What is a two-stage regulator?
Two-stage regulators are two regulators built into a single regulator body. The first regulator (first stage) is preset at a non-adjustable pressure to reduce the incoming pressure to a lower pressure, referred to as the intermediate pressure.
Single-stage gas pressure regulators reduce cylinder pressure to delivery or outlet pressure in one step. Two-stage gas pressure regulators reduce cylinder pressure in two steps. Since mechanical characteristics influence the performance of each regulator, the choice depends on requirements.
A 2-stage propane regulator keeps systems from freezing in colder climates because the pressure is separated by two systems. It's environmentally friendly and burns cleaner than other setups because propane is non-toxic. This type of propane regulator is reliable and performs well compared to others.
Determine if the propane regulator is a twin stage regulator. Such regulators consist of a combined system with a first and second stage regulator joined into one unit. Check to see if a smaller first stage regulator is connected to a larger second stage regulator.
Two-stage regulators are designed to lower the high pressure in two stages. They require less readjustment and provide a more constant delivery pressure despite changes in inlet pressure. They are exceptionally well suited for high pressure cylinder applications.
Two-stage regulators incorporate both a first and second stage regulator component to reduce system pressure as part of a two-step process. Together, they allow for steady delivery pressure with minimal supply pressure effect and a large amount of droop, resulting in a safe, efficiently functioning system.
A regulator capacity is based on BTUs. When determining the regulator you need for you grill (or any LP gas appliance), you need to know the total BTUs of the appliance or the total BTUs that you are planning to use with the regulator.
You must know the desired outlet pressure to select the correct gas regulator. The outlet pressure helps determine the spring requirements, the casing pressure rating, the body outlet rating, the orifice rating and size as well as the regulator size.
- Inlet pressure (min-max)
- Required Outlet pressure.
- Type of gas to be regulated.
- Load/Capacity rating? (in Btu, Cfh, Mbh, m3, etc)
- Ventless (if possible) or vented.
- Required connection size.
- Modulating.
For example, a standard 20-pound propane tank at 70 degrees will have 145 psi internal pressure. That same tank on a 100-degree day will have 172 psi of pressure. Propane pressure levels exceeding 200 psi are likely to trigger a release from the safety relief valve commonly installed on propane storage tanks.
What is the lifespan of a gas regulator?
All regulators should have their date of manufacture stamped on or marked on them and should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. If the instructions have been lost or do not give such information the regulator should be replaced not more than 10 years after manufacture.
It does not matter if you have a large propane tank or a small 5 gallon propane cylinder, almost all applications require a pressure regulator. A word of caution - one size does not fit all applications. One regulator may work well on a gas grill but may be too small for a home heating system.

Liquid Petroleum (LP)
The manifold pressure (after the gas valve) for the single stage heaters should be set to 10 w.c. while unit is running. 2 stage high setting is 10" w.c. Low setting is 4.6" w.c. (non adjustable).
On two stage equipment typically high fire is set to 3.5” w.c. and low fire is 2.0” w.c.. Be sure to check on that unit's exact specifications because some vary slightly on output requirements.
Residential applications will generally require 11 inches water column (amount of pressure required to push a column of water up 11 inches in a manometer, or about 6.3 ounces per square inch) and the regulator compensates for these pressure differences in the tank to supply a steady flow of required pressure to the ...
The regulator on your propane tank controls the flow of gas from the propane tank to the appliance that is using the propane. In its simplest definition, the regulator reduces the high gas pressure from the propane cylinder to the much lower gas pressure that the propane appliance needs.
Dual-stage regulators utilize two regulators within the same housing, which operate to reduce pressure in two steps instead of only one step. At the first stage, the pressure of the supply (inlet) gas is reduced at an intermediate stage, generally about three times the maximum working pressure.
A single stage regulator like the Camco # CAM59013 should work nicely with your 20 pound tank. This unit is rated for 200,000 Btu/hr so you will just want to check the literature on your dryer to see if this will be sufficient.
Check with your gas appliance manufacturer to see what propane pressure is required for your appliance. Outdoor gas appliances such as high heat cast iron burners require the use of a high pressure regulator because they need more volumes of gas than a low pressure regulator can deliver.
Although the purpose of propane regulators is the same, there are many different types of regulators, designed to fit many different applications or functions. Sizing a regulator correctly for the load on the system is also very important.
Does a 100 lb propane tank have more pressure than a 20 lb tank?
Under static conditions, when there is liquid propane in the tanks, if the temperatures are the same, the pressure will be the same, regardless of tank size. The ambient temperature of a tank may be different due to it's location.
So, what's the big deal? Well, the pressure within a tank of propane is anywhere between 100 and 250 psi. If that pressure were to be released without being regulated/controlled by a propane regulator, you'd quickly find yourself in a terribly dangerous situation with a huge, uncontrolled flame.
This is the standard propane pressure delivered to household appliances so that they can safely and properly operate. Second stage propane regulators are only designed to operate in combination with first stage propane regulators. One cannot work without the other.
If it's too big for the application, your poppet and seat will be too large, allowing too much flow. Every time that regulator opens, it will allow more flow than you expect. The regulator will do more work than it should need to. You'll see more fluctuations and spikes in your downstream pressure.
Sizing the correct gas regulator is critical for the safe operation of these devices. If the gas regulator is too large, too much gas will flow into the appliance and may cause an explosion. If the gas regulator is too small, the appliance will operate inefficiently or not at all.
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If the gas regulator is too large, too much gas can flow into the appliance potentially causing an explosion. If too small, the appliance will not operate efficiently. At worst, it won't operate at all.
