PROPANE TANK TALK
PROPANE FOR YOUR USE... ...is stored in one or more tanks or cylinders. These are available in various sizes. The tanks are available in above-ground and buried (underground) styles. They hold 80% of their stated capacity. Example: a 500 gallon tank actually holds only 400 gallons. See below charts for Ground Tank Chart or Underground Tank Chart for actual tank dimensions.Above Ground Tank Chart
Underground
Tank Chart1,2
|
Tank
Size (gallons) |
Tank
Diameter (inches) |
Overall Length |
Depth
of Hole3 (inches) |
Length
of Hole (inches) |
Width
of Hole (inches) |
120 |
24 |
68 |
36 |
90 |
36 |
250 |
30 |
94 |
42 |
106 |
42 |
325 |
30 |
119 |
42 |
131 |
42 |
500 |
37 |
119 |
49 |
131 |
49 |
1000 |
41 |
193 |
53 |
204 |
53 |
Note 1: Tanks are required to be installed at least 10 feet from any structure and 10 feet from any boundary line that can be built upon.
Note 2: Tanks are required to be backfilled with sand and have at least 6” of sand beneath them.
Note 3: At this depth there will be the required 12” of the riser above grade.
The cylinders are the upright style, which are available in 200-pound and 420-pound sizes. The weight designation refers to the weight of the propane. The 200-pound cylinder holds approximately 50 gallons and the 420-pound cylinder holds approximately 100 gallons. See Above Ground Cylinder Chart for actual cylinder dimensions.
Above
Ground Cylinder Chart
Tank Size (gallons) |
Tank Diameter (inches) |
Tank Height (inches) |
Distance to Any
Opening 1 Lower than Tank Top (feet) |
Distance from
source of ignition (feet) |
200 |
24 |
43 |
3 |
10 |
420 |
30 |
54.5 |
3 |
10 |
Note 1: Opening = door, window or vent on house.