Installing propane heater into existing line

Let's see...where's my list?

Dave

Look real good. Glad to see you used brass fittings.
Just a note for the future. Never use Galvanized Fittings. Brass or Black Iron. No your glad to have that project behind you now...
So what's next?:B

So, I finally finished this project and ended up plumbing with brass fittings into the existing T located inside one of the outside bays. I didn't want to use the one shown in my original plan because it would involve removing a drawer every time I wanted to use the shut-off valve.

I placed the yellow shut-off valve in a hard to reach position so it wouldn't be turned accidentally. I sealed the fittings with pipe dope and checked for leaks. It works great. Photo attached.


Thanks for all the advice.

Dave

Chris Bryant wrote:

GACamper wrote:

The green wire is a ground wire from one of your appliances. That wire really needs to be move to a frame ground connection. Never understood why they would ground to a gas line. Last thing you need is s short to the gas line. They do the same thing to mobile homes.

That wire is required- it isn't a ground *too* the gas line, it's grounding the LP line itself- should be run from the line to the frame.

I do believe Chris is correct in what he said.
You may want to trace the green wire and see what the other end is attached to. I thought normally the Gas Line was grounded to the frame underneath the RV.
Looking at your picture closer it looks like the Copper Gas Line & Gas hose may be connected by a 3/8 Flare Union. If that is the case, then all you will need is a 3/8 Flared Tee. You wouldn't need the Flared Swivel I mention earlier. You'll need to take the connection apart to confirm.

GACamper wrote:

The green wire is a ground wire from one of your appliances. That wire really needs to be move to a frame ground connection. Never understood why they would ground to a gas line. Last thing you need is s short to the gas line. They do the samething to mobile homes.

That wire is required- it isn't a ground *too* the gas line, it's grounding the LP line itself- should be run from the line to the frame.

gkainz wrote:

djbroughton wrote:


I would like to install my new Olympian Wave 8 catalytic heater into my existing propane system. The best spot that I can see is under my main counter area (built into one of the slides). The attached photo of the line that services the propane range is where I am thinking of doing this. Also a photo of the heater connection. Questions:

1. can I plumb this using brass screw fittings as opposed to cutting copper line/flaring etc. as I am not experienced with this.
2. what kind of hose would I purchase to run to the heater?
3. the heater comes with a low pressure regulator. Am I right in assuming that gas to the stove is already low pressure and I won't need a regulator?
4. I don't suppose I can use the low pressure propane line supplied with the heater?
5. out of curiousity, what is green is the heavy guage green wire attached to the copper propane tubing?

I haven't totally decided on whether a quick connect is needed or if I will permanently mount the heater on the bottom of the counter unit.

Thanks for any advice.

Dave B
2006 Monaco Camelot 40PDQ

Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

Do Not use Quick Connect Fitting inside the camper. Your creating dangerous issue. Quick Connect are known to leak over time.
Looking at the picture, that is a 3/8 flare nut connected to the hose which has a 3/8 male flare fitting on it.
You can get a 3/8 flare tee and a 3/8 flare swivel to tie in at that connection. The 3/8 flare swivel will connect the hose to one end of the Flare Tee. The 3/8 flare nut on the copper line in the picture will connect to the other end of the flare tee.
You are correct that you do not need the Regulator that came with the heater. So you'll want to remove it. The gas system on the camper is Low Pressure.
What I can't see is how the hose is connected to the Regulator. Most of the time the hose has a Male Pipe Thread Fitting which could be a 1/4" or 3/8" Male pipe thread that screws into the Regulator. If that is case, you can get a 3/8 Male Flare X ? Female pipe thread to screw onto the fitting on the hose going to the heater. On this connection you will need to use a sealant such as pipe dope or Gas Thread Tape "Yellow".
Then you'll need another 3/8 Flare Swivel to connect the hose to the 3/8 flare tee.
Using these fitting listed will keep you from having to cut your gas lines. Also once done turn you gas one and check all connections for leaks.

Note: Use only Flare Fittings, do not use compression fittings.
Flare Fittings do not need sealant.
Make sure all fitting and hoses are LP Gas Rated.

The green wire is a ground wire from one of your appliances. That wire really needs to be move to a frame ground connection. Never understood why they would ground to a gas line. Last thing you need is s short to the gas line. They do the samething to mobile homes.

I also installed a flare T in my range line. From there I used a 3/8 flex line from Lowes water heater section. Installed the QD through a cabinet under the stove. Bought the flex hose and legs with the heater. Should have done this 18 years ago. Double flare is not required on the copper.

For instructions on an easy way to put pictures into your post, click here. That link will take you to the sticky thread at the top of this forum about the new picture posting app developed by 1492, the moderator of the Technology Corner forum here on RV.net. It gives you a very simple and easy way to post your pictures and sizes them automatically to the forum limits.

Basically, all you do is upload your picture from your computer or other source to the app, copy the resulting URL and paste it directly into your post. No need to use the other picture posting icon that the forum provides. Simple as eating a cherry pie! :):):)
Barney

Be careful as you know messing with propane can be dangerous. But it is not rocket science as long as you think, plan and TEST, TEST, TEST. I have made many modifications to my propane system. One of the first mods was to remove the stock pressure regulator for a dual tank or automatic regulator (like the ones fifth wheel or TTs use) to switch automatically from empty tank. The latest mod was to add a quick connect under the range so I can use my "Lil Buddy" auxiliary heater. I cut into the 3/8" soft cooper line that goes to the stove top. Installed a 3/8" flare "T". Out of the third branch extended more soft cooper tube to a 3/8" flared X 1/4" male NPT (National Pipe Thread). Which screwed into the 1/4" female Quick Connect. The Quick Connect I got at Camping World and every thing else I got at Lowes. Lowes can help you with tools and sealants you will need. MOST IMPORTANT; when you think you are done, open doors and windows, Pressurize system and put soapy water on all fittings to find any leaks. If you would like I can text you pictures as I don't know how to put them with this post. (717) 824-1517. Good Luck
Bruce R
2005 Monaco Diplomat 38PDQ

djbroughton wrote:


I would like to install my new Olympian Wave 8 catalytic heater into my existing propane system. The best spot that I can see is under my main counter area (built into one of the slides). The attached photo of the line that services the propane range is where I am thinking of doing this. Also a photo of the heater connection. Questions:

1. can I plumb this using brass screw fittings as opposed to cutting copper line/flaring etc. as I am not experienced with this.
2. what kind of hose would I purchase to run to the heater?
3. the heater comes with a low pressure regulator. Am I right in assuming that gas to the stove is already low pressure and I won't need a regulator?
4. I don't suppose I can use the low pressure propane line supplied with the heater?
5. out of curiousity, what is green is the heavy guage green wire attached to the copper propane tubing?

I haven't totally decided on whether a quick connect is needed or if I will permanently mount the heater on the bottom of the counter unit.

Thanks for any advice.

Dave B
2006 Monaco Camelot 40PDQ

linked for you - you have to get the whole URL for the image ... when you click on the image, you'll see links to the right. Grab the Direct link and use the Image icon in the editor here.

Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

edit - oh yeah ... you have to make sure you stay at 640 width or less :) (add "width=640" in the img tag) if you quote this, you'll see the code.