Propane tanks regulations for installation

It is for informative use only, all installations must be done by a qualified installer only, and in accordance with all applicable codes and industry standards. Your qualified installer might use the diagram below for a typical cylinder container installation per NFPA Pamphlet This figure is for illustrative purposes only; always check to determine what codes shall govern.

Note 1: 5-ft minimum from relief valve in any direction away from any exterior source of ignition, openings into direct-vent appliances, or mechanical ventilation air intakes. Refer to 3. Note 2: If the cylinder is filled on site from bulk truck, the filling connection and vent valve must be at least 10 feet from any exterior source of ignition, openings into direct-vent appliances, or mechanical ventilation air intakes. The following minimum distances shall be maintained between a storage tank heated by a direct fired tank heater and the nearest important building or group of buildings: Ten feet for storage containers of less than gallons water capacity.

Twenty-five feet for storage containers of to 1, gallons water capacity. Fifty feet for storage containers of over 1, gallons water capacity. No direct fired tank heater shall raise the product pressure within the storage container over 75 percent of the pressure set out in the second column of Table H The vaporizer section of vaporizer-burners used for dehydrators or dryers shall be located outside of buildings; they shall be constructed and installed as follows:.

Vaporizer-burners shall have a minimum design pressure of p. Manually operated positive shut-off valves shall be located at the containers to shut off all flow to the vaporizer-burners. The vaporizer section of vaporizer-burners shall be protected by a hydrostatic relief valve. The relief valve shall be located so as not to be subjected to temperatures in excess of deg. The start-to-discharge pressure setting shall be such as to protect the components involved, but not less than p.

The discharge shall be directed upward and away from component parts of the equipment and away from operating personnel. Vaporizer-burners shall be provided with means for manually turning off the gas to the main burner and pilot. Vaporizer-burners shall be equipped with automatic safety devices to shut off the flow of gas to the main burner and pilot in the event the pilot is extinguished.

Pressure regulating and control equipment shall be located or protected so that the temperatures surrounding this equipment shall not exceed deg.

Pressure regulating and control equipment when located downstream of the vaporizer shall be designed to withstand the maximum discharge temperature of the vapor. Equipment utilizing vaporizer-burners shall be equipped with automatic shutoff devices upstream and downstream of the vaporizer section connected so as to operate in the event of excessive temperature, flame failure, and, if applicable, insufficient airflow. The "filling density" is defined as the percent ratio of the weight of the gas in a container to the weight of water the container will hold at 60 deg.

All containers shall be filled according to the filling densities shown in Table H Except as provided in paragraph b 12 iii of this section, any container including mobile cargo tanks and portable tank containers regardless of size or construction, shipped under DOT jurisdiction or constructed in accordance with 49 CFR Chapter I Specifications shall be charged according to 49 CFR Chapter I requirements.

Portable containers not subject to DOT jurisdiction such as, but not limited to, motor fuel containers on industrial and lift trucks, and farm tractors covered in paragraph e of this section, or containers recharged at the installation may be filled either by weight, or by volume using a fixed length dip tube gaging device. Vapor shall be piped into buildings at pressures in excess of 20 p.

Buildings, or separate areas of buildings, used exclusively to house equipment for vaporization, pressure reduction, gas mixing, gas manufacturing, or distribution, or to house internal combustion engines, industrial processes, research and experimental laboratories, or equipment and processes using such gas and having similar hazard; and when such buildings, or separate areas thereof are constructed in accordance with this section.

Buildings, structures, or equipment under construction or undergoing major renovation provided the temporary piping meets the following conditions:. Liquid piping inside the building shall conform to the requirements of paragraph b 8 of this section, and shall not exceed three-fourths iron pipe size.

All such piping shall be protected against construction hazards. Liquid piping inside buildings shall be kept to a minimum. Such piping shall be securely fastened to walls or other surfaces so as to provide adequate protection from breakage and so located as to subject the liquid line to lowest ambient temperatures.

A shutoff valve shall be installed in each intermediate branch line where it takes off the main line and shall be readily accessible. A shutoff valve shall also be placed at the appliance end of the intermediate branch line. Such shutoff valve shall be upstream of any flexible connector used with the appliance. Suitable excess flow valves shall be installed in the container outlet line supplying liquid LP-Gas to the building.

A suitable excess flow valve shall be installed immediately downstream of each shutoff valve. Suitable excess flow valves shall be installed where piping size is reduced and shall be sized for the reduced size piping.

