Frequently asked questions

Our useful FAQ is designed to be as clear as possible. If the information below does not answer your query, please contact us. Our team will endeavour to reply to all questions within 24 hours.

Most common questions

To achieve a balance between protection and operating convenience, GasStop cannot be calibrated to shut-off the propane system in the event of a minor leak. GasStop will only shut-off in the event of a major leak (see ‘What does GasStop define as a major leak’ FAQ for a full definition of ‘major leak’). However, GasStop can be used to test for minor leaks, here is how:

Always check your system for leaks before use. The GasStop pressure gauge is sensitive to minor drops in pressure, making it is a useful tool to use when performing a visual lock-up pressure test, also known as a pressure tightness test or pressure decay test.

This test can only be carried out prior to normal gas usage. During normal gas usage, GasStop will not shut off the system in the event of a minor leak. During normal gas usage GasStop will only shut off in the event of a major leak.

To test your system for leaks:

  1. Set up your system as described in your instructions. Turn off the tap on the gas cylinder. Now turn off your gas appliance(s).
  2. Now turn the gas cylinder back on. Keep all appliances off for the time being.
  3. Pump the pressure gauge on the GasStop up and down steadily at least 4 to 6 times. The longer the distance the gas has to travel in the pipe or hose, the more you will need to pump. If insufficient pressure has been created, the GasStop will keep shutting-off the gas supply. Double check at this point that your appliance is still switched off.
  4. The needle on the gauge should now indicate the gas pressure. If the needle is on zero, or below the red bar on the gauge, then the cylinder tap/valve is not open, GasStop has shut-off, the gas has run out or you have not carried out sufficient pumping. Is the temperature around freezing? Please refer to the Useful Tips section in your instruction booklet.
  5. Now turn off the tap on the gas cylinder and register the exact position of the needle on the gauge. Wait 60 seconds for Standard Installations and 5 minutes for longer gas systems (e.g RV’s).
  6. At this point, pressurised gas is now held between the GasStop and your appliance(s).
  7. If the needle has dropped from its initial registered position at the end of the recommended period of waiting time, there is a leak (pressure decay). Do not use the gas system until the leak has been solved or repaired by an approved gas specialist.
  8. If, after pumping, the needle remains in the same position during the waiting time specified above, you can carefully start using the system.

It is important to note that using propane whilst driving is regulated country by country. Please consult with your RV manufacturer, a certified professional and the appropriate regulation before using gas whilst driving. GasStop can be used on your gas system whilst driving. Furthermore, GasStop can be installed alongside a crash sensor valve. A GasStop will offer protection against hose rupture/major leaks, a crash sensor valve will protect against collision. The two safety devices fulfil separate yet important functions.

No. GasStop can only be used and installed as specified in the instructions (either on an RV system or a grill system depending on the GasStop you have purchased). GasStop cannot be used on high pressure/high capacity appliances, examples being: generators, on home systems and on industrial applications like welding. GasStop is only to be used on a pressure regulated system rated at 1.5 kg/h (70-90 SCFH) and up to 20″ W.C.

Many propane fuelled generators and welding torches consume a large volume of propane, meaning they draw a high rate of flow. GasStop is designed to shut-off when that rate of flow exceeds 70-90 SCFH/approx. 75,000 BTU/hr (this is what happens during a major leak). Larger generators/welding equipment will ‘mimic’ this high flow rate scenario, thus effectively tripping GasStop into ‘major leak mode’.

Yes. GasStop is designed to be used with regulators rated at 1.5 kg/h (70 SCFH) and up to 20″ W.C. Please note GasStop will not work with some EFV (excess flow valve) regulators/connectors.

In the USA, propane cylinders have inbuilt OPD valves. An OPD valve is an overfill protection device, and as the names suggests will prevent the overfilling of a propane cylinder. GasStop on the other hand will shut down 100% of the flow of propane in the event of a major leak. To protect against major leaks make sure you install a GasStop. 

