GAS APPLIANCES AND THEIR USE

Propane gas, a form of liquid petroleum gas or LPG, is a safe fuel source used in most campervans and motorhomes for cooking and often for refrigeration and water heating. Please refer to the article in the June edition of The Wanderer for information on gas cylinders and as well as the reasons why you should not use autogas in motorhome appliances.

It is important that all gas appliances are installed correctly in accordance with Australian Standard AS5601 Gas Installation. Gas appliances used in motorhomes (with the exception of stoves) are to be a ‘room-sealed’ type that draws air for combustion from outside the vehicle and vents combustion gases to the outside.

Cooking with gas –
Ventilation - Because gas stoves are not ‘room-sealed’ appliances there must be permanent and unrestricted ventilation. Do not operate a gas stove in a pop-top campervan with the roof down.

The combustion of gas produces combustion products including carbon monoxide, but a stove operating properly produces relatively low levels that are dispersed through permanent vents usually built into roof rents and in the door. Extra ventilation can be provided by opening a window. The illegal use of autogas (propane/butane mix) can produce much higher levels of combustion products including carbon monoxide and there is unlikely to be sufficient ventilation to deal with this.

Flame failure cut-out - For quite a few years gas stoves have been available with a flame failure safety cut-out (a thermocouple) that only allows gas to flow while it senses heat from a flame. The thermocouple is a small ‘stalk’ immediately beside each burner. If the flame is blown out, the gas to that burner will be cut off when the thermocouple cools. When you light a gas burner that has a thermocouple you have to hold the knob down for several seconds until the device heats sufficiently to let the flow of gas continue. If the gas continually goes out immediately, or will only stay alight for a few seconds, it is likely the thermocouple is malfunctioning.

Stoves without thermocouples should only be used in a well-ventilated area, and greater care should be exercised. Camping stoves fuelled by gas canisters should only be used outdoors.

Safety when cooking -

• NEVER – EVER leave the kitchen area while cooking. If you are on hand a small problem can be attended to before it becomes a major incident.

• Never leave a heated pan of oil unattended.

• Never use pressure pack cans such as cooking spray or insecticide near a gas flame.

• Keep combustible materials such as curtains, tea towels and dishcloths well away from gas flames.

• Wear short or tight fitting sleeves and avoid reaching across the flames.

• Use a ‘long-nosed’ lighter for the stove rather than matches so your hand and sleeve are further from the flame.

• Position handles of saucepans inward to prevent them being knocked over.

• Use an exhaust fan or open a window to provide extra ventilation.

Dealing with a small fire -

• Install a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket near the stove. In the unlikely event of a fat fire on the stove, use the fire blanket or suitable extinguisher immediately and do not wait until a minor flare-up becomes a major event.

• Have someone call the fire brigade and turn off the gas at the cylinder if safe to do so.

• Remove anyone not actively involved in attending to the emergency (and any animals) from the motorhome.

• If you use a fire blanket, do not lift the edge to ‘see how the fire is going’. Fresh oxygen will cause the flames to flare up and this could result in facial burns to the person checking the fire.

• Do not allow yourself to be trapped. Stay between the fire and the door.

Heating – You will notice an appreciable warming of the living space when the stove is being used, however it should never be used to heat the room. Propane flames produce combustion products including water vapour and carbon monoxide and will quickly deplete the oxygen in the motorhome, particularly if the windows are closed to keep the room warm. The additional water vapour produced by the flames will add moisture to the atmosphere that is likely to condense on cold surfaces. It can result in mildew on soft furnishings and mattresses.

Under-floor and ducted gas heating systems similar to those used in USA and Europe are legal in Australia only if they draw air from outside and vent back outside. These systems must be fitted by a qualified gas fitter. If you have an imported fifth-wheeler or motorhome with a gas furnace heater, check that the appliance is approved for use in Australia.

