Propane regulator clearance - InspectionNews

Jim Luttrall · #1 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 03:48 PM

Any regulations on clearance between a propane regulator and ignition sources?
I came across one tucked between the A/C condinsing unit and exterior wall today.
Thanks, Jim

Jim Luttrall · #2 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 04:45 PM

Also, are drip legs /sediment traps required on propane systems?
Thanks, Jim

Tim Moreira · #3 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 10:53 PM

Jim,

I have yet to find any specific code for that, but I gotta wonder about the accessibility issue of that regulator?

Jerry Peck · #4 (**permalink**) 04-14-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall

Also, are drip legs /sediment traps required on propane systems?
Thanks, Jim

Drip legs and sediment traps are different animals for different uses.

Sediment traps are required at each appliance *except* "illuminating" appliances and those which are manually operated, i.e., gas ranges, clothes dryers, gas lights, gas grill, things which a person must turn on. Things which are not 'automatic' in operation.

There are many clearance issues there (at least that's what it looks like to me).

The regulator should be, I believe, 3 feet from, or below, the a/c condenser unit. Propane is heavier than air, so the distance is horizontal and down. Natural gas is lighter than air, so the distance is horizontal and up (if natural gas is being used instead of propane).

Jim Luttrall · #5 (**permalink**) 04-14-2007, 02:00 PM

Jerry, thanks for the reply, but the question I really have is whether or not there is a difference between propane and Natural Gas systems in the requirements for sediment and/or drip legs.
Also, I see sediment trap and drip leg used interchangeably referring to the same design of trap. Do you know of any diagrams or specific description that would explain the difference between the construction and application of the two?

On the clearance issue, I see from the Fuel Gas diagrams, etc. there are distance requirements for propane storage tanks but they fail to mention regulators. Do you have a reference or source for the 3' rule you mention?
Thanks!
Jim

Jerry Peck · #6 (**permalink**) 04-14-2007, 07:06 PM

The 'design' of a sediment trap and a drip leg are basically the same.

The 'location' of a sediment trap and a drip leg are totally different.

A sediment trap is required at each appliance, except those I mentioned as being excluded, for any type of gas, anywhere in the country.

A drip leg is used when the gas contains higher levels of moisture, and for that, you would need to contact the gas supplier and ask them if a drip leg is required, and, if so, the drip leg is installed at the lowest point in the line where condensation can collect. The drip leg can be drained by unscrewing the cap on the end of the drip leg, just like a sediment trap can be cleaned by unscrewing the cap on the end of its trap leg.

The clearance are, I believe, listed in NFPA 58.

Bob H. would have more knowledge on those clearances than I, and I was hoping that he would have replied by now (I see Bob has replied to a couple of other posts).

Bob H., how about those NFPA 58 tank size limitations / locations / set back from the house and property line? Did you find those yet?

Bob Harper · #7 (**permalink**) 04-14-2007, 11:37 PM

NFPA 58, 3.2.12.5

3 ft from building openings below level of discharge (vent)
5ft from a source of ignition

The box and condenser are both ignition sources so it is improper. Before you bust on the LP company, need to know chicken or the egg. Who was there first?

Sediment traps are a function of the gas codes. Whether NFPA 54 or IFGC, both say same thing as Jerry pointed out. No distinction is made to what flavor fuel you are burning. All gas utilization equipment except those Jerry listed. This brings up the Point of Delivery. With NG systems, it is the discharge out of the gas meter where your local codes take effect. With LP, it is the fitting coming out of the second stage regulator, whether that is located under the bonnet of the tank or against the side of the house. Thus, in Pa, NFPA 58 governs LP piping in the yard up to the second stage reg. against the house but then the IFGC takes over.

To remedy, the situation in the photo, the AHJ would probably allow a vent line run away from ignition sources or building openings, etc. and leave all this equipment where it is. Cheap fix.

I have those pics Jerry--I promise I'll scan and share tomorrow. The check is in the mail!

John Arnold · #8 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 04:59 AM

I have nothing to add to this thread, except...
Nice pointing job!

Bob Harper · #9 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 07:19 AM

C'mon John, I would have thought you would have pointed out the splash block!

You just can't please some folks.....;-)

Jim Luttrall · #10 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 09:14 AM

Bob and Jerry, thanks for the clarification and references.
BTW the pointing job is that way by design, not my cup of tea, but they pay extra for stuff like that around here.
Jim

John Arnold · #11 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 09:43 AM

All right, then, what about that splash block? It's an abomination! How's that, Bob?

Jerry Peck · #12 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 12:02 PM

No one has mentioned the disconnects BEHIND the a/c condenser unit.

Tim Moreira · #13 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 11:01 PM

nor the uneven bricks leading up to the condenser

Jim Dull · #14 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 07:30 AM

Or the shrubbery touching the brick walls.