Liquid propane (LP) gas stoves and natural gas stoves are two of the most common types of stoves used in homes today. LP gas stoves use propane gas as their fuel source, while natural gas stoves use natural gas. While both are highly efficient and effective, there may be times when you need to convert your LP gas stove to natural gas or vice versa. This can be a tricky task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done successfully. In this blog, we will focus on the question “Can you convert a LP gas stove to natural gas?” and provide some tips and tools required for the conversion.
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and natural gas are two common fuels used in households for cooking, heating and lighting purposes. While these two fuels share many similarities, they also differ in their properties, composition, and usage. One of the most significant differences between LPG and natural gas is their pressure, which has a significant impact on the appliances that can be used and the conversion process. In this blog, we will discuss the LPG & natural gas appliance conversion facts and the LPG & natural gas pressure.
LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is a flammable hydrocarbon gas that is compressed and stored in liquid form under pressure. LPG is primarily composed of propane and butane, which are obtained from the refining of crude oil and natural gas. LPG is highly versatile, and its clean-burning properties make it an ideal fuel for households, commercial, and industrial use.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is naturally occurring in the earth’s crust. It is primarily composed of methane, although it may also contain small amounts of other hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, and butane. Natural gas is extracted from underground reservoirs and is distributed to households, industries, and power plants through pipelines.
LPG and natural gas are not interchangeable, and therefore, their appliances need to be specifically designed to run on either LPG or natural gas. However, it is possible to convert some appliances from LPG to natural gas or vice versa, provided that the appliance is designed for such conversion.
The conversion process involves changing the appliance’s burners and adjusting the fuel delivery system to match the gas’s pressure and volume. Some appliances may also require changes to the regulator, control valve, and other components to ensure that they operate safely and efficiently on the new fuel.
It is essential to note that not all appliances can be converted from one gas to another. The appliance’s manufacturer should explicitly state whether it can be converted, and the conversion should only be carried out by a licensed and qualified technician.
The pressure of LPG and natural gas differs significantly. LPG is stored and transported in liquid form, and its pressure is maintained at around 10-15 bar. When LPG is released from the storage tank or cylinder, it vaporizes into gas, and its pressure drops to around 2 bar. This pressure is suitable for most LPG appliances, such as stoves, ovens, heaters, and water heaters.
In contrast, natural gas is transported through pipelines at high pressure, typically between 7-10 bar. When natural gas enters a household, its pressure is reduced to around 20-25 millibars before it enters the appliances. This pressure is lower than LPG and requires a different appliance design to operate efficiently.
Converting an LP gas stove to natural gas is a job that should only be done by a licensed professional. There are several things that need to be considered before making the switch.
The first thing you need to do before you start the conversion process is to check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some stoves are designed to work with either natural gas or LP gas, but others are not. If your stove is not designed for the type of gas you want to use, it could be dangerous to make the switch.
One of the most important things you need to do when converting an LP gas stove to natural gas is to replace the burner orifices. Natural gas orifices are larger than LP gas orifices, so if you don’t replace them, the stove will not work properly.
The regulator on your stove is designed to work with either natural gas or LP gas. If you are converting from LP gas to natural gas, you will need to replace the regulator with one that is designed for natural gas.
The air shutter on your stove is used to adjust the flame. When you convert from LP gas to natural gas, you will need to adjust the air shutter so that the flame burns properly.
Converting a gas stove can be dangerous, so it is important to hire a licensed professional to do the job. They will have the knowledge and tools required to safely convert your stove.
To convert an LP gas stove to natural gas, you will need the following tools:
Converting an LP gas stove to natural gas is not a task that should be taken lightly. It is important to hire a licensed professional to do the job, as they will have the knowledge and tools required to safely convert your stove.