Generator install fuel pipe size question

[kuzya]

Hi,
I am installing a Kohler 14RESAL-200 generator with an ATS switch.
I need to run yellow PE pipe to the generator and have some questions.

I hope someone can help me with this. Currently I have a propane tank
next to our shed. The tank is connected to the pool heater and a gas stove in the house.

I am planning on putting in a another PE riser next to the gas stove connection outside to the house. The current connection is 25 feet from the propane tank. The generator will be another 30 feet from the gas stove connection. The installation manual for the generator specifies that for each elbow I need to add 8 ft to the total length of the pipe.
I calculated the length of the pipe from the generator to propane tank to be
90ft (including the elbows).

The manual specifies 3/4" pipe for 50ft and 1" pipe for 100ft.

Does this mean I can use 3/4" pipe?

Second question:
There are two options on how to make the connection. I can use a PE tee
inside the ground so that one pipe goes in, one goes to the stove(using a riser) and one goes to the generator OR Use a riser to come out of the ground to black pipe above ground and back to PE pipe with another riser into the ground to the generator.

I have experience running the black pipe but not a lot of experience with PE.

Any suggestions?

Maximum BTU per hour for the generator is 203,000.
Fuel supply pressure
kPa (in. H2O) 1.7--2.7(7--11)

Thank you.
Victor

 

[offroadsteve]

1. If your "effective" pipe length is 90 ft, you need to use 1" pipe

2. What size is the pipe from your LP tank to the riser outside of the house for the stove? That pipe needs to be sized for the generator + the stove.

I would run a new length of pipe directly to your LP tank and do all your connections there.

 

[kuzya]

Thanks for your reply.
I have a small tank (20gal) connected directly to the 1/2" copper line coming from the stove.

I will not be using this tank in the future.

I think my options are as follows:

1) 1" line from propane tank to the riser next to the stove copper line and into the riser to the generator. 25 feet to the stove copper line and 30feet to the generator plus elbows. 4 risers total

2) 1" line from the propane tank to the tee next to the stove, 1" line from the
tee to the generator. 3 risers total plus 1 tee.

3) 1" line to the generator from the propane tank (2 risers) and 1/2" line from the propane tank to the stove (2 risers). 4 risers total.

What do you think?

 

[kuzya]

If I go with option 3. The distance to the generator is 60 ft with elbows.
A riser counts as an elbow? correct?

Thanks.

 

[CNGsaves]

Welcome to GJ. You'll want to ensure buried yellow plastic pipe is adequate flow for demands of generator ; thus, only do this once and do it right with proper size for pressure and distance you have. Best method is likely "high pressure" in the buried segment to generator and a regulator at end near genset.

What country are you in?? What state/city?? Have you consulted with your propane provider?? Will you be using services of licensed plumber?? What is size of the main LPG/propane tank??

Other GJer's have had good luck with just paying the propane provider to install buried yellow PE line once the homeowner dug the trench. In this area, I can get 1" yellow PE pipe for $0.55/ft and risers for $39 each (without shutoffs which are extra), and also add $27 for Stablock connector on each end. Good luck, but do it safely with pressure and leak tests.

 

[kuzya]

Thank you very much for your response.
I am in Thurman NY. I have called my propane provider.
They will perform a leak test after all the work is completed.
I understand that it is very important to perform the leak test and I was
planning on putting pressure in the system before the test by the propane provider. I will use an air compressor to test it.
The tank is 250 gallons. My friend is a plumber and he will be helping me to make the final connections and do the test.

I will call the propane provider and ask them about what type of regulator they install. I think it is high pressure.
If I install the low pressure regulator next to the appliance, then the size of the pipe will be measured from the low pressure regulator? Is this correct?
I will have to add the elbows to get the actual size.

I can run the 3/4" PE line from the high pressure regulator at the tank to the
low pressure regulator at the generator and 3/4" black pipe to the generator as long as the black pipe is under 50ft. Is this correct?

PE pipe is 0.50/ft, risers are $65 for the compression type. I am not sure what a stablock connector is used for. I will be using shutoffs after the low pressure regulator.

Thanks!

 

[frankzlt1]

The sizing of the pipe is for the low pressure to the generator. If you can at least get the high pressure from the propain take to the generator then install a low pressure regulator just outside near the generator then use the 3/4" pipe to the generator. Make sure you vent the away the low pressure regulator vent away from the generator at 5' away for code.

 

[kuzya]

I called the store and they told me the stablock connector is included in $65 price.
Thank you for pointing this out:
Make sure you vent the away the low pressure regulator vent away from the generator at 5' away for code.