Basics of Stainless Steel Hoses and Handwheels

Flexible corrugated connectors for gas installation is the norm for fitting gas appliances with gas fuel piping. It is advised to utilize the services of a registered gas installer even if you are a person who knows how to fix the connection.

The flexible pipe is normally colored black for quick identification. The other methodology involves the use of stainless steel upgrade hose kit for connecting the appliance. Prior to 1980 there were stainless steel upgrade hoses with uncoated brass connectors available. New British standards mandate the use of stainless steel or coated brass connectors.

Steps for connecting SS hoses

Ensure that the connector is correctly marked for the appliance that needs to be connected. The connector ends should match the ends of the appliance so that the joint is tight and leak proof.

• Ensure that the hose is sufficiently long
• Avoid bends and stretches – any kind of stress is not desired in gas connections
• Once the connection is completed check for leaks
• Use a gas leak detector kit that is available with reputed gas equipment suppliers

It is recommended that the gas hose is also equipped with stainless steel handwheel when connecting pigtails for a twin cylinder installation. Male POL with handwheel consisting of inverted flair is a perfect adjunct for fitting manual changeover valve.

There are several distributors of stainless steel hoses and handwheels. Trying to match the right equipment is a task that may not allow diligent research. It must be noted however, that among the plethora of offerings it is best to go to a trusted supplier who has a stellar reputation. Another metric identifying suppliers, is to find out if they have stocks of these hard to find products. European standards are a bit different from British standards and there could be the possibility that a distributor may be having one and not the other. In such a scenario, it becomes difficult to zero on new suppliers. Sometimes distributors who have remained true to their origins are the best bet.

Such gas supplies need to be sourced from a trusted establishment that is aware of the safety aspects of critical gas equipment. One such entity is United Kingdom’s Gas Equipment Direct that has been in business for nearly three decades. There is nothing by way of gas equipment that they are not aware of and as a matter of fact their knowledge is in depth. To make it easy for customers their help desk is manned by a professionally competent team who can answer any query related to gas supplies.