No, it reads the pressure of the propane under load/usage. While using your propane it will tell you: if you have normal working pressure (green zone), if you are about to run out of propane (red zone), or if you have higher pressure in the system (yellow zone). See the question “Is the pressure gauge useful?” for a more detailed breakdown of what the gauge can be used for and what it can tell you.

If you need a better viewing angle of the gauge, rotate the GasStop (before tightening the nut) no more than 90 degrees from the vertical. For optimum performance during colder temperatures orientate your GasStop so that the gauge is facing the sky.

Yes, GasStop is UL listed. Furthermore each and every GasStop is rigorously tested. All of our testing is evidenced via a global third-party test auditor.

The gas pressure gauge is a very useful, multipurpose tool.

  • The gauge indicates when the gas cylinder is almost empty (a decline in the vapour pressure curve). The gauge does not indicate the exact amount of propane left in the cylinder.
  • A steady pressure reading only indicates that propane is left in the cylinder.
  • If the needle is pointing to:
    – HIGH: Increased gas pressure
    – GAS: Sufficient gas (steady pressure)
    – LOW: Almost empty (approximately 30 minutes left of gas use)
  • As GasStop is directly installed into the cylinder there are a few variables that can affect unregulated pressure, namely: temperature, amount of liquified gas vs rate of vaporisation, gas type and gas purity. There may also be other irregularities which affect the pressure reading.
  • As per the instructions, it is advised to run the gas for a small period of time to have a better indication of gas level. This allows the propane/pressure to reach something called “phase equilibrium”. Further to this point there is a “vapour pressure curve”, this is why it is recommended to run the bottle for a short while to allow for this process.

NB the gauge is also useful to represent the following:

  • Visual evidence of pressure decay (a minor leak) in a lock-up pressure test scenario.
  • Visual evidence of high pressure
  • Visual evidence of a shut-off
  • Visual evidence of an activated and stable system
  • Visual evidence of variable/unstable pressure

Flow limiters built-in to common US propane connectors will not shut the propane off completely, they just limit the flow. GasStop completely shuts off the 100% of the supply of propane. GasStop will give the operator a visual representation of the status of the propane flow and pressure.

Sudden and/or aggressive movement can disturb the equilibrium of the GasStop shut-off mechanism causing the unit to shut-off unexpectedly. Please be vigilant when travelling on uneven or bumpy roads.

In humid, cool or changeable weather conditions, condensation may appear on the inside surface of the transparent gauge face. This happens as the air trapped inside the gauge condenses, forming small surface water droplets on the plastic casing. Although this is not common, it will not affect the operation of the GasStop. To rectify the problem, remove your GasStop from the gas system and leave the product in a warm and dry location. After a while the condensed water will evaporate and the visual appearance of the gauge will return to normal.

It is very important to check your GasStop (and any propane accessory or hose you use) for missing or damaged rubber seals before use. If you smell or hear propane during use, shut down the propane supply immediately and check your system for damaged and/or missing seals. As a point of reference we have included an image below demonstrating a GasStop with and without a seal. If your GasStop has a missing seal, please do not use it and contact our customer service team for a replacement. 

You may notice that in colder temperatures (approaching 0°C/32°F), an EFV (GasStop) may shut-off more readily when used with higher demand appliances and/or on longer length pipework. For optimum performance during colder temperatures orientate your GasStop so that the gauge is facing the sky.

GasStop offers up to 19 feet of protection against major leaks (0.31″ hose/pipe diameter) with an outlet pressure of 87 to 116 psig from your cylinder.

Using the GasStop safely

As an example, if you have a GasStop, an extendastay and a regulator installed on your Class A vehicle this may be considered to be a long installation. It is advisable that you take steps to reduce the chances of these accessories moving horizontally and vertically (e.g. during driving) while attached to the propane cylinder, this can be done by a gas specialist. Doing so will reduce the forces and strain on the connectors. 

