liquefied petroleum gas installation installation usually consisting of fuel containers, pressure regulators, piping, hoses and shut-off devices, providing liquefied petroleum gas to ap
General
The manufacturer or installer of an LPG system is required to provide a declaration for each leisure accommodation vehicle or other vehicle, confirming compliance with EN 1949 This declaration must include the test results from section 4.3.2 and the information specified in Annex C.
Dynamic loads
The LPG system shall be designed to withstand the dynamic loads during normal operation including movement of the vehicle and to fulfil the operational requirements of the appliances.
Tightness
Requirements
The LPG system, including the consumer-operated controls of appliances, must meet specific tightness requirements when tested at a pressure of 150 mbar using air The pressure drop during the test should not exceed 10 mbar for a minimum test volume of 700 cm³ If needed, an additional test volume of 600 cm³ may be utilized.
Test
The test is conducted using air by first closing the taps of the appliances while keeping the shut-off valves open The system is then pressurized to 150 mbar and sealed After allowing 5 minutes for temperature equilibrium, the initial pressure is recorded A subsequent comparison of the pressure after another 5 minutes determines any changes.
All components of the LPG system that operate at pressures exceeding the working pressure must be tested for leaks using a suitable detection solution in accordance with EN 14291 This testing is conducted at operational pressure, and it is essential that no leaks are detected within a 30-second timeframe.
Second LPG supply
Only if a LPG power generator is installed and the total gas consumption including the appliances exceeds 1,5 kg/h it is allowed to install one additional gas supply
There shall be no connection between the both gas supplies
The cylinder(s) for both gas supplies can be installed in the same cylinder compartment
If two cylinder compartments are used, there shall be a warning sign inside both the compartments which advises the user that there is a second gas supply
!Inside the cylinder compartment it shall be clearly indicated by a label which appliances are supplied by each gas supply."
General
For road going vehicles cylinders shall be installed in cylinder compartments, except when they are installed according to 5.3 or when they are used in the conditions of 6.6
All cylinder compartments, except for 5.2 and 5.6, must be sealed from the accommodation space and accessible only from the outside Additionally, the placement of any cylinder must maintain a minimum distance from the engine exhaust system, as illustrated in Figure 1, which includes both a top view and a side view.
1 example of allowed position of the exhauster
The shaded areas represent the volume where no part of exhaust system shall be located without installation of the protection shield
Figure 1 — Minimum distance from the engine exhaust system
!Alternatively, thermal shielding shall be installed to prevent entry of exhaust heat gases into the compartment, or projection of the exhaust heat flow towards the cylinder(s) (see Figure 2)."
Figure 2 — Example of shielding that can be installed
Dimension E shall not be smaller than 25 mm The minimum area of low level ventilation shall be maintained, as specified in 5.5
NOTE In Figure 2, the area of low level ventilation is based on 10 000 mm 2
Cylinder compartments with internal access
For motor caravans and similar vehicles requiring external access through a type-approved base vehicle bodywork, internal access to the compartment is allowed under specific conditions Notably, the compartment must accommodate a maximum of two cylinders, each with a capacity not exceeding the specified limit.
Access to the compartment is exclusively through a sealed door or hatch, which must be positioned at least 50 mm above the compartment floor, ensuring a secure transition to the habitable area Additionally, the compartment has a weight limit of 16 kg.
Cylinders secured outside the vehicle
For vehicles of category N of Directive 2007/46/EC support shall be provided to secure cylinders outside the vehicle, but within the body contour unless a compartment complying with 5.2 is provided
The requirements of 5.4 also apply.
Requirements for the construction of cylinder compartments
The design of the cylinder compartment must ensure that cylinders are securely held in an upright position with the valve facing upwards, allowing them to operate solely in the gaseous phase This setup is crucial to prevent any unintended movement while the vehicle is in motion, necessitating the inclusion of securing mechanisms at both high and low levels.
A pull-out tray is allowed in the cylinder compartment to ease cylinder exchanges, ensuring that access to connections, changeover devices, and pressure regulation systems remains unobstructed Additionally, cylinder replacements can be performed without disturbing the installation or any ancillary equipment, and all cylinder securing devices can be operated without the need for tools.
!A label shall be placed with a pictogram of a cylinder and a warning sign "read instructions", see Figure 3, in the vicinity of the cylinder(s)."
Figure 3 — warning sign "read instructions"
Ventilation for cylinder compartments
Permanent ventilation of any cylinder compartment shall be provided to the exterior
For effective ventilation, if it is provided solely at low levels, the free area must be at least 2% of the compartment floor area, with a minimum requirement of 10,000 mm² In cases where ventilation is available at both high and low levels, each level must have a free area of at least 1% of the compartment floor area, with a minimum of 5,000 mm² at each level Additionally, it is essential that no part of the ventilation area is obstructed by a cylinder.
