POL valve vs compact valve: which LPG cylinder and regulator you need
Cylinders in Pakistan come with two common valve types, and the regulator must match. Here is how to tell them apart, which regulator fits each, and what to tell us when you order so the cylinder works first time.
Quick answer
POL: the regulator screws into the valve. Compact: the regulator pushes or clips on. They are not interchangeable, so match your regulator to the valve, or tell us which regulator you have when you order.
POL vs compact at a glance
| POL valve | Compact valve | |
|---|---|---|
| How the regulator fits | Screws in (threaded) | Pushes or clips on |
| Connecting | Takes a spanner or firm hand-tightening | Quick, by hand |
| Sizes sold by SSGC LPG | 11.8 kg and 45.4 kg | 11.8 kg and 45.4 kg |
| Regulator | POL regulator | Compact (clip-on) regulator |
| Leak test after fitting | Yes, soap water | Yes, soap water |
How to tell which valve you have
- Look at the outlet: a threaded opening means POL; a smooth collar a regulator clips over means compact
- Look at your regulator: a threaded nozzle with a hand wheel or nut is POL; a lever or press-on body is compact
- Still unsure? Send us a photo on WhatsApp before you order
Fitting safely
- Close the cylinder valve and turn off the burners before fitting
- Check the O-ring or washer is in place and not cracked
- Fit the regulator fully (screwed tight or clicked home), then open the valve slowly
- Brush soapy water over the joint: growing bubbles mean a leak, so close the valve and refit
Regulator types and prices: LPG regulators. Hoses and clamps: gas pipe price and accessories. We check your regulator and hose every time we connect a new cylinder (our standard).
Frequently asked questions
What is a POL valve on an LPG cylinder?
POL (named after the Prest-O-Lite company) is one of the oldest LPG cylinder connections: the regulator screws into the valve outlet with a threaded fitting.
What is a compact valve?
A compact valve takes a regulator that pushes or clips on instead of screwing in. SSGC LPG, for example, sells both 11.8 kg and 45.4 kg cylinders in a POL valve and a compact version.
Can I use my old regulator on a new cylinder?
Only if it matches the valve type. A POL regulator does not fit a compact valve and the other way round. Tell us your regulator type when you order and we bring the matching cylinder or regulator.
Which valve is better?
Neither is safer in itself; both are safe when fitted correctly with the right regulator. Compact is quicker to connect; POL is widely used on commercial cylinders. What matters is a matching regulator, a good O-ring and a leak test.
Is there a price difference?
Sometimes. On SSGC LPG's shop (1 Nov 2026) a new 11.8 kg compact cylinder cost Rs 244 more than the POL one, while a new 45.4 kg compact cost Rs 1,500 less. The gas price is the same.