What should the propane hose be filled to when checking for leaks?

Filling the propane hose to 10 psi when checking for leaks is a standard safety practice in welding and similar applications. This pressure is sufficiently high enough to help identify potential leaks in the system without risking excessive pressure that could cause structural failures in the hose or fittings.

At this level, bubble detection methods become effective while ensuring that the integrity of the hose and connections is not compromised. Using 10 psi balances sensitivity in detecting leaks with safety concerns, making it the recommended approach for leak testing in propane systems. This pressure helps to accurately simulate operating conditions without reaching a point that could potentially damage the equipment or create a hazard.

Choosing higher pressures, such as 15 or 20 psi, could lead to unnecessary risk and may not provide any further benefit in detecting leaks compared to using 10 psi. On the other hand, a lower pressure like 5 psi might not be sufficient to adequately test for leaks, potentially allowing undetected risks. Thus, 10 psi is the optimal choice for effective leak detection in propane hoses.