!NOTE Low level means in the floor, or if in the side wall touching the floor The longer dimension of the ventilation is on the floor level"
Cylinder compartments with internal access and low capacity cylinders
Fixed ventilation for cylinder compartments must adhere to section 5.2 and can be achieved through a single vent, provided that the compartment holds no more than two cylinders with a total capacity of 7 kg Additionally, the duct must slope continuously towards the exterior of the vehicle.
Electric equipment in cylinder compartments
No electrical equipment, including wiring systems, is permitted in gas cylinder compartments, with the exception of ELV (extra low voltage) equipment for gas supply control and cables that run through a gas compartment without any connections.
Such electrical installations and components shall be constructed and installed so that they are not a potential source of ignition
Where cables have to run through such a compartment such cables shall be protected against mechanical damage by installation within conduit or duct passing through the compartment
Where installed in a position where it is likely to be subject to mechanical damage this conduit or duct shall be able to withstand an impact equivalent to AG3
6 Pressure regulation systems and working pressures
Pressure regulation systems
6.1.1 The LPG installation shall have a pressure regulation system installed
Pressure regulation systems in road vehicles must maintain a fixed working pressure of 30 mbar and adhere to EN 12864:2001 standards, specifically Annex D or Annex M, with a maximum flow rate of 1.5 kg/h Additionally, automatic change-over devices in vehicles are required to comply with EN 13786:2004+A1:2008, following Annex B or Annex J, also with a maximum flow rate of 1.5 kg/h Furthermore, for each LPG supply, including any secondary gas supply, the flow rate of the pressure regulation system must meet or exceed the maximum capacity of the installation, encompassing all appliances installed by the manufacturer.
For caravan holiday homes with LPG cylinder supply, the pressure regulation system shall comply with either
EN 12864, EN 13785 and/or EN 13786 If applicable, national regulations for LPG installations shall be considered
The design of a cylinder compartment must accommodate the pressure regulation system, which can be installed in one of three ways: directly on the LPG cylinder valve, remotely with a high-pressure flexible hose assembly measuring between 300 mm and 500 mm, or on a pull-out tray with a maximum hose length of 750 mm It is essential to ensure that no strain is placed on the gas supply hose assembly when the tray is extended If the regulation system is mounted on a pull-out tray, the connection must also utilize a high-pressure flexible hose assembly within the specified length range.
Figure 4 — Example of positions of pressure regulation systems and hose assemblies on a cylinder pull-out tray
When the pressure regulation system is installed away from the cylinder, the design must ensure that accidental loosening is prevented Additionally, it should be impossible to apply strain to the hose or connections during cylinder changes.
The hose assembly must remain strain-free when connected to the specified gas cylinder sizes in the user handbook Additionally, the pressure regulation system should be positioned to ensure that the hose assembly rises continuously.
According to European Directive 2006/119/EC, if a heating system or any appliance is designed for use while the vehicle is in motion, it must include safety measures to prevent the uncontrolled release of LPG in the event of accidental disconnection.
There are two main types of safety closing devices for LPG systems: excess flow valves, which automatically shut off when a predetermined flow rate is exceeded, and crash sensor activated valves, which detect sudden changes in vehicle speed due to accidents and promptly close the LPG supply through an automatic mechanism.
Marking of the working pressure
Each supply line shall be permanently identified with a label in the vicinity of the connection to the pressure regulation system with the working pressure in mbar.
Devices to protect against over-pressure
All vehicles must be equipped with a device or devices integrated into the pressure regulation system to prevent the supply of pressure exceeding 150 mbar to any appliance.
Where an over-pressure relief valve is fitted it shall vent into the cylinder compartment or directly to the outside of the vehicle.
Connection of pressure regulators to rigid pipework - Low pressure supply
Low pressure flexible hoses, with a maximum length of 400 mm (plus or minus 100 mm), can be installed between pressure regulators and rigid pipework in the LPG cylinder compartment If a pull-out tray for cylinder placement is used, the hose length may extend up to 750 mm It is essential to ensure that no strain is placed on the low pressure flexible hose when the tray is pulled out.
When the pressure regulation system is installed on a pull-out tray, as specified in section 6.1.1 c, it is permissible to use rigid piping between the outlet of the pressure regulation system and the end of the pull-out tray.
Connection of a dual cylinder system
Changeover devices for the connection of a dual cylinder system shall be provided with an automatic device to prevent the escape of gas when either cylinder is disconnected.