Hydrostatic relief valves shall be installed in accordance with paragraph b 10 xii of this section. The use of hose to carry liquid between the container and the building or at any point in the liquid line, except at the appliance connector, shall be prohibited. Where flexible connectors are necessary for appliance installation, such connectors shall be as short as practicable and shall comply with paragraph b 8 ii or 9 of this section.

Portable containers shall not be taken into buildings except as provided in paragraph b 6 i of this section. Containers manufactured in accordance with specifications of 49 CFR Part and authorized by 49 CFR Chapter 1 as a "single trip" or "nonrefillable container" shall not be refilled or reused in LP-Gas service.

Gas or liquid shall not be vented to the atmosphere to assist in transferring contents of one container to another, except as provided in paragraph e 5 iv of this section and except that this shall not preclude the use of listed pump utilizing LP-Gas in the vapor phase as a source of energy and venting such gas to the atmosphere at a rate not to exceed that from a No. Filling of fuel containers for industrial trucks or motor vehicles from industrial bulk storage containers shall be performed not less than 10 feet from the nearest important masonry-walled building or not less than 25 feet from the nearest important building or other construction and, in any event, not less than 25 feet from any building opening.

Filling of portable containers, containers mounted on skids, fuel containers on farm tractors, or similar applications, from storage containers used in domestic or commercial service, shall be performed not less than 50 feet from the nearest important building. The filling connection and the vent from the liquid level gages in containers, filled at point of installation, shall not be less than 10 feet in any direction from air openings into sealed combustion system appliances or mechanical ventilation air intakes.

Fuel supply containers shall be gaged and charged only in the open air or in buildings especially provided for that purpose. The maximum vapor pressure of the product at deg.

Marketers and users shall exercise precaution to assure that only those gases for which the system is designed, examined, and listed, are employed in its operation, particularly with regard to pressures. Pumps or compressors shall be designed for use with LP-Gas. When compressors are used they shall normally take suction from the vapor space of the container being filled and discharge to the vapor space of the container being emptied.

Pumping systems, when equipped with a positive displacement pump, shall include a recirculating device which shall limit the differential pressure on the pump under normal operating conditions to the maximum differential pressure rating of the pump.

The discharge of the pumping system shall be protected so that pressure does not exceed p. If a recirculation system discharges into the supply tank and contains a manual shutoff valve, an adequate secondary safety recirculation system shall be incorporated which shall have no means of rendering it inoperative.

Manual shutoff valves in recirculation systems shall be kept open except during an emergency or when repairs are being made to the system. When necessary, unloading piping or hoses shall be provided with suitable bleeder valves for relieving pressure before disconnection.

Agricultural air moving equipment, including crop dryers, shall be shut down when supply containers are being filled unless the air intakes and sources of ignition on the equipment are located 50 feet or more from the container. Agricultural equipment employing open flames or equipment with integral containers, such as flame cultivators, weed burners, and, in addition, tractors, shall be shut down during refueling.

A "Tank Car Connected" sign, as covered by DOT rules, shall be installed at the active end or ends of the siding while the tank car is connected. While cars are on sidetrack for loading or unloading, the wheels at both ends shall be blocked on the rails.

The employer shall insure that an employee is in attendance at all times while the tank car, cars, or trucks are being loaded or unloaded. A backflow check valve, excess-flow valve, or a shutoff valve with means of remote closing, to protect against uncontrolled discharge of LP-Gas from storage tank piping shall be installed close to the point where the liquid piping and hose or swing joint pipe is connected.

Where practical, the distance of the unloading or loading point shall conform to the distances in subparagraph 6 ii of this paragraph. Personnel performing installation, removal, operation,and maintenance work shall be properly trained in such function. Electrical equipment and wiring shall be of a type specified by and shall be installed in accordance with subpart S of this part, for ordinary locations except that fixed electrical equipment in classified areas shall comply with subparagraph 18 of this paragraph.

Open flames or other sources of ignition shall not be permitted in vaporizer rooms except those housing direct-fired vaporizers , pumphouses, container charging rooms or other similar locations. Direct-fired vaporizers shall not be permitted in pumphouses or container charging rooms. Since liquefied petroleum gas is contained in a closed system of piping and equipment, the system need not be electrically conductive or electrically bonded for protection against static electricity.

Open flames except as provided for in paragraph b 11 of this section , cutting or welding, portable electric tools, and extension lights capable of igniting LP-Gas, shall not be permitted within classified areas specified in Table H unless the LP-Gas facilities have been freed of all liquid and vapor, or special precautions observed under carefully controlled conditions.

Fixed electrical equipment in classified areas. Fixed electrical equipment and wiring installed within classified areas specified in Table H shall comply with Table H and shall be installed in accordance with subpart S of this part. This provision does not apply to fixed electrical equipment at residential or commercial installations of LP-Gas systems or to systems covered by paragraph e or g of this section.

