Campervan Gas Safety Check Vs. Home Gas Safety Check: What Is the Difference?

​What’s the difference between a campervan gas safety check and a home gas safety inspection? If you’ve ever wondered about regulations, safety or certification for your DIY build, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.

When you're converting your van and searching for campervan gas regulations in the UK, it’s vital to understand that vehicle gas systems are not the same as your home setup.

Not All Checks Are Equal

In the UK, a domestic Gas Safety Check (sometimes called a CP12 or Gas Safety Record) is required annually by law for landlords. It covers appliances such as boilers, cookers, and flues, ensuring they are operating at the correct gas pressure, burning fuel efficiently, properly ventilated, and fitted with functioning safety devices. These checks must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, who then issues a certificate confirming whether the installation and appliances are safe to use.

When it comes to campervans, caravans, and motorhomes, the gas systems are different. They usually run on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) stored in portable cylinders, rather than natural gas from the mains. Because these systems are compact, mobile, and subject to movement and vibration, they require different inspection procedures and must comply with standards specific to leisure accommodation vehicles (LAVs). This is why a specific campervan gas safety check is required rather than relying on a domestic-style inspection.

What DIYers Need to Know

If your campervan is for private use, a gas certificate is not legally required, but it’s strongly recommended for your safety. Cooped up with gas appliances in a confined space means even a tiny leak could be disastrous, especially with carbon monoxide.

If you plan to rent out or use your campervan commercially, however, a valid gas safe certificate for campervan systems is legally required. It’s similar to the landlord’s requirement under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, essentially treating the vehicle as a dwelling for rental safety. Understanding these rules is at the core of campervan gas regulations.

What a Campervan Gas Safety Check Covers

During a dedicated campervan gas safety check, the engineer will:

• Examine LPG appliances such as the hob, fridge, heater, and any cooking units
• Test pipework and connectors for leaks
• Ensure proper ventilation and flame quality
• Confirm the presence of a functioning carbon monoxide alarm
• Check that regulators and cylinders are correctly installed

You might also need a CP12-style LPG certificate, often accepted by campsites and insurers. This acts as a visible gas safe certificate for campervan owners, giving peace of mind when travelling.

Campervan Conversions and the Safety Factor

If you're working on a Campervan Conversions project, safety must be your top priority. That means understanding not just how to install appliances, but how to ensure they meet legal and functional standards. This includes everything from selecting BS EN 1949-compliant lockers to choosing a gas safe-registered engineer who’s qualified in leisure vehicle systems. The right support makes following campervan gas regulations far less daunting.

Keeping Your Adventures Worry-Free

While a home gas safety check and a campervan gas safety inspection share the goal of keeping you safe, the rules and methods differ, especially when it comes to mobility and LPG. By arranging a proper campervan gas safety check, you protect yourself, your passengers, and your investment. And with a valid gas safe certificate for campervan systems, you’ll also have the documentation needed for insurers and campsites.

Don't let safety slow you down. Speak to the team at Relive Campers today to get your campervan gas safety certification.