LP-Gas Container Separation Check

ScopeThe NFPA 58 distances are tabulated by container water capacity and are not reproduced here -- the adopted edition governs and the required figures are entered -- so what this does is the comparison: each measured distance against its requirement, with the margin and a pass or fail per element. THE DISTANCES STEP RATHER THAN SCALE. They change at capacity breakpoints, so the choice between one container size and the next is not only a capacity decision: it can move the tank across the yard, unless a single container of 1,200 gal or less qualifies for the 10 ft reduction (25 ft from other containers over 125 gal). Checking the separation for both candidate sizes before choosing is the cheap version of that conversation, and it is the one that stops a customer being told they can double their capacity in a yard that will not take it. THE CLEARANCE PEOPLE FORGET IS NOT TO THE WALL BUT TO OPENINGS. The relief valve discharge has to be clear of windows, doors and any opening into a below-grade space, because propane is heavier than air and will find a basement window well and stay in it. That is a DIRECTIONAL requirement -- where the relief points matters, not only how far the container sits -- and no horizontal measurement addresses it, which is why it is flagged separately here. THE OTHER QUIET ONE IS THE POINT OF TRANSFER. The place the delivery hose connects carries its own separation requirements, frequently more restrictive than the container's own, so a tank that complies while the truck is absent can be non-compliant while it is being filled. AND TWO SMALLER CONTAINERS MANIFOLDED are sited on their AGGREGATE capacity at 501 gal or more (Table H-23 note 1), so they are not a siting workaround; manifolding does add wetted area and therefore vaporization capacity. This compares entered distances against entered requirements. It does not reproduce or look up any separation table, determine which edition or amendments apply, address underground or mounded containers, which have their own and generally shorter distances, evaluate the point of transfer, the filling connection or the dispensing arrangement, address clearances to driveways, combustible materials or vegetation, or determine what any standard requires. NFPA 58 as adopted, the AHJ, and the container and system installer govern.

Formula or tableeach measured distance compared against the requirement entered for it, with the margin and a pass or fail per element, plus the same building check at the next container size.

Source and editionThe NFPA 58 separation tables are NOT reproduced: they are indexed by container water capacity, they step at capacity breakpoints, and the adopted edition and its amendments govern.

Free accessComparisons only; no table is reproduced.

What governsEstimate. AHJ and licensed professional govern.

API field nameswater_capacity_gal, required_building_ft, required_property_line_ft, required_ignition_ft, required_opening_ft, measured_building_ft, measured_property_line_ft, measured_ignition_ft, measured_opening_ft, next_size_required_building_ft, relief_points_at_opening, building_margin_ft, property_line_margin_ft, ignition_margin_ft, opening_margin_ft, governing_required_ft, next_size_shortfall_ft

• Requirements are entered no separation table is reproduced or looked upNFPA 58 as adopted
• Aboveground containers underground and mounded containers have their own, generally shorter distancesNFPA 58 as adopted
• Relief direction is a flag, not a distance no horizontal measurement addresses itthe AHJ