Each container manufactured after December 31, , and filled on a volumetric basis shall be equipped with a fixed liquid-level gage to indicate the maximum permitted filling level as provided in paragraph b 19 v of this section.

Each container manufactured after December 31, , shall have permanently attached to the container adjacent to the fixed level gage a marking showing the percentage full that will be shown by that gage. When a variable liquid-level gage is also provided, the fixed liquid-level gage will also serve as a means for checking the variable gage.

These gages shall be used in charging containers as required in paragraph b 12 of this section. All variable gaging devices shall be arranged so that the maximum liquid level for butane, for a 50 - 50 mixture of butane and propane, and for propane, to which the container may be charged is readily determinable.

The markings indicating the various liquid levels from empty to full shall be on the system nameplate or gaging device or part may be on the system nameplate and part on the gaging device. Dials of magnetic or rotary gages shall show whether they are for cylindrical or spherical containers and whether for aboveground or underground service.

The dials of gages intended for use only on aboveground containers of over 1, gallons water capacity shall be so marked. Gaging devices that require bleeding of the product to the atmosphere, such as the rotary tube, fixed tube, and slip tube, shall be designed so that the bleed valve maximum opening is not larger than a No.

Length of tube or position of fixed liquid-level gage shall be designed to indicate the maximum level to which the container may be filled for the product contained.

This level shall be based on the volume of the product at 40 deg. The employer shall calculate the filling point for which the fixed liquid level gage shall be designed according to the method in this subdivision. It is impossible to set out in a table the length of a fixed dip tube for various capacity tanks because of the varying tank diameters and lengths and because the tank may be installed either in a vertical or horizontal position.

Knowing the maximum permitted filling volume in gallons, however, the length of the fixed tube can be determined by the use of a strapping table obtained from the container manufacturer.

The length of the fixed tube should be such that when its lower end touches the surface of the liquid in the container, the contents of the container will be the maximum permitted volume as determined by the following formula:. Formula for determining maximum volume of liquefied petroleum gas for which a fixed length of dip tube shall be set:. The maximum volume of LP-Gas which can be placed in a container when determining the length of the dip tube expressed as a percentage of total water content of the container is calculated by the following formula.

The maximum weight of LP-Gas which may be placed in a container for determining the length of a fixed dip tube is determined by multiplying the maximum volume of liquefied petroleum gas obtained by the formula in paragraph b 19 b of this section by the pounds of liquefied petroleum gas in a gallon at 40 deg.

For example, typical pounds per gallon are specified below: Example: Assume a gallon total water capacity tank for aboveground storage of propane having a specific gravity of 0.

X 42 filling density from subparagraph 12 of this paragraph divided by 0. Fixed liquid-level gages used on containers other than DOT containers shall be stamped on the exterior of the gage with the letters "DT" followed by the vertical distance expressed in inches and carried out to one decimal place from the top of container to the end of the dip tube or to the centerline of the gage when it is located at the maximum permitted filling level.

For DOT containers the stamping shall be placed both on the exterior of the gage and on the container. On above-ground or cargo containers where the gages are positioned at specific levels, the marking may be specified in percent of total tank contents and the marking shall be stamped on the container.

Gage glasses of the columnar type shall be restricted to charging plants where the fuel is withdrawn in the liquid phase only. They shall be equipped with valves having metallic handwheels, with excess flow valves, and with extra-heavy glass adequately protected with a metal housing applied by the gage manufacturer.

They shall be shielded against the direct rays of the sun. Gage glasses of the columnar type are prohibited on tank trucks, and on motor fuel tanks, and on containers used in domestic, commercial, and industrial installations. Gaging devices of the float, or equivalent type which do not require flow for their operation and having connections extending to a point outside the container do not have to be equipped with excess flow valves provided the piping and fittings are adequately designed to withstand the container pressure and are properly protected against physical damage and breakage.

Except as provided in paragraph b 20 ii of this section, new commercial and industrial gas consuming appliances shall be approved. Any appliance that was originally manufactured for operation with a gaseous fuel other than LP-Gas and is in good condition may be used with LP-Gas only after it is properly converted, adapted, and tested for performance with LP-Gas before the appliance is placed in use.

Unattended heaters used inside buildings for the purpose of animal or poultry production or care shall be equipped with an approved automatic device designed to shut off the flow of gas to the main burners, and pilot if used, in the event of flame extinguishment.