Camping (catalytic) heaters powered by a propane or butane gas cylinder are dangerous and illegal in an enclosed space and they come with a clear warning that they can only be used in a well-ventilated location. Catalytic heaters can be dangerous indoors because they do not draw air from outside nor vent gases to outside and may produce unacceptably high levels of carbon monoxide that pollute the air in an enclosed living space. The gas is colourless and odourless and can prove fatal. If you are asleep there will be no warning – you simply won’t wake up.

If 240volt electricity is available, a simple electric fan heater is an inexpensive option. A more expensive, but totally safe way to heat a motorhome is to install a ‘room-sealed’ LPG or diesel-powered heater.

Gas leaks - Propane is heavier than air, and if released will pool in the lowest area. Consequently there is usually an air vent in the bottom of the door or the step well. For safety, a ‘rotting cabbage’ smell has been added to propane to help people detect a gas leak. Gas is not toxic but inhaling it will cause headache and nausea. It becomes dangerous when levels are sufficient to cause asphyxiation or if a spark ignites pooled gas and causes an explosion.

If you are concerned about the possibility of a gas leak indoors, you can install a gas detector wired into the 12volt electrical system. If you suspect there may be a leak, do not use a match or flame. Check the connection at the appliances, regulator and cylinders by spraying them with soapy water, and if there is a gas leak it will bubble. Clean the soapy water off afterwards.

If you smell gas:

• Extinguish any open flame.

• Turn off any appliance currently operating on gas such as the fridge or water heater.

• Shut off the valve on the gas cylinder.

• Don’t touch electrical switches.

• If the gas smell is inside the motorhome, open the windows.

• As a final safety measure, close the valve to all appliances connected to gas – cooktop, fridge and gas hot water system.

• Have a licensed gas fitter check the system before you turn the gas on at the cylinder.

Cylinders
How much gas is left? – If you have only one gas cylinder it is fairly important to know when it needs re-filling. Some cylinders have a gauge, but it may not be accurate. An inexpensive and accurate device to ‘measure’ the gas can be attached to the outside of the cylinder. This simple coloured strip changes colour to the level of the gas when hot water is poured over it. It is available from camping stores. When you pour hot water on the cylinder you may also find that a line of condensation will form indicating the level of gas remaining.

Re-filling cylinders - Cylinders are readily refilled at some service stations, large hardware stores and many caravan parks or you can exchange your empty cylinder for a full one. The design of all gas cylinders provides for an empty section at the top to allow the gas vapour to be withdrawn, not the liquid, and to allow space for the liquid to expand if it becomes heated. When you have a cylinder re-filled, the operator will usually add gas until it starts to vent, indicating the cylinder is filled to its designed limit (9kg in a 9kg cylinder). Exchange cylinders usually have 8.5kg of gas, even if the cylinder has a 9kg capacity.

If you use the exchange system, compare the expiry date and standard of surface finish (eg #2 or #4) on the replacement cylinder with your old one. Most exchange cylinders have a #4 quality surface finish, whereas most motorhomes are equipped with better quality #2 cylinders. (Refer last month’s Wanderer for more information.) A cylinder not larger than 9kg can be transported in a car for re-filling, but ensure it is secured in an upright position: do not let it tip over and roll around in the boot.

When a cylinder reaches its marked expiry date it cannot be refilled unless it is re-inspected and re-certified. One company quoted the cost as $20 and another quoted $35, both including replacement of the valve.

Changing a gas cylinder - With some gas installations you have to change the regulator from the empty cylinder to the full one, or you may have to swap the cylinders around. Close the valve on the empty cylinder before disconnecting it and do not open the valve on the new one until it is securely connected. Be aware that the connection on 4kg and 9kg cylinders has a left-hand tapered thread so you have to turn it clock-wise to loosen. A dual system is available where the change-over is simply a matter of turning a tap.

Safety when driving – Although it is legal to operate a fridge on gas while driving, it is unwise in a motorhome or campervan, particularly if the vehicle has a petrol motor. Petrol is more volatile than diesel, and there is a risk that petrol fumes will become ignited because of the fuel tank’s proximity to the fridge. Clause 6.2.6.3 of the Australian Standard: ‘Except for caravans fuelled by diesel, the minimum clearance between a fuel filler cap or fuel tank vent and an appliance flue or combustion air intake shall be 1m’. Note – ‘caravan’ means an RV.

