Bottled gas questions

Propane and butane are the most commonly found commercial LPGs. Your household appliances will usually indicate which LPG cylinder they are compatible with.

Propane has a lower boiling point than butane and is stored at a higher pressure. This means it is more suited for storage outside. Butane is widely used for indoor applications and provides a quick efficient heat. Its boiling point is approximately 0˚C, which means it works less effectively in colder conditions.

Propane is ideal for outdoor use and storage, even at low temperatures. Lean burning and producing minimal air pollution, propane is widely used to power:

• Domestic heating systems
• Cookers
• DIY tools
• Patio heaters
• Commercial generators
• Touring caravans
• Commercial heaters

Available in 5kg, 6kg, 10kg, 11kg, 12.7kg, 18kg, 19kg and 47kg bottles, BP propane bottles are sold through BP Gas-approved stockists and distributors. To find your nearest stockist please click here.

Connecting your propane gas cylinder

Propane regulators must conform to BS 3016. Most UK propane vapour connectors use left hand thread 5/8" BSP UK POL fittings and should fit all BP Gas propane vapour cylinder valves. If your connector will not fit readily, check your instructions or contact us at via local BP Gas supplier.

• Check for dirt or damage to valve threads and brass 'bull-nose' fitting. If threads or mating faces are damaged do not use - get a replacement; if dirty, clean carefully. Align bull-nose fitting with mouth of cylinder valve.
• Screw POL nut connector anti-clockwise into valve by hand. If hard to turn, check for cross-threading - this can cause damage and leakage. Use a spanner for final tightening - do not over-tighten.
• Check joints with leak detection fluid or soap solution (NB do not disconnect again until next cylinder change - simply use on/off handwheel on cylinder valve to turn your BP Gas supply on and off).

Disconnecting your propane gas cylinder

• Close cylinder valve.
• Let gas pressure in pipework burn off at appliance. If appliance has 'on/off' taps turn these 'off' too - many appliances shut down if flame goes out and must be manually restarted, but some (e.g. many cooker hobs) can let gas escape if left on when gas is re-established.
• Using a spanner, unscrew POL nut clockwise. Re-fit safety plug.

Changing your propane gas bottle cylinder

• Follow disconnection procedure above to fit replacement cylinder and then reconnect.
• To turn gas on, turn cylinder valve handwheel anti-clockwise until fully open, then ease back 1/4 turn to prevent seizing. The valve is now open, your supply is on and ready for use. (NB if gas escapes when valve is opened, shut valve, remove regulator and refit plug. If safe, move cylinder to open area and call your BP Gas supplier).
• To turn gas off, turn valve handwheel clockwise until firmly closed. Check flame is out - if not, leave alight, do not disconnect, call your BP Gas supplier. If your BP Gas supplier is unable to assist immediately and a serious leak develops, call your local fire brigade.

IMPORTANT

Never disconnect if appliance stays lit when cylinder valve is turned off - leave alight and contact your BP Gas supplier.

If you have a multi-cylinder installation with an automatic changeover device, refer to manufacturer's instructions on closing valves and disconnecting cylinders safely without interrupting your supply.

Many homes use butane as their principal source of heat for mobile heaters and portable indoor appliances. In the warmer months, it can be used outdoors. Butane is ideal for powering:

• Camping stoves
• Small mobile heaters
• Static caravans
• BBQs
• Portable heaters

Available in 7kg and two types of 13kg bottles (blue (20mm valve) and cream (21mm valve)), BP butane bottles are sold through BP Gas-approved stockists and distributors. To find your nearest stockist please click here.

Connecting your butane gas cylinder

If you are unsure how to operate your butane gas cylinder, regulator or equipment, or if you have any questions about your BP Gas supply, consult your regular BP Gas supplier who will advise you, and if necessary obtain specialist guidance for you.

