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As Marshall points out, RV propane tanks can BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion) when in close proximity to fire impinging on the tank. It is also true that neither the Gas Stop valves or other devices would prevent a BLEVE. However, I believe the Gas Stop valves serve the purpose of initially limiting adequate gas from escaping to start a fire or support an explosion. Here's a personal example:
Their claim is their product, when it detects an excessive flow like when a propane hose gets cut into, their valve shuts off 100% of the flow and must be manually reset to allow gas to flow again. Some things in life are worth learning before it’s too late—like the locations of your water and gas shutoff valves. Now granted, these shutoff valves are often hidden in some dark, creepy corner of the house. But if a water pipe springs a leak, knowing where the shutoff valve is could save you thousands in water damage repairs. What’s more, you can’t make those major plumbing repairs or improvements unless you first turn off the water. The same goes for turning off the gas—though with some strict safety precautions, which we’ll talk about later. Are you a mechanical engineer or plumber looking for the best valves for your next project? If so, it’s essential to understand the difference between gate valves and stop valves. Both are popular choices, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between gate valves and stop valves so that you can make an informed decision. What is a Gate Valve? The propane system is "extremely safe" both in design and in execution". How many RV propane fires have you heard about? The one I posted, probably that triggered this thread, is the only one I've seen in several years. According to the design specs of this device, it probably would not have stopped propane flow (from a small leak at a fitting) and that fire would likely have happened, even with two of these devices installed, one on each tank. The "probably overlooked" safety device that failed, especially in a 15 year old trailer, is the LPG detector that didn't alarm or give any indication that there was an "explosive level of propane in the trailer".... Chances are (and I can't prove this) the LPG detector wasn't even hooked up and had never been replaced, or as old as the trailer was, it may not have even had one in it... Stop valves are typically made from brass, bronze, or stainless steel, while gate valves are typically made from cast iron or ductile iron.So, a leak might be stopped by a on/off valve or a safety stop valve. If the fire is going the bottles or tanks in or on the RV can still blow up from venting propane. If your home is newer and you find a flexible copper pipe running from the meter into your utility room, you probably have a higher pressure gas system. In this case, your inside main shutoff valve ( Photo 3) is probably near your furnace or water heater, just before it enters a flying saucer–shaped doodad called a pressure regulator. There’s also a chance your home—especially if it’s older—doesn’t have a house-side main shutoff valve. Photo 4: Hang a wrench near the shutoff In a recent thread entitled "Fire Safety", the thread drifted to the subject of Propane Safety and then sort of fizzled out. Thinking specifically about the on-board propane supply for your RV:
Yeah I know of the tank EFV device. The claim of the company that makes the gas stop valve is that the tank EFV (excess flow valve) are a self equalizer flow limiter and may not close off the flow 100% in a failure of a hose or regulator. Stop valves are designed to completely stop the flow of fluid through a pipe, while gate valves are designed to regulate the flow of fluid through a pipe. It’s important to know all about your water shut off tap but gas is even more risky, whatever local shut-off valves you might have, being able to simply cut it off to the home could be essential. If you aren’t certain of where your shut-off valves are don’t delay, it’s time to go and find it.
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Water shutoff valves can range from the main valve found near the water meter where water first enters your home to small, individual fixture shutoff valves that mark the transition from the branch water supply lines to the supply tubes that deliver water to faucets, toilets, and other appliances. Some of these valves are quite large while others are small. A plumbing system has a variety of water shutoff valves at various points along the water pipes that allow you to turn off the water during emergencies or for repairs or upgrades. Shutting off the water is often thefirst stepof many plumbing projects. Thus, being able to locate and turn off the appropriate water shutoff valveis very important. Whether you need a pressure relief valve, low pressure straight cut-off valve, or safety excess flow valve, our range of gas safety valves can help prevent sudden pressure changes and allow for cut-offs when warranted. The right equipment for natural gas systems A good gas plumber will be more than happy to provide plenty of advice and guidance along with their service. If you have any questions about your central heating system or gas supply, why not keep a list? When you next see your trusted local gas plumber for a boiler service or gas heating repair, they’ll be more than happy to take you through all the items on your list. A happy safe customer that knows all about their heating system is a great customer for any good gas heating engineer.
When you repair or replace a gas appliance, use these shutoff valves to stop the flow of gas. (Most pros replace the flexible connector when they replace the appliance.) If you discover you have a faulty supply valve, or your system doesn’t have one, turn off the gas using the house side main shutoff valve. So, the "typical industry standard safety device" (LPG detector) was either not working or had been removed and that's what contributed to this "propane fire"... Between the water main in the street and the meter, there’s also usually a buried curb stop valve (accessible only by city workers wielding special long-handled wrenches) and a corporation stop, where your house water line hooks up to the water main. Your city absolutely doesn’t want you messing around with these last two valves. The valve on the right in this photo is Marie’s street-side main shutoff; the valve on the left is the house-side main shutoff. In newer homes, these will probably be ball valves.You’ll notice this story contains a lot of “oftens,” “usuallys” and “almost always’s.” That’s because valves vary greatly in location, shape and number, depending on the age of your house, the local codes and which part of the country you live in. This article covers the basics of each system. Most service valves are single-lever ball valves; again, handle parallel to the line means gas is flowing, perpendicular means it’s cut off. On dryers and ranges, this valve is usually hidden behind them and can only be reached by sliding the appliance out from the wall. This service valve will usually be at the end of a fixed pipe and connected to a flexible supply pipe called an appliance connector. Take care not to kink or pinch this flexible pipe. Our priority is fixed on your requirements and how to best meet them. If you have any special needs we will be only too pleased to accommodate them. Our customer satisfaction record has been maintained consistently at a high rate of 99% and we continue to strive to maintain these standards with an aim to exceed our customers’ expectations. We offer customers the very best products and provide our high quality services again and again. Our company ethos is to supply quality products and innovative solutions ensuring we offer an exceptional customer experience at a fair price. I would think the safety stop valves will work as they say. I do not feel the need to get them, but may at some point.
When closed, stop valves create a tight seal that prevents any fluid from flowing through the pipe. When closed, gate valves create a small gap between the gate and the seat that allows some fluid to pass through even when the valve is closed. But some pilots are pretty darn hard to reach. If you’re uncomfortable with relighting the pilot light, hire a plumber or call your local gas service company. It might not seem important until suddenly it really is. Please believe me when I say, being able to shut off supply of water and/or gas to your home is very important. Today we’re just going to talk all about your gas supply Fixture shutoff valves can take many appearances, but a common one is a small silver valve with an oval handle with ribbed edges for gripping. An angled fixture shutoff valve, in particular, is used when a water pipe comes out of the wall and needs to angle straight upward to feed supply tubes running to tailpieces on a sink faucet or toilet valve. You likely will have quite a number of these valves in your home. They are inexpensive and relatively durable.
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Stop valves are typically used in applications where it is necessary to completely shut off the flow of fluid, such as in residential and commercial plumbing. Gate valves, on the other hand, are typically used in industrial applications where it is necessary to control the flow of fluid. Also note: When you shut off main or individual gas valves, you’ll be extinguishing the pilot lights to certain appliances. Many newer appliances have “pilot light–less” electronic ignition systems, but if you have older appliances, you’ll need to relight the pilot lights. Most appliances have clear relighting directions on a label near the pilot light or in the instruction manual. When my full time/long time fire investigator was still alive. I asked him Why do the RV bottles blow up or explode? His answer was no matter if the valve is open/closed IF a fire is burning nearby the heat can and will cause the bottle/tank to vent. Venting propane causes, you guessed it more fire.
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