EN 13856:2026

LPG equipment and accessories - Minimum requirements for the content of the user manual for automotive LPG systems

This document specifies the minimum requirements for the contents of the user manual for Automotive LPG propulsion systems fitted in road vehicles.
This document does not cover the user manual for forklift trucks or other industrial machinery.

Flüssiggas-Geräte und Ausrüstungsteile - Mindestanforderungen an den Inhalt von Betriebsanleitungen für Autogasanlagen

Dieses Dokument legt die Mindestanforderungen an den Inhalt der Betriebsanleitung für Autogasanlagen fest, die in Straßenfahrzeugen verbaut sind.
Dieses Dokument behandelt nicht die Betriebsanleitung für Gabelstapler oder andere Industriemaschinen.

Équipements pour GPL et leurs accessoires - Exigences d’utilisation pour les systèmes GPL pour automobiles

Le présent document spécifie les exigences minimales que doit contenir le manuel utilisateur des systèmes GPL pour automobiles.
Le présent document ne couvre pas le manuel utilisateur pour les chariots élévateurs ou autres engins industriels.

Oprema in pribor za utekočinjeni naftni plin (UNP) - Minimalne zahteve za vsebino navodila za uporabo UNP v sistemih za pogon motornih vozil

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 12-May-2026
• ICS: 43.060.40 - Fuel systems
• ICS: 75.160.30 - Gaseous fuels
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 286 - Liquefied petroleum gas equipment and accessories
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 286/WG 6 - Automative LPG system
• Current Stage: 6055 - CEN Ratification completed (DOR) - Publishing
• Start Date: 13-Apr-2026
• Due Date: 25-Feb-2026
• Completion Date: 13-Apr-2026
• Ref Project: kSIST FprEN 13856:2026 - LPG equipment and accessories - Minimum requirements for the content of the user manual for automotive LPG systems

Relations

• Revises: EN 13856:2002 - Minimum requirements for the content of the user manual for automotive LPG systems
• Effective Date: 07-Feb-2024

Overview

EN 13856:2026 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the minimum requirements for the content of user manuals for automotive LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) propulsion systems in road vehicles. This standard is crucial for manufacturers, installers, and importers of automotive LPG equipment, ensuring that all end users receive consistent, clear, and safety-focused instructions for the safe operation, maintenance, and handling of LPG systems. Notably, EN 13856:2026 does not address user manuals for forklift trucks or other industrial machinery-its scope is strictly limited to LPG systems installed in passenger cars and commercial road vehicles.

This standard supersedes the previous version (EN 13856:2002), reflecting updated industry practices and enhanced safety considerations to support the growing use of LPG in automotive applications. Following EN 13856 helps organizations comply with regulatory requirements and improves customer safety and satisfaction.

Key Topics

Implementation of EN 13856:2026 ensures that user manuals for automotive LPG systems include all essential information for end users. The main content requirements include:

• Technical Specifications

  • Description of the LPG system and its main components
  • Details about the appropriate LPG fuel
  • Guidelines on initial use and necessary system tuning

• Safety Instructions

  • Correct and safe usage procedures
  • Warnings about potential misuse and the associated risks
  • Actions in the event of a gas leak
  • Information on operation in extreme conditions (humidity, temperature)
  • Emphasis on maximum filling level (80% of tank volume)
  • Compliance with applicable national regulations (parking, maintenance, and re-approval)

• Operation Procedures

  • Safe and correct method to fill the LPG container
  • Instructions for switching between fuels (when a manual switch-over is present)
  • Procedures for opening/closing manual valves
  • Description and location of LPG level indicators, with focus on the 80% fill level

• Maintenance Guidance

  • Maintenance types and recommended intervals
  • Requirement for maintenance by competent professionals
  • Special instructions for activities like vehicle repainting and exposure to high-temperature environments

• Defects and Repair

  • Steps to follow in case of system defects or need for repair
  • Directions for using diagnostic systems, if included

Applications

EN 13856:2026 provides tangible value to:

• Automotive LPG System Manufacturers and Installers: By mandating standardized user manuals, this standard supports consistent installation, safer operation, and reduced liability risks.
• Road Vehicle OEMs: Ensures compliance with European market requirements and enhances customer support documentation.
• End Users and Vehicle Owners: Receives comprehensive, understandable instructions that promote proper use, routine care, and increased safety when operating LPG-powered vehicles.
• Regulatory Authorities: Harmonizes documentation practices across Europe, facilitating market surveillance and inspection activities.

By following this standard, organizations help reduce the risk of accidents and extend the life of LPG systems through improved maintenance and informed user behavior.

Related Standards

To further support best practices in automotive LPG systems and their documentation, consider the following related standards:

• CEN/TS 16765: Environmental considerations for LPG equipment and accessories
• prEN 12805: Containers for automotive liquefied petroleum gas systems
• EN 12806: LPG components other than containers for automotive use
• EN 16652-2: Competence and training requirements for workshops servicing automotive LPG vehicles

Adhering to EN 13856:2026 and its related standards fosters higher safety, compliance, and customer confidence in the use of automotive LPG technology.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 13856:2024
01-december-2024
Oprema in pribor za utekočinjeni naftni plin (UNP) - Minimalne zahteve za vsebino
navodila za uporabo UNP v sistemih za pogon motornih vozil
LPG equipment and accessories - Minimum requirements for the content of the user
manual for automotive LPG systems
Anforderungen an den Inhalt von Betriebsanleitungen für Autogasanlagen
Contraintes d'utilisation pour les systèmes GPL pour automobiles
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 13856
ICS:
43.060.40 Sistemi za gorivo Fuel systems
75.160.30 Plinska goriva Gaseous fuels
oSIST prEN 13856:2024 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN 13856:2024
oSIST prEN 13856:2024
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 13856
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
November 2024
ICS 43.060.40; 75.160.30 Will supersede EN 13856:2002
English Version
LPG equipment and accessories - Minimum requirements
for the content of the user manual for automotive LPG
systems
Contraintes d'utilisation pour les systèmes GPL pour Anforderungen an den Inhalt von Betriebsanleitungen
automobiles für Autogasanlagen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 286.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2024 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 13856:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

oSIST prEN 13856:2024
prEN 13856:2024 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General. 5
5 Contents of the user manual . 5
5.1 Technical specifications . 5
5.2 Safety instructions . 6
5.3 Operation of the LPG system . 6
5.3.1 Filling of the LPG container . 6
5.3.2 Switch-over procedure . 6
5.3.3 Opening / closing of manual valves when fitted . 6
5.3.4 Level indicator . 6
5.4 Maintenance . 6
5.5 Defects and repair . 6
Bibliography .
...