About LPG Gas
How does it work?
Whilst LPG is a gas, it has the convenience of being able to be stored under pressure as a liquid. It readily turns back into a gas as the pressure in the cylinder drops when you turn on your appliance.
A regulator on the cylinder outlet ensures a consistent pressure is safely delivered from the gas bottle to your appliances. When all appliances are turned off, the gas remains under pressure in the cylinder, ready for when you next need it.
Where does LPG come from?
There are two key sources of LPG. The first is a byproduct of the oil refining process, while the second is a product of nature, found in the same underground areas that also produce natural gas.
How many LPG gas bottles do I need?
Most homes have two 45kg gas bottles. With two gas bottles, you call to order as soon as one bottle is empty, while continuing to use the other bottle. This gives you an uninterrupted supply of gas to your hot water service, heater or stove.
If you are connected only to a cooking appliance, then you can choose to hold one 45kg cylinder, as your gas consumption will be minimal. Typical cooking routines would take approximately
10-12 months to consume a full 45kg cylinder of gas.
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How to Order LPG
There are 4 Ways you can order your LPG Gas.
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Call us on 8532 1080 and speak with one of our friendly customer service team. If you are calling after hours, please leave a message on our answering service.
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Visit our website online at www.murraysales.com.au and click on the tab “Elgas 45kg LPG Online Order” fill in your details and when you click on the submit button your order will be sent directly to our customer service team.
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You may send an email to admin@murraysales.com.au and we will book your delivery for you.
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If you are out and about, you are welcome to visit our shop at 30 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge and place your gas order in person.​
​Operating the Gas Bottle Changeover Valve
Automatic changeover valves:
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These automatically switch from one gas bottle to another, when one is empty. To do this, both gas bottle valves are left in the OPEN position. The indicator typically turns red when the first bottle is empty. Do not touch or turn the indicator. When it turns RED, that’s your signal to call Murray Sales on 8532 1080 for a gas delivery. The delivery driver will replace the empty bottle with a full one and reset the indicator.
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If you have an automatic changeover valve, you do not need to do anything. However, you won’t have the manual changeover process as a reminder to order more gas, so be sure to check you gas bottles regularly.
​Manual changeover valves:
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Your gas supply will stop when a gas bottle is empty.
You will need to:
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Turn the hand wheel on the empty gas bottle OFF (clockwise).
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You then move the changeover valve lever to point towards the other (full) gas bottle.
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Turn the hand wheel on the full gas bottle ON slowly (anti clockwise).
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Please remember to order a replacement gas bottle so you don’t run out.
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Please note that, in the picture shown, the lever (blue) is pointing upwards just to make it more visible. In actual use it would be set to the left or right.​
Automatic Gas Reg
Manual Gas Reg
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What if the gas isn’t working?
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Check to make sure that the active gas bottle is turned on. The active gas bottle is the one pointed to by the changeover valve.
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Check to see if either gas bottle has any gas left, using the hot water test (see below). If so, you may need to switch to the full gas bottle with the changeover valve.
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If both bottles are empty, please contact Murray Sales for a gas delivery and make sure you tell us you need two gas bottles.​
​How do I know how much gas is left?
Carefully pour hot water down the side of the bottle and a line of condensation should appear at the level of the remaining gas. If no line is apparent, you can also wait a few seconds and run your hand down the cylinder. It will feel cool to touch at the level of the gas. If you see no line and feel no difference in temperature, chances are that the bottle is empty. Remember to always use care with hot water.
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You cannot tell how much gas is left by tapping the side of cylinder or rocking the cylinder.
Also, please be aware that gas bottles are designed to be full at 85% or just over 3/4. The bottles are oversized so you get the full measure of gas. The unfilled space, called “ullage”, allows for the natural expansion of the gas during warmer temperatures.
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​​How do I make sure that I don’t run out of gas?
Always order gas as soon as the first bottle runs out. Don’t wait until the gas bottles are both empty or near empty. Follow this advise and you are virtually assured to never run out of gas.
Remember to check your gas bottles more often in cold weather or when you have additional house guests.
If you only have one gas bottle attached to your home, you may wish to consider adding a second gas bottle. This is particularly wise if you use it for hot water and/or heating.
What NOT to do to your gas cylinders
DO NOT paint your cylinders—the galvanized surface is the safest and most durable finish.
DO NOT obscure the safety information on the cylinders—by law this safety information must be displayed at all times.
DO NOT cover your cylinders—screens or covers for your cylinders must be non-flammable and must not interfere with delivery or operation of the installation. They must also comply with safety regulations, so please seek our advise regarding your particular site.
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Emergency Instructions
If there is a gas leak
If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the cylinder valve(s) by rotating clockwise. This should remove all danger until help arrives. Call a licensed gas plumber, Murray Sales have a list of local gas plumbers if you need. As an added precaution, make sure the area is well ventilated to disperse any gas, and remove or turn off all flames and other sources of ignition such as pilot lights in hot water systems or ducted heating units.
If there is a fire
Fire, at or near the cylinders should be immediately reported to the fire authorities, and to Murray Sales. However, remember that gas tank and cylinder installations regularly survive even the extremes of bushfires. In case of fire, turn off the cylinder valve(s) and leave the cylinders upright and secured. They will noisily discharge gas if they get very hot, a safety feature to keep the pressure in the cylinder down. The situation can be readily handled by trained people so please vacate the premises and leave the situation to the experts.