Issue over automatic changeover switch on LPG gas regulator

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mattwnz

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#319903 13-Jun-2025 00:45

I have a relatively new double gas bottle installation. The automatic changeover valve indicator recently changed from green to red, so I ordered a new bottle. I noticed after this, that the indicator was still red. So I contacted Genesis who said their drivers only switch the bottles and don't touch the regulator switch, but that it should have changed back to green. They then said it could be faulty and I need to contact a gas fitter. However reading Elgas instructions, it says that when they switch a bottle they will reset the indicator, as it states 'We will replace the empty bottle with a full one and reset the indicator.' https://www.elgas.co.nz/elgas-knowledge-hub/residential-lpg/gas-changeover-valve-instructions-more/

Anyone know what the true story is here? This is the first bottle swap I have done. I can't see how it could be faulty because it worked and quite new and it did switch correctly from green to red.

It does shown in their video below that it switches from red to green on the bottle swap and that the lever changes direction, so something must trigger that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QchZzpm_86M

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#3383451 13-Jun-2025 06:42

Has the replacement bottle been turned on?

cshwone

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#3383466 13-Jun-2025 08:28

That is a very odd comment by Genesis. The changeover lever is always switched when our Genesis deliveries are made (customer of 10+ years). Nevertheless, even if the changeover was left on the previously empty bottle it should have gone back green when the valve on the new bottle was opened.

mattwnz

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#3383474 13-Jun-2025 08:57

Ge0rge:

Has the replacement bottle been turned on?

It looks like both bottles are open

mentalinc

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#3383484 13-Jun-2025 09:20

Agree, the gas delivery always switch over when they deliver bottles.

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wongtop

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#3383489 13-Jun-2025 09:30

Have they actually replaced the bottle? Can be several days between the order and replacement.

djtOtago

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#3383490 13-Jun-2025 09:31

Maybe both bottles were near empty when the one bottle was replaced.

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lxsw20

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#3383497 13-Jun-2025 09:52

My folks leave one bottle off so they don't start to flap between bottles when one gets low. It also means you have a warning you need to replace one of the bottles.

k1w1k1d

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#3383499 13-Jun-2025 10:01

Doesn't leaving one bottle off mean that when the gas runs out during your 6am shower on a cold frosty morning you have to run outside and switch bottles over? Doesn't seem like the greatest idea?

lxsw20

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#3383500 13-Jun-2025 10:03

Yes, you also have to do that when both bottles run out and you've done nothing about it. At least if you've turned a bottle off you can turn the other on and resume you're shower rather than messing around trying to connect a BBQ bottle.

mattwnz

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#3383664 13-Jun-2025 15:11

lxsw20:

My folks leave one bottle off so they don't start to flap between bottles when one gets low. It also means you have a warning you need to replace one of the bottles.

Are they that unreliable that they would do that? I did notice that mine had been green for a long time, then it went half red and green, and then back to green, and then it went to all red and stayed red, and that was over the period of a week. I read that that is apparently somethings happened with temperature changes and it has been cold. But I do wonder if they have replaced wrong bottle, or if both bottles could have only been half full. I can't tell which bottle they replaced either. It is odd that they would replace the bottle and not follow up with me if it didn't go green when they reconnected it. I will have to look at the bottles in more detail.

mattwnz

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#3383665 13-Jun-2025 15:12

wongtop:

Have they actually replaced the bottle? Can be several days between the order and replacement.

I got a text to say it was replaced and they confirmed it was replaced too.

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wellygary

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#3383669 13-Jun-2025 15:23

mattwnz:

I do wonder if they have replaced wrong bottle, or if both bottles could have only been half full. I can't tell which bottle they replaced either.

A full bottle is close to 80kg, an empty one is just over 30, its unlikely they took the wrong one,

Get a jug of hot water and pour it down one side of the bottle, then feel down the wet path with you hand, when you hit cold that's the gas level

k1w1k1d

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#3383670 13-Jun-2025 15:25

Does the pouring hot water over the bottles to check gas level work?

richms

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#3383686 13-Jun-2025 15:48

mattwnz:

Are they that unreliable that they would do that? I did notice that mine had been green for a long time, then it went half red and green, and then back to green, and then it went to all red and stayed red, and that was over the period of a week. I read that that is apparently somethings happened with temperature changes and it has been cold. But I do wonder if they have replaced wrong bottle, or if both bottles could have only been half full. I can't tell which bottle they replaced either. It is odd that they would replace the bottle and not follow up with me if it didn't go green when they reconnected it. I will have to look at the bottles in more detail.

If you are somewhere cold then it can drop pressure enough for the regulator to swap over as it chills down more with use.

Richard rich.ms

wellygary

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#3383691 13-Jun-2025 15:57

k1w1k1d:

Does the pouring hot water over the bottles to check gas level work?

As long as there is enough hot water to warm up the cylinder and the ambient temp is not too bad,

Trying it in a howling southerly when its been 5 degrees outside for 2 days?? ... YMMV

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