Caravan FAQ's |
|
Answers |
Why do so many
caravanners rely on Calor to provide safe energy for their
appliances? |
Calor offers the widest range of liquefied petroleum
gas (LPG) cylinder sizes in the UK. They are designed and manufactured
to British or European Standards and as they are constructed
of high quality steel with a corrosion protective coating,
they can last for decades. The cylinders are subject to a stringent
inspection and maintenance regime at Calor's refilling plants
before they are distributed across our nationwide network of 10,000
retailers. |
How does LPG work as
energy? |
LPG - either butane or propane -
is a colourless liquid stored in a pressurised cylinder to
keep it liquefied. When vaporised and mixed with the
right amount of air, it burns with a blue flame and emits carbon
dioxide and water vapour. Stored and used correctly,
LPG cylinders offer an extremely safe and efficient source
of energy for a range of appliances such cookers and heaters. |
What is the difference
between butane and propane? |
Propane (red and green cylinders) has a lower
boiling point (conversion from liquid to gas) than butane (blue
cylinders). Butane's boiling point is around 0°C
so in colder conditions around and below this temperature it
will not work effectively, therefore propane should be used
in colder temperatures. Propane is stored in the cylinder
at a higher pressure and the propane cylinders should be stored
outside. |
What is the best way
to store my LPG cylinders? |
When on the road or in storage, cylinders should
be kept in an upright position with the valves at the top. Propane
cylinders should be stored outside. |
How often do the appliances
in my caravan which use LPG need to be serviced? |
All LPG appliances must be serviced regularly
to keep them in a safe and efficient condition. Calor recommends
that all servicing is carried out by a gas installer who is
CORGI LPG registered and carries an I.D. card covering their
competence. Always ask for a Gas Safety Inspection Record form
to be provided for the work carried out. |
How can I reduce the
risk of leakages? |
Leakages are very unlikely if you take care. However,
the most common place for a leakage it to occur is at the
connection points such as the regulator, valve or hose. Check
your equipment regularly and particularly before use, for
any signs of damage, wear or deterioration, and to identify
any missing items.
It is important that if you suspect a leak you act quickly. Open all
doors and windows, don't use a naked flame or smoke and don't turn electrical
equipment on or off. The best course of action is to attempt to
stop the leak by closing the valve and replacing the bung or cap.
If the leak cannot be stopped and it is safe to do so, the cylinder should
be carefully removed to a well-ventilated open space, clear of drains,
buildings, sources of ignition and other LPG cylinders. The Calor
cylinder should, if possible, be marked 'faulty' and left with the leak
(usually at the valve) uppermost. Contact your local Calor supplier
to arrange collection of the Calor cylinder. If assistance is needed
from the Fire Services please tell them of the presence of LPG. |
What can I do to reduce
the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning? |
CO is an invisible gas which you cannot smell,
taste or see. If gas appliances are t installed and
used correctly with adequate ventilation and flueing , and
regularly maintained, the risk of CO poisoning is virtually
nil. Accidents which have occurred as a result
of CO poisoning or asphyxiation are caused by a combination
of circumstances, including inadequate ventilation, unsatisfactory
flueing, poor appliance performance, user interference or
lack of routine maintenance.
IMPORTANT: If
you think your LPG appliance is producing CO, switch
it off, open all windows and doors and leave the room
to ventilate before getting it checked by a CORGI registered
installer. If you are feeling unwell, seek medical advice
immediately. |
Are different regulators
still required for butane and propane cylinders? |
It depends on the age of your caravan. Until
2003, butane and propane installations on touring caravans
and motor homes required different regulators - butane to 28mbar
and propane to 37mbar. From September 2003, all touring caravan*
and motor home manufacturers started to fit new 30 mbar bulkhead
mounted regulators (designed to BSEN12864) in accordance with
the requirements of the new European installation standard
EN:1949 which apply across Europe, making European touring
more simple. |
Calor
Toolbox |
Camping
Gaz |
|
The advice
and tips on Thomson T-Line History & Information are
free to copy for personal use, if you are a webmaster or
company who wishes to use these sheets for your business
or website please ask permission from the
webmaster.
Thomson T-Line History & Information shall not be liable for any damage
or difficulty, direct or indirect, arising from utilisation of the information
contained within these pages. |