Too old – too dangerous? Why you should know the age of your pressure regulator
Many operators of LPG systems rely on their visual impression: “Still looks fine – should still work.” But that is risky. Pressure regulators age unnoticed – due to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, aggressive ambient air or simply time. Even rarely used regulators can become safety-critical after ten years.
The consequence: functional failures, leaks or even loss of insurance cover – simply because the replacement interval was overlooked.
In this article you will learn how long a pressure regulator really lasts, when replacement is mandatory according to technical regulations, and how to correctly read the manufacturing date. This keeps your LPG system safe – whether in the garden, in a motorhome or on a boat.
Why the service life of pressure regulators is important
Pressure regulators perform a safety-relevant function in every LPG system: they reduce the cylinder pressure to a constant operating pressure that is safe for connected appliances. But like every technical component, the pressure regulator is subject to natural wear. The tricky part: a defect or ageing is often not visible from the outside.
Many users assume that a rarely used regulator remains “as good as new” – but that is a dangerous misconception. Material ageing, embrittlement of seals or microcracks in membranes can develop unnoticed. If replacement intervals are exceeded, the risk of leaks or functional failures increases – with potentially serious consequences.
Therefore, it is crucial not to view the service life of a pressure regulator as a theoretical value, but as a concrete safety-related limit in operation.
Even if no defect is visible from the outside, dangerous damage may already have occurred inside a pressure regulator.
What influences the service life of a pressure regulator?
The actual service life of a pressure regulator depends on many external and internal factors – often more than the operator realises. Although every regulator is technically designed for long-term use, the surrounding conditions can considerably accelerate the ageing process.
Common influencing factors:
- UV radiation: Particularly in outdoor use (camping, garden), intense sunlight accelerates the ageing of plastics and rubber parts.
- Temperature fluctuations: Switching between heat and cold leads to material fatigue and can cause seals to become porous.
- Continuous operation: If the pressure regulator is used daily or over long periods, the wear on membranes and sealing surfaces increases.
- Gas residues: Residues from LPG – such as oils or contaminants – can accumulate and impair function.
- Aggressive environments: Salt air, humidity or dirt (e.g. on boats or in workshops) put additional strain on the housing and mechanism.
These stresses affect the safety and functionality of the fitting directly – depending on their intensity. Even with proper operation, the pressure regulator ages over time – regardless of how often it is used.
A helpful comparison:
It is similar to car tyres. Even if you rarely drive your car, the tyre still ages. Over time the rubber hardens, loses elasticity – and must be replaced for that reason alone. The same applies to the rubber components inside a pressure regulator: even with minimal use, ageing is unavoidable.
The ageing process does not spare rarely used pressure regulators either: the rubber components inside become brittle – just like car tyres, which must be replaced after a number of years, even if they have hardly been driven.
GOK recommendation: replacement after a maximum of 10 years
GOK recommends what the technical rules stipulate: replacing pressure regulators after no more than ten years – regardless of whether the regulator is used regularly or only occasionally.
Every GOK operating manual contains a corresponding note, for example in the following form:
“To ensure the proper function of the installation under normal operating conditions, it is recommended to replace the equipment before ten years have passed since the manufacturing date.”
Important: The interval starts with the manufacturing date, not with the date of purchase or commissioning. This date is embossed or printed on the regulator’s type plate – more on this in a later section.
This recommendation is not a marketing measure but is based on technical rules and recognised standards. External regulations, such as DGUV Rule 110-010, DVGW G 607 (for caravans) or DVGW G 612 (for stationary LPG systems), also confirm the maximum replacement period of ten years.
The ten-year rule is a preventive measure. GOK products may last longer in many cases – but no one can guarantee the safety of an over-aged fitting. Therefore, timely replacement is an important contribution to operational safety – and in doubtful cases even legally required.
The operating manuals of GOK pressure regulators contain notes indicating by when the fitting should be replaced at the latest.
