Gas Solenoid

[alibaba 18]

The gas on my recently acquired boat is a good one, but it is getting a bit [!] old and obviously due an upgrade.

The solenoid valve is an Advance Fuel Components one, see photo, and getting one in NZ seems to be impossible. Burnsco have a shut off valve, as pictured, does anyone know whether all 12v solenoids are equivalent? or- do I have to pay over 200 to get one  here from the US?

 

[wheels 433]

Yes they work fine. They have to as they must meet a spec.
If you can afford to, I suggest you get a new BEP Gas detector. This detector has a facility that once the valve is energised with 12V, which is required to initially close the valve, the unit then drops the voltage down to 9V, which is plenty to hold the valve closed. The result is far less current draw and much less heat in the coil. Heat is always the killer of Coils.
If the valve you have is working fine and no leaks, I would put the money to a new detector. The valve seat is the only real wearing part. Do a leak test by closing the valve and put the out end in some water with detergent and look for bubbles.

[2flit 24]

It's interesting that your fuel cut-off solenoid is before the regulator. This means that the gas control valve that is actuated by the solenoid is handling the full pressure of the liquid propane tank. The installations that I have seen look like the ones in the attached diagram where the fuel shut-off solenoid comes after the pressure regulator and the valve is handling only 11-12 WCI. I'd double check the pressure rating for the gas cut-off valve? Some/many of the gas solenoid valves are only designed for the low pressure after the regulator. 

The Burnsco valve uses about 1 amp, while there are other valves that draw far less, like this one: https://www.oceansafety.com/product-range/gas-detection-alarm-systems/product/gas-solenoid-valve-12v-0-3a  The coils in these valves do break down over time, especially in installations were they remain actuated for long periods (i.e. with a propane space heater) 

[alibaba 18]

Thanks to both of you, I agree it seems to be more appropriate to have the valve after the regulator.I do have a very good gas detector and switch inside the boat which controls the valve. This seems to be working fine and actuating the valve OK. I think after your info. that I'll get the Burnsco valve but put it in the line after the regulator. It would be under much less pressure that way.

Thanks again

[Steve Pope 124]

You could just swap out the position of the existing v/v to after the regulator. If it's working fine why replace it?

[strath 2]

I recently got a registerd gas fitter to replace my possibly 30year old gas line on my Farr 1020 with copper amd fit a BEP regulator and shut off valve. 

I also had to add another gas detector under the oven to comply.

This was a very expensive excercise, however I now have a Gas Certificate, which gives me peace of mind, the last thing you what is gas explosion on your boat, and then an argument with your insurace company.

 

 

[wheels 433]

DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT have the valve after the Reg. It is designed to be fitted directly to the bottle and acts in the same way the bottles own valve does. The hole in that solenoid that the gas flows through is far too small for Gas at a reduced regulated pressure.

[alibaba 18]

Thanks Wheels, I agree, I looked at a lot of diagrams yesterday, and they all had the valve on the bottle side. Good to have a reason for it though.

Its also interesting. when you look up regulations. In NZ all connections must be crimped, but the UK standards say - no crimping, all connections must have hose clips.

[marinheiro 193]

22 hours ago, strath said:

I recently got a registerd gas fitter to replace my possibly 30year old gas line on my Farr 1020 with copper amd fit a BEP regulator and shut off valve. 

I also had to add another gas detector under the oven to comply.

This was a very expensive excercise, however I now have a Gas Certificate, which gives me peace of mind, the last thing you what is gas explosion on your boat, and then an argument with your insurace company.

 

 

Just curious with your "I also had to add another gas detector under the oven to comply."

Did the gas fitter inform you that the prevailing standard :ASNZS 5601.2 is not retrospective for existing installations, per clause 1.3.

His obligation under the standard (and the regulations which recognise the standard) is to ensure the work he did, ie replacing the hose, complied with the standard, no more than that.

I have raised this with my insurer and they acknowledge that there is no obligation to upgrade old boats to the current standard. This is also going on with EWOF's, people being told their old boats have to fully comply with the new standards (at a significant cost) when they do not.

 

[Island Time 794]

Agreed MH, it's a RORT!

But it's section 1.5;

1.5 COMPLIANCE
The requirements of this Standard shall be used in conjunction with, but do not take
precedence over, statutory regulations that may apply in any area. Where no requirement is
given, good practice shall apply. In a matter of uncertainty, advice should be sought. This
Standard applies to new installations, alterations and extensions commenced after its
publication date or the date of adoption by the relevant Technical Regulator. It does not
apply retrospectively to existing installations, but any repairs or modifications to existing
installations shall comply with the requirements of this Standard.