Propane tank location

[bluedog225]

I’m scouting out places to put a propane tank. Haven’t decided above-ground or under. Probably 500 gallons. Maybe a size smaller.

Does anyone know the necessary separation distance from a structure? Though the immediate area around the structure are clear, it’s in a fairly high wild fire risk area.

I’m guessing I have more flexibility if I put it below ground.

Thanks

 

[dcg9381]

Here it's:

• Minimum 10 feet from any building or structure
• Minimum 10 feet from property lines
• Minimum 10 feet from windows and air intakes
• Minimum 10 feet from any ignition source

I've got mine in between a bunch of highly flammable cedar trees. Apparently trees don't count. Get the ebay "wet kit" and refill your own propane bottles!

 

[Junkman]

First check with your insurance agent. When I was considering an inground tank, it would have driven up my homeowners insurance cost. I went with 4 snowman sized tanks located at the corner of the deck that is attached to the house. Easy to fill in the winter when the ground has a lot of snow on it. I can scan the paperwork that they gave me for the underground tank requirements.

 

[tarmy]

I have a 750 gal underground. Properly installed they work great…been 20 plus years. I have a gate and long driveway I didn’t want a truck screwing up…so it is out by the street. In behind those yellow plants…

 

[bluedog225]

Here it's:

• Minimum 10 feet from any building or structure
• Minimum 10 feet from property lines
• Minimum 10 feet from windows and air intakes
• Minimum 10 feet from any ignition source

I've got mine in between a bunch of highly flammable cedar trees. Apparently trees don't count. Get the ebay "wet kit" and refill your own propane bottles!

That is a lot closer than I thought it would be.

I wonder what the fire failure mode is. I’m guessing the vent with a big flare instead of blowing up. But that’s just a guess.

 

[PCustoms]

First check with your insurance agent. When I was considering an inground tank, it would have driven up my homeowners insurance cost.

Interesting, mine has never asked me where the tank is.


AFAIK there is an NFPA code for size of tank and location. Generally up to a certain size is OK at the house, but I believe 500 will have to have separation

 

[PCustoms]

@bluedog225

Placing LP Gas Containers Fact Sheet

www.nfpa.org

 

[dcg9381]

First check with your insurance agent.

That's like saying "post a photo of your subpanel on GJ".

I wonder what the fire failure mode is. I’m guessing the vent with a big flare instead of blowing up. But that’s just a guess.

There is a pressure release, yes. I guess venting it would at least be directional..

 

[bluedog225]

@bluedog225

Placing LP Gas Containers Fact Sheet

www.nfpa.org

Good info. Thanks

 

[Firebrick43]

Also note the propane truck needs to visible from the tank. This is actually code although it wasn't followed for a long time. Its highly discouraged to pump from the road as well, as the driver is supposed to set out cones per OSHA rules in front and back of the truck on the road. We will not do a new tank set if it has to be pulled from road.

Also most trucks are equipped with a 150' hose. If you set the tank further than 75' from the drive, your driver will hate you. Also try to make it a straight pull or within 30 degrees of a straight pull from the rear of the truck. It really ***** to do a side pull even with an roller arm. Side pulls are murder if you have to guide the hose by hand. Lots of guys that had to guide by hand have shoulder injuries.

Just tell your wife to be quiet about "not wanting to see the tank" because she doesn't need to be a Karen and make everyone's life miserable. If you plant flowers at least leave a path to the lid in the middle. No elephant grass, trees, or bushes within 3'. 3 sides of a fence can be erected around the tank but you need to be able to walk normally around the tank inside the fence.

https://www.regoproducts.com/content/dam/pes/pdfs/L-545_Servicemans_Manual.pdf

 

[PCustoms]

https://www.regoproducts.com/content/dam/pes/pdfs/L-545_Servicemans_Manual.pdf

Wow, can't believe none mentioned NFPA 58 before now...

 

[driftpin]

I used to permit UG tanks, most were residential installations. I assumed that someone would make reference to NFPA 58, because that's the reference for plans review. Once the plan is approved, there would be inspections of the tank(s), the plumbing at the tank and from the tank to the house. We would frequently co-ordinate w/the mechanical inspector and the plumbing inspector on the inspections, "three pairs of eyes," you know.

 

[bluedog225]

Also note the propane truck needs to visible from the tank. This is actually code although it wasn't followed for a long time. Its highly discouraged to pump from the road as well, as the driver is supposed to set out cones per OSHA rules in front and back of the truck on the road. We will not do a new tank set if it has to be pulled from road.

Also most trucks are equipped with a 150' hose. If you set the tank further than 75' from the drive, your driver will hate you. Also try to make it a straight pull or within 30 degrees of a straight pull from the rear of the truck. It really ***** to do a side pull even with an roller arm. Side pulls are murder if you have to guide the hose by hand. Lots of guys that had to guide by hand have shoulder injuries.

Just tell your wife to be quiet about "not wanting to see the tank" because she doesn't need to be a Karen and make everyone's life miserable. If you plant flowers at least leave a path to the lid in the middle. No elephant grass, trees, or bushes within 3'. 3 sides of a fence can be erected around the tank but you need to be able to walk normally around the tank inside the fence.

https://www.regoproducts.com/content/dam/pes/pdfs/L-545_Servicemans_Manual.pdf

Well, I’m 1200 feet or so from the road. I was planning on extending my road base to wherever I ended up putting the tank. So they could back right up to it.

Well, I’ve got y’all. What is the minimum depth of my gas line? I am out in the country and there are no building codes. But I suspect the propane company will have a minimum. I can call and ask them, but a general idea would be helpful. I may need to hand dig to cross some existing electrical conduit that’s 24 inches down.

 

[Firebrick43]

Well, I’m 1200 feet or so from the road. I was planning on extending my road base to wherever I ended up putting the tank. So they could back right up to it.

Well, I’ve got y’all. What is the minimum depth of my gas line? I am out in the country and there are no building codes. But I suspect the propane company will have a minimum. I can call and ask them, but a general idea would be helpful. I may need to hand dig to cross some existing electrical conduit that’s 24 inches down.

One part of the code I don't agree with is the gas line depth, a paltry 12". I go deeper cause I hate going back when home owners bury their cat or hoe around their peonies and hit the line.

Every state in the nation has adopted some version of NFPA 58. Your county may be ignorant or not enforce anything but you have codes.

 

[Firebrick43]

O, and if you are going to have side walks poured, put conduit under where the sidewalk will go. You can flag where the line is, mark it with tape, spray paint gas, and the dumb concrete guys will be so addled that they will still put a form stake right into the line.

 

[PopcornSutton]

I downloaded the NFPA sheet, but haven't read it yet. But I see more propane tanks set against the house, 2 to 4 tanks linked together, than I see the big horizontal tanks set off away from the house. For smaller tanks on the 100 pound range, it needs to be at least 3 feet from an opening (door, window, crawl space vent, etc).

 

[Mike65]

We have 2 120 gal above ground tanks set by the propane company next to our house.