Can I use LP gas instead of propane?

Generally yes—if “LP gas” in your area means propane, the terms are used interchangeably and you can use it. But “LP gas” can also mean butane or a propane–butane blend, and those may not be compatible with appliances labeled for propane only. Always check your appliance’s rating plate and your regulator’s pressure rating before swapping fuels.

What “LP gas” actually means

LP gas (also written LPG, liquefied petroleum gas) is a family of fuels that includes propane, butane, isobutane, and blends. The confusion comes from regional usage: in North America, “LP gas” sold for grills, heaters, and home tanks is almost always propane; elsewhere, cylinders may contain propane, butane, or a seasonal mix.

Below are common meanings of “LP gas” in different markets and packaging, which can affect whether it can substitute for propane in your application.

• United States/Canada bulk tanks and grill cylinders: Typically propane that meets ASTM D1835 (often “HD-5” grade: ≥90% propane, ≤5% propylene).
• Portable camping cartridges (worldwide): Often butane or isobutane, sometimes with propane blends (e.g., 70/30) for cold-weather performance.
• UK/EU domestic cylinders: Sold distinctly as propane (G31) or butane (G30); some regions offer LPG blends seasonally.
• Autogas (vehicle fuel): An LPG blend that varies by country and season; not intended for household appliances.

If your supplier’s “LP gas” is propane, it’s typically compatible with propane-rated gear. If it’s butane or a blend, you must confirm your appliance is rated for LPG at the correct pressure.

Appliance compatibility: reading the label

Your appliance’s rating plate and documentation are the definitive guides. They list the fuel type(s) and the required supply/manifold pressure. This determines whether LP gas other than propane is acceptable.

Here are common label markings and what they mean for fuel use.

• “Propane (LP)” or “LP only”: Use propane. Do not use pure butane or an unknown LPG blend.
• “LPG G31 (propane) / G30 (butane)” with pressures (e.g., 37 mbar for propane, 28–30 mbar for butane): The appliance can run on either, but only with the correct regulator and orifices for the specified pressure.
• “Natural Gas” (NG) or “G20”: Not compatible with propane/LP without a manufacturer conversion kit (different jets and regulator settings).
• “Dual-fuel NG/LP convertible”: Safe to use with propane after installing the supplied LP conversion kit and setting the regulator/manifold to spec.

If the label is missing or unclear, contact the manufacturer with the model number. Using the wrong gas or pressure can cause incomplete combustion, soot, carbon monoxide, or fire risk.

Key technical differences that matter

Propane and butane are both LPG, but their physical properties and standard service pressures differ. Those differences drive whether an LP gas substitute is safe and effective.

The following points highlight the main technical differences that influence compatibility.

• Boiling point and cold-weather performance: Propane boils at about −42°C (−44°F) and vaporizes well in cold climates; butane boils around −0.5°C (31°F) and struggles below freezing.
• Standard service pressure: In the U.S./Canada, propane appliances typically require about 10–11 inches water column (in. WC) at the appliance (low-pressure), versus natural gas at ~3.5 in. WC. In the UK/EU, propane service is commonly 37 mbar and butane 28–30 mbar. Orifices and regulators are matched to these pressures.
• Orifice sizing: Propane orifices are smaller than natural gas due to higher energy per volume and pressure. Butane orifices in EU setups may differ from propane due to the 28–30 vs 37 mbar standards.
• Energy content: Propane delivers roughly 2,500 BTU per cubic foot (around 93–95 MJ/m³), substantially higher than natural gas (~1,000 BTU/ft³). Butane is similar to propane on a per-volume basis, but pressure and vaporization differences still matter.
• Vapor pressure and delivery: Propane maintains higher vapor pressure in the cylinder, supporting higher draw rates and better performance in cold conditions compared with butane.

Because regulators and jets are tuned to specific pressures and fuels, substituting butane or blends for a propane-only appliance can lead to over- or under-firing, poor combustion, and safety hazards.

How to decide: a step-by-step check

Use this quick process before substituting LP gas for propane in any appliance.

1. Read the rating plate: Identify allowed fuels and required supply/manifold pressure (e.g., “LP 11 in. WC,” “G31 37 mbar,” “G30 30 mbar”).
2. Verify your regulator: Confirm it matches the required outlet pressure. Common residential propane settings are 10–11 in. WC (North America) and 37 mbar (UK/EU).
3. Confirm the cylinder contents: Ask your supplier whether the cylinder is propane (and grade) or a butane/LPG blend. In North America, grill cylinders are almost always propane; don’t assume elsewhere.
4. Fit the correct jets/conversion kit: If the appliance supports LPG variants, install the manufacturer’s orifices and settings for that gas and pressure.
5. Leak-test and commission: After any change, check all joints with a soapy-water solution, verify flame quality, and follow local code (e.g., NFPA 54/58 in the U.S.).

