Caravan FAQ

Calor offers the widest range of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder sizes in the UK. They are designed and manufactured to British or European Standards and as they are constructed of high quality steel with a corrosion protective coating, they can last for decades. The cylinders are subject to a stringent inspection and maintenance regime at Calor’s refilling plants before they are distributed across our nationwide network of 10,000 retailers.

LPG - either butane or propane - is a colourless liquid stored in a pressurised cylinder to keep it liquefied. When vaporised and mixed with the right amount of air, it burns with a blue flame and emits carbon dioxide and water vapour. Stored and used correctly, LPG cylinders offer an extremely safe and efficient source of energy for a range of appliances such cookers and heaters

Propane (red and green cylinders) has a lower boiling point (conversion from liquid to gas) than butane (blue cylinders). Butane’s boiling point is around 0˚C so in colder conditions around and below this temperature it will not work effectively, therefore propane should be used in colder temperatures. Propane is stored in the cylinder at a higher pressure and the propane cylinders should be stored outside.

When on the road or in storage, cylinders should be kept in an upright position with the valves at the top. Propane cylinders should be stored outside.

All LPG appliances must be serviced regularly to keep them in a safe and efficient condition. Calor recommends that all servicing is carried out by a gas installer who is part of the Gas Safe Register (formerly CORGI) and carries an I.D. card covering their competence. Always ask for a Gas Safety Inspection Record form to be provided for the work carried out.

Leakages are very unlikely if you take care. However, the most common place for a leakage it to occur is at the connection points such as the regulator, valve or hose. Check your equipment regularly and particularly before use, for any signs of damage, wear or deterioration, and to identify any missing items.

CO is an invisible gas which you cannot smell, taste or see. If gas appliances are t installed and used correctly with adequate ventilation and flueing , and regularly maintained, the risk of CO poisoning is virtually nil. Accidents which have occurred as a result of CO poisoning or asphyxiation are caused by a combination of circumstances, including inadequate ventilation, unsatisfactory flueing, poor appliance performance, user interference or lack of routine maintenance.

It depends on the age of your caravan. Until 2003, butane and propane installations on touring caravans and motor homes required different regulators - butane to 28mbar and propane to 37mbar. From September 2003, all touring caravan* and motor home manufacturers started to fit new 30 mbar bulkhead mounted regulators (designed to BSEN12864) in accordance with the requirements of the new European installation standard EN:1949 which apply across Europe, making European touring more simple.