{"id":11834,"date":"2025-06-03T15:30:28","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T13:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/?p=11834"},"modified":"2026-06-15T13:13:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T11:13:23","slug":"why-30-mbar-gas-pressure-regulators-are-almost-never-permitted-in-germany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gok-blog.de\/en\/why-30-mbar-gas-pressure-regulators-are-almost-never-permitted-in-germany\/","title":{"rendered":"Why 30 mbar Gas Pressure Regulators Are (Almost) Never Permitted in Germany"},"content":{"rendered":"

The question often arises: Why can’t I simply connect my 30 mbar gas barbecue to a German gas cylinder? The answer lies in a complex interplay of technology, standards, and safety regulations. This article clarifies who is permitted to use 30 mbar and why 50 mbar is almost always the standard in Germany.<\/p>\n

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Whether it’s a camping stove from Italy or a gas barbecue from a Dutch retailer, many foreign appliances are designed for an operating pressure<\/strong> of 30 mbar. However, in Germany, such devices quickly encounter legal limitations. The reason: the standard pressure for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems in households and leisure areas is 50 mbar. Conversely, 30 mbar is only permissible or prescribed in specific cases\u2014such as in motorhomes or caravans. This article explains why 30 mbar<\/strong> is generally not allowed in Germany, the technical and normative differences behind this, and the options available for compliant use.<\/p>\n

<\/span>What Does the Difference Between 30 and 50 mbar Actually Mean?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The specifications “30 mbar” and “50 mbar” refer to the nominal pressure of a gas appliance or pressure regulator. This denotes the pressure at which gas flows from the regulator to the appliance. It concerns a low-pressure range crucial for the safe operation of LPG appliances<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Technically, pressure directly influences the required volumetric flow rate. At 30 mbar, a higher volumetric flow is needed to deliver the same amount of gas compared to 50 mbar. Therefore, 30 mbar appliances typically have larger burner nozzles than 50 mbar appliances. The performance of a gas appliance thus depends not only on pressure but also on the combination of pressure and nozzle cross-section.<\/p>\n

An incorrect combination of these factors can lead to problems: if the nozzle size isn’t suited to the existing pressure, issues like incomplete combustion, overheating, or inadequate performance may arise. Hence, it’s essential that pressure regulators and connected gas appliances<\/strong> are always matched appropriately.<\/p>\n

\"Only
Only when the gas pressure regulator and the appliance are compatible is safe and efficient operation possible.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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<\/span>Why Is 50 mbar the Standard in Germany?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The operating pressure<\/strong> of 50 mbar has been established in Germany for decades and is anchored in national regulations as the standard. This value originally stemmed from practical experiences with household and garden gas appliances that rely on this pressure for sufficient heating performance and stable combustion.<\/p>\n

A significant advantage of 50 mbar is the higher gas throughput with consistent nozzle size. This allows high-performance devices like gas barbecues, patio heaters, or cooktops to operate efficiently. Moreover, it’s been observed that 50 mbar facilitates particularly clean and even combustion when burner nozzles are appropriately designed.<\/p>\n

From a normative perspective, the 50 mbar value has also prevailed. In Germany, the Technical Rules for LPG<\/strong> (TRF) and corresponding DVGW codes specify this pressure for nearly all stationary and mobile installations. The appliance industry has adapted accordingly: LPG appliances approved in Germany for home and garden use are designed for 50 mbar and are CE-certified (marked G50).<\/p>\n

Other European countries primarily use 30 mbar due to historical reasons. A complete EU-wide harmonization currently exists only for specific applications, such as camping vehicles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>Why Are 30 mbar Pressure Regulators (Mostly) Not Allowed in Germany?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The primary legal basis for operating LPG appliances<\/strong> in Germany is the DVGW regulations and the Technical Rules for LPG (TRF). These clearly define that in fixed installations (e.g., gas stoves in residential buildings) and mobile leisure devices outdoors (gas barbecues, patio heaters, etc.), only a connection pressure of 50 mbar is permissible. Pressure regulators with 30 mbar are not allowed in these areas.<\/p>\n

The prohibition isn’t primarily due to a lack of safety features but because 30 mbar pressure regulators are simply not included in the relevant German regulations. The TRF and pertinent DVGW codes exclusively define a connection pressure of 50 mbar as the permissible operating pressure for stationary and mobile installations outside of camping vehicles. Since 30 mbar isn’t mentioned, using such regulators in these areas is, by definition, not permitted.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the risk of misuse is high: if a 30 mbar appliance is accidentally operated with a 50 mbar regulator, dangers like overheating, incomplete combustion, or even fire hazards can occur. To eliminate such risks, German regulations emphasize standardization and prescribe 50 mbar as the uniform standard<\/strong> pressure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In summary: 30 mbar regulators may only be used in Germany where explicitly intended\u2014particularly in camping vehicles according to European standard DIN EN 1949<\/strong>. In all other cases, operation is not permitted and may have legal and insurance implications.<\/p>\n

\"The
The European standard DIN EN 1949 permits the use of 30\u202fmbar gas pressure regulators in motorhomes and caravans.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/span>When and Where Is 30 mbar Permitted\u2014in Caravans or Motorhomes?<\/span><\/h2>\n

While 30 mbar pressure regulators are generally not permitted in most areas in Germany, there’s a significant exception: camping vehicles like caravans and motorhomes. Here, the European standard DIN EN 1949 Annex D applies, defining an operating pressure of 30 mbar as standard. These requirements have been adopted in Germany into DVGW Code G 607 and have been mandatory for newly approved leisure vehicles<\/strong> since 2006.<\/p>\n

This means: all newer motorhomes and caravans must, since 2006, be operated with a gas system designed for 30 mbar. Vehicles built before the introduction of this standard in 2006 with a 50 mbar system are protected under a grandfather clause. They may continue to be operated and will not face objections during gas inspections<\/strong>. Converting to 30 mbar in such cases is voluntary but not required.<\/p>\n

The use of 30 mbar appliances at permanently installed external gas sockets on motorhomes or caravans is also permitted. These are directly connected to the onboard system, operate at the same operating pressure, and are legally considered part of the vehicle installation. The prerequisite is that the appliances used are designed for 30 mbar and are operated with suitable connections.<\/p>\n