Following these steps ensures the fuel, pressure, and hardware are properly matched for safe, efficient operation.

Common scenarios

These real-world examples show when LP gas can and cannot replace propane.

• U.S. backyard grill labeled “LP gas”: Safe with standard propane grill cylinders (typically HD-5 propane). Not for natural gas without a conversion kit.
• Camping stove with butane cartridges: Not interchangeable with propane unless the stove is rated for LPG and you use the correct regulator and adapter designed by the manufacturer.
• Patio heater marked “Propane (LP) only”: Use propane; butane may fail in cool weather and may not meet pressure specs.
• EU hob labeled “G30/G31 28–30/37 mbar”: Can run on either butane or propane as specified, provided you use the appropriate regulator and jets.
• RV appliances in North America: Designed for propane at ~11 in. WC; stick with propane and RV-rated regulators/hoses.

If your situation doesn’t match these patterns, treat “LP gas” as ambiguous until you verify the exact fuel and your appliance’s rating.

Safety and legal notes

Gas fuel substitutions carry real risks. Codes and manufacturer instructions exist to prevent leaks, fires, and carbon monoxide incidents.

• Never swap natural gas and propane without a certified conversion kit; the pressures and jets differ significantly.
• Use the correct regulator, hose, and connector for the fuel and country-standard fittings (e.g., POL/QCC1 in North America; country-specific threads in EU/UK).
• Maintain ventilation and install CO alarms for indoor use; incomplete combustion can be deadly.
• Store cylinders upright, outdoors, and away from heat sources; check dates and condition.
• When in doubt, have a licensed gas fitter commission the appliance after any fuel or regulator change.

Adhering to these practices minimizes hazards and keeps your installation compliant with local regulations.

Summary

You can use LP gas instead of propane only when “LP gas” is, in fact, propane and your appliance is rated for it at the correct pressure. In North America, “LP gas” for grills and home use typically is propane, so substitution is straightforward. In many other markets, LP gas may mean butane or a seasonal LPG blend, which may require different regulators and orifices—or may be unsuitable altogether, especially in cold weather. Always verify the appliance label, regulator pressure, and cylinder contents before you swap fuels.

Are LPG and propane interchangeable?

No, they have many similarities and are often used interchangeably, yet they are different. If versatility and cost-effectiveness are your priorities, LPG’s adaptability to climate and application gives it the edge. If consistency, cold-weather reliability, or long-term storage are essential, propane is a winner.

Are LP gas and propane the same?

No, LP Gas is not exactly the same as propane; LP Gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is an umbrella term for various hydrocarbon fuels, while propane is a specific type of LP Gas. However, in many regions, like North America, LP Gas is predominantly propane, and the terms are often used interchangeably. The key difference is that LPG can also include other gases, such as butane, while pure propane is a single chemical compound. 
LP Gas (LPG)

• Definition: A flammable hydrocarbon gas that is liquefied through pressurization for storage and transport. 
• Composition: LPG is a family of gases, with the most common types being propane and butane. 
• Usage: Used in various applications like cooking, heating, and powering vehicles. 

Propane

• Definition: A specific hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₃H₈. 
• Origin: It’s a byproduct of natural gas processing and oil refining. 
• Properties: It is colorless and odorless in its natural state, so an odorant is added for safety purposes. 
• Regional Usage: In the United States and Canada, what is sold as LPG is primarily propane, meeting a standard known as HD-5, with small amounts of other hydrocarbons. 

The Key Distinction

• LPG is the broader category: Think of it like “fruit”. 
• Propane is a specific type of LPG: Similar to how an “apple” is a type of fruit. 

So, while all propane is considered LP Gas, not all LP Gas is pure propane, although in many practical applications, the two terms are used synonymously.

Is LP regular propane?

In fact, propane, liquid propane, propane gas, and LP all refer to the same thing when we’re talking about grills. To get a bit more technical, propane gas is put under pressure when it’s stored in a tank, and in that pressurized state it’s turned into a liquid.

Can you use gas instead of propane?

Even though propane and natural gas are both fossil fuels that burn similarly, you need to convert your appliances when you make the switch. Most, but not all, appliances can be converted from natural gas to propane.