Propane Conversion Instructions
This document provides instructions for converting GE gas cooktops from natural gas to propane. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: Service should only be performed by a qualified technician. Shut off gas supply and disconnect power before servicing. Reconnect all grounding devices after service and replace all parts and panels before operating.
The pressure regulator and burner orifices are factory-set for natural gas. Conversion is necessary for propane use.
WARNING: Do not operate the cooktop with propane gas before converting the pressure regulator and burner orifices. Failure to do so can cause high flames and toxic fumes, leading to serious injury.
Propane orifices are typically packaged with the unit.
Tools Required:
- Flat bladed screwdriver (approx. 3/32" blade width)
- Nut drivers: 1/4", 9/32", or 7mm
Conversion Procedure:
- Disconnect all electrical power from the main circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Shut off the gas supply to the cooktop by closing the manual shut-off valve.
Converting the Pressure Regulator:
- Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the hex-nut cap from the pressure regulator.
- Turn the plastic cap 1/4 turn to disassemble.
- Turn the plastic cap over, aligning its tabs with the slots of the hex-nut cap. Insert and rotate 1/4 turn to reassemble. The letters "LP" should now be visible on the top of the plastic cap.
- Screw the hex-nut cap back onto the pressure regulator.
Converting the Cooktop Burners:
- Remove the top grates, burner caps, and burner heads.
- Using a 7mm or 9/32" nut driver, remove the top burner orifices from the burner opening in the base.
- Remove the propane orifices from the bracket attached to the regulator. The top surface of each orifice is engraved for identification. Use the provided table and figures to determine the correct placement of the propane orifices.
- Install the propane orifices in their precise locations using a 7mm or 9/32" nut driver. Ensure orifices are securely screwed into the gas inlets to prevent leaks.
- Install the original orifices into the metal bracket and replace it onto the regulator for potential future conversion back to natural gas.
Checking Surface Burners:
- Push and turn a knob to the "LITE" position. A clicking sound indicates proper ignition system operation.
- When lighting any burner, sparks will appear at all burners, but gas will only flow from the selected burner.
- After purging air from the supply line, the burner should light within 4 seconds.
- Once lit, rotate the knob out of the "LITE" position.
- Test each burner sequentially until all have been checked.
Flame Quality:
Determine flame quality visually. Normal burner flames should resemble:
- (A) Soft blue flames: Normal for natural gas.
- (B) Yellow tips on outer cones: Normal for propane gas.
Long, bright yellow flames are not normal. Normal flames may show an orange tint or flickering due to particles in the gas or air.
Adjusting Low Flame Setting:
Low flame adjustments should be made with two other burners operating at a medium setting to prevent the flame from extinguishing when other burners are turned on.
- Turn on surface burners to a medium setting.
- Turn the knob of the burner being adjusted to "LO".
- Remove the knob and insert a small flat blade screwdriver into the valve shaft. Turn clockwise as far as possible while maintaining a stable flame. Repeat for all valves.
- If the flame appears too low or unstable, slowly turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise until a stable flame exists for each burner.
- For each burner being adjusted, quickly open and close cabinet doors while observing the flame. If the flame extinguishes, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise for a larger flame. Repeat door openings until the flame is stable.
Special Note:
To convert the cooktop back to natural gas, reverse these instructions.
Notice:
After conversion is complete and confirmed, fill out the provided propane sticker with your name, organization, and date of conversion. Apply the sticker near the regulator to indicate the appliance has been converted to propane. If converting back to natural gas, remove the sticker.
Additional Information: Burner Output Ratings (BTU/HR)
JGP3530
BURNER | BTU RATE | ORIFICE SIZE (mm) | MARKING |
---|---|---|---|
LF | 18,000 | 1.25 | 125L |
LR | 5,000 | 0.66 | 66L |
RR | 12,000 | 1.02 | 102L |
RF | 9,500 | 0.91 | 91L |
Note: Ratings are for Propane Gas, 10" W.C.P. (Water Column Pressure).
JGP3030, PGP6030, CGP6030
BURNER | BTU RATE | ORIFICE SIZE (mm) | MARKING |
---|---|---|---|
LF | 15,000 | 1.15 | 115L |
LR | 5,000 | 0.66 | 66L |
RR | 12,000 | 1.02 | 102L |
RF | 9,500 | 0.91 | 91L |
Note: Ratings are for Propane Gas, 10" W.C.P. (Water Column Pressure).
The document also contains similar tables for Natural Gas (NG) with 5" W.C.P. for the same models.
Diagrams illustrate the regulator conversion process (rotating the plastic cap to show "LP") and the location of orifices in round burners.