• Remove cylinder valve safety cap. 
• Set regulator gas switch to 'off' position.
• Place regulator over cylinder valve and press down firmly onto valve until your hear a definite click. The regulator is 'fail-safe' - so if it is not clicked down fully into place, the gas switch cannot turn the gas on (NB if gas leaks when regulator is connected, remove regulator (only if safe to do so), refit the safety cap, move cylinder out of doors and call your BP Gas supplier).

Disconnecting your butane gas cylinder

• Turn the regulator switch to 'off'. 
• Press the 'disconnect' button at base of regulator to release regulator from valve, lift regulator off valve. 
• Refit the safety cap onto cylinder valve immediately.

Changing your butane gas cylinder

• Repeat the connection procedure described above.

(NB never go directly from 'on' to the 'disconnect' position - always wait until flame is completely out. If gas escapes when regulator is removed, replace it immediately to stop leak, then call your BP Gas supplier. Never disconnect regulator if flame stays lit. Never disconnect in vicinity of any source of ignition such as fires, boilers, pilot lights, flues, electric switches, cigarettes, etc. If possible change cylinders out of doors, where there is plenty ventilation).

In 2007 BP Gas revolutionised the LPG market with the introduction of BP Gas Light bottles. Made of corrosion-proof fibre glass and equipped with a unique semi-transparent design - letting you see the gas level at a glance - BP Gas Light gas bottles are approximately half the weight of steel cylinders, making them easier to lift and transport.

BP Gas Light is ideal for powering BBQs, patio heaters, cabinet heaters and caravans. The bottles are fitted with a 27mm clip-on valve and require only a simple clip-on regulator. This is much safer than traditional screw fit valves as you instantly know when you connector is securely fastened. It also removes the need for the use of a spanner.

Available in 5kg and 10kg bottles, BP Gas Light is sold through Homebase and other approved stockists and distributors. To find your nearest stockist please click here.

BP Gas Light is not available in all overseas countries. Due to differences in valve fittings, BP Gas Light cylinders can also not be refilled overseas. Please contact us for further information.

Connecting your BP Gas Light bottle

For BP Gas Light 5kg and 10kg propane bottles, use 27mm clip-on regulators (634PR or SRG Type 547).

1. Remove protective cap if one is fitted on the valve. Check the top of the valve is clean and free from debris.
2. Turn the regulator ON/OFF switch CLOCKWISE into the OFF position - there will be an audible click.
3. Place the regulator down onto the cylinder valve and press downwards firmly until you hear the regulator "click" into place.
4. To ensure that the regulator is correctly engaged with the valve, in the OFF position try to pull the regulator upwards. If it disengages from the valve please repeat from step 2.
5. To turn the gas on, turn the gas ON/OFF switch ANTI-CLOCKWISE to the ON position. ALWAYS turn the switch to the OFF position after use.

Disconnecting your BP Gas Light bottle

1. Turn the gas switch CLOCKWISE to the OFF position.
2. Remove the regulator:

• For the 27mm 634PR regulator, press horizontally on the handle, then pull upward. There is no cap to be replaced.
• For the 27mm SRG 547 regulator, lift the horizontal lever extending from regulator and remove regulator from valve.

IMPORTANT

If the ON/OFF switch sticks when turning the supply on, it means the regulator has been connected incorrectly.

Disconnect and repeat the above step. If the problem persists, please contact the BP Gas Light bottle team on 0845 607 6943.

Gas bottle regulators and hoses are available at more than 300 Homebase stores in the UK. They can also be bought at many other local DIY stores.

If the leak cannot be stopped:

• Position the cylinder to a well ventilated space away from drains, sources of ignition, buildings and other cylinders
• Isolate from general access away from the public
• Call BP Gas' emergency line on 0845 607 6118

If the bottle catches fire:

• Raise the alarm and activate any fire alarms
• Call the Fire Brigade informing them of the incident and that LPG cylinders may be involved
• Evacuate everyone from the area
• Remove surrounding cylinders if it is safe to do so
• Do not attempt to extinguish the fire unless it is safe to do so
• Call BP Gas' emergency line on 0845 607 6118

No attempt should be made by untrained persons to rectify any faults with cylinders.