13 replies to this topic

[leadsled9]

I have since relented, and gone back to code-worthy gas plumbing. I love my wife too much...

If it is illegal it must be so for a good reason. I wouldn't do it.

Some say the "code" was written in blood. I believe them.

Doing something against code in a system as critical as a propane system might just prove to be a poor decision down the road.

[MarkBC]

If it is illegal it must be so for a good reason.

There's probably a reason, but I can't see it being based on physics or chemistry -- i.e., it must not be a physical reason.

A rubber hose connecting the portable heater to the camper internal propane network (with a hose-barb at each end of the hose) is less likely to leak than a system of copper tubing and brass fittings.
The rubber hose itself will not spring a leak -- at least, not against the 0.4psi pressure downstream of the propane regulator. And the seal of the hose to the hose barb is a perfect seal (at these pressures) because the hose is pliable and conforms itself to the ridges/barbs of the hose-barb -- unlike metal-to-metal fittings, which have to be seated and tightened correctly to work.
Really, the pressure is so low that a hose made of Saran Wrap and duct tape might be strong enough to contain it (but I wouldn't advise trying it).
A propane dealer (owner/manager) sold me the parts (rubber hose, shut-off valve and a couple of adapting fittings), and he knew where/how I was going to use them. I asked the Propane Guy, "Do I need a hose clamp to secure the hose to the hose-barb?" Propane Guy: "No, it can't pop come off from the tiny pressure of the propane...in fact, if you want to remove it you'll probably have to cut it off".

As for the use of quick-disconnects, their typical use is much higher pressures than found in low-pressure propane, so I can't see how those would leak either (nevertheless, I added a shut-off valve upstream because there was no downside to doing so.)

Then why do RVs come with a propane detector? Probably in case a stove burner may not get turned off all the way....or a metal fitting might not be tightened properly and travel flexing/vibration could cause it to start leaking. Rigid tubing/fittings are more prone to loosening from vibration/torquing than flexible rubber.

On the other hand...if someone doesn't understand this stuff themselves then they should definitely pay a professional to do it and be bound by those rules.

From a practical standpoint, a "portable" radiant heater (like the Buddy or Wave) that was rigidly mounted and couldn't be pointed where I wanted the heat most wouldn't be very useful (to me) in such a small space.

If it is illegal it must be so for a good reason.

That's why I rarely exceed the speed limit -- because auto accidents are the biggest cause of accidental death.

[Barko1]

If it is illegal it must be so for a good reason.

Perhaps but in Chicago a lot of things were against code to better serve union laborers. Same in the railroad industry.

[leadsled9]

Freedom is all about getting to make your own decisions.

My girlfriend is a Safety Officer for a large corporation. She is the one who constantly tells me that the Safety Code (in this instance it's the ES&H Safety Code) is written in blood.

Everyday people make decisions to circumvent safety concerns.

That is absolutely your right to do so.

It's no different that the manufacturers GVWR issue......some folks adhere to it.....some folks think its a bunch of hooey.