A rising low-pressure gauge reading after working pressures have been set indicates that the regulator pressure valve is leaking.

A rising low-pressure gauge reading after working pressures have been set indicates that the regulator pressure valve is leaking.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It indicates the cylinder is empty
• D. The regulator is fine

Answer: (A)

When you set the working pressure, the low-pressure gauge should stay steady at that value. If it begins to rise, it shows gas is leaking past the regulator’s valve into the low-pressure side, so the regulator isn’t sealing properly. This means the regulator is leaking, not that the cylinder is empty or that everything is functioning correctly. The cylinder’s pressure and the high-pressure side won’t cause a rise in the low-pressure gauge unless the regulator’s seals or diaphragm are allowing flow to bypass the intended regulation. In that situation, the regulator should be repaired or replaced before using the equipment again.

When you set the working pressure, the low-pressure gauge should stay steady at that value. If it begins to rise, it shows gas is leaking past the regulator’s valve into the low-pressure side, so the regulator isn’t sealing properly. This means the regulator is leaking, not that the cylinder is empty or that everything is functioning correctly. The cylinder’s pressure and the high-pressure side won’t cause a rise in the low-pressure gauge unless the regulator’s seals or diaphragm are allowing flow to bypass the intended regulation. In that situation, the regulator should be repaired or replaced before using the equipment again.