For optimum results we recommend orientating the GasStop gauge towards the sky. GasStop has been designed and tested in this orientation. If space is an issue, the gauge can be orientated no lower than 45 degrees from the sky. If you start to experience unexpected shut-offs, reorientate the gauge back towards the sky. Please note, it is very important not to twist the GasStop during the orientation phase of installation. Orientate the GasStop first, then tighten it to the propane cylinder afterwards. 

If you need a better viewing angle of the gauge, rotate the GasStop (before tightening the nut) no more than 90 degrees from the vertical. For optimum performance during colder temperatures orientate your GasStop so that the gauge is facing the sky.

For tight fit installations many customers will use a 90 degree pigtail. A 90 degree pigtail will dramatically reduce the length of the system, these can be found here: https://gas-gear.com. Alternatively, some customers have solved this issue by rotating their propane cylinders to either the inside or the outside corner to accommodate for the additional length created by the GasStop. This orientation may sometimes require a longer pigtail to reach the regulator. We encourage you to contact a gas specialist if you have any doubts, alternatively please also contact our team directly.  Please go to our forum for customer installation photos that demonstrate the above.  https://community.gasstopglobal.com

For tight fit installations many customers will use a 90 degree pigtail. A 90 degree pigtail will dramatically reduce the length of the system, these can be found here: https://gas-gear.com. Alternatively, some customers have solved this issue by rotating their propane cylinders to either the inside or the outside corner to accommodate for the additional length created by the GasStop. This orientation may sometimes require a longer pigtail to reach the regulator. We encourage you to contact a gas specialist if you have any doubts, alternatively please also contact our team directly. Please go to our forum for customer installation photos that demonstrate the above.  https://community.gasstopglobal.com

All GasStop models are calibrated for propane use only – this is clearly stated on the instructions and is marked on the GasStop gauge face.

Autogas very often has a variable and/or high butane composition and may affect the shut-off performance of the GasStop. Autogas is therefore not suitable for use with GasStop.

GasStop is not rated for marine use (namely in salt water conditions where ammonia exposure may be present). Please contact a marine gas specialist for further information on marine gas installations.

Sudden and/or aggressive movement can disturb the equilibrium of the GasStop shut-off mechanism causing the unit to shut-off unexpectedly. Please be vigilant when travelling on uneven or bumpy roads.

It is very important to check your GasStop (and any propane accessory or hose you use) for missing or damaged rubber seals before use. If you smell or hear propane during use, shut down the propane supply immediately and check your system for damaged and/or missing seals. As a point of reference we have included an image below demonstrating a GasStop with and without a seal. If your GasStop has a missing seal, please do not use it and contact our customer service team for a replacement. 

We view this as best practice when assessing the safety and integrity of your gas system.

To ensure the fitting is gas tight, for most fittings hand tightening is not sufficient. Ensuring your gas appliances and gas system are tight and leak free is essential and recommended across the industry. Always read our instructions before use.

If installed correctly GasStop will shut-off if there is a major problem with your system e.g. a major leak or catastrophic regulator/system failure. If no major leak is present it may be that an high demand appliance or regulator is being used or it may be that you are operating your system in very low temperatures. If your GasStop is shutting-off unexpectedly please contact GasStop directly via our website, our team will reply to you within 24 hours (even at weekends).

GasStop features and specs

GasStop will only shut-off in the event of a major leak, not a slow/minor leak. GasStop is calibrated to offer major leak protection while allowing the operator to use their RV propane system as expected under normal working conditions. To achieve this balance between protection and operating convenience, a major leak is defined as a sudden and dramatic change in the gas flow rate equivalent to a flow rate of 70 standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH) or more. A real world example of a “sudden and dramatic change in the gas flow” is the complete and immediate rupture of a propane hose during a fire or tire blowout. GasStop is also calibrated to shut-off at ≥125% of the guaranteed flow rate (UL requirement).

If GasStop were to be calibrated to shut-off in the event of a minor leak, this would interfere with the ‘normal’ usage/consumption of your gas appliance(s) – GasStop would shut-off every time you use your appliance(s). We have therefore calibrated the device to shut-off for major leaks only.

