NFPA 30 and Generator Sub-base Fuel Tanks

[Shujinko]

I have an installation that has a 20KW generator with a sub-base diesel fuel tank (204 gallons) on the outside of a building. The generator is being located on site about 3' from the building. The area around the building is pretty tight. Per NFPA 30 Table 22.4.1.1(b) it says there should be at least 5' separation for a fuel storage tank and a building. Does this apply to Generator sub-base fuel tank? Is there any exemption to this code section?

 

[oldsparky52]

Well Table 22.4.1.1(a) says you can cut that dimension in half but the footnote says the distance shall not be less than 5' so .. if you must comply with NFPA 30 then I think you are stuck.

But since they put these types of tanks in buildings, ... I just can't help feel there is a workaround. Have you discussed it with the AHJ, project engineer, owner?

A friend of mine that does this kind of work isn't sure how to workaround but did mention that (he can't remember what/why, he's an old fart like me) at one job it made a difference if the tank came attached to the generator in one shipment or if the tank was shipped separately then attached to the generator frame at the jobsite. Somehow he thinks that might be a technicality that might be able to get you out of NFPA 30 (but dubious).