New Requirements For LPG in Caravans

Calor has supported the caravan industry since the company was first established in 1935. For over 70 years, Calor has invested in the ongoing development of new products and safety initiatives to benefit owners of both touring caravans and holiday homes throughout the country.

This fact-sheet is intended to provide clear guidance on the latest installation standard to affect caravanners, continuing Calor’s long tradition of commitment to all sectors of this market.

What is the new installation standard?

EN 1949 is a new standard for the installation of LPG into:

• touring caravans

• motorhomes

• caravan holiday homes

It partially replaces the British Standard BS5482 Part 2. However, BS5482 will be retained in a modified form.

What does the new EN Standard do?

Amongst other requirements, EN 1949 harmonises - across Europe - the installation of LPG in touring caravans and motorhomes. For the 2004 season onwards (vehicles manufactured from September 2003), manufacturers should comply with the new standard by ensuring that the LPG supply in new touring and motor caravans is regulated to 30mbar pressure.

What about caravan holiday homes?

They are unaffected, the mandatory pressure remaining at 37mbar for propane and 28mbar for butane.

How do I know my new caravan complies?

Your new caravan or motorhome will be supplied ready-fitted with a special bulkhead-mounted
regulator, labelled 30mbar, which has attached to it a “pigtail” connector for UK LPG cylinders. This
ensures not only that you have the correct regulator at the correct pressure for your LPG powered appliances, but also that it is checked along with the rest of the installation as part of the manufacturer’s soundness checks before the vehicle leaves the factory.

How do the changes benefit me?

The appliances in your new caravan or motorhome are now supplied at the same regulated pressure as those in France, Spain and other European countries, meaning you can easily obtain replacement supplies of LPG when travelling in Europe. To effect a safe connection with a European cylinder, you will need to obtain a “pigtail” connector appropriate to the cylinders available in the country you are visiting. This replaces the UK pigtail attached to the bulkhead regulator whilst you are using the European cylinder. When you revert back to a UK cylinder, simply swop the pigtail connectors back again. You will no longer need to replace the regulator.

I have just bought a new caravan manufactured to EN 1949. Do I need my old regulator?

No. You cannot use the conventional cylinder-mounted 28mbar/37mbar regulators as the gas pressure is not compatible with the appliances installed in your new caravan/motorhome. However, the regulator may be appropriate for use with other LPG powered appliances widely used in the UK, such as barbecues.

 

Can I have a new regulator fitted to my old caravan?

No! The gas pressures of the new regulator and your existing installation are NOT compatible. You should continue to use the appropriate cylinder-mounted regulator, and take sufficient supplies abroad with you, until you are ready to invest in a new touring caravan or motorhome.

For information on suitable connectors for European countries, visit the National Caravan Council website: http://www.thecaravan.net

For further information on barbecues and patio heaters visit: http://www.calorbbqshop.co.uk.

For information on other appliances, and regulators for a variety of uses, contact your local Calor Centre or
Calor Gas dealer, or call: 0800 662 663