UL standards state that an LPG shut-off device must be calibrated as described above. GasStop will therefore not shut-off the supply of gas in the event of a minor leak.

GasStop offers up to 19 feet of protection against major leaks (0.31″ hose/pipe diameter) with an outlet pressure of 87 to 116 psig from your cylinder.

In the USA, all pigtail hoses have excess flow valves (EFV’s) built-in to them. It is important to note that on the rare occasion faulty excess flow valves in pigtail hoses can stick in “bypass” mode. Bypass mode means that the flow of gas is mechanically limited through the hose. Hoses jammed and stuck in bypass mode will prevent proper pressure equalisation of the system – proper pressure equalisation is a requirement for GasStop to function as advertised. 

Note also, if the hose is stuck in bypass mode, your appliances will very likely not function as advertised either, as the propane flow will be severely restricted. 

When installing and priming the GasStop, you should hear a clicking sound coming from the hose connector – this is the flow limiter deactivating, equalising the pressure and allowing a full flow of gas. As soon as your system is fully equalised, GasStop will be protecting you from major leaks. If you are in doubt about anything please contact our team directly at info@gasstopglobal.com 

To achieve a balance between protection and operating convenience, GasStop cannot be calibrated to shut-off the propane system in the event of a minor leak. GasStop will only shut-off in the event of a major leak (see ‘What does GasStop define as a major leak’ FAQ for a full definition of ‘major leak’). However, GasStop can be used to test for minor leaks, here is how:

Always check your system for leaks before use. The GasStop pressure gauge is sensitive to minor drops in pressure, making it is a useful tool to use when performing a visual lock-up pressure test, also known as a pressure tightness test or pressure decay test.

This test can only be carried out prior to normal gas usage. During normal gas usage, GasStop will not shut off the system in the event of a minor leak. During normal gas usage GasStop will only shut off in the event of a major leak.

To test your system for leaks:

  1. Set up your system as described in your instructions. Turn off the tap on the gas cylinder. Now turn off your gas appliance(s).
  2. Now turn the gas cylinder back on. Keep all appliances off for the time being.
  3. Pump the pressure gauge on the GasStop up and down steadily at least 4 to 6 times. The longer the distance the gas has to travel in the pipe or hose, the more you will need to pump. If insufficient pressure has been created, the GasStop will keep shutting-off the gas supply. Double check at this point that your appliance is still switched off.
  4. The needle on the gauge should now indicate the gas pressure. If the needle is on zero, or below the red bar on the gauge, then the cylinder tap/valve is not open, GasStop has shut-off, the gas has run out or you have not carried out sufficient pumping. Is the temperature around freezing? Please refer to the Useful Tips section in your instruction booklet.
  5. Now turn off the tap on the gas cylinder and register the exact position of the needle on the gauge. Wait 60 seconds for Standard Installations and 5 minutes for longer gas systems (e.g RV’s).
  6. At this point, pressurised gas is now held between the GasStop and your appliance(s).
  7. If the needle has dropped from its initial registered position at the end of the recommended period of waiting time, there is a leak (pressure decay). Do not use the gas system until the leak has been solved or repaired by an approved gas specialist.
  8. If, after pumping, the needle remains in the same position during the waiting time specified above, you can carefully start using the system.

Yes, the two devices can be used together without interference. Unlike GasStop, an Over Pressure Shut-Off valve (OPSO) is not designed for major leak protection. For more information on GasStop vs OPSO valves, you can watch a useful explainer video here.

Yes. GasStop can be used with an automatic or manual changeover gas pressure regulator, regulated to a pressure of no higher than 20″ W.C with a capacity of no higher than 1.5 kg/h (70 SCFH). A GasStop will need to be installed on each bottle attached to the changeover device.

It is important to note that using propane whilst driving is regulated country by country. Please consult with your RV manufacturer, a certified professional and the appropriate regulation before using gas whilst driving. GasStop can be used on your gas system whilst driving. Furthermore, GasStop can be installed alongside a crash sensor valve. A GasStop will offer protection against hose rupture/major leaks, a crash sensor valve will protect against collision. The two safety devices fulfil separate yet important functions.