All commercial, industrial, and agricultural appliances or equipment shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this section and in accordance with the following NFPA consensus standards, which are incorporated by reference as specified in Sec.

This paragraph applies specifically to systems utilizing containers constructed in accordance with DOT Specifications.

All requirements of paragraph b of this section apply to this paragraph unless otherwise noted in paragraph b of this section. Containers shall be marked in accordance with DOT regulations. Additional markings not in conflict with DOT regulations may be used. Description of a system. A system shall include the container base or bracket, containers, container valves, connectors, manifold valve assembly, regulators, and relief valves.

Containers shall not be buried below ground. However, this shall not prohibit the installation in a compartment or recess below grade level such as a niche in a slope or terrace wall which is used for no other purpose, providing that the container and regulating equipment are not in contact with the ground and the compartment or recess is drained and ventilated horizontally to the outside air from its lowest level, with the outlet at least 3 feet away from any building opening which is below the level of such outlet.

Except as provided in paragraph b 10 xiii of this section, the discharge from safety relief devices shall be located not less than 3 feet horizontally away from any building opening which is below the level of such discharge and shall not terminate beneath any building unless such space is well ventilated to the outside and is not enclosed on more than two sides. Containers shall be set upon firm foundation or otherwise firmly secured; the possible effect on the outlet piping of settling shall be guarded against by a flexible connection or special fitting.

When operational requirements make portable use of containers necessary and their location outside of buildings or structure is impracticable, containers and equipment are permitted to be used inside of buildings or structures in accordance with a through l of this subdivision, and, in addition, such other provisions of this subparagraph as are applicable to the particular use or occupancy.

Such excess flow valves shall be either integral with the container valves or in the connections to the container valve outlets. In either case, an excess flow valve shall be installed in such a manner that any undue strain beyond the excess flow valve will not cause breakage between the container and the excess flow valve.

The installation of excess flow valves shall take into account the type of valve protection provided. Regulators, if used, shall be either directly connected to the container valves or to manifolds connected to the container values. The regulator shall be suitable for use with LP-Gas. Manifolds and fittings connecting containers to pressure regulator inlets shall be designed for at least p. Valves on containers having a water capacity greater than 50 pounds nominal 20 pounds LP-Gas capacity shall be protected while in use.

Containers shall be marked in accordance with paragraph b 5 iii of this section and paragraph c 2 of this section. Pipe or tubing shall conform to paragraph b 8 of this section except that aluminum pipe or tubing shall not be used. Hose shall be designed for a working pressure of at least p. Hose and hose connections shall have their correctness as to design, construction and performance determined by listing by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

The hose length may exceed the length specified in paragraph b 9 vii b of this section, but shall be as short as practicable. Hose shall be long enough to permit compliance with spacing provisions of this subparagraph without kinking or straining or causing hose to be so close to a burner as to be damaged by heat. Portable heaters, including salamanders, shall be equipped with an approved automatic device to shut off the flow of gas to the main burner, and pilot if used, in the event of flame extinguishment.

Such heaters having inputs above 50, B. An electric ignition system. The provisions of this paragraph h do not apply to tar kettle burners, torches, melting pots, nor do they apply to portable heaters under 7, B. Container valves, connectors, regulators, manifolds, piping, and tubing shall not be used as structural supports for heaters. Containers, regulating equipment, manifolds, pipe, tubing, and hose shall be located so as to minimize exposure to abnormally high temperatures such as may result from exposure to convection or radiation from heating equipment or installation in confined spaces , physical damage, or tampering by unauthorized persons.

Heat producing equipment shall be located and used so as to minimize the possibility of ignition of combustibles. Containers, including the valve protective devices, shall be installed so as to minimize the probability of impingement of discharge of safety relief devices upon containers. Containers having a maximum water capacity of 12 pounds nominal 5 pounds LP-Gas capacity are permitted to be used temporarily inside of buildings for public exhibition or demonstration purposes, including use for classroom demonstrations.

Containers are permitted to be used in buildings or structures under construction or undergoing major renovation when such buildings or structures are not occupied by the public, as follows:. The maximum water capacity of individual containers shall be pounds nominal pounds LP-Gas capacity. For temporary heating such as curing concrete, drying plaster and similar applications, heaters other than integral heater-container units shall be located at least 6 feet from any LP-Gas container.

This shall not prohibit the use of heaters specifically designed for attachment to the container or to a supporting standard, provided they are designed and installed so as to prevent direct or radiant heat application from the heater onto the container.

Blower and radiant type heaters shall not be directed toward any LP-Gas container within 20 feet. If two or more heater-container units, of either the integral or nonintegral type, are located in an unpartitioned area on the same floor, the container or containers of each unit shall be separated from the container or containers of any other unit by at least 20 feet.

