What safety device is commonly used with propane tanks?

The regulator is a crucial safety device used with propane tanks as it controls the flow of propane gas from the tank to the appliance. It ensures that the pressure of the gas is reduced to a safe operational level before it reaches the burner or appliance. This is important because propane is stored under high pressure, and the regulator helps to prevent potential over-pressurization, which could lead to leaks or unsafe operating conditions.

In addition to regulating pressure, many regulators also have built-in safety features such as excess flow valves, which automatically reduce the flow of gas in the event of a hose rupture or other significant leak. This added safety measure further enhances the overall safety of using propane in various applications.

Other options listed, such as a thermostat, pressure washer, and combustion analyzer, do not serve the primary purpose of regulating gas flow and ensuring safe operation of propane systems. A thermostat is used for temperature control rather than pressure regulation, a pressure washer is not related to propane safety, and a combustion analyzer is meant for testing combustion efficiency rather than for directly managing the pressures in propane systems.