Propane Conversion Help

[cramer1]

I picked up a Perfection JC50 50,000 btu infrared heater for the low low price of free, but it is built for natural gas. I can't find any info online about this model, much less a conversion kit to propane. I currently have a propane tank and would like to use this unit to heat my shop (30x50). I don't want to maintain 72 degrees, but maybe 50 in the winter just to knock the chill off.

It's not a complex piece of equipment, but I need some help on sizing. Even without a kit it should be as simple as changing the regulator and orifice, right? Like going to a 1/2 psi regulator and a .082 orifice for example? I don't have any idea how realistic those specs are, just using them as an example. My goal is to get some heat, without burning down my shop in the process. Any help with figuring out conversion specs is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[The Cobbler]

there are several on line charts for orifice sizing. " search gas orifice drill size chart" I converted a Weber grill from propane to nat gas , so I had to drill the orifice larger. in your case you need a smaller orifice, so you either have to source one or solder your up & re drill it.
I measured my original orifices by using # drills, once I found the size I referenced that to the chart for propane, then I cross referenced the BTU's for that drill size to the nat gas column, that gave me the drill size for the nat gas orifices.
the regulator is probably different for propane, sometimes kits are available if you know the make & model of regulator, but you may end up having to change that as well .
if your unit wasn't originally manufactured to be convertible, i suspect you are in a code violation situation, so caveat emptor as they say

 

[cramer1]

there are several on line charts for orifice sizing. " search gas orifice drill size chart" I converted a Weber grill from propane to nat gas , so I had to drill the orifice larger. in your case you need a smaller orifice, so you either have to source one or solder your up & re drill it.
I measured my original orifices by using # drills, once I found the size I referenced that to the chart for propane, then I cross referenced the BTU's for that drill size to the nat gas column, that gave me the drill size for the nat gas orifices.
the regulator is probably different for propane, sometimes kits are available if you know the make & model of regulator, but you may end up having to change that as well .
if your unit wasn't originally manufactured to be convertible, i suspect you are in a code violation situation, so caveat emptor as they say

Hey I appreciate the info! I would assume it was not originally made to be converted, but..........

 

[u2slow]

I would ask my home insurance what they allow for unattended heating in a detached shop.

While it may not stop me from jigging up my own heat, it would weigh into how much effort/cost I'd throw at a 'down-low' solution.

 

[PoorUB]

I would ask my home insurance what they allow for unattended heating in a detached shop.

What? Now we can't heat our garages?

I think you might be confused with heating with wood or a pellet stove. Other than that, I have never heard of any insurance company not allowing someone to heat their shop!

 

[u2slow]

What? Now we can't heat our garages?

I think you might be confused with heating with wood or a pellet stove. Other than that, I have never heard of any insurance company not allowing someone to heat their shop!

I'm just saying its a good idea to confirm before getting too invested.

Heating via fuel, or modifying an approved unit for use with a different fuel, may not be kosher in a shop that houses quantities of gasoline, oil, etc.

 

[PoorUB]

I'm just saying its a good idea to confirm before getting too invested.

Heating via fuel, or modifying an approved unit for use with a different fuel, may not be kosher in a shop that houses quantities of gasoline, oil, etc.

I worked in HVAC for twenty years. We did this conversions all the time. It isn't an issue.

You are making an issue where none exist.

 

[Firebrick43]

I worked in HVAC for twenty years. We did this conversions all the time. It isn't an issue.

You are making an issue where none exist.

You did use manufacture provided conversion parts however correct?

 

[PoorUB]

You did use manufacture provided conversion parts however correct?

Oh sure, every time!

 

[u2slow]

I worked in HVAC for twenty years. We did this conversions all the time. It isn't an issue.

You are making an issue where none exist.

My home insurance is fussy about the shop; I was told electric only. Ymmv.

 

[cramer1]

My home insurance is fussy about the shop; I was told electric only. Ymmv.

I called them today and they said as long as it is thermostatically controlled then I am fine.

 

[PoorUB]

I called them today and they said as long as it is thermostatically controlled then I am fine.

Most insurance companies don't like wood stoves, corn or pellet stoves. But conventional shop heaters installed properly are not an issue. I am honestly surprised an insurance company would say no to a Modine or Reznor gas heater as long as it was properly installed. Where I live the city will not allow non-vented heaters and no wood or pellet stoves in a garage.

I can see why they might have issues with portable heaters of any type used as a major heat source. Knipco style heaters for example. Also most places codes require any heating source to be 18" off the floor or higher.

 

[Walkers]

If I remember right, just get a numbered drill set, peen the orifices (if you cant find conversion orifices) and redrill about 10 sizes smaller. Lpg is run at about 11-14 inches water column, vs natural gas at about 3.5 inches, so you need a new reg if yours isnt convertible. Thats about it.