When it cools in winter, spring or autumn, campers will reach for gas heaters in order to heat their awnings in front of their caravan or motor caravan. Here, the question arises as to whether this is even permitted.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Can I use gas heaters in the awning in front of the caravan or motor caravan?
Category: Camping & Leisure
Long-term and winter campers in particular love to use gas heaters when the temperature falls so that it is lovely and warm under the awning as well. However: Is this even allowed? A tricky question with no clear answer.
Normally, worksheet G 607 (A) of the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) defines rules which apply to LPG systems for caravans and motor caravans. Since this kind of gas heater is mobile and not permanently installed in the vehicle, another worksheet from the same association applies: G 612 (A). This regulates the operation of outdoor LPG systems (definition of “outdoor”: area with unlimited exchange of air).
Unfortunately, you will look through the technical rules in vain for the special application of operating heaters under the awning.Ergo: The use of such heaters operated with LPG (propane, butane) is not prohibited in itself, but also not expressly permitted. In a note, the worksheet instead refers to the specifications of the device manufacturer.
Good ventilation
This can normally be found in the assembly and operating manual provided. You often discover the statement that when you use the device in enclosed spaces, these in turn must be sufficiently well ventilated. This is actually contradictory when heating an awning, because the better the awning is ventilated, the more difficult it is to bring it to the desired temperature.
No definite answer
But what does “well ventilated” mean? This, in turn, depends entirely on the manufacturer’s specifications in the assembly and operating manual. Therefore: Check these carefully. It is often written that use in enclosed spaces is strictly prohibited. However, in our opinion, it is not possible to finally decide whether an awning is considered to be an enclosed room.
Safety devices
Especially noteworthy
In addition, you should make sure that the system contains an oxygen deficiency protection system.Heaters always consume oxygen. If the proportion of oxygen of the air falls to a hazardous level in a room, this safety device blocks the gas supply to the equipment.
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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.