Yes, GasStop can be used on regulators rated up to 20″ W.C.

Yes. GasStop can be used alongside a crash sensor valve, regulated to a pressure of no higher than  20″ W.C with a capacity of no higher than 1.5 kg/h (70 SCFH).

GasStop is currently only for use on propane gas cylinders.

No. GasStop can only be used and installed as specified in the instructions (either on an RV system or a grill system depending on the GasStop you have purchased). GasStop cannot be used on high pressure/high capacity appliances, examples being: generators, on home systems and on industrial applications like welding. GasStop is only to be used on a pressure regulated system rated at 1.5 kg/h (70-90 SCFH) and up to 20″ W.C.

Many propane fuelled generators and welding torches consume a large volume of propane, meaning they draw a high rate of flow. GasStop is designed to shut-off when that rate of flow exceeds 70-90 SCFH/approx. 75,000 BTU/hr (this is what happens during a major leak). Larger generators/welding equipment will ‘mimic’ this high flow rate scenario, thus effectively tripping GasStop into ‘major leak mode’.

Yes. GasStop is designed to be used with regulators rated at 1.5 kg/h (70 SCFH) and up to 20″ W.C. Please note GasStop will not work with some EFV (excess flow valve) regulators/connectors.

In the USA, propane cylinders have inbuilt OPD valves. An OPD valve is an overfill protection device, and as the names suggests will prevent the overfilling of a propane cylinder. GasStop on the other hand will shut down 100% of the flow of propane in the event of a major leak. To protect against major leaks make sure you install a GasStop. 

No, it reads the pressure of the propane under load/usage. While using your propane it will tell you: if you have normal working pressure (green zone), if you are about to run out of propane (red zone), or if you have higher pressure in the system (yellow zone). See the question “Is the pressure gauge useful?” for a more detailed breakdown of what the gauge can be used for and what it can tell you.

No. Please refer to the information on our packaging or the retailer for case by case compatibility.

GasStop is made from high quality, surface treated brass and can withstand being left outdoors. Our gauge face is made from reinforced polycarbonate. As with any brass device, weathering will happen over the course of many years. To slow this process we highly recommend covering your GasStop when not in use. Every GasStop purchased in the US has a 5 year warranty with proof of purchase.

The gas pressure gauge is a very useful, multipurpose tool.

  • The gauge indicates when the gas cylinder is almost empty (a decline in the vapour pressure curve). The gauge does not indicate the exact amount of propane left in the cylinder.
  • A steady pressure reading only indicates that propane is left in the cylinder.
  • If the needle is pointing to:
    – HIGH: Increased gas pressure
    – GAS: Sufficient gas (steady pressure)
    – LOW: Almost empty (approximately 30 minutes left of gas use)
  • As GasStop is directly installed into the cylinder there are a few variables that can affect unregulated pressure, namely: temperature, amount of liquified gas vs rate of vaporisation, gas type and gas purity. There may also be other irregularities which affect the pressure reading.
  • As per the instructions, it is advised to run the gas for a small period of time to have a better indication of gas level. This allows the propane/pressure to reach something called “phase equilibrium”. Further to this point there is a “vapour pressure curve”, this is why it is recommended to run the bottle for a short while to allow for this process.

NB the gauge is also useful to represent the following:

  • Visual evidence of pressure decay (a minor leak) in a lock-up pressure test scenario.
  • Visual evidence of high pressure
  • Visual evidence of a shut-off
  • Visual evidence of an activated and stable system
  • Visual evidence of variable/unstable pressure

Flow limiters built-in to common US propane connectors will not shut the propane off completely, they just limit the flow. GasStop completely shuts off the 100% of the supply of propane. GasStop will give the operator a visual representation of the status of the propane flow and pressure.

No. GasStop requires at least 4 to 6 pumps of the gauge to ensure adequate priming to allow propane to flow.

