The dimensions shown on the table below may differ slightly and are dependent upon the tank manufacturer and the year built. For tanks above 2,000 gallons, please consult The Gas Company Engineering Department. Use the dimensions shown on the table as a guide.
Appendix A: LP-Gas Tank Clearance Requirements illustrates the clearance requirements shown in the table.
NOTES:
A. DOT CYLINDERS
DOT specification containers (100# cylinders) are usually installed in pairs where monthly gas consumption is less than 15 gallons/month. The cylinders are replaced when empty; they are not refilled at the site.
Typical installations are residential and light commercial customers. Cylinders are also typically installed for science classrooms with Bunsen burners only.
DOT cylinders shall be located and installed such that the container pressure relief device is at least 3 feet horizontally away from any building opening that is below the level of discharge. (NFPA 58 6.3.7 [1]).
DOT cylinders shall be located and installed a minimum of 5 ft horizontally away from any exterior source of ignition, openings in direct vent appliances, or mechanical air intakes. (NFPA 58 6.3.7 [2]).
B. ASME CONTAINERS
ASME tanks are stationary LP-Gas tanks that are filled on-site by our propane delivery trucks.
Typical installations are residential and commercial customers with a monthly gas consumption that is greater than 15 gallons/month.
ASME containers shall be located and installed such that the container pressure relief device is at least 5 ft horizontally away from any building opening that is below the level of discharge and 10 ft horizontally away from any exterior source of ignition, openings in direct vent appliances, or mechanical air intakes. (NFPA 58 6.3.9)
C. 125-GALLONS OR LESS LP-GAS CONTAINERS
Zoning approval is not required for installation of LP-Gas containers that are less than 125-gallons and less than 30 inches in height. Fire permits must be obtained for multi-tank installations only. For multi-container installations comprised of individual containers having a water capacity of less than 125 gallons and an aggregate capacity of 501 gallons or more, the minimum distance requirement shall be based on applying the aggregate capacity rather than capacity per container. (NFPA 58 6.3.6 [1]).
EXAMPLE:
5 – 124 Gallon LP-Gas tanks
Aggregate capacity = 124 * 5 = 620 gallons > 501 gallons
Minimum clearance required is 25 feet
D. 1,200-GALLONS OR LESS LP-GAS CONTAINERS
The aboveground clearance requirement may be reduced to not less than 10 feet for installation of a single container of 1,200-gallon water capacity or less. The single tank must be located a minimum of 25 feet from any other propane container of more than 125 gallon water capacity. (NFPA 58 6.3.3)
E. ALL LP-GAS CONTAINERS
Propane gas containers shall be located outside of buildings. The table is not applicable to installations in which the overhanging structures are 50 feet or more above the relief valve. (NFPA 58 6.3.12 [4]).
F. CLEARANCE FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL (WEEDS, GRASS)
Loose or piled combustible material, weeds, and long dry grass shall not be permitted within 10 feet of any LPG container.(NFPA 58 6.4.5.2
G. CLEARANCE FROM OTHER ABOVEGROUND TANKS WITH FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
The minimum horizontal separation between aboveground LPG tanks and other aboveground tanks containing liquids having a flash point below 200 degree F shall be 20 feet. (NFPA 58 6.4.5.5)H. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR FLOOD ZONES
Where necessary to prevent floatation due to possible high floodwaters around aboveground or mounded tanks, the LPG tanks shall be securely anchored. A flood certification may be required to obtain the necessary permits. (NFPA 58 6.6.1.6)
H. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR FLOOD ZONES
Where necessary to prevent floatation due to possible high floodwaters around aboveground or mounded tanks, the LPG tanks shall be securely anchored. A flood certification may be required to obtain the necessary permits. (NFPA 58 6.6.1.6)
I. CLEARANCE FROM ELECTRICAL POWER LINES
No part of an aboveground LPG tank shall be located in the area 6 feet horizontally from the vertical plane beneath overhead electric power lines that are over 600 volts, nominal. (NFPA 58 6.4.5.12)
J. CLEARANCE FROM OXYGEN AND GASEOUS HYDROGEN CONTAINERS
The minimum separation between LPG containers and oxygen or gaseous hydrogen containers shall be in accordance to 2008 NFPA 58, Table 6.4.5.8.