Connection of an external LPG supply by means of a plug-in connector
For vehicles equipped with both internal and external LPG supply systems, a permanently fixed plug-in connector must be installed alongside a changeover valve This valve allows for the selection between the two LPG sources—either external or onboard According to Figure 5 (EN 561), the installation should include a connection positioned upstream of the regulator, which is wall-mounted Additionally, a manual changeover valve, as depicted in Figure 6, is necessary to prevent gas flow towards the cylinder valve when using the external supply and to block gas flow from the internal supply when the external connection is in use.
1) The minimum hardness of the male element surface is 270 HV10 for a minimum length of 15,2 mm
2) The internal diameter C shall be for a minimum length of 20 mm
Dimensions and tolerances of coaxiality and perpendicularity in millimeters, surfaces roughness values in micrometers
Manufacturers have the flexibility to determine the dimensions and fabrication details not outlined in Figure 5, ensuring that quick-action couplings equipped with shut-off valves of the same type remain interchangeable, irrespective of the manufacturer.
Figure 6 — Connection of an external LPG supply 0,5 bar
The inlet pressure of the external supply shall not be lower than 0,3 bar and not exceed 0,5 bar The inlet connection shall be marked with “LPG inlet max 0,5 bar”
The plug-in connector shall be incompatible with any external outlet connection (see 9.7)
The plug-in connector shall be protected against dirt by means of cover
The plug-in connector must be installed within the cylinder compartment, allowing for a secure connection to the system while ensuring that the compartment door can be closed without damaging the supply hose.
Hoses/Hose assemblies
Only hoses and hose assemblies appropriate for the first country of sale (e.g temperature resistance, colour coding) complying with the requirements of that country shall be provided.
Pipes
Pipes must be constructed from materials such as copper in accordance with EN 1057, seam welded steel per EN 10305-2, seamless steel following EN 10305-1, or stainless steel as specified by EN ISO 1127 Additionally, they should meet the minimum nominal wall thickness requirements outlined in Table 1.
Table 1 —Minimum nominal wall thickness of pipes Outer diameter mm Copper Steel
For caravan holiday homes, it is recommended to adhere to the specified wall thickness values; however, in countries where National Standards allow, alternative wall thicknesses may be utilized.
Pipe fittings
7.3.1 Metallic fittings shall be of the following types (see Figure 7) a) Cutting ring type fitting b) Capillary type fitting c) Flared type fitting d) Compression fitting e) Threaded fitting for nozzle
7.3.2 In addition, the following requirements shall apply:
fittings using rubber or plastic seals shall be used only for the connection of cylinders and pressure regulating systems;
plastic fittings shall not be used;
dimensions of cutting ring fittings shall comply with EN ISO 8434-1;
When using cutting ring fittings with copper pipes, it is essential to install a brass insertion sleeve and brass cutting ring unless the copper pipe meets the EN 1057 specification R 290 Additionally, all components must be from the same series to ensure compatibility.
capillary type fitting shall comply with EN 1254-1 and shall be joined by hard soldering;
flared type fitting shall comply with ISO 8434-2;
threaded fitting for nozzle EN 1254-4 or EN 10226-1;
for caravan holiday homes only, other connections may be used, if they are in accordance with national standards
Jointing materials
Only jointing compounds that meet EN 751-2 standards and are suitable for LPG use should be utilized, following the manufacturer's instructions These compounds must be applied exclusively to the male threads of threaded fittings, as indicated in Figure 7 Additionally, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape that complies with EN 751-3 and is used according to the manufacturer's guidelines is also acceptable.
Jointing compounds shall not be used on all other fittings.
Shut-off valves
Shut-off valves must be clearly marked with “open” and “closed” positions and comply with the tightness standards of EN 331 It should be impossible to accidentally switch the valve to the “open” position For control handles that operate by turning, the “closed” position should be set at 90° in either direction from the fully “open” position.
This paragraph does not apply to installations according to 8.8.5.
Manual change over valve
The manual change over valve (2/1 valve) shall comply with the basic requirements of EN 331
The direction of the gas flow from the source shall be clearly identified by the position of the control handle
Pipework shall be protected against mechanical damage either by its location or other means (e.g grommets)
Pipes and other parts of the LPG system shall be protected by anticorrosion measures, e.g plastic coating or bituminous paintwork, or be of corrosion resistant material
Pipes must be appropriately sized to ensure that the pressure drop from the pressure regulation system outlet does not lower the appliance inlet pressure below the minimum acceptable level for any connected appliances This requirement is verified by testing the system with the pressure regulator set to the minimum outlet pressure as per the relevant standard, while all installed appliances operate simultaneously at their maximum capacity.
