Propane Regulator - single or dual stage?

[geoffr]

I need to replace our Propane regulator and see that I can get a dual stage? What are your thoughts to the dual stage? Is it worth the extra $$?

Single stage I'm looking at :
Trident 1200-1411/

Dual stage I'm looking at :
Trident 1220-1411

[jstevens]

If being able to change tanks by throwing a switch rather than getting out the 7/8" open wrench is important to you then the dual stage may be worth the extra bucks. If not, or if you don't have room for the second tank and the larger regulator form factor in your propane locker, then probably not. FWIW, I went with a dual stage regulator.

John

[sailorchic34]

Dual stage seems way overkill for propane working pressures. Single stage works quite well on the boat and on land. I see no advantage with dual stage for 100-150 psig propane down to 11-14" w.c.. Everyone does it single stage.

[Empty Pockets]

Originally Posted by jstevens

If being able to change tanks by throwing a switch rather than getting out the 7/8" open wrench is important to you then the dual stage may be worth the extra bucks. If not, or if you don't have room for the second tank and the larger regulator form factor in your propane locker, then probably not. FWIW, I went with a dual stage regulator.

John

Switching regulator and two-stage regulator are two different things. Single stage is all you need.

[jstevens]

"Switching regulator and two-stage regulator are two different things. Single stage is all you need."

My bad. Should have checked the references provided by the OP.
I was referring to this regulator: Trident Marine LPG Regulator - Wall Mount 2 Stage w/ Gauge - #1230-1411 -

John

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by geoffr

I need to replace our Propane regulator and see that I can get a dual stage? What are your thoughts to the dual stage? Is it worth the extra $$?

All regulators will have some variation in output pressure as the input pressure and flow rate change. A two-stage regulator will have less variation than a single-stage regulator.

Accurate control of output pressure is important for appliances that are sensitive to over- and under- firing. A water heater or furnace, for example, would be damaged by over-firing, and would produce less than the desired heat output if under-fired. While these appliances usually have a regulator built into their gas valve, it will only compensate the flow rate within a fairly narrow range of input pressures.

If all you have is a cooktop or range, these variations won't matter much and you can use a single stage regulator.

[swampbush]

At least in Australia it is illegal to use a single stage regulator on a boat, rv or home. Failure of a single stage regulator can cause a flare up. Dual stage would reduce or eliminate that problem.
Not the place I would choose to save a few bucks.

http://gasequipment.com.au/7-differe...d-be-aware-of/

[hellosailor]

Interesting point.
Although from what that web site says, it is NOT illegal to continue using a pre-existing single stage regulator. It is only illegal to install a new one. Apparently they are being phased out but will continue to be allowed as long as they keep working, which would indicate the danger of failure that way is not considered significant.

[sailorchic34]

Originally Posted by swampbush

At least in Australia it is illegal to use a single stage regulator on a boat, rv or home. Failure of a single stage regulator can cause a flare up. Dual stage would reduce or eliminate that problem.
Not the place I would choose to save a few bucks.

7 different LP Gas regulators that every plumber should be aware of - Gas Equipment

Interestingly enough in the usa, Single stage regulators are used in homes, rv's and boats. In some special instances, two stage is used, but not together. You would have one at the source and another at the equipment. Only time I've seen a two stage is tapping off a high pressure main (250 psig or higher). All homes and light commercial in US is served by a single regulator. That's propane and natural gas.

[Chuck Hawley]

An auto switching regulator may do its job so well that you run out of propane in both tanks and don't have any back-up. At least this was mentioned to me when I worked at a marine store. Having to manually switch tanks is a warning that you're half done...

Chuck

[Cadence]

It appears there are several different ideas as to what the OP is referring to. I think Sailorchic34 has it right for what a single or dual stage regulator is. It sounds like down under has different requirements than the US.
As she stated the head pressure is so low why the to stage? It's not as if it were scuba tank pressures.

[Cheechako]

I have more regulators go bad than one would think. For instance on my BBQ I have replaced the reg 3 times. Is it possible a dual stage would be a better unit?

[Redpcx]

Compare the benefits.
Single stage: (1)Might be cheaper (2) Smaller
Two Stage: (1) more accurate (2) less likely to have pressure excursions.
(3) will last longer, as low pressure disc and seat does not have to be able to shut off against varying tank pressure. (4) not being phased out.

New construction either has or will be changing to two stage, so price will eventually be lower on the twostage.

Yes, I do have gasfitter license.

Actually, please ignore (1) above. Gas piping is not a good place to consider price. If it will fit, use a two stage.

A skydiver found his parachute wouldn't open. He didn't panic until he found his backup also would not open. Looking down at the rapidly approaching ground, he saw a figure coming UP! He yelled, "Hey, do you know anything about parachutes?"
"NO!", "Do you know anything about Gas piping??"

[stormalong]

There is nothing "marine" in a Trident marine regulator other than the price. They do not make the regulators, just package them. You can buy regulators at home depot, tractor supply or your neighborhood hardware store that are just as good for a significantly lower price.

Get a spare - in a salt water environment they only last a few years.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

Interestingly enough in the usa, Single stage regulators are used in homes, rv's and boats.

It's complex but there are multiple safeties. In the U.S., for indoor residential propane, the traditional arrangement is a tank regulator that drops the pressure to 10 PSI, then a regulator on the outside of the house that drops the pressure to 14" w.c. (about 1/2 PSI). Newer installations use a third regulator by dropping the pressure to 2 PSI on the outside of the house and then using an appliance regulator set at 14" w.c. This allows smaller line size in the house.

Under CGA (Compressed Gas Association) regulations, which govern U.S. installations, the regulators must be designed to fail closed in the event of a spring failure. They must be vented to the outside to reduce the fire hazard in the event of a diaphragm rupture. Appliance regulators are the exception and instead use vent limiters. They can fail open in the event of diaphragm rupture, but the intermediate pressure is 2 PSI and CGA regulations require appliances to withstand 2 PSI.

With natural gas the situation is roughly similar but the pressures are slightly lower at the appliances, again, newer installations usually use a 2 PSI distribution and an appliance regulator. There may be multiple stages for the regulator on the outside of the house (or rarely, in the basement or underground), depending on the supply pressure in the area.