Using a gas isolator as a switch?

[mikeclaude]

I'm on a boat with LPG and have a half inch gas isolator just before my hob that's within easy reach. I decided to close it after cooking because the knobs on the hob don't feel that positive and I didn't want to rely on them. However, a friend in the marina told me that I was being paranoid and I might end up wearing the isolator out so that it doesn't work when actually needed. What do you think? Do these isolators wear out if used too frequently? The hob is supposed to have flame failure devices on each burner so should I just leave the isolator on permanently?

 

[mikeclaude]

Thanks for the reply.

A plumber's merchant told me the same thing, but it did seem odd to me.

 

[mikeclaude]

That if I used an isolator to switch off the gas to the hob on a regular basis it would wear out pretty quickly.

 

[justlead1]

Hi. Test the flame failure device mentioned. You may not get a second chance too if not present. I seem to remember that gas alarm censors are available for boat LPG installations. Good Luck

 

[mikeclaude]

Thanks, yes I'll test the FFD.

I've got a bubble tester in the gas locker - it basically allows the user to test whether the system is sound by pressing a knob and looking in the sight glass to see if there are any bubbles which would indicate a leak. I'll get a gas detector/alarm too.