The bore of the pipe shall not be restricted by deformation
All joints shall be made in such a manner as to avoid stress on the fitting and piping
8.6 Positioning of LPG pipes near to other services
To ensure safety, LPG pipes must be installed away from electric supply lines, utilizing spacing, insulation, sheathing, or other protective measures In the absence of such protections, a minimum distance must be maintained between gas pipes, accessories, and electric supply lines.
Contact shall be avoided with any other services
If confusion with other services is possible the LPG pipes shall be clearly identified
In road vehicles, steel or stainless steel pipes must be secured at intervals of no more than 1,000 mm, while copper pipes should be secured at intervals not exceeding 500 mm It is essential that pipework support clips and their fastenings are sufficiently robust for their intended use, designed to reduce abrasion and vibrations, and to prevent electrolytic corrosion.
In caravan holiday homes the intervals between the fasteners for copper pipes with a outside diameter of
15 mm or greater may be increased up to 1 000 mm
8.8.1 All LPG systems shall include a main shut-off valve, which shall be readily accessible, preferably in the cylinder compartment
For optimal safety, the LPG system can utilize the shut-off valve of the LPG tank and the cylinder valve, allowing for a maximum of two vessels It is recommended that these shut-off valves be located in the same area, ideally within the cylinder compartment.
8.8.2 Each appliance shall have an individual shut-off valve in its supply line
8.8.3 All shut-off valves actuators such as handles or switches shall be readily accessible and have unmistakable means of identification of the "open" and "closed"position
8.8.4 Shut-off valves not situated immediately adjacent to the appliance shall carry unmistakable means of identification of the appliance they control
8.8.5 If only one single appliance is installed the cylinder valve may be used as the shut-off valve for the appliance
8.8.6 Shut-off valves installed on the outside of a vehicle shall be protected against dirt by positioning or covers
8.9 Equipotential bonding of LPG pipes
Pipes conveying gas shall not be used as a bonding conductor Bonding to the ground continuity conductor is required
9 Connection of appliances to the LPG supply installation
9.1 Appliances shall be connected to the gas supply by metallic piping which shall be rigid and free of stress
For cooking appliances that must be relocated from their transport position to their operational position, the stipulations of section 9.1 are not applicable, provided that a low-pressure hose conforming to section 7.1 is utilized and specific conditions are satisfied.
the length of the hose shall be as short as possible and not exceeding 750 mm;
a shut-off valve shall be fitted immediately before the flexible hose assembly;
the hose shall be protected against any stress, mechanical damage and overheating by positioning;
the hose shall be readily accessible and shall not pass through or be installed behind walls, above ceilings or under floors."
Requirement 9.1 is not applicable to cooking appliances in caravan holiday homes that are certified for installation with a flexible hose, provided that the hose is included as a component of the appliance.
For LPG power generators that generate mechanical vibrations during operation, it is essential that the connection to the LPG supply installation is designed to accommodate these vibrations effectively.
Components, assemblies, and appliances that may require routine maintenance must be connected to the gas circuit using mechanical couplings, unions, compression couplings, cutting ring couplings, or plug-in connectors These connections should include an integrated isolation valve that automatically closes during disconnection.
9.8 All plug-in socket outlets shall be marked with the nominal working pressure and a warning: “No LPG insert!”
9.9 All plug-in socket outlets shall be protected against dirt by means of cover
9.10 All plug-in socket outlets for LPG shall not contain power supply plug-ins jointly
9.11 All plug-in socket outlets shall be incompatible with any external supply connections
10.1.1 All appliances shall be provided with relevant instructions relating to their installation in leisure accommodation vehicles and other vehicles
NOTE Gas appliances are covered by the EU Directive (2009/142/EC)
10.1.2 A flame supervision device shall be fitted to all appliance burner(s) including pilot burners
All appliances shall be installed and fixed in accordance with the appliance installation instructions
When installing inset or built-in appliances, it is crucial to ensure adequate air supply for combustion, safe removal of combustion products, and prevention of unburned gas accumulation Additionally, adherence to manufacturer instructions is essential to prevent overheating of adjacent surfaces and appliance malfunction due to interactions with other appliances It is also important to avoid obstructing emergency exits and to maintain sufficient free space around all appliances for regular inspection and servicing, in accordance with relevant standards such as EN 1645-1, EN 1646-1, and EN 1647.
10.3.1 Space heating appliances in caravans, motor caravans and other road vehicles
Space heaters used in caravans, motorhomes, and other road vehicles must be of the room-sealed type and adhere to EN 624 standards Their installation and positioning should be done carefully to reduce the risk of burns to occupants from accidental contact with hot surfaces.
