I have a split-bottle system and the transfer from the main to the secondary bottle does not work. As a mater a fact, I cannot get the stove to work on the secondary with the transfer switch in any position. Both tanks are full and I have tried without success the method describes below which I pick up from Jim W on another thread.
At the secondary tank, there is a small red regulator installed on the steel pipe. If I disconnect the pig tail going to the transfer switch at the other end of the steel pipe, should-I get propane there?
Thanks
Split-Bottle Systems – (Primarily on Fifth-Wheels)
Some Keystone fifth wheels use a split-bottle system where there is one propane bottle located on each side of the unit. There are some instances where this system may inadvertently activate the “excess flow device” located in the propane pigtail.
The “excess flow device” is a safety feature that is designed to detect a large leak in the propane system such as a broken gas line and reduce the flow of propane from the bottle. It also activates when the propane bottle service valve is turned on and the propane system is not completely closed such as when the range burner is left on. The device is not designed to completely stop the flow of propane, but to reduce it to approximately 20,000 BTUs/hr.
When activated, one appliance at a time may operate normally; however, when a large demand is placed on the system such as turning on several appliances or the furnace, they will not receive sufficient propane pressure to operate properly. Follow the procedure below to avoid inadvertently activating the “excess flow device” and to operate the split bottle propane system.
Follow this procedure for the following conditions: After refilling either or both bottles; After any part of the propane system has been disconnected; Appliance burners are not operating correctly; Low operating pressure exists downstream from the regulator when operating heavy demand appliances such as the furnace.
1. Verify both propane bottles contain sufficient propane. Refill if necessary.
2. Close both propane bottle service valves.
3.Attach the propane pigtails to the service valve.
4. Close manually operated gas valves on the range or water heater.
5. Turn the indicator on the regulator to the bottle closest to it.
6. Slowly open the service valve on the bottle closest to the regulator. This is typically the bottle on the entry door side. Open the valve all the way.
7. Slowly open the service valve on the bottle that is furthest from the regulator until you can hear gas start to flow through. Do not open the valve all the way. Wait 1 minute.
8. Re-close the service valve and then slowly re-open it all the way. The system is now ready to operate.
This happen to me earlier this year and I followed these instructions and have had no issues since.
Jim W.