Run multiple kegs from one CO₂ tank with precise, independent control, safer hardware, and cleaner pours
If you are getting serious about draft service and want one CO₂ cylinder to feed several kegs, this Kegco secondary regulator gives you independent pressure control per line, tidy mounting, and better consistency pint after pint.
What a secondary regulator does
A primary regulator attaches to the CO₂ cylinder and drops high pressure to a safe distribution pressure. A secondary regulator like the LHU5S-4 sits downstream.
It splits that supply into four individually adjustable outputs so each keg gets the pressure it needs for its style, temperature, and line length. You still need a primary regulator. The secondary connects to the primary with gas line.
Hardware highlights
- Four black, high-contrast gauges with rubber boots for protection and easy reading
- Durable chrome-plated body with four 5/16 inch barbs to feed four kegs of beer or kombucha at once
- Four shutoff valves, each with its own manual pressure relief pull ring for quick venting
- Internal relief valves that pop at roughly 55 to 65 PSI for safety
- Large ergonomic adjustment knobs, 0 to 60 PSI range, for precise control
- Mounting brackets for a clean install on a wall or inside a kegerator
How to install and set up
- Plan the gas path. Cylinder to primary regulator. Primary outlet to the inlet manifold on the secondary. Secondary outlets to each keg’s gas disconnect. Keep runs short and tidy.
- Mount the secondary. Use the brackets on a solid surface inside the fridge or on an external board. Keep gauges visible and knobs accessible.
- Cut and fit gas lines. Use 5/16 inch ID CO₂ tubing. Push lines fully onto barbs, then clamp with stepless or worm-drive clamps. Do not overtighten to the point of cutting the hose.
- Set the primary regulator. Open the cylinder valve. Dial the primary to a feed pressure slightly above your highest needed serving pressure. Many home setups use 25 to 35 PSI feed to the secondary to ensure headroom.
- Leak test. Pressurize the system. Brush every joint with soapy water. Bubbles mean leaks. Reseat or reclamp until all joints stay dry and quiet.
- Dial each keg. Close the faucet. Pull the secondary’s manual relief to clear trapped pressure at the keg. Set the knob to your target PSI. Let the gauge settle for a minute. Fine-tune after a test pour.
Choosing pressures for clean pours
Serving pressure depends on desired carbonation level, product temperature, and line resistance. Beer styles with higher CO₂ volumes need higher pressure or colder temperatures. The table below gives practical starting points.
| Style | Target CO₂ Vol | Fridge Temp | Serve PSI, Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| American ale, stout | 2.2 to 2.4 | 2 to 4 °C | 10 to 12 PSI |
| Wheat, saison, cider | 2.6 to 3.0 | 2 to 4 °C | 12 to 16 PSI |
| Nitro stout, coffee on beer gas | 1.6 to 1.9 | 3 to 6 °C | 25 to 35 PSI on beer gas |
| Kombucha | 2.2 to 2.8 | 2 to 4 °C | 10 to 16 PSI |
Line balancing, the quick math
To avoid foam, match line resistance to your serving pressure. Typical 3/16 inch ID beer line has about 2 to 3 PSI loss per foot. If you serve at 12 PSI and the faucet is roughly level with the keg, aim for 5 to 6 feet of line to drop most of that pressure before the faucet. Warmer product, higher carbonation, or long vertical runs may need more. Use this as a starting guide, then fine-tune by taste and pour speed. See connect to standard beer keg tubing for hose options.
Safety checks
- Never defeat relief valves. They are there to vent overpressure.
- Keep cylinders upright and strapped. Do not expose gauges to impact.
- Leak test with soapy water at every new joint. Recheck after moving gear.
- Vent kegs with the secondary’s pull rings before dialing down pressure.
Real world notes from users
Many reviewers call the unit easy to install and adjust. They report steady pressure across four lines and solid build quality that tolerates heavy use. Others like that it adapts to home and small commercial setups, and that it plays nicely with a wide range of hardware and accessories. In short, a reliable backbone for multi-tap service.
Troubleshooting quick hits
- Foamy pours. Lower serving pressure a notch, lengthen lines, or chill product further. Confirm you are not over-carbonated.
- Flat pours. Raise serving pressure and give the keg time to reach equilibrium. Check for leaks that bleed pressure off.
- Gauge creep. Vent the line with the pull ring, reset the knob, then watch for drift. If drift persists, inspect for debris in the seat or a failing check valve.
- One keg pours fine, others do not. Use the independence the secondary gives you. Tune each line individually. No need to compromise the whole system.
Build the system your way
This regulator also comes in singles, doubles, and triples so you can tailor your gas tree to your rig. Pair it with quality disconnects and the right hose, then finish with the kegs you prefer, including ball lock Cornelius kegs. If you want to split duties across beer and kombucha, dedicate one output and set its pressure for that product.
0 comments:
Post a Comment