Hoses, Pipework and Joints

Hoses, clips and copper piping are all available in the Calor Marine Shop

Should be made to BS 3212 pt2.
This is the only standard suitable for L.P.G. vapour. Generally Orange in colour, however complete preassembled hoses may have a black cover.

Should be kept to a minimum practical length and not exceed 1 metre.
Solid pipework is more resisted to mechanical damage. I metre is considered long enough to allow the movement of a gimballed appliance or to facilitate the changing of cylinders. Longer hoses are at risk from kinking, snagging and being trapped by other objects, however hoses to short are at risk from damaged caused by stretching of joints and connections.

Should not pass though bulkheads, decks or partitions, unless protected from abrasion.
Solid pipework is more resisted to mechanical damage .

Should not be used where it may be subjected to temperatures above 50 C.
Temperature permitted by BS3212. High temperatures may cause damage to the hose.

Should be secured by with a hose crimp, swaged or clip.
Worm drive clips are expectable if made to BS5315 and used on the low-pressure section. Hose clamps fixed by spring tension should not be used. Clamps & clips should be of the correct size and have a band width of 8mm.

Should be replaced if over 5 years old from the date stamped on the hose.
Or if they show signs of : leaks; flaws; brittleness; cracking; abrasions; kinking; significant bleaching.

Should be made of either solid drawn Copper tube made to BS EN 1057 or Stainless Steel tube.

Purchase copper piping from the Calor Marine Shop.

Should not be made of Aluminium, Brass, Lead, Steel or Plastic .
Aluminium (Corrosion, low melting point), Lead (Creep), Brass (season cracking), Steel(corrosion), Plastic (low melting point, embrittlement)

Should be of the correct size.
Small pipes do not pass enough gas and are the biggest cause of poor performance of appliances. For more details of correct pipe size ask for leaflet on pipe sizing.

View our extensive range of boat fittings by visiting the Calor Marine Shop.

All joints and unions should be kept to a minimum
The less joints, the less potential sources of leakage.

All joints and unions should be readily accessible for visual inspection
For servicing and maintenance

All joints and unions should be of the compression type not soldered
Soldered joint at risk from electrolytic corrosion, vibration induced failure and melting in the event of excessive heat or fire.

Olives in compression joints should be made of soft copper
Copper olives are softer than brass and produce a better seal. Brass can harden in use. The different expansion / contraction rates can lead to pulled and leaking joints.

Jointing compounds should be only applied to tapered male threads
Jointing compounds can prevent the olive engaging properly with the coupling body at the mating surface. P.T.F.E. One wrap tape made to BS 4375 or LPG jointed compounds made to BS6956 should be used should be used only on the tapered male thread ends.