Leaks downstream should be taken seriously. The pressure differential created in a major leak (downstream) will be ample to empty a full propane cylinder very quickly.  11” W.C is ample pressure to supply enough propane to power furnaces, stoves etc, it is therefore enough to pose major safety risks if left unchecked.

In humid, cool or changeable weather conditions, condensation may appear on the inside surface of the transparent gauge face. This happens as the air trapped inside the gauge condenses, forming small surface water droplets on the plastic casing. Although this is not common, it will not affect the operation of the GasStop. To rectify the problem, remove your GasStop from the gas system and leave the product in a warm and dry location. After a while the condensed water will evaporate and the visual appearance of the gauge will return to normal.

GasStop will completely (100%) and automatically shut off the supply of gas in the event of a major leak or catastrophic regulator failure. GasStop must be reset manually, giving the user complete control. An EFV (excess flow valve) is often a self-equalising, automatically set, flow limiter, and may not shut-off the flow of gas 100%. Many EFV’s do not have manual resets.

GasStop propane devices are rated to operate between -4 °F and 131 °F. At low temperatures, GasStop may shut-off more readily when used with higher demand appliances and/or on longer length pipework. See ‘Will GasStop operate normally at low temperatures?’ for more information.

The gauge operates much like a consumption gauge (e.g. an oil pressure gauge in a car). See the question ‘Does the gauge read the exact level of gas in the gas cylinder?’ for more information.

GasStop provides extraordinary value; it is a patented safety device that offers round the clock propane protection for you and your family. GasStop also enables you to check for minor leaks, and with a high quality pressure indicator – insures that you don’t run out of propane! These additional safety features give you so much more benefit/value than a simple gas gauge. With the engineering costs to deliver these benefits aside, the question really is, what value do you assign to the huge additional protection GasStop provides to you, your family and your vehicle?

You may notice that in colder temperatures (approaching 0°C/32°F), an EFV (GasStop) may shut-off more readily when used with higher demand appliances and/or on longer length pipework. For optimum performance during colder temperatures orientate your GasStop so that the gauge is facing the sky.

GasStop offers up to 19 feet of protection against major leaks (0.31″ hose/pipe diameter) with an outlet pressure of 87 to 116 psig from your cylinder.

Many propane fuelled generators consume a large volume of propane, meaning they draw a high rate of flow. GasStop is designed to shut-off when that rate of flow exceeds 70 SCFH/75,000 BTU/hr (this is what happens during a major leak). Larger generators may ‘mimic’ this high flow rate scenario, thus effectively tripping GasStop into ‘major leak mode’. It is therefore advised that, if you have a propane fuelled generator, you check it’s propane rating (rated no higher than 70 SCFH/75,000 BTU/hr) before purchasing or using your GasStop

Quality and compliance

GasStop cannot be CE marked because it does not fall within the scope of CE marking.  This does not mean the GasStop doesn’t meet the quality demands of CE, what it means is simply the standardised legislation/directive does not cover GasStop at present.

The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) is the nearest applicable directive and GasStop meets “Sound Engineering Practice” (voluntarily) under this directive. In other words, GasStop meets the maximum requirements (permitted under the directive) required by the PED.

Yes, GasStop is UL listed. Furthermore each and every GasStop is rigorously tested. All of our testing is evidenced via a global third-party test auditor.

All GasStops sold in the USA are tested to UL 119 and UL 2061. As all US models of GasStop are tested to both standards GasStop is suitable for use on both fixed and portable cylinders. Both UL 119 and 2061 clearly reference NFPA 1192, see chapter 5 covering fuel systems and equipment.

GasStop is new to the US market, and thus the manufacturers have not had access to this patented technology. We anticipate that the GasStop technology will be adopted by most large manufacturers in the coming years, as it becomes more widely available.


More information

GasStop

Get your GasStop today

GasStop is available to buy at the online and physical stores shown below.

Get the correct type: POL for motorhomes  —  ACME for 5th wheels and trailers.