10.3.2 Space heating appliances in caravan holiday homes
Closed-flue appliances are permitted in caravan holiday homes, provided their installation adheres to the manufacturer's guidelines This includes proper positioning, flue lengths, safeguards against overheating of nearby surfaces, and ensuring adequate fixed ventilation.
10.4.1 Water heaters in caravans, motor caravans and other road vehicles
Water heaters in caravans, motor caravans and other road vehicles shall be of the room sealed type and shall comply with EN 15033
10.4.2 Water heaters in caravan holiday homes
In caravan holiday homes, room-sealed water heaters are preferred, while open flued appliances are acceptable under specific conditions These include strict adherence to manufacturer instructions and national legislation regarding positioning, flueing, ventilation, and protection from overheating Open flued water heaters must not be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms, shower rooms, or toilets unless they are in a sealed compartment ventilated to the exterior Maintenance access should be through an external door Open flued water heaters with a nominal heat input not exceeding 14 kW can be installed in principal habitation areas with safety controls to prevent dangerous combustion products from accumulating For heaters exceeding 14 kW, installation must occur in an enclosed cupboard in a non-sleeping area, separated from sleeping accommodations, with fixed ventilation to remove combustion products and heat The ventilation must provide a minimum clear opening of 1,000 mm² per kW of nominal heat input, and a warning label must indicate that the cupboard is not for storage Access for operation and maintenance must be ensured.
1 bedroom, bathroom, shower or toilet
2 outlet terminal for the products of combustion
Figure 8 — Installation of open-flued appliances in sealed compartments 10.5 Cooking appliances
Cooking appliances installed in accordance with 9.2 shall be stable in use and storage In road vehicles only cooking appliances with burner caps secured in place shall be installed
Refrigerators shall comply with EN 732 Refrigerators shall be installed so that the combustion air for the burner is taken from, and the exhaust gases are vented to the outside
Gas lights shall be located to avoid overheating of adjacent surfaces especially the ceiling according to the appliance manufacturer's specification
Fuel cells using LPG as fuel shall be installed according to the manufacturer instructions
LPG power generators must be installed following manufacturer instructions and specific guidelines The generator should be placed in a compartment separate from living spaces, with ventilation at both high and low levels to ensure that the temperature of combustible materials does not exceed 50 K The ventilation area must be at least 1% of the compartment's floor area, with a minimum of 5,000 mm² at each level Additionally, the generator's operation should not compromise the gas supply connection's integrity The exhaust flue must be designed to maintain ambient temperature increases within the construction of the leisure accommodation vehicle to no more than 50 K Lastly, generator controls should be easily accessible.
The flue pipe, flue terminal and any draught diverter required shall be as specified by the appliance manufacturer and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
Any flexible flue pipe shall be continuous between the appliance and the flue terminal and shall be contained within an insulating or combustion air duct
Flue pipes must be positioned or protected to prevent accidental damage, ensuring safety for individuals inside or around the vehicle, regardless of whether the pipe is located indoors or outdoors.
When a flue pipe is located inside a vehicle, it is essential to take precautions to safeguard it from external damage One effective method to ensure its protection is by enclosing the flue pipe within a duct, which does not have to be completely sealed.
Protection against mechanical damage
Pipework shall be protected against mechanical damage either by its location or other means (e.g grommets).
Avoidance of corrosion
Pipes and other parts of the LPG system shall be protected by anticorrosion measures, e.g plastic coating or bituminous paintwork, or be of corrosion resistant material.
Pipe sizing
Pipes must be appropriately sized to ensure that the pressure drop from the pressure regulation system outlet does not fall below the minimum acceptable pressure at the appliance inlet This requirement is verified by testing the system with the pressure regulator set to the minimum outlet pressure as per the relevant standard, while all installed appliances operate simultaneously at their maximum capacity.
The bore of the pipe shall not be restricted by deformation.
Pipe fittings
All joints shall be made in such a manner as to avoid stress on the fitting and piping.
Positioning of LPG pipes near to other services
To ensure safety, LPG pipes must be installed away from electric supply lines, utilizing spacing, insulation, sheathing, or other protective measures In the absence of such protections, a minimum distance must be maintained between gas pipes, accessories, and electric supply lines.
Contact shall be avoided with any other services
If confusion with other services is possible the LPG pipes shall be clearly identified.
Fixing
In road vehicles, steel or stainless steel pipes must be secured at intervals of no more than 1,000 mm, while copper pipes should be secured at intervals not exceeding 500 mm It is essential that pipework support clips and their fastenings are sufficiently robust for their intended use, designed to reduce abrasion and vibrations, and to prevent electrolytic corrosion.
