LP gas is a camper’s best friend. It can provide warmth on a chilly day, heat water to shower with, keep food cold in the fridge and allow us to cook on the road. Propane instantly lets us enjoy the amenities and creature comforts we are accustomed to. We don’t even think about it; it’s taken for granted that when you push that button, almost like magic, it responds to your needs.
What is LP Gas?
But what is LP gas? Should we be afraid of it or just continue to take it for granted? Liquid propane, more commonly known as LP gas, gets its name because it is stored in a liquid state. When LP gas is manufactured, it is stored under pressure, which causes it to liquefy. When the pressure is released, the liquid turns back into a vapor. LP gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless. To assist in detecting a leak, an odorant is added when it is manufactured. If you are not familiar with the odor of LP gas, the next time you go to a qualified fill station, ask the attendant to let you smell it. Most people compare the smell to rotten eggs.
Respect It, Don’t Fear It
Should you be afraid of LP gas? No. You should respect it, though, because all gases have dangerous characteristics. But LP gas is one of the safest petroleum products around if it is handled properly. More times than not when there is an accident involving LP gas it is due to negligence or improper handling. LP gas is portable, safe when handled properly and it’s very efficient, so it only makes sense that it is used in RVs. LP gas is compressed in a liquid state and stored in container. Because of the amount of pressure involved, the containers are manufactured under very stringent codes.
LP Gas Cylinders & LP Gas Tanks
There are two basic types of containers: Department of Transportation (DOT) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The DOT containers, more commonly called cylinders are the upright type that you see on pop-ups, travel trailers or your BBQ grill. The ASME cylinders are referred to as tanks and are mounted horizontally, like the type you would see on a motorhome. All LP gas containers are only filled to 80 percent of their capacity to allow for expansion when the temperature around the container rises. LP gas cylinders are equipped with Overfill Protection Devices, or OPD valves, to prevent them from being overfilled.
LP Gas Detector
There is also an LP gas detector inside RVs that will set off an audible alarm to alert you if there is a gas leak. LP gas leak detectors are located close to floor level because LP gas is heavier than air and it will settle towards floor level if there is a leak. If you ever smell LP gas when you’re camping, or if the LP gas leak detector alarm goes off, you could have a leak somewhere in the system.
If this ever happens, extinguish any open flames and pilot lights, do not smoke, and don’t touch electrical switches. Evacuate the RV and turn off the main gas supply valve(s). Leave the door open and don’t return to the area until the odor clears. Have the system checked by a qualified technician before using it again. Note: False alarms can be caused by chemicals found in products like hair spray, perfume, cleaning solvents and because of low battery voltage.
RV 101 tip: It’s a good idea to take the RV in to your local dealership once a year prior to camping season to have the LP gas system tested for proper operation.
This article by Mark Polk was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.
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