Product Manual A

4. Installation 7-2018

NOTICE

Commercial propane may contain more than 2.5% butane, which can

result in poor fuel vaporization and low tank pressure, resulting in poor

engine starting and operation in below 32 °F (O °C) temperatures.

Propane Tank Size

When propane is used, size the tank correctly to ensure successful generator

set operation.

Considerations when figuring the proper propane tank size:

• Temperature is a critical factor that affects the size of the tank.

◦ Ambient temperatures can affect how quickly liquid is converted to

gas.

◦ Generator set fuel consumption is the same regardless of the

surrounding temperatures.

◦ Colder weather climates require larger fuel tanks. Larger tanks have

greater surface area, allowing more liquid propane to vaporize and

maintain the required fuel rate.

◦ Propane is stored as liquid. Keep the fuel tank at least 50% full to

operate properly. Fuel tanks that are less than 50% full may not have

the capacity to vaporize enough propane to operate the generator set

and other LP appliances.

• Propane tanks are sized by their internal volume in gallons, not the

amount of fuel they can hold (which is less).

• Propane tanks are generally filled to only 80% of their capacity.

Therefore, a 500-gallon (1892 L) tank results in 400-gallon (1514 L) tank

capacity.

• Low ambient temperatures affect the amount of fuel available from the

propane tank.

• Approximately 60% of the fuel (in gallons) filled in the tank can be

effectively used. Therefore, a 500-gallon (1892 L) tank results in 240-

gallon (908 L) usable capacity.

To assist in the proper installation of the propane tank, follow the guidelines

below.

• Consult your tank and propane supplier for assistance in all aspects of

determining tank size, selection of components and installation

requirements.

• Fit the propane tanks with a pressure reducing regulator before

connection to the generator set to prevent fuel system damage.

• Locate the propane tanks and all other fuel system components at least

10 feet (3 meters) from any source of combustion (including the generator

set). The fuel supplier or local code may require a larger distance

between the tank and source of combustion.