BS 4250:2014

What is this standard about?

BS 4250 sets out the most up-to-date requirements relating to the use of commercial propane and butane gas. This includes guidelines on chemical composition, vapour pressure and corrosion.

Who is this standard for?

• Refiners, manufacturers and suppliers of commercial propane and butane gas
• Distributors and users of commercial propane and butane gas

Why should you use this standard? 

Since this standard was last revised there have been significant industry developments and improvements to test methods, alongside a number of critical safety related requirements relating to commercial propane and butane gas. This revision thus reflects current best practice, outlines updated test methods and gives detailed guidance on critical safety-related areas such as health exposure, odour, H2S content and valve freeze. 

What’s changed since the last update?

BS 4250 has been revised by technical experts in line with the most up-to-date industry and technological developments. It includes the following changes:

• Improvements to the test methods specified
• Safety regulations have become tighter, for example aligning flammability limits with latest guidance
• The new edition of BS 4250 has also been changed to harmonize, where possible, with BS EN 589 for automotive LPG. Some propane is manufactured to meet both these standards, and there had been an increasing divergence in the test methods they allowed. As well as addressing this divergence, the revised BS 4250 extends beyond the scope of BS EN 589, covering LPG for domestic and industrial purposes (not just automotive LPG) and not only propane but also butane.