How does the GOK crash sensor with pendulum work and what are the advantages?
If you want to operate the gas system of your motor caravan or caravan while driving as well, you definitely need a crash sensor. Since 2021, GOK has been offering a self-developed version of this safety device with a pendulum solution as a functional principle. The crash sensor is always an integral part of a gas pressure regulation system such as the Caramatic DriveOne or Caramatic DriveTwo.
***Update***
The following article only refers to the wall-mounted gas pressure regulation systems from GOK, in order to be able to operate the vehicle with LPG during the journey. The newly developed Caramatic SafeDrive also has an integrated crash sensor, but has a completely different system design. More information here:
Why the crash sensor?
Campers generally need this safety device in order to be protected, for example, in the event of an accident with the leisure vehicle. In case of an accident, the crash sensor interrupts the gas flow and thus prevents unburned gas from escaping from the downstream line.
These are a requirement for gas supply in motor caravans and caravans while driving: the Caramatic DriveOne (left) or the Caramatic DriveTwo (right) – each with a crash sensor.
How does the crash sensor work?
Since 2021, the crash sensor from GOK has been based on a newly developed operating principle. The so-called pendulum solution ensures the gas flow – when everything runs normally – and the blockage.
The pendulum keeps a spring-loaded sealing unit open until an accident occurs. Of course, we hope for all campers that this will never happen and do not wish it to happen to anyone, but of course it cannot be completely ruled out. That is why it is important to be well equipped.
Due to the forces occurring in the event of an accident, the pendulum changes its position. As a result, the spring-loaded sealing unit moves down and blocks the gas flow. This means that LPG no longer flows to the connected gas heater.
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How does start-up or reset work?
Starting up and resetting the crash sensor and/or the system are extremely simple. In the scope of delivery of, for example, Caramatic DriveOne or Caramatic DriveTwo, campers always also find a multi-functional tool, for instance for starting up and resetting the system.
It’s sufficient to press the green button briefly, and then the crash sensor and system are ready for operation. The pendulum immediately swings into the correct position.
What are the advantages of the new effective principle with pendulums?
This is also the first major benefit: By pressing the button, the camper can be sure that the system is immediately ready for operation during start-up and when resetting. It was previously necessary to keep the button pressed around five seconds so that the components were in place and ready for use.
Another advantage also has to do with start-up and resetting. Both also work without any problem, even if motor caravans or caravans are at an angle – for example on a sloped plot or a steep campsite.
The advantage number three is that the crash sensor with pendulum works more precisely than its predecessor, which in turn reduces deployment in error. Anyone who has been out and about on a real “offroad” route will be familiar with potholes and bumpy roads. Here, high forces can also be exerted on the leisure vehicle and this can cause the crash sensor to be triggered in error. The new pendulum solution minimises erroneous responses.
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What should also be considered?
The crash sensor is only one of two safety devices that campers need to be able to heat while driving. The other is an excess flow device. The excess flow device is integrated in the Caramatic ConnectDrive hose assembly and is installed directly on the gas cylinder.
The excess flow device prevents gas leakage if the hose should tear off or if a massive leak occurs in the downstream pipe system.
The Caramatic ConnectDrive connects the gas cylinder with the gas filter or pressure regulation system and consists of an excess flow device and a hose assembly. In conjunction with the crash sensor, the excess flow device is required to operate the gas system while driving as well.
Normative backgrounds
The safety devices required to operate the LPG system while driving are regulated uniformly throughout Europe. DIN EN 1949:2013-05 contains the important regulations for the installation of LPG systems in motor caravans and caravans. With reference to the crash sensor and excess flow device, it reads:
“If it is envisaged that a heating system or other device is to be used while driving, there must be a device preventing the uncontrolled escape of LPG due to an accident-related tear (in accordance with the European Directive 2006/119/EC).”
