G 607 inspection is important
Special regulations apply to the use and maintenance of the gas system in leisure vehicles. Liquid petroleum gas in leisure vehicles is used as a universal energy source for cooking, heating and for the fridge. Thanks to sophisticated technology, they are very safe to use.
Until now, a caravan has passed the main inspection (HU) even without a valid gas inspection sticker and certificate - and it will continue to do so. If the gas test was missing, only a minor defect was noted. For motorhomes, however, a valid test certificate for the gas system was previously required for the HU sticker on the licence plate.
New gas test regulations from 2020
Since 1 January 2020, the gas test no longer plays a role in the general inspection: The deficiency assessment will be temporarily suspended until 1 January 2023. Specifically: Until then, a successful gas test for motorhomes is no longer a prerequisite for passing the HU, and no defects are noted for caravans. The reason: The measuring devices used do not fulfil the requirements stipulated in the guidelines for quality monitoring of the HU.
The biennial gas test "G 607" is nevertheless extremely important. "A positive test is proof of the proper condition and safety of the LPG system. If this proof is missing, there may be consequences under private law in the event of damage," warns the German Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association. In plain language: If there is an accident with a gas system that has not been positively tested, insurance companies may refuse to pay for damage caused to themselves or others.
Incidentally, campsites also have the right to refuse to allow leisure vehicles without a valid gas test to stay - and they make use of this right.
Handling the gas system
Firstly, this concerns the cylinder in which the liquefied gas is stored at a pressure of around eight bar. There is a year stamped on the container up to which the bottle is considered tested and safe. This is no problem for exchangeable bottles, as they only need to be exchanged for a full one before this period expires. After that, the cylinder will generally no longer be accepted by the dealer, as a new MOT approval is due. This costs around Euro 70. Tank cylinders for self-filling and permanently installed gas tanks also have a stamped date. Tanks must be on-board equipment for testing. After acceptance, the cylinder or tank is authorised for operation for a further ten years.
The hoses and pressure regulators also have an expiry date. They must be replaced at the latest ten years after their manufacture, regardless of their functionality. In addition to the "G 607" tests described above, care should always be taken when handling the gas system . This includes, for example, that the gas locker ventilation near the floor must never be closed or covered with luggage. Escaping liquid gas is heavier than air. In the event of a leak, it would collect near the floor and can flow safely outside through the ventilation opening. In addition, there must be no electrical ignition sources such as a circuit breaker or an inverter in the gas bottle locker. The gas bottle locker is therefore taboo for retrofitted, electrical accessories.
Practical tips for the gas system
- Replace replacement gas cylinders in good time before the year marked on the handle expires.
- Property and tank cylinders must be re-pressurised in good time before the end of the year in question.
- Tanks for liquid gas systems must be inspected every ten years. This requires on-board equipment. This should be taken into account when buying a used vehicle.
- There must be no sources of electrical ignition in the gas bottle locker. Therefore, do not install any electrical accessories here.
- The ventilation opening of the gas bottle locker near the floor must never be blocked by accessories or luggage.
- Replace the pressure regulator and the associated hose every ten years, regardless of their functionality.
Certificate of gas sampling and gas test booklet
Unfortunately, we are unable to issue you with a new gas test booklet. If the booklet is no longer available, a new gas test booklet must be issued by the inspector carrying out the gas test. We can use the vehicle identification number to check whether your vehicle is covered by a gas removal certificate. Please send us an e-mail to service@dethleffs.de