run to the unit but the gas guy did not install a regulator at the generator like I usually see. The owner just wants me to hook up the unit and see if it runs ok without the regulator. Do you think that is an issue not having a regulator at the generator and also not having the pressure checked before running the unit?

DO NOT HOOK IT UP !!!!! The tank will have a primary regulator but a secondary must be installed at the gen. If you hook it up and turn on the gas you will be putting around 100psi on the flow regulator in the gen. This will burst the seals and cause major damage to the unit. The secondary must be installed to drop the gas to around 14" WC which would be only around 3 to 4 psi.

 

[ceb58]

DO NOT HOOK IT UP !!!!! The tank will have a primary regulator but a secondary must be installed at the gen. If you hook it up and turn on the gas you will be putting around 100psi on the flow regulator in the gen. This will burst the seals and cause major damage to the unit. The secondary must be installed to drop the gas to around 14" WC which would be only around 3 to 4 psi.

Let me correct my self on the secondary psi it should be 0.36 to 0.43 at 10 to 12 inches of water column.

 

[hillbilly1]

DO NOT HOOK IT UP !!!!! The tank will have a primary regulator but a secondary must be installed at the gen. If you hook it up and turn on the gas you will be putting around 100psi on the flow regulator in the gen. This will burst the seals and cause major damage to the unit. The secondary must be installed to drop the gas to around 14" WC which would be only around 3 to 4 psi.

Not all propane installations have two stage regulators, it's the better way to do it, but it is not required. It all depends on the size of the gas line and the flow rating of the regulator. If it is a single stage regulator, it will be set at the proper pressure at the tank. But I agree with not hooking up the gas line, as you assume the liability that you are probably not insured for. (unless you are also a licensed plumber, which is common with residential electricians in my area)

 

[ptonsparky]

Two stage regulation is a requirement in this area. Check the pressure before connection. You can rupture diaphrams on the genset if to high. Have someone else do it if you don't know how or don't have the equipment.

 

[laketime]

DO NOT HOOK IT UP !!!!! The tank will have a primary regulator but a secondary must be installed at the gen. If you hook it up and turn on the gas you will be putting around 100psi on the flow regulator in the gen. This will burst the seals and cause major damage to the unit. The secondary must be installed to drop the gas to around 14" WC which would be only around 3 to 4 psi.

I would not hook up the gas line to the unit. I will advise the owner to have the gas guy check it out and install a regulator if necessary.

 

[ceb58]

Not all propane installations have two stage regulators, it's the better way to do it, but it is not required. It all depends on the size of the gas line and the flow rating of the regulator. If it is a single stage regulator, it will be set at the proper pressure at the tank. But I agree with not hooking up the gas line, as you assume the liability that you are probably not insured for. (unless you are also a licensed plumber, which is common with residential electricians in my area)

Not to dispute what you say but I have never seen an installation with out a secondary regulator. And that includes boilers. Now I have seen what looks to be only one regulator on the tank when it is in fact a duel stage regulator. With a 3/4" line coming off of a primary regulator it will be pushing 100+ psi.