It is advisable to shut off the valve on top of the gas cylinder before driving as a safety measure in case of a traffic accident. If you travel with a gas fridge operating, it should be turned off before entering a service station driveway in case there are residual fumes from a previous fuel spill. Gas must be turned off before boarding a vehicular ferry.

For additional practical information relating to motorhomes and campervans as well as travelling in general, refer to The Ultimate Travelling Companion.

GAS, GAS CYLINDERS AND THEIR INSTALLATION

Propane gas, a type of liquid petroleum gas or LPG, is used in campervans and motorhomes for cooking and often for refrigeration and water heating. It is a safe and efficient energy source when installed properly and used correctly.

Do not use autogas to run appliances – it is dangerous and illegal. Australian gas appliances have been designed to run on 100% propane and not on autogas (a propane/butane mixture). The proportion of butane in autogas can range from 60% to virtually zero, but there is no way of determining what the ratio is. Under Australian regulations, it is only legal to use autogas in a tank that is used to propel a vehicle and it is not legal to fill gas cylinders with autogas.

On the rare occasions when there is very little butane in the autogas mixture, there may not be a noticeable difference in how appliances operate. However, in the common circumstance of a 50% propane/50% butane mix, appliances may not operate normally due to improper combustion of the gas.

Gas is stored in a cylinder in liquid form under pressure, and to use this gas it must vaporise and pass through a regulator before being piped to appliances. Propane and butane vaporise at different temperatures: propane will vaporise down to -42ºC but butane will vaporise only down to 0ºC or -1ºC.

Rather than worrying about what would happen if you were camped in extremely cold conditions, it is more reasonable to discuss what happens in more normal temperatures. Propane is the more volatile gas, and in this form it will always flow much more freely than butane. At 20ºC, the vapour pressure of butane is about one-third the pressure of propane so only a small amount of butane will flow with the propane. As you use gas from the cylinder, the proportion of butane being supplied to appliances will increase, making them even less efficient.

The injectors (or jets) in Australian stoves are designed to operate on propane and to release the appropriate amount of gas for combustion. If the gas contains a significant proportion of butane, the appliance is likely to operate poorly. Improper combustion is likely to produce excessive levels of carbon monoxide that can reach dangerous levels in an enclosed space.

A stove burning butane-rich gas may produce lower levels of heat due to small flames at the burner, and the flames will be yellowish compared with the clear blue flames produced by propane. There is likely to be a black sooty residue.

When only butane remains in the cylinder it is likely that it will not vaporise easily, particularly in cold weather. You will be left with a cylinder that is part full of gas that you cannot use.

Legal implications of using autogas in appliances – It is not legal to either fill an LPG cylinder with autogas or to draw gas from a vehicle gas tank to run appliances. Either practice could have serious insurance implications. Any accident, death or injury that may occur as a result of using autogas in an illegal manner could invalidate an insurance policy.

Because autogas in its usual butane/propane mixture is not efficient in appliances, there is little cost saving unless you could guarantee it was 100% propane, and this is not possible. Additionally, you are faced with a health risk and legal and insurance implications. It is simply not worth the risk.

Autogas in vehicle engines - Autogas is piped in liquid form to a vehicle engine so the problem of vaporising at different pressures does not arise. Butane is used as a component of autogas because Australia has good supplies of butane as well as propane, and vehicle engines are designed to use a range of autogas mixes. Household appliances installed in Australian campervans and motorhomes are designed to use 100% propane.

Gas cylinders – Propane is stored in cylinders capable of withstanding the high pressure required to maintain propane in a liquid state, and it remains in liquid form only while under pressure. When released it expands into gas at a ratio of 270:1 and usually passes through a regulator to control the pressure supplied to appliances.

