Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician Practice Test

What does a lock up test help to determine?

1. The lower operating range of the regulator

2. The efficiency of the propane system

3. The upper operating range of the regulator

4. The safety of the overall installation

The correct answer is: The upper operating range of the regulator

A lock-up test is a specific procedure used to evaluate the performance of a propane regulator in a recreational vehicle’s propane system. It helps to identify the upper operating range of the regulator by measuring the pressure output when the system is stationary and not supplying any gas to appliances. During this test, the propane supply flow is halted, allowing the technician to observe if the pressure stabilizes, which indicates that the regulator is functioning correctly within its designated range. If the pressure exceeds the specified limits during the lock-up test, it suggests that the regulator is faulty or unable to handle the input gas pressure effectively, pointing to a potential safety hazard if not addressed. Thus, determining the upper operating limit is crucial for ensuring that the regulator operates safely and efficiently, as exceeding this range can lead to dangerous situations such as overpressure in the propane system.