Are you unsure how far a propane tank should be installed from your home? A minimum of 10 feet from anything and everything is a good rule of thumb for most homeowners installing a single tank. We’ve created a simple diagram that covers the majority of the requirements for a safe LP tank installation.
Is it possible to have a propane tank close to a house?
Residential aboveground propane tanks with distance limitations start at 100 gallons.
A 100-gallon propane tank can hold up to 80 gallons (the 80 percent limit for safety) and can be installed adjacent to a house. How far away from the house does a 100-gallon propane tank have to be? The following are the minimum distances that must be maintained:
- The distance between the house and the 100-gallon propane tank should be at least 5 feet.
- Any source of ignition should be at least 10 feet away from a 100-gallon propane tank.
Smaller propane tanks can be used for heating or to power other gas-powered items like grills.
If you’re considering adding a 100-gallon propane tank, you should also be aware of the following:
- Here are the measurements of a 100-gallon propane tank.
- How long would a 100-gallon gas tank keep a house warm in this climate?
What is the minimum distance between a propane tank and a window?
To take advantage of the advantages of propane, you must have a gas tank installed in your home. Federal, state, and municipal rules oversee the installation, dispensing, and refilling of propane tanks to ensure that they are properly stored and secured.
Propane Tank Placement Regulations by Size
To ensure legal and safe installation of your above or underground propane tank, you need know how far a propane tank must be away from houses, buildings, driveways, awnings, and property lines.
Cooking ranges, indoor fireplaces, and other small equipment are frequently powered by these tanks. They’re also lightweight. Even so, you must follow the following guidelines when installing a 100-pound propane tank on your property:
- The minimum distance from a building’s opening is 3 feet.
- A 5-foot distance from any source of ignition is required.
A 100-gallon propane tank is ideal for equipment that demands a lot of electricity but isn’t used on a regular basis. You might use it as an emergency generator or to heat outdoor swimming pools, for example. Keep the following dimensions in mind while installing a 100-gallon propane tank on your property:
- The minimum distance from a building’s opening is 5 feet.
- A 10-foot distance from any source of ignition is required.
Additionally, as long as the location restrictions are followed, four (or fewer) 100-gallon tanks can be erected close to each other on a single property.
This is the most typical size tank for domestic propane use, as it may be used for house heating, everyday appliances, generators, and more. You won’t have to worry about as many refills with a larger tank, but you’ll have to follow some additional installation guidelines:
- The minimal distance from a building’s opening is 10 feet.
- A minimum distance of 10 feet from a property line is required.
A 1000-gallon propane tank is your best chance for keeping your home heat running and your everyday appliances in operation if you have a large home, such as one that is over 4,500 square feet. Agricultural use of 1,000-gallon tanks is also widespread. The distance measurements for this size tank are as follows:
Each of the aforementioned clearance limits is increased to 25 feet if two 1000-gallon tanks are placed within 3 feet of each other.
Don’t worry if these statistics look perplexing. When placing a propane tank on your property, top propane firms and professionals will know and explain the propane tank distance regulations.
Underground Propane Tank Placement Requirements
In addition to clearance restrictions, underground tanks must follow depth guidelines established by the LP Gas Code (NFPA 58). The following are the measurements:
- Tanks for 100 gallons are 9 6 L x 4 W x 44 deep.
- Tanks for 500 gallons are 14 L x 5 W x 4 6 Deep.
- Tanks for 1000 gallons are 20 L x 5 6 W x 4 6 Deep.
Digging a hole for your underground propane tank necessitates excavation, which should be done by a professional in most cases.
Where should you place your propane tank?
You must examine the clearance and depth guidelines before beginning the propane tank installation process.
- What are the locations of your home’s openings (doors, windows, etc.)?
- Where in your yard do you have enough space for a propane tank while yet conforming to the regulations?
- What property lines should you consider surrounding your home?
- Do you have any other sources of ignition in your immediate vicinity?
The answers to these questions will almost certainly aid you in determining the optimal location for your propane tank.
However, you’ll need to consider other systems in your home so that installation doesn’t disrupt ongoing work:
- Sprinkler systems: Make sure you know where your irrigation system is located so that construction bobtails don’t run over or damage it during installation.
- Consider the location of your septic tank before placing your propane tank. The concrete caps and lids that protect your septic tank could be cracked by a truck transporting propane.
- During installation, keep an eye out for overhead electricity wires. Drivers find it challenging to navigate low-hanging lines. Your driver may not see the lines at all if you receive a delivery while it is dark outdoors or if the lines are concealed by trees. If your delivery truck collides with a powerline, your neighborhood may lose power.
