The Guide to Prepare for a Gas Cylinder Installation

Preparing for a new LP tank installation? Read on below to learn more about what to expect for the day of the install. Reading through this guide will better prepare you and your home for a LP gas cylinder install. Learn about right placement and what may be hazardous surroundings for the new propane tank.

Here’s an at-a-glance version of a few key points from the diagram below:

• Areas subject to capturing propane fumes into the house should be specified and steered clear from.
  • The gas tank must have 10 feet of clearance from openings into direct-vent appliances or mechanical ventilation air intakes

• Review of any possible ignition sources are and where they are located around the perimeter of your home. A 10 feet clearance from any ignition source is required for placement of the propane tank
  • Ignition sources include a window A/C unit and an A/C Compressor unit

Your qualified service technician and installer will survey the land to provide the exact measurements and placement for your gas cylinder, taking all of these important areas to avoid and laying it out in a plan before install.

This information is from NFPA Pamphlet 58. 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.

SMALLER PROPANE TANKS

Your qualified installer might use the diagram below for a typical cylinder container installation per NFPA Pamphlet 58. (This figure is for illustrative purposes only; always check to determine what codes shall govern.)

(This figure for illustrative purposes only; code 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 3.2.2.2(b).

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. Refer to 3.2.2.2(d).

LARGER ASME PROPANE CYLINDERS

Your qualified installer might use the diagram below for a typical aboveground ASME container installation per NFPA Pamphlet 58. (This figure is for illustrative purposes only; always check to determine what codes shall govern.)

Note 1: Regardless of its size, any ASME container filled on site must be located so that the filling connection and fixed maximum liquid level gauge are at least 10 feet from any external source of ignition (e.g., open flame, window A/C, compressor), intake to direct-vent gas appliances, or intake to a mechanical ventilation system. Refer to 3.2.2.2(d).

Note 2: Refer to 3.2.2.2(c).

Note 3: This distance may be reduced to no less than 10 feet for a single container of 1200 gal (4.5 m3) water capacity or less, provided such container is at least 25 feet from any other LP-Gas container or more than 125 gal (0.5 m3) water capacity. Refer to 3.2.2.2(e).

UNDERGROUND PROPANE CYLINDERS

Your qualified installer might use the diagram below for a typical underground ASME container installation per NFPA Pamphlet 58. (This figure is for illustrative purposes only; always check to determine what codes shall govern.)

Note 1: The relief valve, filling connection, and liquid level gauge vent connection at the container must be at least 10 ft. from any exterior source of ignition, openings into direct-vent appliances, or mechanical ventilation air intakes. Refer to 6.3.10 Note 2: No part of an underground tank shall be less than 10 ft. from an important building or line of adjoining property that may be built upon. Refer to 6.3.4.2