G 607 inspection is important
Special regulations apply to the use and maintenance of the gas system in the caravan. Liquefied gas in the caravan/motorhome is used as a universal energy supply for cooking, heating and for the refrigerator. Thanks to sophisticated technology, it is very safe to use.
Until now, a caravan passed the main inspection (HU) even without a valid gas inspection sticker and certificate - and it will continue to do so. If the gas inspection was missing, only a minor defect was noted. In the case of motorhomes, however, the valid inspection certificate for the gas system was previously required for the main inspection sticker on the registration plate.
New gas inspection regulations from 2020
Since January 1st, 2020, the gas inspection will no longer play a role in the main inspection: The deficiency assessment will be temporarily suspended until 1 January 2023. Specifically: Until then, the successful gas inspection for motorhomes is no longer a prerequisite for passing the main inspection, and no defect is noted for caravans. The reason: The measuring devices used do not meet the requirements stipulated in the guidelines for the main inspection (HU) quality monitoring.
The biennial gas inspection "G 607" is nevertheless enormously important. "A positive inspection constitutes proof of the proper condition and safety of the liquefied gas system. If this certificate is missing, there may be consequences under private law in the event of damage," warns the German Liquefied Gas Association. In plain language: If an accident occurs with a gas system that has not been positively tested, insurance companies can refuse to pay for own and third-party damage.
By the way, camp sites also have the right to refuse to allow caravans to stay without a valid gas inspection - and they do make use of it. In addition, gas detectors are no longer permissible in the gas system installation inspection and the gas system inspection until January 1st, 2023. Leakage search spray must be used instead.
Handling the gas system
On the one hand, this concerns the bottle in which the liquefied gas is stored at a pressure of around eight bar. There is a stamped year on the container up to which the bottle is considered tested and safe. This is no problem for exchange bottles, because you only have to exchange them for a full one before the end of this period. After that, the bottle is generally no longer accepted by the dealer, because a new TÜV approval is due. This costs around 70 EUR. Tank bottles for self-filling and permanently installed gas tanks also have a stamped date. Tanks must be removed for the inspection. After acceptance, the bottle or tank is approved for operation for a further ten years.
The hoses and pressure regulators also have an expiry date. At the latest ten years after their manufacture, they must be replaced regardless of their functionality. Beyond the "G 607" inspections described above, one should always be prudent when handling the gas system. This includes, for example, that the gas bottle compartment ventilation near the ground must never be closed or covered with luggage. Escaping liquefied gas is heavier than air. In the event of a leak, it would collect near the floor and can flow safely outdoors through the ventilation opening. In addition, there must be no electrical ignition sources in the gas bottle compartment, such as an automatic circuit breaker or an AC converter. The gas bottle compartment is therefore taboo for retrofitted electrical accessories.
Practical tips for the caravan gas system
- Change exchange gas bottles in good time before the year marked on the handle expires.
- Subject property and tank cylinders to a new pressure test in good time before the end of the marked year.
- Tanks for liquefied gas systems must be inspected every ten years. This requires their removal. This should be taken into account when buying a second-hand vehicle.
- There must be no sources of electrical ignition in the gas bottle compartment. Therefore, do not install any electrical accessories here.
- The ventilation opening of the gas bottle compartment near the ground must never be blocked by accessories or luggage.
- Replace the pressure regulator and the associated hose every ten years, regardless of their functionality.
Gas initial inspection certificate and gas inspection booklet
Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to issue you with a new gas inspection booklet. If the booklet is no longer available, a new gas test booklet must be issued by the executing inspector by means of a gas inspection. Using the vehicle identification number, we will be happy to check whether a gas initial inspection certificate exists for your vehicle. Please feel free to send us an email service@buerstner.com to this