Caravans and Boats
Gas Fitting On Boats & Yachts
n New Zealand, all gasfitting and plumbing work on caravans, boats, and yachts must adhere strictly to the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC). This type of work must be carried out exclusively by a qualified gasfitter who has specific experience with marine and vehicle installations.
A safe and compliant installation includes several critical components. The system should use annealed copper tubing that is run along the inside of the chassis, secured with correctly spaced clips, and protected by a rubber grommet where it passes through the floor. To manage movement and vibration, expansion loops or an approved flexible connection are essential. All appliances, like hotplates, must be firmly secured to the benchtop, and an appliance-isolating valve and permanent caution notices are required for safety.
A crucial regulation is that LPG cylinders must never be installed or even carried inside a caravan or boat. They should be mounted securely on the exterior in a protected position, for example, on the chassis using hooked bolts with the regulator screwed directly into the cylinder valve. Alternatively, they can be housed in a purpose-built compartment that is sealed gas-tight from the interior but ventilates to the outside. It’s important to note that specific regulations may vary depending on the type of vehicle or vessel.
Boat & Yacht LPG Cylinders
A crucial safety regulation for both caravans and boats is that LPG cylinders must never be installed or even carried inside. They must always be mounted externally. For caravans, cylinders can be mounted on the chassis in a protected position and must be secured with attachments strong enough to withstand a load equal to four times the weight of a full cylinder and its fittings from all directions. If this isn’t practical, a purpose-built compartment can be used, provided it is sealed gas-tight from the interior and ventilates to the outside. When two cylinders are connected together to draw gas simultaneously, their combined capacity may exceed 15kg. In such cases, the system is classified as Gasfitting, and all connected appliances must be certified by a certifying gasfitter.
On boats, the requirements are specifically designed for the marine environment. LPG cylinders should be mounted on the deck or a deckhouse top, ensuring that any leaking vapour drains safely overboard rather than entering the boat’s interior. Cylinders can be stored in a gas-tight compartment that is made of fireproof material, opens only from the top, and is ventilated overboard. Alternatively, they can be secured with metal brackets strong enough to withstand four times their full weight. For added safety in an emergency, it is recommended to use quick-release (bayonet) fittings on boats, allowing cylinders and appliances to be disconnected rapidly without needing spanners or other tools.