Are GOK pressure regulators and fittings compatible with refillable gas cylinders?
The question of whether GOK pressure regulators and fittings are compatible with refillable gas cylinders is being asked more and more frequently. Understandably so – after all, the number of so-called refillable gas cylinders or tank gas cylinders on the market is steadily increasing. Campers in particular would prefer to continue using their existing components. But is that possible? Are larger pressure control systems like the Caramatic SafeDrive, Caramatic DriveOne or the DriveTwo variants also compatible?
The short answer is: Yes, in most cases GOK pressure regulators and fittings are compatible with refillable gas cylinders. For further details or possible restrictions, please refer to the installation and operating instructions for the respective pressure regulator or fitting.
Why are they compatible?
Both refillable gas cylinders and conventional gas cylinders generally use the same types of connections. In most cases in Germany, this is the so-called KLF connection – also known in technical jargon as G.12.
Important when checking whether GOK fittings are compatible with the refillable gas cylinder: First and foremost, the connection threads of the refillable gas cylinder and the connection on the pressure regulator or fitting must match. For Germany, this is usually the KLF connection.
Important: Connection of refillable gas cylinders
Thread size: Make sure that the connection on the pressure regulator or high-pressure hose matches the connection on the refillable gas cylinder. This is fairly easy to check when purchasing a new product. Either seek advice from a specialist retailer or carefully read the product description when buying online.
If you already have a pressure regulator or pressure control system and want to use it with a refillable gas cylinder, first check the connection on the refillable gas cylinder. You can find the connection type of the GOK pressure regulator on the type plate. You’ll find a detailed guide in this post:
Whether GOK pressure regulators are compatible with the refillable gas cylinder can, in some cases, be determined simply by checking the type plate.
Important: Pressure
Although it is only indirectly related to the refillable gas cylinder, it is extremely important for the proper functioning of the entire LPG system: When configuring the system, make sure that the operating pressure of the pressure control equipment matches the operating pressure of the connected gas appliances.
In other words: if the gas heater has an operating pressure (check the type plate!) of 30 mbar, the pressure regulator must supply exactly this outlet pressure. The outlet pressure in mbar is also specified on the type plate of our pressure regulators – here: pd = 30 mbar.
The important outlet pressure can be read from the GOK type plate. It must match the operating pressure of the connected gas appliances.
Filling prohibition for refillable gas cylinders – why?
Despite all the advantages that such refillable gas cylinders offer, we must always point out the following:
Filling refillable gas cylinders at petrol stations in Germany is strictly prohibited, as clarified by the German LPG Association (DVFG) in its technical information sheet. Regardless of whether you are a private individual, petrol station attendant or “trained personnel”, filling is currently not permitted.
The reason lies in the lack of technical regulations for refillable gas cylinders. Neither DIN EN 1949 nor the DVGW Code of Practice G 607 – both of which are authoritative for the installation and inspection of LPG systems in recreational vehicles – include any references to “refillable cylinders” or “refillable gas cylinders”. In the absence of a corresponding legal framework, a general prohibition on filling this type of container remains in place in Germany.
More information in this blog post:
Summary and conclusion
Yes, in most cases GOK’s pressure regulators and fittings are compatible with the increasingly popular refillable gas cylinders. However, it should also be noted that, as of August 2024, the unauthorised filling of refillable gas cylinders at petrol stations in Germany is prohibited. When this ban might potentially be lifted is currently unknown.
FAQ – GOK pressure regulators on refillable gas cylinders
Do GOK pressure regulators and fittings generally fit refillable gas cylinders?
Yes, in most cases, GOK pressure regulators and fittings are compatible with refillable gas cylinders. The prerequisite is that the thread connections match – in Germany, this is usually the KLF connection (G.12).
Which type of connection is typically used on refillable gas cylinders in Germany?
In Germany, refillable gas cylinders generally use the KLF connection, also referred to as G.12.
How can I check if my GOK pressure regulator fits the refillable gas cylinder?
You can determine the regulator’s connection type and outlet pressure from its nameplate. This must match the thread connection on the refillable gas cylinder.
What do I need to consider regarding pressure when using a GOK pressure regulator on a refillable gas cylinder?
The outlet pressure of the regulator must exactly match the operating pressure of the connected gas appliances – for example, 30 mbar. This information can also be found on the regulator’s nameplate.
Am I allowed to refill a refillable gas cylinder at a filling station in Germany?
No, refilling refillable gas cylinders at filling stations in Germany is currently prohibited because there are no applicable technical regulations for these containers in the DIN EN 1949 or DVGW Code of Practice G 607.
