NEC Rules Propane & Conduit

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Bill_F

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Location
MA
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Former Eng Student, and also electician helper
Afternoon everyone,
Have searched prior posts, found roughly the same question, however the circumstances are somewhat different.
That post indicated members here believed there were no NEC rules against running grey PVC conduit parallel, & in close proximity to, a residential propane house supply line. Opinion was also offered, that case was not classified / hazardous.

This proposed (small) resi job would add a few recepts, running the PVC conduit (all glued) along the exterior of the rim joist, turning the 90 degree corner, and co-located within a few inches of a propane pipe, a propane "T", and that "T" having a quick connect for a barbeque grill. (Put in by propane company). Near that propane T, the elect conduit would take another 90, towards the interior of the outside deck. Proposal would be mount one recpt inside of the railing, but within 14" of that quick connect.
Naturally, wet location, box & heavy in use cover, and of course WR / TR recpt., 120V.

For hazardous thoughts - propane tank 250 gallons, approx 75 feet away, copper line buried, comes up at that deck corner near the "T". Tank filled every couple of months by delivery truck, so I'm thinking no.

So.......... any NEC thoughts? MA code, adopting the 2020.
Thanks.........
Bill
 
Eddie702,
Thanks very much for taking the time to reply! I appreciate it.
I always get kidded about worrying too much, but I really couldn't find anything in the code.
Had thought they'd be a bunch of replies, so thanks again.
Bill
 
Unless you had something there that would release hazardous vapors in normal use, it is not a hazardous location. Quick connect for the grill is somewhat questionable, though type of fitting used for this shouldn't release enough gas to be a problem when connecting/disconnecting. Main fill coupling at the tank is probably more likely to present a hazardous location as well as any relief valves at the tank.
 
Kwired.... thank you very much for expanding on that.
You've made excellent points, & certainly outlined things to think about.
I neglected to mention an important aspect - the propane company had also installed an on / off 1/4 turn valve, just before that quick connect.
If used properly, that valve should also help to severely minimize any small leakage .
Thanks again, Kwired!
Bill
 
Bill_F said:
Kwired.... thank you very much for expanding on that.
You've made excellent points, & certainly outlined things to think about.
I neglected to mention an important aspect - the propane company had also installed an on / off 1/4 turn valve, just before that quick connect.
If used properly, that valve should also help to severely minimize any small leakage .
Thanks again, Kwired!
Bill
Click to expand...
AFAIK at a bulk handling plant the hazardous locations are primarily at filling/dispensing areas and near pressure relief valves - the only places where vapors are expected to be present during "normal conditions"

At typical dwelling there is seldom anything near the tank that is electrical and most other piping and other items associated with the gas piping are not typically going to release any gas under normal circumstances, aside from maybe an insignificant amount from a quick connector for an appliance when you unplug that appliance.
 
Kwired.... again.... thanks VERY much! I certainly appreciate your time.

Yup... that is pretty reasonable. I would suspect it makes perfect sense, but we know some interpretations :).

Initially, we were more concerned with the very close co-located proposed lines (PVC conduit & recept put in within 3" of existing copper propane existing house supply line), than that 2'nd concern of the hazardous "quick connect" aspect.

One local inspector years ago had talked extensively about vapor travel back in conduit, even w vapor conduit stopping. I really think that is a zero issue!

But... again... thanks so much for your thoughts!
Bill
 
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