Differences depending on the place of use: these intervals apply
The general recommendation of ten years does not apply equally to all areas of use. In certain environments, the stress on pressure regulators is significantly higher – accordingly, the permitted service life is shorter. Relevant are technical rules and regulations, for example from the DVGW rule set or industry-specific standards.
Overview of typical replacement intervals:
- Private use in households or gardens:
Replacement after no more than 10 years from the manufacturing date. - Caravans, motorhomes, camping areas:
Also 10 years, provided no special environmental conditions exist. - Boats and ships (salt air, humidity):
Shortened interval – replacement after 6 years, as highly aggressive environments prevail here. - Commercial use (e.g. grill stations, mobile food stands):
Replacement after a maximum of 10 years, depending on the intensity of use.
These intervals are not arbitrary but result from experience and safety-relevant test requirements. Operators must familiarise themselves with the rules applicable to their situation – especially when inspection obligations exist or insurance companies are involved.
Because pressure regulators and hose assemblies on boats have to withstand special stresses, shorter replacement intervals are prescribed here than for stationary applications.
What happens if I exceed the intervals?
A pressure regulator often still appears functional – even if it has long exceeded the recommended age. But appearances are deceptive: ageing occurs inside, in seals, membranes and mechanical components. Ignoring replacement intervals can have serious consequences.
Possible risks:
- Leaks due to embrittled seals
- Pressure fluctuations or failure during operation
- Failing recurring inspections (e.g. G607 for caravan systems)
- Liability issues in the event of damage, such as gas incidents
- Loss of insurance cover if gross negligence is present
Important to know: The operator is responsible for ensuring that their LPG system is in a safe, compliant condition. This includes observing replacement intervals for wear parts such as pressure regulators. A “still works” approach is not sufficient – safety comes first.
Where can I find the manufacturing date?
The manufacturing date of a pressure regulator is the key reference point for all replacement intervals – but where exactly is it located? On GOK pressure regulators, this information can be found on the fitting’s type plate.
The last digits on the type plate always indicate the manufacturing year.
- The manufacturing year is now shown in two-digit JJ format – e.g. 25
- On older type plates, the manufacturing year is written out in four digits – e.g. 2023
- On even older type plates, the manufacturing date includes the month (e.g. “04/15” = April 2015)
For operators this means: only those who know the manufacturing date can calculate the replacement interval correctly – and thus ensure the safety of the system.
The manufacturing date of a pressure regulator is indicated on the type plate – it corresponds to the last digits of the marking.
Conclusion: Safety through timely replacement
The service life of a pressure regulator is not a theoretical value but a clearly defined period – depending on where it is used and the environmental conditions. Even if the fitting still appears intact from the outside, ageing and wear inside may already be advanced. After ten years at the latest, and in some cases after only six years, replacement is mandatory – technically, normatively and for safety reasons.
Anyone who knows and observes the replacement intervals protects themselves not only from damage but also from legal consequences. The key is reading the manufacturing date correctly and planning the intervals in good time. When in doubt: better replace early than too late.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the service life of pressure regulators
How can I tell whether my pressure regulator needs to be replaced?
The most important criterion is the manufacturing date on the type plate. If it exceeds the permitted interval (e.g. 10 years), the fitting must be replaced – regardless of its external condition.
Where can I find the manufacturing date?
The date is located on the type plate of the pressure regulator. It may appear as a two-digit or four-digit year, or as a month/year combination.
Why is there a shorter interval for boats?
Boats and ships are often exposed to aggressive conditions such as salt air and high humidity, which lead to faster wear. That is why the replacement interval here is only 6 years.
Can I replace a pressure regulator myself?
In many cases yes – provided there are no safety-relevant specifics. It is important that the replacement is carried out correctly and that all connections are leak-tight. If in doubt, a professional should be consulted. The note in all operating manuals states that installation must be carried out by a specialist company.
