Propane Hoses With Air Hose Quick Connects

[George7941]

I have been using these Quick Connects because I have lots of them. I am the only one using them, so there is no danger of someone thinking that the propane hose is a air hose. The Quick Connects are useful for changing torches, for different applications. Propane does the job for me many times without me having to drag out my oxy-acetylene torch.
Any downsides to this use of the Quick Connects?

 

[wsar10]

Fittings are rated for certain types of chemical or liquid use. My uncle and Grandfather worked for a major Propane company for many years, and all of the fittings on their trucks and service bays were a quick release fitting. However, they were much more robust and looked different than one intended for just air.

 

[dnewton3]

There are specific QD fittings rated for gaseous fuels (propane; NG). These are rated as no-spark fittings, whereas the compressed air ones typically are not.

The risks are yours to take, as long as you don't subject others to the dangers.

 

[Cujet]

Interesting use of air fittings. I've noticed that my 20+ year old air fittings were 100% leak free when used in stationary applications, like my air compressor in the attic hooked to my garage shop air. The new imported ones I've purchased recently have a sloppy fit and leak right away. Prob not ideal for propane

 

[ctechbob]

FWIW I use the actual propane ones in both my camper and around the house. Never had an issue out of them. Main difference between the actual propane fittings is that the female fitting usually has a valve that will not let you disconnect it while under pressure.

For the house things, I just keep a single tank and single regulator on hand to run the devices. I've never run across a situation where I needed to run two things at once, although I admit that could be an issue. I do keep a spare regulator on hand and I could make up another hose if I really needed to.

 

[George7941]

There are specific QD fittings rated for gaseous fuels (propane; NG). These are rated as no-spark fittings, whereas the compressed air ones typically are not.

The risks are yours to take, as long as you don't subject others to the dangers.

I always turn off the propane at the tank before disconnecting anything, so even if there is a spark, there is not much propane to burn. Also I never leave the setup unattended without turning the tank off.

 

[George7941]

Interesting use of air fittings. I've noticed that my 20+ year old air fittings were 100% leak free when used in stationary applications, like my air compressor in the attic hooked to my garage shop air. The new imported ones I've purchased recently have a sloppy fit and leak right away. Prob not ideal for propane

All my Quick Connects are the American made Milton brand. Some of them are over forty years old and have never leaked. Super reliable.

 

[The_Jeff]

You seem heck-bent on doing this.

My only suggestion would be to use a different style of quick connect than you use for actual air in your shop. Good writeup here.

Propane runs at 1/2 PSI, and air at 120, so I'd hate to have a scenario where one system accidentally crosses over into the other.

 

[Rand]

uh. Nope. Bad Idea and
Proper propane fittings are inexpensive.

 

[Fitter30]

Air hose leaks no big deal. LP can I take out a life insurance policy on you if your going to be using air quick connects? LP is heavier than air it likes low places that's why it's so dangerous.

 

[George7941]

My only suggestion would be to use a different style of quick connect than you use for actual air in your shop. Good writeup here.

Propane runs at 1/2 PSI, and air at 120, so I'd hate to have a scenario where one system accidentally crosses over into the other.

No shop. Home backyard use only.

 

[NOTEVIL81]

My bottle cart has quick releases specifically made for this purpose. I can change from cutting torch to brazing torch. These quick releases have spark flashback arresters built in for safety.

 

[mk378]

You're using the same type fittings for low pressure and high pressure gas. That seems a really bad idea. One simple mistake will result in a really bad accident.

As others noted there are quick connects specifically designed for this. The high pressure type is used for the tank on a forklift etc. The low pressure type is used on campers.

 

[wsar10]

I always turn off the propane at the tank before disconnecting anything, so even if there is a spark, there is not much propane to burn. Also I never leave the setup unattended without turning the tank off.

It does not really work like that...
It would take a hint of propane to ignite and pressurize the line back to the regulator or valve, and when it then blows apart you have a major exp[osion, like damage the building type explosion, let alone the human holding it. This actually just happen 3 summers ago in my area, he was just now finally released from Rehab after having to learn how to walk again due to how long he was bed ridden as a result of the burns and damage. This event also burned his garage down but they did save the house luckily. HE was work with EMPTY propane cylinders...

 

[George7941]

It does not really work like that...
It would take a hint of propane to ignite and pressurize the line back to the regulator or valve, and when it then blows apart you have a major exp[osion, like damage the building type explosion, let alone the human holding it.

I am not so sure about that. There is no oxygen inside the propane hose, so all I see is a small flame at the end of the hose where there is oxygen available. It is not as if I was working with a propane/oxygen mixture, similar to an acetylene/oxygen mixture.
I can see a hose containing a propane/oxygen mixture blowing apart.

 

[Vexorg]

Let's say you level your house, how would your home insurance deal with you using non standard / unapproved gas fittings? What happens if you end up damaging someone else's property? What if you are gone, what happens to your family?
Can you imagine the nightmare of lawyers and police this could bring?

 

[benjamming]

Let's say you level your house, how would your home insurance deal with you using non standard / unapproved gas fittings? What happens if you end up damaging someone else's property? What if you are gone, what happens to your family?
Can you imagine the nightmare of lawyers and police this could bring?

Insurance, both home & life, would pay like normal. If they didn't no one would have insurance as they would pretty much always find a person at fault doing something wrong. There's not an exception in residential policies for not handling propane connections properly.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

AHHHH,,,,no good. You're literally playing with fire now. Get the correct fittings for the fuel.