Plumbing a Propane System

[chicknwing]

I am looking at ideas for a method to plumb a propane system on a project and would like some thoughts and opinions.

Looking to plumb 3 items from an LPG locker (located above deck) first a 2 burner stove, second a grill, and third a tankless water heater. My question revolves around the best material to run the supply lines with. I am wondering about CSST. The appeal here is the ability to bend this pipe through the bulkheads and stringers. Another appeal is the reduction of fittings needed to complete the connections. Not sure if CSST is suitable for use on a boat, though it is widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction. I have read about the issues surrounding CSST and lighting, but I do not typically use my boat when there are moderate chances of severe weather.

Your thoughtful answers will be appreciated.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

First of all what is CSST? I used 3/8 soft copper to supply my Dickenson 2 burner stove and 9000 BTU heater on my Bayliner 2452. 7 years with no trouble, I check it with soapy water twice per season.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

corrugated stainless steel tubing

 

[dan t.]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

Well now I know, I have seen CSST but never used it,looks like handy stuff, I wonder how it stands up to vibration? For my barbecue I use a PAL connector between the tank and the regulator and flex hose to the barby, it mounts in any of 3 rod holders in the cockpit.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

with the same amount of experience I have the same concern.... personally I think I'd lean towards copper.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

Just thinking here: since metallic line is USCG required on the pressure side of engine fuel systems, and propane IS heavier than air, I would suspect metallic line would also be required on your components.
Just sayin'.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

Couple of things about csst - you need to be certified to purchase or install it. The certification is easy, about 4 hour course. Just didn't want you getting too far along only to find out you can't buy it.

While I don't know the specific USCG rules, I don't know why it would be an issue to use. It's specified for use in corrosive environments often. The only precaution you have to take is make sure the outer plastic sleeve is kept intact. The stainless used is just that - stainless, not rustless. That said, it's the plastic that protects the metal and keeps it from corroding. I'd be leary of copper corroding way before stainless.

What I can tell you is it's a dream to install. I've used it several times now, and it's so much easier than copper or black iron. The fittings are outrageously expensive, but you only need them at each end of the runs. If you decide to go this route, let me know the specifics (lengths of runs and BTU's at each appliance) and I can run the sizing calculations for you. They are slightly different than smooth pipe.

 

[chicknwing]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

Thanks to all who commented. Jon, I will get with you when I am ready to run the lines. Have you heard of the new CSST material called CounterStrike? Apparently the only difference is a thicker rubber jacket around the stainless. http://www.tracpipe.com/ wonder if this may not be better suited to my application than the original yellow jacketed material.

Edit - also I am not too sure you have to be certified to buy csst since it is sold on amazon

 

[rbh]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

Last year we had to get the boat re surveyed for insurance reasons and I asked the surveyer about going with a propane stove in the galley instead of the alcohol/electric thats there.
His reply was that under transport Canada we had to use a "1" piece rubber hose (same a BBQ) with no breaks or couplers in the center and if we wanted to use a grill on deck we need to run a separate line back to a junction block attacht to the regulator, and any time we went through a bulkhead/wall we needed to install rubber grommets.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

You can also use the flexible yellow 1/2" pvc gas line and line crimps...

 

[chicknwing]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

You can also use the flexible yellow 1/2" pvc gas line and line crimps...

Question is, is it ABYC and coast guard approved? I am thinking I am going to stop by the coast guard station and pose the question to them. Easy fix since they are about 8 miles away from me, and since I am thinking of having the vessel documented their opinion will be a factor in my decision making.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

Question is, is it ABYC and coast guard approved? I am thinking I am going to stop by the coast guard station and pose the question to them. Easy fix since they are about 8 miles away from me, and since I am thinking of having the vessel documented their opinion will be a factor in my decision making.

Definitely sounds like your best bet.

Interesting you can buy it on amazon. When I went to purchase it locally, i was told I had to be certified. The class was free and I didn't have anything to do that night so I took it. Most of the stuff was common sense, but the sizing of the runs was good to learn. The brand I have worked with is Gastite, I'll have to look into the CounterStrike brand.

Also, the flexible yellow line is Polyethylene (PE), not PVC. It's generally used for the high pressure side of the system, not sure it can be used on the low pressure side (the con-stab fittings rely on the pressure to keep sealed). Also, PE tubing is not UV stable, so it cannot see sunlight.

 

[chicknwing]

Re: Plumbing a Propane System

Also, the flexible yellow line is Polyethylene (PE), not PVC. It's generally used for the high pressure side of the system, not sure it can be used on the low pressure side (the con-stab fittings rely on the pressure to keep sealed). Also, PE tubing is not UV stable, so it cannot see sunlight.

Learn something new everyday. Thanks for the great info. I will be researching this further.