In caravan holiday homes the intervals between the fasteners for copper pipes with a outside diameter of
15 mm or greater may be increased up to 1 000 mm.
Shut-off valves
8.8.1 All LPG systems shall include a main shut-off valve, which shall be readily accessible, preferably in the cylinder compartment
For optimal safety, the LPG system can utilize the shut-off valve of the LPG tank and the cylinder valve, allowing for a maximum of two vessels It is recommended that these shut-off valves be positioned in the same location, ideally within the cylinder compartment.
8.8.2 Each appliance shall have an individual shut-off valve in its supply line
8.8.3 All shut-off valves actuators such as handles or switches shall be readily accessible and have unmistakable means of identification of the "open" and "closed"position
8.8.4 Shut-off valves not situated immediately adjacent to the appliance shall carry unmistakable means of identification of the appliance they control
8.8.5 If only one single appliance is installed the cylinder valve may be used as the shut-off valve for the appliance
8.8.6 Shut-off valves installed on the outside of a vehicle shall be protected against dirt by positioning or covers.
Equipotential bonding of LPG pipes
Pipes conveying gas shall not be used as a bonding conductor Bonding to the ground continuity conductor is required
9 Connection of appliances to the LPG supply installation
9.1 Appliances shall be connected to the gas supply by metallic piping which shall be rigid and free of stress
For cooking appliances that must be relocated from their transport position to their operational position, the stipulations of section 9.1 are not applicable, provided that a low-pressure hose conforming to section 7.1 is utilized and specific conditions are satisfied.
the length of the hose shall be as short as possible and not exceeding 750 mm;
a shut-off valve shall be fitted immediately before the flexible hose assembly;
the hose shall be protected against any stress, mechanical damage and overheating by positioning;
the hose shall be readily accessible and shall not pass through or be installed behind walls, above ceilings or under floors."
Requirement 9.1 is not applicable to cooking appliances in caravan holiday homes that are certified for installation with a flexible hose, provided that the hose is included as a component of the appliance.
For LPG power generators that generate mechanical vibrations during operation, it is essential that the connection to the LPG supply installation is designed to withstand these vibrations.
Components, assemblies, and appliances that may require routine maintenance must be connected to the gas circuit using mechanical couplings, unions, compression couplings, cutting ring couplings, or plug-in connectors These connections should include an integrated isolation valve that automatically closes during disconnection.
9.8 All plug-in socket outlets shall be marked with the nominal working pressure and a warning: “No LPG insert!”
9.9 All plug-in socket outlets shall be protected against dirt by means of cover
9.10 All plug-in socket outlets for LPG shall not contain power supply plug-ins jointly
9.11 All plug-in socket outlets shall be incompatible with any external supply connections
Suitability of appliances
10.1.1 All appliances shall be provided with relevant instructions relating to their installation in leisure accommodation vehicles and other vehicles
NOTE Gas appliances are covered by the EU Directive (2009/142/EC)
10.1.2 A flame supervision device shall be fitted to all appliance burner(s) including pilot burners
All appliances shall be installed and fixed in accordance with the appliance installation instructions
When installing inset or built-in appliances, it is crucial to ensure adequate air supply for combustion, safe removal of combustion products, and prevention of unburned gas accumulation Additionally, adherence to manufacturer instructions is essential to prevent overheating of adjacent surfaces and appliance malfunction due to interactions with other appliances It is also important to avoid obstructing emergency exits and to maintain sufficient free area around all appliances for regular inspection and servicing, in accordance with relevant standards such as EN 1645-1, EN 1646-1, and EN 1647.
Space heaters
Space heating appliances in caravans, motor caravans and other road vehicles
Space heaters used in caravans, motorhomes, and other road vehicles must be of the room-sealed type and adhere to EN 624 standards Their installation and positioning should be done carefully to reduce the risk of burns to occupants from accidental contact with hot surfaces.
Space heating appliances in caravan holiday homes
Closed-flue appliances are permitted in caravan holiday homes, provided their installation adheres to the manufacturer's guidelines This includes proper positioning, flue lengths, safeguarding against overheating of nearby surfaces, and ensuring adequate fixed ventilation.
Water heaters
Water heaters in caravans, motor caravans and other road vehicles
Water heaters in caravans, motor caravans and other road vehicles shall be of the room sealed type and shall comply with EN 15033.
