Which GOK components do I need as a private individual for my gas barbecue?

In any case, you will always require a pressure regulator, also commonly known as a pressure reducer, and a hose assembly for the gas barbecue. Using an excess flow device in the LPG system is not always mandatory, but it always makes sense to do so.

The things that are and are not mandatory for private individuals when handling LPG systems are regulated by worksheet G 612 (A) from the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water. The worksheet title is as follows: “Operation of portable LPG systems in leisure time for outdoor use”. You may therefore only operate gas barbecues outdoors.

No matter whether you are drawing LPG from a 5 or 11-kilogram cylinder for your gas barbecue or from a gas cartridge, you always need a pressure regulator that regulates the nominal pressures used in Germany. The nominal pressure can be found either on the type label of the gas barbecue or in the manufacturer’s instruction.

Pressure regulators for 5 and 11-kilogram gas cylinders

Safety devices are not necessary for the private use of pressure regulators for LPG cylinders. Nevertheless, more and more gas barbecue specialists are moving on from the very simple pressure regulators to pressure regulators with integrated safety devices. And with good reason, because the pressure regulator is one of the most important components of the system. No gas barbecue in the world works if you don’t control the pressure, no matter how expensive it was.

For barbecue professionals, over-pressure safety devices, excess flow devices and pressure gauges are now standard. Why? Because they protect the barbecue user and other people from dangers before or during any occurrence.

Just like an airbag in a car

Such safety devices can be compared to the airbag for the car. The airbag is not mandatory and your car can still travel from A to B without it. However, if something should happen, everyone is thankful that it’s there. It’s the same with over-pressure safety device and excess flow device.

You can also cook steaks, sausages and vegetables without them. While doing so, something can always happen with the LPG system – without serious consequences, provided you have ensured sufficient safety.

Pressure regulators for gas cartridges/Campingaz® cylinders

If you operate a gas barbecue with a gas cartridge or Campingaz® cylinder as a private individual, no safety devices are required for the pressure regulator. For the Campingaz® cylinder, there is a pressure regulator with integrated excess flow device. See below for the reason why this may be important under the item “excess flow device”. On the GOK website, you will find anoverview of the pressure regulators for gas cartridges and Campingaz® cylinders.

Connects pressure regulators and gas barbecues

The hose assembly connects the pressure regulator with the gas barbecue so that LPG can flow between them. The hose assemblies from GOK and from other manufacturers are always orange for these applications, and are made from a rubber material with a textile lining, or from PVC. They are therefore very flexible and bendy.

When installing the hose assembly, please ensure that you do not kink it, even if it is extremely flexible. You should lay it freely so that no damage can be caused by external abrasion.

Excess flow device

The excess flow device is mandatory for the private use of systems pursuant to G 612, if the hose assembly is longer than 1,500 millimetres. Even if it is only prescribed from this length, it may already be sensible to have one for shorter hose assemblies as well. The barbecue user does not always have an eye on the hose assembly. If it becomes damaged and the user doesn’t notice, there is no imminent danger. The excess flow device detects the hose rupture and interrupts the gas supply.