Thread: Dot LP gas bottles used to fuel range in a home in Hawaii

Hi
I have a few questions on where lp bottles should be placed at side of a home. The bottles will not be filled on site. And also what type of pipe should be used? Black iron or what type of material is acceptable? There are 2 30# bottles they are under a overhang near a window. I was unable to upload a photo...Need help Lol

Small bottles can go right beside the house.
A flexible hose works best for those because the bottles are exchanged on a regular basis.

Originally Posted by John Kogel

Small bottles can go right beside the house.
A flexible hose works best for those because the bottles are exchanged on a regular basis.

However there are other Required Clearances.

Billy,

This one includes the table referenced in the one you have.

Thanks For the help it is greatly appreciated !!!!!

Flexible hoses should not be used through the wall. Use iron pipe or copper inside. if you use it, only transition to flexible hose outside.

A word of caution - I am not sure that the clearances shown are applicable to those small propane tanks, seems to me that Bob Harper once said that those 20#, 30#, and 40# tanks ('bottles' by some) are not covered by that standard ... oh, Bob, where art thou ...

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

A word of caution - I am not sure that the clearances shown are applicable to those small propane tanks, seems to me that Bob Harper once said that those 20#, 30#, and 40# tanks ('bottles' by some) are not covered by that standard ... oh, Bob, where art thou ...

https://www.nfpa.org/catalog/service...255Fsrc%3DC929

There are three sets of specs. to consider for LPG: DOT 'cylinders' then two types of ASME 'containers'.

Think of DOT as portable even though both can be portable or fixed in various applications. Your buried tanks are ASME containers for example. You have to look on the ring stampings or inside the bonnet for a rating plate to determine which. Or you could just default to the ASME more strict requirements.

Most but not all of the country has adopted NFPA 58. Keep in mind '58 covers only up to the "point of delivery" which is the exit of the medium pressure regulator. From there-on your regular gas code applies. Similar to the outlet of a gas meter being the point of delivery for NG.

HTH and peace to all,

Bob

Originally Posted by Billy Stephens

However there are other Required Clearances.

Jerry gave you the NFPA drawing , consider that the absolute law as it specifies the size tank and where the minimum distances are.

So you understand why they are there , All propane tanks have a pressure relief valve (spring loaded too) this is to prevent the tank from exploding due to excess pressure build up from heat or over filling (this is why it is a really bad idea to have one in the trunk of your car and not bring it home right away - the gas can release inside the trunk and explode - happens more than you know). The distances were worked out by the potential discharge of a tank and dissipation rate which is why larger tanks have to be farther away from windows or electrical sources than others.

As to piping - So many changes going on and every state makes up their own rules. Best practice for in wall piping is black iron (it is really tough to put a nail through it). Copper is allowed in many states , to this date I am not sure if they are allowing plastic to be used (inside). As for connection hose , I like the flexible one's but they have to be replaced every couple of years and of course it depends on where the regulator is (that too has specifications [NFPA 58 has that] as it too has a pressure relief device on it .

Originally Posted by Bob Harper

There are three sets of specs. to consider for LPG: DOT 'cylinders' then two types of ASME 'containers'.

Attached are all three drawings.