Proximity of Aboveground Fuel Tank to a Radio Tower
- Thread starter jbt260
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petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
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- engineer
one might be inclined to think that the proximity of a radio tower to a fuel storage tank would lessen the chances of the fuel tank being hit.jbt260 said:
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Lxnxjxhx
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Grounded or ungrounded the current should stay in the metal of the tank.
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
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- engineer
jbt260 said:
Again I ask, does the proximity to the tower increase or decrease the danger to the tanks. IMO, having what amounts to a lightning rod above the tanks decreases the already minimal chances of the tank being hit by lightning in the first place. I don't think what is in the tanks affects its chance of getting hit.
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I was more concerned with lightning hitting the tower and "jumping" to the fuel tanks. I do not know how well the tower is grounded. I do know that the tanks will be grounded per NFPA 780. In general, within 10' of an above ground tank is classified as a hazardous location (NEC 515).
petersonra
Senior Member
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- Northern illinois
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- engineer
jbt260 said:
what is the purpose of this tank in the first place that makes you think it is subject to article 515?
- Location
- Illinois
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- retired electrician
jbt,
NFPA 780 spells out the required bonding of conductive objects close to other conductive objects that are part of or bonded to the lightning protection system. This required bonding will prevent the "side flashes" that you are concerned with.
NFPA 780 spells out the required bonding of conductive objects close to other conductive objects that are part of or bonded to the lightning protection system. This required bonding will prevent the "side flashes" that you are concerned with.
jbt260 said:
I work and design cell tower sites with LP gnesets and it is not posible for a flashover if the LP tank is bonded to the to the GES. Even if it did, there is no problem unless there is a leak in which case lightning is the least of your worries.
To my knowlege there is no minimum space requirement. As practicality goes you want the tank as close to the entrance gate as possible so the fuel trucks can reach the tank.
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