Since the pressure in a propane tank can range between 100 and 200 psi, its pressure must be reduced and regulated for use in a home, motor home, camper or an outdoor gas appliance, typically to 10.5 inches water column. Comments/Questions? Do you have a pressure sensing question?
Most propane tanks have an internal pressure of between 120 and 200 psi. Liquid propane is the ideal storage and transportation method for propane because you can fit so much in a small space.
Propane tanks, whether they be the 20 - 30 lb tanks on your trailer or the small disposable bottles are considered to be high-pressure. In order for either to be used for an appliance, they need a regulator.
Do 20 lb propane tanks have a regulator?
Here's the short answer: if you plan to use a 20 lb. propane tank (like you would use on a gas grill pictured here) you will need a regulator to connect to that tank.
Sometimes the whiffs of gas even come out by design, from a part of the meter known as the pressure regulator. Every meter has one. It is a little-known fact that they burp off gas to relieve pressure.
If a propane regulator gets wet, it's all over. The water allows chemicals and debris to enter the regulator spring area, which can lead to corrosion and failure. Though it may seem undamaged at first, the equipment will unevenly disperse the gas through the appliance and lower its efficiency.
100-pound propane tanks
They are also portable. Still, when placing a 100-pound propane tank on your property, you must adhere to the following requirements: The minimum distance from the opening of a building is 3 feet. The minimum distance from any source of ignition is 5 feet.
If transported on its side, the cylinder may roll and shift the pressure relief valve to the bottom, in the liquid space of the cylinder.
A full 100-pound cylinder can weigh up to 180 pounds, so be sure to ask for assistance in getting the tank into your vehicle safely. Never transport a 100-lb cylinder in a sedan or SUV or on its side. You may transport up to 1,000 lbs of propane in the back of an open pickup truck or trailer.
Liquified Petroleum gas (LP) requires 100% safety shut-off and even though it is not required by code on natural gas units, Bard believes it is an extra safety feature. On an LP unit, when the pilot flame goes out the pilot valve must close, preventing any pilo gas from entering the heat exchanger.
As gas enters your home, its pressure is typically around . 25 psi (pounds per square inch). That is 4 ounces, or 1/4 of a pound of pressure.
One of the most noticeable signs of a bad propane regulator is low gas pressure. If you notice that your propane-powered appliances are not performing as they should, such as a weak flame on a gas stove or a slow heat output from a gas furnace, it could be an indication that the regulator is not working correctly.
First stage (high pressure) – Typically placed at the container and decreases the container pressure to 10 psi. Second stage (low pressure) – Typically placed at the residence and decreases the pressure from the first-stage regulator to inches of water column (often 11).
How do 2 stage gas valves work?
The two stage gas valve is rather intelligent, switching between modes as needed, based on the thermostat. If a two stage gas valve, which starts at the low-fire setting, finds that your house is not heating quickly, it will quickly switch to full capacity to compensate.
Expert Reply: The Compact Low Pressure 2-Stage Automatic Changeover RV LP Gas Regulator part # 37207-31525 is a low pressure regulator which provides the standard 11 inches water column or roughly . 4 pounds per square inch.
Since two-stage furnaces make better use of energy, they cost less to run. If you own a two-stage furnace for many years, you'll save hundreds of dollars that you'd otherwise be spending on heating costs. That's why two-stage furnaces are often a better bet for homeowners thinking on a long-term scale.
Check the appliance itself or the original paperwork for guidance. There should be a data plate outlining the required gas throughput and inlet pressure. Check the type of gas you're using. Propane regulator cylinder connections are different from butane regulator cylinder connections, so they're not interchangeable.
Single-stage regulators may be used with pipelines and cylinders. Two-stage regulators are used with cylinders and manifolds. Two-staged regulators are recommended for applications that require a constant outlet pressure for the life of a gas cylinder.
Single-stage regulators are ideal for applications where - there is minimal inlet pressure variation during the period of use, for gases with low cylinder pressures, or in applications where there is further pressure control downstream of the cylinder regulator.
The biggest drawback accompanying a two-stage furnace is its upfront cost. The unit can provide long-term energy savings and improved comfort- -however, this means that you'll generally spend a few hundred to several hundred dollars more for this furnace type than a single-stage unit.
The classic furnace unit has two settings: ON or OFF. This is a single-stage furnace, because it has only one heat setting. Two-stage furnaces will have a secondary setting that's usually 60 or 70% of the maximum heating output (measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units).
Below is a diagram showing how each type of gas regulator works: Single Stage, Dual Stage and Tank for commercial applications.
Switching regulators are efficient because the series element is either fully conducting or switched off so it dissipates almost no power. Switching regulators are able to generate output voltages that are higher than the input voltage or of opposite polarity, unlike linear regulators.
Can you mix first and second stage regulators?
There's no technical problem mixing 1st & 2nd from different brands, but you have to make sure your tech can deal with both brands, if you don't do the servicing yourself.
Where pressure-reducing regulators drop pressure where you want more control over the outlet or what's downstream of the regulator, back-pressure regulators look behind them, as the name implies. Back-pressure regulators control the upstream pressure and keep the pressure within a specified limit.
Strong and heavy working parts increases the balancing problem and cause high torque fluctuation. The temperature of fluid increases due to compression. In a single stage process, there is no efficient way to dissipate that heat from fluid. The increasing temperature eventually damages the cylinder head.
Dual-stage air compressors produce higher air power, which makes them a better option for large-scale operations and continuous applications. However, two-stage compressors also cost more, which makes them better suited for factories and workshops than private use.