Product Manual A

4. Installation7-2018

NOTICE

NFPA Standard No. 58 requires all persons handling and operating

propane to be trained in proper handling and operating procedures.

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.