Water heaters in caravan holiday homes
In caravan holiday homes, room-sealed water heaters are preferred, while open flued appliances are acceptable under specific conditions These include strict adherence to manufacturer instructions and national legislation regarding positioning, flueing, ventilation, and protection from overheating Open flued water heaters must not be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms, shower rooms, or toilets unless they are in a sealed compartment ventilated to the exterior Maintenance access should be via an external door Open flued water heaters with a nominal heat input not exceeding 14 kW can be installed in principal habitation areas with safety controls to prevent dangerous combustion products from accumulating For those exceeding 14 kW, installation must occur in an enclosed cupboard in a non-sleeping area, separated from sleeping accommodations, with fixed ventilation to remove combustion products and heat The ventilation must provide a minimum clear opening of 1,000 mm² per kW of nominal heat input, and a warning label must indicate that the cupboard is not for storage Access for operation and maintenance must be ensured.
1 bedroom, bathroom, shower or toilet
2 outlet terminal for the products of combustion
Cooking appliances
Cooking appliances installed in accordance with 9.2 shall be stable in use and storage In road vehicles only cooking appliances with burner caps secured in place shall be installed.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators shall comply with EN 732 Refrigerators shall be installed so that the combustion air for the burner is taken from, and the exhaust gases are vented to the outside.
Gas lights
Gas lights shall be located to avoid overheating of adjacent surfaces especially the ceiling according to the appliance manufacturer's specification.
LPG fuel cells
Fuel cells using LPG as fuel shall be installed according to the manufacturer instructions.
LPG power generators
LPG power generators must be installed following manufacturer instructions and specific guidelines The generator should be placed in a compartment separate from living spaces, with ventilation at both high and low levels to ensure that the temperature of combustible materials does not exceed 50 K The ventilation area must be at least 1% of the compartment's floor area, with a minimum of 5,000 mm² at each level Additionally, the generator's operation should not compromise the gas supply connection's integrity The exhaust flue must be designed to maintain ambient temperature increases below 50 K within the construction of the leisure accommodation vehicle, and the generator controls should be easily accessible.
Flues
The flue pipe, flue terminal and any draught diverter required shall be as specified by the appliance manufacturer and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
Any flexible flue pipe shall be continuous between the appliance and the flue terminal and shall be contained within an insulating or combustion air duct
Flue pipes must be positioned or protected to prevent accidental damage and ensure the safety of individuals inside or around the vehicle, regardless of whether the pipe is located indoors or outdoors.
When a flue pipe is located inside a vehicle, it is essential to take precautions to safeguard it from external damage One effective method to ensure its protection is by enclosing the flue pipe within a duct, which does not have to be completely sealed.
The flue must be designed to ensure that all combustion products are completely expelled to the outside of the living space It should maintain a continuous rise or fall, as specified by the appliance manufacturer, to prevent the creation of a water trap.
In the absence of specific flueing requirements from the manufacturer, open flued water heaters must have a minimum vertical flue height of 600 mm above the draught diverter, with the roof-mounted terminal positioned at least 250 mm above the roof intersection.
To ensure safety in open flued systems, all joints in flue pipes must be sealed to prevent combustion products from entering vehicle living areas The cross-sectional area of flues must match the appliance's flue outlet connection for a secure fit Additionally, the entire assembly must remain stable and securely positioned while the vehicle is in motion.
Flue terminals
Flue terminals shall be sited in accordance with the appliance manufacturer's instructions preferably on the roof or in the wall of the vehicle
NOTE 1 It is recommended that flue terminals are positioned so that wind turbulence will not affect proper operation
In cases where national legislation permits the flue of an appliance to discharge beneath the floor, it is essential to implement measures that prevent the entry of combustion products into living spaces through floor ventilation openings Additionally, the terminal should be located as near as possible to the vehicle's sides or rear.
Flue terminals for gas appliances with a consumption exceeding 30 g/h of LPG must be installed at least 300 mm away from any ventilators or window openings in living spaces.
2 prohibited zone for discharge opening for the products of combustion
Figure 9 — Ventilators: Prohibited zone for discharge openings for the products of combustion
When an appliance consumes more than 30 g/h of LPG and its flue terminal is located directly below a window opening, it must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device to ensure it cannot operate while the window is open.
2 prohibited zone for discharge opening for the products of combustion
Figure 10 — Windows: Prohibited zone for discharge openings for the products of combustion
Weather protection
Where a flue pipe passes through an external structure of the vehicle, measures shall be taken to prevent ingress of water into the structure of the vehicle.
Draught diverters
A draught diverter must be either built into the appliance or installed according to the manufacturer's guidelines It is important to note that no extra devices, such as flue dampers, should be added.
Accessibility of flues
Access must be ensured for regular inspections of the entire circumference and length of flue pipes, including flue ends, attachments, and the outer surface of insulated flue pipes Inspection panels or structures should be easily removable using a simple tool, such as a screwdriver.
