Propane Tank Valve Compatibility And Adapters
Propane tanks, bottles and cylinders are not standardized globally, which often creates confusion. Some countries use a single standard while others have multiple options. Some tanks feature threaded valve connections, while others use quick couplings. This article will explain the most common connections available and what to do depending on your situation.
The Zutto SP1 Propane Adapter is designed to connect to propane tanks via its adjustable regulator, which uses a QCC1 Type 1 connection. While this connection is standard in the USA and Canada, it may not be the standard everywhere else in the world.
Below, we'll share the different tank valves that our customers have encountered, along with solutions to adapt the SP1 to those connections. While this won't cover every scenario across the world, it's a guide to the most common types of connections we receive questions about.
What's available in my country?
The most comprehensive reference we've found is available in this wikipedia page, which outlines common connection types by country along with details on each. From this reference, we’ve compiled a simplified version for a few of the most relevant countries. A more complete list, covering many more regions, is included at the end of this article.
QCC TYPE 1
- Type: threaded, external
- Also known as QCC1 (G.9) or LCC27 in Australia
This is the connection used with the adjustable regulator included with the Zutto adapter, as it is the standard in the USA and Canada. It is also known as LCC27 in Australia. If this is the standard in your country, no adapter is needed.
A quick note, the QCC1 connection uses a large external thread and also includes an internal POL thread.
POL:
- Type: threaded, internal, reverse threads
- Also known as POL US G.9 or POL-WS (G.10)
- Search for: POL to QCC1 adapter
This is the oldest standard for gas valve connections and is the most common type our customers encounter outside the USA and Canada. It is also the easiest to adapt, as POL to QCC1 adapters are widely available, some with built-in gauges.
Note that this connection uses a reverse thread, meaning it tightens in the opposite direction of standard threads.
W21,8:
- Type: threaded, external, reverse threads
- Sometimes known as 21.8LH, G.12, G.4 or G.5
- Search for: W21.8 to QCC1 adapter or 21.8LH to QCC1 adapter
This threaded connection is fairly common across Europe and can be found either pointing straight out of the tank or angled at 90º. Adapters are available, although it is often easier to find W21.8 to POL adapters than W21.8 to QCC1 adapters. Be sure to purchase the correct one.
Note that the threads on these connections are also reversed.
CLIP-ON:
- Type: quick-coupling
- Various sizes, 27mm being common, aka G.59
- Search for: 27mm clip on to POL adapter then POL to QCC1 adapter
This quick coupling style is mostly found in Europe on both standard tanks and lightweight composite tanks, with 27 mm being the most common size. Hong Kong appears to use a 20 mm version as well.
This type of valve is the hardest to work with, as adapters there doesn't seem to be a single clip-on to QCC1 adapter. We have found 27mm clip-on to W21.8 adapters, but these require an additional adapter to convert from W21.8 to QCC1, such as the ones described above.
In most countries where these clip-on connections are used, POL or W21.8 tank valve options are usually also available, and we recommend choosing those for convenience.
What about swapping regulators?
While some people choose to replace the adjustable regulator, we cannot recommend it, as it requires an understanding of gas pressures and proper plumbing practices. Always consult a professional when manipulating gas components.
Where do I buy the adapters?
Most of these adapters can be found with a simple online search using the suggested keywords above. A local gas supply or hardware store may also be able to help.
Although we would like to share direct links to specific adapters, vendors often change their product pages and those links can quickly become outdated. We hope the information in this article helps you find the right adapter to connect your Zutto SP1 to your propane tank. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out.
More detailed list of countries and their tank valve connection types
