Operating Pressure
Most RV appliances are rated for a working range of roughly 10–14″ W.C., with 11″ W.C. as the standard set point. “W.C.” = inches of water column, the standard low-pressure gas measurement.
Owner guide
RV LP Gas Pressure Specs & Timed Leak Test (NFPA 1192)
Reference values from NFPA 1192 (Standard on Recreational Vehicles) practice for regulator output pressure and the timed pressure-drop test. This is diagnostic reference material, not a DIY leak-test walkthrough — gas wo...
Active corridor: Montana · Wyoming · Idaho · Washington — case-by-case beyond.
Field notes
Reference values from NFPA 1192 (Standard on Recreational Vehicles) practice for regulator output pressure and the timed pressure-drop test. This is diagnostic reference material, not a DIY leak-test walkthrough — gas work should be performed or verified by a certified technician. ⚠ LP gas leaks and improper regulator adjustment can cause fire, explosion, or asphyxiation. This page is reference information only. Leak testing and regulator service should be performed by a certified RV or propane technician with a...
Lock-Up Pressure
When all burner valves are closed, a healthy regulator’s pressure rises slightly above the 11″ W.C. flow pressure and then stops — this is “lock-up.” A properly functioning regulator should not lock up more than about...
Timed Pressure-Drop Leak Test (NFPA 1192 §5.3.20.6)
Per NFPA 1192, the system pressure-drop test uses a test pressure of not less than 8″ W.C. and not more than 14″ W.C. The standard field practice technicians use:
Related Reference Pages
LP Gas Troubleshooting Guide LP Gas Systems & Safety (service page) Full Field Guide
Owner checklist
- Connect a calibrated manometer to the system (commonly at a burner orifice with the valve closed), with all appliance valves shut and pilot lights out.
- Pressurize the system, then let it relax down to a stable 8″ W.C. baseline reading — this settling period allows the regulator diaphragm and system volume to stabilize.
- Isolate the manometer from the supply (close the service valve) and start a timer for a minimum of 3 minutes.
- Read the manometer again. Any drop indicates a leak that must be located (soap-solution test at fittings) and repaired before the system is returned to service. A pressure rise usually indicates ambient temperature change or a valve that isn’t fully seated — not a leak.
Related: All guides · Book a Service · Pricing
Pricing teaser
Trip fee $75 within 30 miles, then $1.50/mi. Labor ~$150/hr (1-hour minimum, billed in 30-minute increments). Diagnostic $150 applied toward repair if you proceed.
Active corridor: Montana · Wyoming · Idaho · Washington — case-by-case beyond. Credentials (text): Victron Professional Certified Installer · weBoost Authorized Installer · Peplink Certified Associate · Dometic Professional Certified.