LPG underground storage tank and adjacent electrical

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andyman

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Here is a good one.

My electrical inspector recently wrote a correction siting article 514.3(b)(2)

Here is my installation: Installed a septic controller and disconnect for a residential septic system adjacent to a buried propane storage tank. The buried propane tank is filled by a delivery truck and only provides propane to a single family dwelling. The septic system controller serves only the on-site septic pumping system for the same single family dwelling. Looking at the NEC, 514 deals with motor fuel dispensing facilities but it appears as though it may also pertain to any LPG dispensing facility, in which case, regardless of the use the requirements of table 514.3(B)(2) would be relevant.

I guess my questions is does table 514.3(B)(2) apply to a single family dwelling? To me the term facility is important in regards to this installation in that a residence and the propane tank serving it is not a "facility".

What do you think?
 
514.1 Scope. This article shall apply to motor fuel dispensing
facilities, marine/motor fuel dispensing facilities, motor
fuel dispensing facilities located inside buildings, and fleet
vehicle motor fuel dispensing facilities.
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I don't see how the article can possibly apply unless the propane tank is being used to dispense motor fuel.

that does not mean some other article might not apply, but not this one.
 
See Section 514.1 - that's what Scopes are for. Does the LPG tank have a motor fuel dispenser? If not, Article 514 doesn't apply.

However, Article 515 may apply instead. See Section 515.1. It doesn't take much "storage" to fall within the Scope. It really is an NFPA 30 issue.
 
Hi Bob,

No, this tank is not a motor fuel dispenser nor is it used for filling portable propane storage tanks which is the only thing I can think of that he was referencing. I can see how 515 would be more applicable but I think this is still a stretch.

I see a lot of propane tanks installed right up against a single family dwelling, if my inspector was to keep with the application of article 514, that would mean no electrical outlets allowed with in 20' of the propane tank unless wired using class 1 division 1 methods.
 
andyman said:
Hi Bob,
I see a lot of propane tanks installed right up against a single family dwelling.
Click to expand...

I do too but that doesn't mean they're legal.
Especially the smaller 40 gallon tanks, guarantee they never got inspected. Not sure of clearances required from homes but there are
clearances from windows and openings I think.
I'm with Rbalex. It's more of a NFPA 30 issue.
 
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qcroanoke said:
I do too but that doesn't mean they're legal.
Especially the smaller 40 gallon tanks, guarantee they never got inspected. Not sure of clearances required from homes but there are
clearances from windows and openings I think.
I'm with Rbalex. It's more of a NFPA 30 issue.
Click to expand...

I thought tanks that small were more or less exempt from NFPA 30. I seem to recall looking it up one time and came to that conclusion. Maybe Bob Alexander would remember off hand.
 
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