Gas cylinders are available with a variety of surface finishes, and this is indicated by a single numeral within a circle stamped into the shield at the top of the cylinder.

• #1 cylinders - galvanised steel. Considered the premium quality surface finish.

• #2 cylinders - steel with a polyester epoxy coating, usually powder coated. Very robust.

• #3 cylinders - steel treated with a zinc rich paint and finishing coats.

• #4 cylinders - steel painted conventionally using approved metal primer and finishing coats. A #4 cylinder should remain out of the weather.

• Fibre reinforced polymer cylinders are very corrosive resistant, but are several times the price of a steel cylinder. Popular with yacht owners.

For marine craft, clause 6.3.2.2 of the Australian Standard AS5601 requires that ‘the protective coating on a cylinder be suitable for the conditions of use. Cylinders bearing the coating identification mark ‘4’ are unlikely to have the corrosion resistance required for marine applications’. The Australian Standard does not specify any particular type for use in motorhomes or campervans, although cylinders of #2 quality are the most commonly used. Most exchange cylinders have a #4 surface finish, and are quite legal and safe to use in your motorhome. Do not believe anyone who tells you otherwise and tries to sell you a new cylinder.

Installing gas cylinders - Gas cylinders must be carried outside the accommodation area of the motorhome and should be housed in an enclosure (or fully open recess) within the framework of the vehicle (or on a caravan drawbar). The installation of LPG cylinders must comply with AS 5601.

Clause 6.2.3.2 of the Australian Standard requires a gas compartment to -
(a) Be designed to -
(i) house the cylinder(s) and associated equipment only;
(ii) allow the cylinder(s) to be positioned in the compartment without obstructing the drain; and
(iii) not have access from the inside of the caravan to a cylinder installed in a compartment.
(iv) permit easy removal of the cylinder(s) and the operation of the cylinder valve(s).
(b) Be constructed of material that is water and corrosion resistant.
(c) Be capable of securing the filled cylinder(s).
(d) Be sealed to prevent gas vapour from entering the caravan.
(e) The access door or opening shall be openable without the use of tools.
NOTE: A key is not regarded as a tool.

Clause 6.2.3.1 of the Australian Standard requires that the compartment must be identified with an approved durable red label with white lettering ‘LP Gas Storage’ and a ‘Flammable Gas 2’ logo. For full details refer to AS5601. Consumer instruction labels in accordance with clause 6.2.8.2 must be displayed near cylinders, and labels in accordance with clause 6.2.8.3 must be displayed near an appliance.

Cylinders are fitted with a safety relief valve designed to release gas should a high pressure build-up occur as a result of very high temperatures. If the cylinder is installed in the open, it should be shaded from the sun on hot days to prevent heat build-up.

Cylinders must be installed upright and securely fastened with the valve uppermost to ensure the inlet to the safety valve always remains in the vapour space clear of the liquid content of the cylinder.

Any work carried out on gas lines or equipment can only be done by a qualified gas fitter.

Gas hose alert – Recently there have been reports regarding loss of gas supply associated with the use of integral two-stage pressure regulators and hose connections, particularly where a flexible hose is installed between the cylinder and the regulator. Gas vapour can condense and strip plasticiser from the interior of the hose. This material can attack the rubber components, block supply and, in some cases, distort or rupture the diaphragm. If you have experienced gas supply problems, have a gas fitter check the hoses and regulator.

Gas regulator – A regulator controls and lowers the pressure at which gas flows from a cylinder to the appliances. Never attempt to use gas from a cylinder that is not fitted with a regulator unless that appliance is designed to use propane at high pressure, such as some small camping stoves and small camping lights. The fittings used on high pressure appliances are not compatible with fittings used on regulated pressure appliances.

For additional practical information relating to motorhomes and campervans as well as travelling in general, refer to 'The Ultimate Travelling Companion'.