Work with a Local Propane Company
Following the installation of your propane tank, the safety procedures must be followed. Specifically, your propane tank should be inspected for rusting, pitting, and structural integrity after each refill. In Connecticut, survey readings, records audits, and spot checks for new building may also be required.
To ensure proper installation and continuous use of your propane tank, deal with a propane firm that is familiar with your state and county ordinances.
What is the best location for a propane tank?
Propane tank storage dos and don’ts:
Propane tanks should be kept outside, in well-ventilated places, at all times. It’s not a good idea to store propane tanks in garages or sheds because if a valve isn’t entirely closed, gasses can escape and concentrate within. The ideal setting is a flat, level outdoor area that is out of direct sunlight. Keep an eye out for any other flammable objects on your property and keep propane at least 10 feet away from them. Furthermore, propane tanks should never be housed in off-site storage buildings that aren’t built to ventilate chemicals or combustible goods.
Where should propane tanks be stored in the winter?
Propane tanks may stay outside and withstand the elements even in the winter. To provide enough ventilation and protection from snow and ice, overwinter your tank under your grill’s cover. However, make sure the tank is disconnected from your grill and that both the tank and the grill are kept away from regions where there is a lot of precipitation or snow. Similarly, carrying propane is straightforward and safe if you follow a few safety procedures.
How much room does a propane tank require?
The distance between propane tank sites is determined by the size of the LP Gas tank as well as whether the installation is above ground or underground. When it comes to buildings and dwellings, the majority of tanks are subject to the ten-foot restriction. When it comes to places like playgrounds, parking lots, train lines, and other flammable materials, the norms and rules change. When building a propane tank in any place, propane firms and professionals will guarantee that the propane tank distance criteria are met. The NFPA specifies conventional residential container distances, which are seen in the graphic below.
Each town has its own set of building codes, some require permits as well
Permits are required in some cases for tank and appliance installation. There may be a price associated with permissions in some situations; we can secure the permit. The cost, if any, is the customer’s responsibility and can be charged to your account.
Please keep in mind that we are unable to put propane tanks directly beneath decks. The installation of propane tanks under decks or areas of escape from a building or structure is prohibited under NFPA 101, The Life Safety Code. Your family is at stake if you break this code.
“8.7.3.2 Flammable liquids or gases shall not be stored or handled in any area where such storage would compromise egress from the structure… National Life Safety Code, National Fire Protection Association.
Is it possible to erect a fence around my propane tank?
Right off the bat: The rules for safety, use, and access when putting anything near the tank are just as important as the standards for safety, use, and access when putting anything near the tank. The following are the rules you must follow:
- Paint your propane tank is not a good idea. Tanks must maintain their original manufacturer color, which is commonly white or gray, for your protection.
- Nothing should be planted or placed within five feet of any part of an above-ground tank. This keeps items out of the tank that could obstruct airflow and allows specialists to get to it when they need to.
- The tank should not be completely enclosed. Enclosing your propane tank, no matter how distant the enclosure’s walls are from the tank, is never a good idea. Don’t put it in a fully enclosed fence, box, crate, or other container used to conceal a propane tank. Propane vapors are restricted by these procedures, posing a safety issue.
- Do not obstruct entrance to the tank. If you have an underground propane tank, make sure the lid is visible and easy to access. Make sure nothing is blocking access to any visible tank valves or openings for above-ground tanks.
- Always keep the propane tank accessible. For both maintenance and repairs, as well as when refilling, technicians require access to the tank.
What is the maximum distance between a propane tank and a fire pit?
Bring it closer and closer to the pit until it explodes, then back off by about 15-20 feet. quote: What is the safest distance to travel? Residential setbacks are typically between 10 and 25 feet; for further information, contact your local fire marshal.
At home, where do you keep your propane tanks?
Indoor propane storage is easy and safe, but only if you set it up correctly. Never place your gas tank in your living room or any other space that is connected to your home.
For indoor storage, the ideal option is to keep propane tanks in a garage or detached shed. In both warm and cold seasons, these buildings give shade from direct sunshine while still providing a well-ventilated area for the tank.
Keep your tank on the ground, away from electrical equipment and flammable or combustible materials.
Is it possible for a propane tank to explode in the sun?
Yes, however this is more common with the portable 20-pound tanks used for grilling, rather than the larger tanks. Temperatures can quickly soar on a hot summer day. The pressure within the portable propane tank will rise as the tank heats up. Temperatures in the tank, however, would have to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) to produce a breach. Outside, in the shade, is the safest place to keep a propane tank.