Enclosures for LP (Propane) Gas Supply Systems
If you build an enclosure for an LP gas cylinder you must
follow these specifications. You must also follow local
codes.
An enclosure for an LP-gas cylinder shall be ventilated by
openings at both the upper and lower levels of the
enclosure. This shall be accompanied by one of the
following:
a. One side of the enclosure shall be completely open; or
b. For an enclosure having four sides, a top, and a bottom:
1. At least two ventilation openings shall be provided in the
sidewalls of the enclosure, located within 5 in (217 mm) of
the top of the enclosure, equally sized, spaced at a
minimum of 90 degrees (1.57 rad), and unobstructed. The
opening(s) shall have a total free area of not less than
1square inch per pound (14.2 cm2Ckg) of stored fuel
capacity.
2. Ventilation opening(s) shall be provided at floor level of
the enclosure and shall have a total free area of not less
than 1/2 square inches per pound (7.1 cm2Ckg) of stored
fuel capacity. If ventilation openings at floor level are in a
sidewall, there shall be at least two openings. The bottom
of the openings shall be 1 in (25.4 mm) or less from the
floor level and the upper edge no more than 5 in (127
mm) above the floor level. The openings shall be equally
sized, spaced at a minimum of 90 degrees (1.57 rad),
and unobstructed.
3. Every opening shall have minimum dimensions so as to
permit the entrance of a 1/8 in (3.2 mm) diameter rod.
4. Ventilation openings in sidewalls shall not communicate
directly with other enclosures of the appliance.
The cylinder valve shall be readily accessible for hand
operation. A door on the enclosure to gain access to the
cylinder valves is acceptable, provided it is non-locking and
can be opened without the use of tools. Designs using a
cover to gain access to the cylinder and cylinder valve shall
be provided with handles or equivalent at a minimum of 180
degrees apart to facilitate lifting of the cover.
The enclosure for the LP-gas cylinder shall isolate the
cylinder from the burner compartment to provide:
a. Shielding from radiation;
b. A flame barrier; and
c. Protection from foreign material.
There shall be a minimum clearance of 2 in (50.8 mm)
between the floor of the non-disposable LP-gas cylinder
enclosure and the ground.
The design of the fireplace shall be such that:
a. A non-disposable LP-gas cylinder can be connected,
disconnected, and the connections inspected and tested
outside the cylinder enclosure; and
b. Those connections which could be disturbed when
installing the cylinder in the enclosure can be leak tested
inside the enclosure.
Be certain to mount or set the LP-gas cylinder on a flat
stable surface and retain it to prevent it from tipping.
Purge the gas supply line of any trapped air prior to the
first firing of the unit.
WARNING:
During the initial purging and subsequent
lightings, NEVER allow gas valve to remain in "OPEN"
position without first placing a burning match on the top
of the burner.
Test fire the unit after referring to the SAFETY
INFORMATION and LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS.
If LP-Gas outdoor fire
pits are used
continuously after a
couple of hours, you
could see the
possibility of the flame
decreasing in size. If
this happens, turn off
the control valve and
the tank valve and
wait a couple of hours
before lighting again
or switch propane
tanks. The propane
tank is freezing up due
to the volume of gas
being taken out of the
tank.
LP cylinder with retention
device attached.
Combustible
Combustible
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