When heaters are connected to containers for use in an unpartitioned area on the same floor, the total water capacity of containers manifolded together for connection to a heater or heaters shall not be greater than pounds nominal pounds LP-Gas capacity. Such manifolds shall be separated by at least 20 feet.

On floors on which heaters are not connected for use, containers are permitted to be manifolded together for connection to a heater or heaters on another floor, Provided:. The total water capacity of containers connected to any one manifold is not greater than 2, pounds nominal 1, pounds LP-Gas capacity and;. Where more than one manifold having a total water capacity greater than pounds nominal pounds LP-Gas capacity are located in the same unpartitioned area, they shall be separated by at least 50 feet.

Containers are permitted to be used in industrial occupancies for processing, research, or experimental purposes as follows:. Containers connected to a manifold shall have a total water capacity not greater than pounds nominal pounds LP-Gas capacity and not more than one such manifold may be located in the same room unless separated at least 20 feet from a similar unit.

The amount of LP-Gas in containers for research and experimental use shall be limited to the smallest practical quantity. Containers are permitted to be used in industrial occupancies with essentially noncombustible contents where portable equipment for space heating is essential and where a permanent heating installation is not practical, as follows:. Containers and heaters shall comply with and be used in accordance with paragraph c 5 v of this section.

Containers are permitted to be used in buildings for temporary emergency heating purposes, if necessary to prevent damage to the buildings or contents, when the permanent heating system is temporarily out of service, as follows:. Containers are permitted to be used temporarily in buildings for training purposes related in installation and use of LP-Gas systems, as follows:.

The maximum water capacity of individual containers shall be pounds nominal pounds LP-Gas capacity , but the maximum quantity of LP-Gas that may be placed in each container shall be 20 pounds.

If more than one such container is located in the same room, the containers shall be separated by at least 20 feet. Valves in the assembly of multiple container systems shall be arranged so that replacement of containers can be made without shutting off the flow of gas in the system. NOTE: This provision is not to be construed as requiring an automatic changeover device. Regulators and low-pressure relief devices shall be rigidly attached to the cylinder valves, cylinders, supporting standards, the building walls or otherwise rigidly secured and shall be so installed or protected that the elements sleet, snow, or ice will not affect their operation.

Valves and connections to the containers shall be protected while in transit, in storage, and while being moved into final utilization, as follows:. By setting into the recess of the container to prevent the possibility of their being struck if the container is dropped upon a flat surface, or. By ventilated cap or collar, fastened to the container capable of withstanding a blow from any direction equivalent to that of a pound weight dropped 4 feet.

Construction must be such that a blow will not be transmitted to the valve or other connection. When containers are not connected to the system, the outlet valves shall be kept tightly closed or plugged, even though containers are considered empty. Containers having a water capacity in excess of 50 pounds approximately 21 pounds LP-Gas capacity , recharged at the installation, shall be provided with excess flow or backflow check valves to prevent the discharge of container contents in case of failure of the filling or equalizing connection.

A final stage regulator of an LP-Gas system excluding any appliance regulator shall be equipped on the low-pressure side with a relief valve which is set to start to discharge within the limits specified in Table H When a regulator or pressure relief valve is used inside a building for other than purposes specified in paragraphs b 6 i a - g of this section, the relief valve and the space above the regulator and relief valve diaphragms shall be vented to the outside air with the discharge outlet located not less than 3 feet horizontally away from any building opening which is below such discharge.

These provisions do not apply to individual appliance regulators when protection is otherwise provided nor to paragraph c 5 of this section and paragraph b 10 xiii of this section. In buildings devoted exclusively to gas distribution purposes, the space above the diaphragm need not be vented to the outside. Reinstallation of containers. Containers shall not be reinstalled unless they are requalified in accordance with DOT regulations. Residential propane tank installation may or may not include instructions for how to dispose of your used tank.

Residential propane tank regulations exist to protect homeowners from propane fire and explosions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Home and Garden. Distance From a Source of Ignition Another important factor in propane tank placement is proximity to an ignition source.

Distance From Point of Transfer Most locales have guidelines related to where a propane tank can be refilled. Underground Placement The requirements for underground propane tanks vary based on size. Number of Tanks Having multiple tanks on-site changes the amount of distance that is required for safe propane tank placement. Methods of Disposal Any residential propane service can dispose of large tanks on your property.

Now You Know the Basics of Residential Propane Tank Regulations Residential propane tank regulations exist to protect homeowners from propane fire and explosions. February 28, 0.