Results 1 to 11 of 11
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Sydney, NSW
    Posts
    98

    Default Converting natural to LPG

    I have been given a gas hot water heater, 150 L storage type, its 10 years old.

    Question is I would like to convert it to LPG as its currently natural gas.

    I have converted a couple of appliances from LPG to natural [bbq and heater].

    But have no idea for this, any ideas or clues, would be appreciated.

    I will ring the manufacturers but in this day and age the response will be "it cannot be done buy a new one design for the requirements".

    Cheers

    Pulpo

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Kuranda, paradise, North Qld
    Age
    63
    Posts
    2,026

    Default

    AFAIK it's just a matter of jet sizes and regulator settings. Natural gas runs at a higher pressure (I think) and has a different calorific output to LPG. Different regulator and different jet sizes is all that's needed, but I can't help you with the specifics.

    Mick
    "If you need a machine today and don't buy it,

    tomorrow you will have paid for it and not have it."

    - Henry Ford 1938

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    0

    Default

    I got a quote to convert a natural gas stove to LPG - cost would be $180 for parts and about the same for labour.

    I flet that it was better to find another option.
    Rob

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Melbourne - Outer East Foothills
    Posts
    1,557

    Default

    I doubt very much that you would be covered buy your home insurance in the event of a problem if you did it yourself. That's definitely NOT something I'd even think about attempting. There's an old saying, penny wise & pound foolish. that says it all IMHO.
    If at first you don't succeed, give something else a go. Life is far too short to waste time trying.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    50

    Default

    Are you able to buy large LPG bottles and run them off that ?

    Nothing illegal there, in Brisbane you can hire 45Kg bottles off energex
    and they come out and change them - I think they are LPG ?

    Tom

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    attadale. wa
    Age
    78
    Posts
    15

    Default

    Hey Pulpo, if the unit is 10 years old it is just about at the end of its life span. Mine lasted just under 11 years. Maybe just take the gas bit out and use your timber offcuts to heat it up.

    regards, Lionel.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Sydney, NSW
    Posts
    98

    Default

    Mick Whats AFAIK?

    I will see if a decent plumbing shop might be able to help.

    There must be tables to convert natural gas to LPG.

    Its only for a bush amenities block.

    I know natural gas has bigger jet sizes than LPG.

    Thanks for the responses

    I think 10 years old is boardering on almost not worth much expense.

    cheers.

    Pulpo

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    melbourne
    Age
    68
    Posts
    0

    Default

    I have heard of people drilling larger holes in burners to convert LPG to Natural but you would need to make them smaller.
    The other alternative is lower the LPG pressure and try it out if it burns it out you have lost nothing (as long as it leaves your house).

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Melbourne, Victoria
    Age
    50
    Posts
    641

    Default

    Pulpo,

    AFAIK = As far as I know.

    Get it done properly or research it and do it properly yourself. Mick is right, all it needs is a change over of burner and regulator, but do it right. I put a gas bottle on my HWS during the gas crisis and when I relit on natural I copped a big WOOF in the face and hand. OOPS, No eyebrows.

    Dan
    Is there anything easier done than said?
    - Stacky. The bottom pub, Cobram.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    ...
    Posts
    1,460

    Default

    At one stage I looked at converting the LPG gas BBQ to natural gas. All it needed was drilling a bigger hole for the gas jet and a new regulator. However you need to reduce the hole and that means new parts as well.

    I agree with Gumby that this is a job for a plumber and not DIY. BTW I decided it wasn't worth the trouble.


    Peter.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Perth WA
    Posts
    780

    Default

    TBMK The Gas in your cylinders (LPG) is regulated at about 3.4 Kpa for use at the burner (Barbie etc). Mains natural gas (which aint all natural gas anyway) should be regulated at the appliance to 1.1 Kpa. To convert your cylinder fed barbie to Mains toddle off down to Barbies Galore and grab a new set of jets for "Mains Pressure Gas". These you can fit yourself, takes 1 hours to clean barbie and 3 mins to change jets.

    Then you need the gas fitter to install a bayonet (preferrably with SS isolation ball valve as well), connect the regulator and hose (you can buy or he can supply), connect a manometer and set the regulator to 1.1 Kpa with all burners turned on. Many people find their mains connect appliance then does not work as well as it did on the cylinder. This is generally due to the reg not being setup properly. Don't mess with the reg and don't get out the oxy tip cleaners and hone out your jets.

    AFAIK all barbies can do this and many HWS were "capable" of doing this but you need the right gear. The jets sizes are mobs different. The jets cost jack so don't even bother messing around drilling them out your just looking for trouble. I assume the reverse procedure applies if going from mains to cylinder but I'd be talking to somebody who is qualified.

    I your gunna mess with it just make sure you only blow yourself up:eek:

    Cheers from a house that only has diving cylinders...acetylene cylinders, 8 cylinders in the bomb, 4 in the subie and a cylinder full of nitogen somewhere Don't ask
    Squizzy

    "It is better to be ignorant and ask a stupid question than to be plain Stupid and not ask at all" {screamed by maths teacher in Year 8}

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •