Stove: Falks type 0171

[LaConic]

NEWBIE ALERT! Hello peeps, I have sourced a vintage caravan Falks two-burner & grill and wonder if there any known issues with getting a certified installation in my Viscount Ambassador (1966 I think). 
The plate on the back states "For use with butane gas operating pressure 11 INS.W.G
Total heat input 20,000 B.Th.U./hr.
Any advice appreciated...

[Franklin1]

G'day LaConic,

When it comes to gas equipment requiring certification, it's worthwhile ringing whoever will certify the system, and asking them if there will be any problems.

These stoves can be found in quite a number of vintage vans, so they must be considered acceptable, otherwise we would have heard about it by now. I presume most of them operate on LPG rather than butane. A gas operating pressure of 11 inches water gauge (the 11 INS W.G. you've read on the label) is equivalent to 2.74 kilopascals pressure, which is near enough to the 2.75 kPa pressure that LPG operates at in these stoves. Butane is a slightly different gas to the Propane in LPG, but people have been using these stoves on LPG without any issues.

If you don't already have a gas system installed in your van, you'll be up for the newer type of regulator and associated pipework. If you do have a system and it's got the old style regulator on it, be prepared for the cost to have it upgraded.

Talk to your gas man or lady. They'll be the ones putting their signature on the paper, so they'll tell you how it has to be.

cheers,
Al.

[LaConic]

Thanks Al,

I went ahead and bought the stove as it was just too cute to ignore. As a bonus the grill tray was found to match!

Next step is finding a gas fitter to instal it. All the stove plumbing had been removed by the previous owner who said it was too much hassle for him to upgrade in Qld. I have considered keeping all cooking outside as a justification for not re-installing gas, but as we are about to hit the open road for three months over winter, I reckon I won't always be in the mood to boil a kettle outside...