INSTALLING REGULATORS Pressure regulators must be installed correctly to avoid damage and a dangerous situation. All tanks should be stored out of traffic areas, and oxygen tanks especially should be securely fastened to a solid object to prevent falling. While oxygen tanks can be operated in any position, they are usually stored in the upright position. Propane tanks MUST be stored upright on their supplied bottoms because the gas is actually a liquid, and the regulator must be above the liquid level. When connecting hoses to FUEL gas regulators, only use “T” grade hose as “R” grade hose will rot when in contact with propane. Make sure threaded connections on the tanks are clean and in good condition, as this is important for a good seal between the regulator and the tank. Threads for oxygen are right handed and left handed for fuel gas. These are identified by a smooth connection nut on the oxygen, and a “lined” connection nut on the fuel gas. Make sure to don’t over tighten when installing as this can damage the flared fittings. A snug fit is all that is required. Use proper fitting wrenches and not pliers so the brass is not damaged. DO NOT OPEN the tank valve until you check to make sure the pressure adjusting handle on the regulator is COMPLETELY BACKED OFF. Turn anti clockwise until there is no resistance. If the handle falls off, simply screw it back on one full turn. This is necessary so that the diaphram is not damaged by the sudden high pressure applied to it. The valves on oxygen tanks are a special unit and should be only in the fully on or fully off position so no oxygen leaks past the valve stem. Open slowly for the first turn, and then fully on. This does not apply to fuel tanks as they are at a much lower pressure. Open slowly for a turn, then one or two turns more. This will allow you to close the valve faster should an emergency arise. When opening the tank valves, stand to the side of the tank AWAY from the valve, as a damaged regulator, while unlikely, could blow from the tank. The more you turn the adjusting handle on the regulators in, the higher the delivered pressure will be. There are one and two gauge models of regulators. On a two gauge model, the gauge closest to the tank tells you how much gas is left in the tank and the other gauge reads the pressure. On a single gauge model, the gauge reads outlet pressure only. To decrease the pressure shown on the gauge, pressure must be relieved after the regulator. With the torch running, adjust the pressure handle on the regulator to the desired setting. As a test setting, try about 20 pounds on the oxygen and around 10 pounds on the propane. Many companies will give you suggested settings for their product. These are usually lower, and is what the torch will run at using minimum pressures. The final pressure is always determined by what the torch control knobs are manually set to by you, the user. Some fuel gas regulators have a red zone on the pressure dial. This is for acetylene use and does not apply to propane. NEVER USE AN ACETYLENE REGULATOR ON A PROPANE TANK. Use a proper propane regulator.