12 Installation of LPG tanks supplying LPG appliances
Requirements regarding the LPG tank and accessories
LPG tanks must adhere to the Pressure Equipment Directive and the technical specifications outlined in UN/ECE Regulation No 67-01, Part I, Annex 10 Additionally, these tanks are required to be equipped with specific accessories that meet the standards set forth in UN/ECE Regulation No 67-01, Part I, Chapter 6.3.
pressure relief valve (discharge valve);
manually operated service valve directly fitted at the tank
This service valve may be used as the manually operated valve to isolate the LPG installation in case of refilling if:
1) it is in the immediate vicinity of the LPG filling point;
2) and it can be operated without further actions by the user
An additional valve must be installed near the filling point, or an automatic valve should be used This automatic valve will ensure that the LPG installation is isolated from the tank during the refilling process.
Installation of the LPG tank and system requirements
The LPG tank and its service valve must be securely installed to ensure that LPG is only withdrawn from the gaseous phase The proper mounting position of the LPG tank is clearly marked on its shape, allowing gaseous phase gas to be distributed to all connected appliances.
The installation of the LPG tank, its accessories, and components from the filling unit to the tank must adhere to the technical specifications outlined in UN/ECE Regulation No 67, part II, paragraph 17 Additionally, compliance with EN 12979:2002, Annex B ensures that the system effectively absorbs acceleration forces.
The LPG tank filling unit must be installed at least 500 mm away from any ventilators, windows, or flue outlets in living spaces.
Pressure regulation systems shall comply with the requirements of EN 12864:2001, Annex D or Annex M with a maximum flow rate of 1,5 kg/h and shall be installed after the service valve."
Means shall be provided to verify the tightness of the gas system from the outlet of the regulator to the inlet of the appliances
If an LPG heating system is connected to the LPG tank 6.1.3 shall be considered accordingly
For vehicles equipped with cylinders and an LPG tank, a manual changeover valve must be installed in accordance with section 7.6 This valve allows for the selection of only one LPG supply source at a time, either the tank or the cylinder.
4 remote shut-off valve (alternative)
Figure 11 — Possible LPG tank and cylinder installation"
!A warning label according to Figure 12 stating to turn off all LPG appliances before refilling shall be affixed at all fuel filling points.
Figure 12 — Warning label stating to turn off all LPG appliances"
13.1 The user’s handbook including any instructions shall be given at least in the official language(s) of the first country of destination
The manufacturer or authorized installer must provide the user's handbook along with the leisure accommodation vehicle or other vehicle Additionally, they may include a certificate of compliance with the relevant standard and supplementary user instructions for the built-in equipment.
The user's handbook must include essential safety information for the use of LPG, such as a warning that modifications to the gas system should only be performed by qualified individuals It should outline safe usage practices, routine inspection
National situations in the Member States
Table A.1 — Normal working pressure for appliances in caravan holiday homes
Countries where underfloor flue is not permitted
Table B.1 — Countries where underfloor flue is not permitted
Country codes are in accordance with EN ISO 3166-1
Example of a manufacturer declaration stating the compliance with EN 1949, including the test result of 4.3.2
The Commission Directive 2006/119/EC, issued on November 27, 2006, updates Directive 2001/56/EC from the European Parliament and Council, focusing on the adaptation of heating systems for motor vehicles and their trailers to align with technical advancements.
[2] 2007/46/EC, Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of
5 September 2007 establishing a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (Framework Directive)
[3] 2009/142/EC, Directive 2009/142/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November
2009 relating to appliances burning gaseous fuels
[4] EN 561, Gas welding equipment — Quick-action coupling with shut-off valves for welding, cutting and allied processes
[5] EN 751-3, Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in contact with 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd family gases and hot water — Part 3: Unsintered PTFE tapes
[6] EN 1645-1, Leisure accommodation vehicles — Caravans — Part 1: Habitation requirements relating to health and safety
[7] EN 1646-1, Leisure accommodation vehicles — Motor Caravans — Part 1: Habitation requirements relating to health and safety
[8] EN 1647, Leisure accommodation vehicles — Caravan holiday homes — Habitation requirements relating to health and safety
[9] EN 13878, Leisure accommodation vehicles — Terms and definitions
[10] EN ISO 3166-1, Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions — Part 1: Country codes (ISO 3166-1:2006)
[11] EN ISO 14113, Gas welding equipment — Rubber and plastics hose and hose assemblies for use with industrial gases up to 450 bar (45 MPa) (ISO 14113:2007)
[12] Directive 97/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 May 1997 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning pressure equipment