TELEPHONE AND EMAIL FOR TRAVELLERS

MOBILE PHONE

Telephone companies claim that ‘96% of the Australian population’ have mobile coverage, but unfortunately that is sometimes misinterpreted to mean 96% of Australia. It is not. Mobile phone service is available in heavily populated areas and country towns, but in only about 5% of the outback. Travellers planning to travel in remote areas off the main highways should consider a satellite telephone or HF radio, however the costs are considerable.

A phone fitted into a vehicle with an outside antenna can achieve a range up to 32km for GSM phones and up to 60km for CDMA, Next G and 3G but a hand-held unit is limited to less than half of those distances. Many travellers have been using CDMA because of its wide-spread coverage in country areas, but it will be closing down early in 2008. CDMA phone users will have to ‘migrate’ to another network, and unfortunately, for most people this means ‘buy another phone’.

Which phone company? – Telstra has wider coverage in country areas, but if you are going to use your phone in the main towns and main highways on the eastern seaboard, compare prices offered by all phone companies. Ask each company for a map showing areas where their network operates. Consider where you want to use the phone, how many calls you will make and the cost.

Choosing a phone plan – Most important: how many calls are you likely to make. If it is only occasionally, consider either pre-paid or a plan with a low monthly access fee.

Phone plans have a monthly access fee and charges for every call, usually as a connection fee plus a timed call rate. Generally, if the access fee is low, the calls are expensive. Once again, consider how many calls you are likely to make. If you will want to phone a few friends and family, maybe a plan with a ‘free hour’ or free calls to nominated phone numbers will suit you.

You can either buy the phone outright (from under $100 to over $1000) or take a more expensive phone plan that includes paying for the handset over a 24 month period. If you pay off the phone, note down the date that your contract will end. At that time you can change to a much cheaper monthly access fee and pay by the month. If you do not contact your phone company and change to the cheaper plan, they will be happy to keep accepting the higher rate as long as you keep paying.

Which handset - There are many different phones available and you should consider what features you need. Is a camera a priority or do you usually have a proper camera with you? See how convenient the phone is to use. Some have buttons so tiny that they are difficult to press.

Telstra
Next G - Telstra is replacing its CDMA network with an enhanced system known as ‘Next G’ (short for generation) that came into operation in September 2006. Next G has greatly increased speed, particularly important if you use the system for internet connection. It is also claimed that Next G will cover 98% of the Australian population with less ‘black-spots’. CDMA, and now Next G, have a much more extensive network than the GSM network.

CDMA - Early in 2008 when the CDMA network closes, customers will need a Next G handset to access the new network, although they can keep their present phone number. Customers who are currently on a phone contract signed before 9th October 2006 can change to a Next G phone with no ‘exit fees’ and with outstanding fees cancelled.

GSM phones have limited use outside the main centres of population and main highways on the eastern seaboard. It is planned that the GSM network will close in 2012.

Phone Plans – Telstra has several mobile phone plans available, and there is one that could suit heavy phone users. For $40 per month (if you own the phone) or $55 per month (if you pay off the phone) customers pay only 35 cents for untimed calls to a land line anywhere in Australia or another Telstra mobile. If you travel only periodically, sign up on the $12 per month plan ($23 including paying off a phone). This plan has higher call charges, but to get cheaper calls when you are travelling you can switch temporarily to the ‘higher spend’ $40 plan ($55 if you are paying off the phone). If you sign up on the $40 plan you cannot reduce it to the cheaper plan until the contract has expired. Note – Not all phones are available on the cheapest plan.

Telstra Pre-paid – If you buy a phone included in the pre-paid scheme you will receive a sim card, 6 months access to the network and $10 credit for calls. If you have your own handset, you will need a $25 ‘pre-paid starter kit’ that includes a sim card, 6 months access to the network and $25 call credit. You must top-up your account ($20 per month or $50 for three months) to keep the phone number.

Other phone companies
Currently, other telephone companies operate CDMA services using the Telstra Australia-wide network, however this will cease early in 2008.

Optus is constantly implementing new base stations on its GSM network around the country and it currently reaches more than 96% of the Australian population.

