This article explains whether it makes sense to operate a 50mbar gas barbecue via the 30mbar LPG system of the caravan or motorhome.
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Can I operate a 50 millibar gas barbecue via the 30 millibar LPG system of my caravan/motor home?
Category: Camping & Leisure
These days, barbecue is to camping what the cathedral is to Cologne. After a long period where barbecuing with charcoal dominated the scene, we are starting to see more and more gas barbecues on Germany’s campsites. It’s especially practical to connect this to the LPG system of the leisure vehicle. But be careful: If you don’t pay attention to the details, it will be as if you’re in an understaffed rowing boat.
It’s now common practice to operate outdoor gas equipment such as a barbecue via the permanent LPG system in your caravan and motor caravan via an outlet box. An extremely comfortable solution with one tiny flaw.
Different pressure
For some time, the available vehicle models have an LPG system with a working pressure of 30 millibars. However, according to the applicable technical and installation regulations, gas barbecues for the German market must be designed for a supply pressure of 50 millibars, and must be operated with this accordingly.
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Losses in performance
In many cases, the first question asked is: Can I operate a 50-millibar gas barbecue with a working pressure of 30 millibars? The response: This is not permitted and you will never reach the maximum performance of the barbecue. That means that, theoretically, it may be the case that the burner doesn’t produce a flame, or only produces a very small one.
A visual comparison: Imagine you’re in a group of ten people sitting in a ten-man boat, but only six people are rowing. This is roughly what it would feel like if you were to operate the 50-millibar barbecue with 30 millibars of working pressure. In both cases, you will eventually reach your goal – but not very efficiently.
An exception to the prohibition
To get that coveted perfectly cooked steak and other barbecued food, some people purchase a gas barbecue with a working pressure of 30 millibars. However: Is that even allowed, in light of the requirement of 50 millibars in the worksheet G 612 of the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW)? Yes, this kind of barbecue is allowed only in this specific case – when operating a 30 millibar gas barbecue via the 30-millibar LPG system of the leisure vehicle.
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This blog will never ask members of the public or unqualified persons to make changes to or fiddle around with technical systems themselves.
In accordance with the Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV), a qualified person must take care of a system which requires monitoring.
A qualified person is someone who has the specific specialist knowledge required. This knowledge is gained by way of a professional apprenticeship, corresponding professional experience or current occupational activity.
Please note that the texts are based on information, regulations and standards for Germany. Please always check the rules and regulations in the relevant country of destination and consult specialists if necessary.