Propane tanks 125 gallons or larger have set back requirements from the building. Are there any guide lines for smaller tanks? The tank I observed was on the deck in a covered shed. It was larger than a BBQ size. (maybe 75 gallons?)
Thanks. that is what I thought but I wanted to make sure. I appreciate it.
Anytime…
One other question. What if the tank is not filled on site does the
Rule still
Of course, a lot of it has to do with leaks and source of ignition, both of which can result during storage and operation, long after the tank is filled. There was a propane tank explosion about a mile from where I live. It sounded like a bomb went off. Half of the house burned down in just minutes. From what I remember the tank was around #100. I don’t like them.
Keep in mind that I am a firefighter who has seen too many families go through the worst day of their lives. That tends to make me suggest approaches that are well beyond minimum standards. That also means that they cost more. I have helped several clients with non electrical issues. For some reason people find me more approachable then many other trades people. I have had propane gas fitters look at me as if they had seen their first extra terrestrial being after I sold their client on giving them the extra for a larger tank but removed from the home as much as the code and local law allowed on smaller lots and 50 feet away on large lots. The concrete guys then get the extra for building a deflector wall between the tank and the house. Do keep in mind that this was in California’s wildfire and earthquake vulnerable areas. Add an excess flow valve, that is calibrated to maximum actual usage instead of to a ruptured pipe; a trembler valve that will close the line when there is any significant earth movement, and a combustible gas detector with a solenoid valve to close the line outside the home and you have an installation that is safe against most hazards.
Newer homes which are built with automatic fire sprinklers can have a water flow switch in addition to the combustible gas detector. The same can be done with an automatic fire alarm system. I got the electrical extra for radiant heat detection and the plumbers got one for exposure sprinklers on several homes I worked on. I often talked homeowners into having their pool contractor install a pool drain that was large enough to draft water to a fire engine and run it out to a spot accessible to the engine without the time required to deploy a portable pump. Swimming pools can also provide the water for exposure sprinklers and for a home defense fire pump.
Having to be on the job before the footer is poured to check the installation of the required concrete encased grounding electrode does have some advantages.
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Tom Horne