The Optus 3G (Third Generation) network is available in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Geelong, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth to complement the existing GSM coverage. 3G is much faster than GSM, and gives a wider range of services. A 3G phone is required to use these services, however when travelling outside the 3G network, the phone will access and use the normal Optus GSM network.

Optus pre-paid is available on both the 3G and GSM networks. Optus pre-paid phone plans are very well priced and include free calls to five selected Optus mobiles or landlines. Plans are available that expire in 60 or 186 days (great for occasional use of the phone).

AAPT, Vodafone and 3 operate GSM and 3G networks.

Emergency phone calls – In an emergency, dial 000. If you use a phone company that does not have service where you are located, a 000 call will be handled by Telstra. 000 will operate on prepaid mobiles, even if the account has a nil balance.

EMAIL –

Without a computer:

• Use email facilities at libraries (often free of charge) or at ‘internet cafes’.

• Using a Telstra Next G handset you can receive emails and text your outgoing emails but you cannot send or receive attachments such as document files or print incoming messages. A Data Pack (details below) will make the system even more economical. This is only practical for short messages because using a phone keypad to type messages is rather tedious.

• Pocketmail is an easy and very economical way to send and receive emails via an 1800 number on either a private or public phone. The device is held against the phone handset, but most GSM mobiles and some landline cordless phones are physically too small to match up with the Pocketmail ‘machine’. It does not work with CDMA, Next G or 3G technology. Messages are typed on a small keyboard and displayed on a screen, but typing the message would not be as easy as on a computer keyboard. You cannot send or receive attachments such as document files and images. Set-up cost is $79 plus a fee of $179 (for 12 months). Shorter contracts are also available.

With a computer:

• Connect your computer to a mobile phone, and use the full range of email and internet services. This has been an expensive option using GSM or CDMA networks because the download speed is very slow and the call is charged at timed mobile phone rates. It is claimed that CDMA has a speed of 76 kilobytes per second (kbps), but we have not found it anywhere near that fast. Telstra claims that the Next G High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) will have a speed between 550 kbps and 3,600 kbps, depending on the device and coverage in the area.

• Telstra Wireless Hotspot will enable you to use your laptop at Telstra Wireless Hotspot locations by using a Telstra Mobile Broadband PC Pack. Using WiFi laptop or PC technology, you can send and receive emails, access documents and files. Telstra Wireless Hotspots are located in many McDonald’s restaurants and many caravan parks. You are not locked into a contract and there are several methods of payment including credit card, Telstra PhoneAway card or Telstra mobile phone or BigPond account.

• Optus has Wireless Hotspots where you can access the internet using a laptop with Wifi. Refer to the Optus website (www.optus.com.au) for a list of sites.

• A Telstra Big Pond Wireless Broadband card slots into the laptop USB port. It has a sim card and operates as a phone for the purposes of email and will work anywhere there is mobile phone service. There is a choice of plans available with fees ranging from $29.95 to $199.95 per month on a 12 month contract. Only available for Big Pond customers.

• Telstra wireless modem system operates through a PC only so would not usually be practical if you are travelling.

• Satellite technology can be used to access broadband Australia wide, however the equipment is very expensive.

Hints to keep your email costs very low –

• Use a computer and mobile phone on a Telstra Next G ‘untimed call’ phone plan (see above) and buy a Data Pack on your mobile phone account (monthly fee of $5 for one megabyte, $8 for 3 megabyte or $29 for 70 megabyte). This will allow you to access the internet without paying a connection fee every time you dial up. Note – We have changed from CDMA to Next G and when travelling use this system. We have found Next G to be much faster than CDMA (230.4 kbps compared with 14.4 kbps) and it costs much less.

• If you are on a timed phone system, prepare your messages before you go on line. Dial up, send your prepared emails and down-load your new messages. Emails that require a detailed response can wait until you go on line next time.

• Unless you are on an ‘untimed’ mobile plan, ask friends not to send big files of jokes or photos!

For additional practical information relating to motorhomes and campervans as well as travelling in general, refer to 'The Ultimate Travelling Companion'.