Why is my butane lighter not working?

Butane or Propane Gas Regulator on Motorhome?

• My motorhome's 30mbar gas regulator failed and I had to replace it. The regulator supplies the hot water/heating system, cooker hob and the fridge. I have refillable LPG gas bottles that I refill at LPG pumps at the petrol station. The only replacement regulator I could find is a 28mbar butane regulator, I have fitted it and it's working fine. I understand that LPG at the station is a blend of butane and propane so will it be ok to this butane regulator? Thanks, Dave.

• Answer:

  LPG appliances will run on either propane or butane just fine, but butane liquifies at a higher temperature than propane, so if you try and use it when it's really cold, then you'll find you can't keep the flame alight. Unless you're out in your motorhome in the snow though, you'll probably never notice the difference! The LPG at petrol stations is, as you say, a mixture designed for most efficient use depending on the season, so you'll find it contains more propane in winter and more butane in summer (butane gives more energy). The 2mbar lower pressure will make just about zero real world difference to you, as long as the flow rate is comparable to the old reg as that's the important thing.