propane tank near window

[John Dirks Jr]

Can anyone point me to some documentation that supports a suggestion to move this tank further away from the window?

Is it correct to say that it shouldn't be that close to the window?

I've got this but I think it applies to underground tanks only. Any ideas?

http://www.propane101.com/images/propane-tank-distances.gif

[Raymond Wand]

The link does not work for me.

[John Dirks Jr]

The link does not work for me.

The diagram can be accessed on this page. Sorry.

Propane Tank Distance Rules and Requirements (http://www.propane101.com/propanetankdistancerules.htm)

[Michael Garrity]

above ground tanks,the valve should be 3ft from a window.That's in the NY fire code.Probably similar elsewhere.Only if the tank is less than 125gal.I am too lazy to write everything down but it is table 3804.3 NY fire code

[Jerry Peck]

My recollection is the valve must be 5 feet from a building opening, which includes an operable window.

When we had two 150 gallon tanks installed for our whole house generator in South Florida there was just enough space to allow for the two tanks to be butted end to end without touching and the valves to just clear 5 feet diagonally (shortest measurement) to each of the windows located to either side of the two tanks. I recall the measurement was 5' 1/2" or so from the valve to the corner of the window - just made it.

[Jim Luttrall]

Your chart DOES apply according to the verbiage on the chart. It does mention underground tanks, but it is not exclusively underground.
If it is a site filled (not portable DOT) tank, then the under 125 gallon distances would apply if I read it correctly.

[John Dirks Jr]

What if it's a DOT tank? Is it ok that close to the window? I need to make sure of the type in the future. Learning curve...sorry. :(

[Michael Garrity]

It is usually the size of the tank which determines the distance and the valve discharge should point away from the house.

[Michael Garrity]

If that tank is less than 125gal then the valve can not be less than 3ft from the window.Did you read what is under the chart?

[Jim Luttrall]

What if it's a DOT tank? Is it ok that close to the window? I need to make sure of the type in the future. Learning curve...sorry. :(
If it is a portable tank (DOT) then it would be like a piece of furniture, the client picks it up and takes it to be filled. I would think by its nature it would be pretty much impossible to figure out where it would turn up next. If you have a fixed line attached to the house, I would personally treat it like a site filled tank since the dangers would be the same.
Bob gave some good info on this a while back, try searching the archives.

[Jerry Peck]

It would take The World's Strongest Man to move that tank when filled :) , I doubt doubt Mr. or Mrs. Homeowner is going to move it. Looks like a 60 gallon tank, possibly even a 100 gallon tank. Most portable tanks are in pounds, not gallons.

There is a large pad, but it was too close to the house to fit that big tank on it, so they half-way put the tank under another pad.

[Michael Garrity]

A DOT approved tank is a tank which is allowed to be transported on a public road,regardless of the size.A site based tank is a tank which is covered and not easily removed.

[Dennis Krouse]

Here is a chart to help with container spacing. That container is definately too close to the window. If a container has a 1 3/4 acme fill valve it is considered filled on site. Anything over 125 gallon water capacity has to be 10 foot from a building and source of ignition.

[Michael Garrity]

Well the tank would be removed when it is empty of coarse.It would be removed the same way it was delivered.It really is that simple.

[Michael Garrity]

Just to avoid any confusion,when it becomes time for the tank to be refilled,the tank remains in place and is refilled on site.

[Dennis Krouse]

There are 2 types of containers. ASME and DOT. All ASME are considered on site filled and have a data plate. DOT cylinders are both exchanged and on site filled. If the DOT container has a filler valve which can be filled from a truck (1 3/4 inch acme standard thread design). Usually an exchange system will have 2 containers so one may be changed out while the other is in service preventing an outage.

[Jerry Peck]

A site based tank is a tank which is covered and not easily removed.

Michael,

Please clarify what you mean by "covered".

[Dennis Krouse]

Here is a web link which has the diagrams in better view and explanation.
http://www.1st-propane.com/forms/Propane-System-Installation-Guide.pdf

[Jerry Peck]

Here is a web link which has the diagrams in better view and explanation.
http://www.1st-propane.com/forms/Propane-System-Installation-Guide.pdf

Dennis,

Thank you, that is much better.

[Jack Murdock]

DOT cylinders 3 feet asme 5 feet to door, window or building opening below point of transfer and relief of tank or regulator etc nfpa 58 how far away is the multi valve center from the window?