Propane System Installation Checklist

These are often difficult standards to meet, so are common builder violations

1. Each system must have a pressure gauge installed in the LP gas locker. This is strictly for leak detection purposes, not volume measurement.
2. Each appliance, stove, heater etc, must be served by a dedicated, separate LP gas pipe or hose. No splices, unions or Ts are allowed in the boat, anywhere. All connections must be made at the LP tank(s) or the appliance.
3. The control for the valve, on most of the boats we are working with this will be an electric switch that controls a remote solenoid located in the LP locker, must be located so you do not have to reach over the stove to operate it.
4. The LP locker should be designed to hold only LP tanks, regulators, valves etc., no other gear should be stored in this locker.
5. The locker must be vapor tight to the vessels interior.
6. It must be located above the waterline.
7. It must open only from the top.
8. The cover must be gasketed and latch securely.
9. If the LP locker is stored within a vessel locker, the LP locker must be located as high and as close to the boat locker's opening as possible in order to be compliant.
10. Lockers must be vented at the bottom by a dedicated vent (cannot share with cockpit drains etc) that is at least .5 inches inside diameter and the vent must exit above the static water line, no closer than 20 inches to any opening to the hull interior (ports, hatches etc.).
11. Unused cylinders must be stored under the same requirements as cylinders in use, in the dedicated, compliant locker.
12. If hose is used for appliance supply, it must use swage or sleeve and threaded insert connections, not hose clamps.
13. Through bulkhead or deck passages must be protected from chafe with grommets, sleeves or sealant. The passage of pipe or hose from the interior of the LP locker to the vessel's interior must be secure and absolutely gas tight. This installation often suffers if it is made with sealant alone because of the manipulation required when removing and installing tanks. Purpose made through bulkhead fittings are available and desirable. Inspect this area carefully.