Guide to Using Propane For Your Duel Fuel Portable Generator

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Key Points

Propane tank should be placed on the opposite side of the exhaust pipe
Although there is no rule about the length of propane hose, it should be shorter than 20 feet

Introduction

Propane (sometimes referred to as liquified petroleum gas or LPG) is a colorless and odorless gas that is stored in liquid state inside a propane tank.

It is now common to see a generator that can use both gasoline or propane (“duel fuel”) as a fuel source because propane gives a user another fuel choice to generate electricity during emergency.

Unlike gasoline, which starts to degrades as soon as 30 days of being made, propane can be stored indefinitely.

Although propane is clean burning and affordable, it is heavier than air so propane tanks must be stored far away from sleeping areas.

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Propane Tanks – Filling Capacity

One gallon of propane weighs approximately 4.2 pounds
An empty 20lb propane tank (BBQ grill variety) weighs approximately 17 pounds
Most refilling stations will fill up to 80% tank capacity
A “full” 20lb propane tank should weight approximately 32 pounds
Remember that propane is consumed as gas, not liquid

Propane Tank Capacity	Filled Capacity
20 pounds	16 pounds (~3.8 gallons)
40 pounds	32 pounds (~7.6 gallons)
50 pounds	40 pounds (~9.5 gallons)
75 pounds	60 pounds (~14 gallons)
100 pounds	80 pounds (~19 gallons)

Fig 1 – Propane Tank Filling Capacity

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Propane Tanks – Certifications

All propane tanks in the US have a manufacturing month and year stamped on the collar
For 20lb propane tanks have 12 years from the original manufacture date before it must be re-certified
Re-certification adds 5 extra years and a new date is stamped on the collar
Most older tanks are scrapped rather than re-certified
Most propane refilling stations will NOT refill a tank that is “expired”
If you have expired propane tanks, you can always pay bit extra for a tank exchange program at a home improvement store (Blue Rhinos)
Brand new tanks must be purged of air (most refilling stations will do this for free when refilling at the same time)

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Point of Transfer – Distance Requirements

According to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), a point-of-transfer is defined as “the location where connections and disconnections are made where propane is vented to the atmosphere in the course of transfer operations”
In the case of propane tank attached to a portable generator, the minimum distance is 5 feet
All modern propane tanks come with pressure-relief valves thus tanks must be located away from potential sources of ignition
Propane tank supply the portable generator should be placed on the opposite side of the generator’s exhaust pipe (in a case of extreme cold, I would place the tank on the same side as the exhaust pipe to warm up the tank)

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Long Propane Hose – Maximum Length of a Propane Hose

There is no US legal limit on the maximum length of a propane hose
In residential setting, most limit the propane hose length to 20 feet
Longer hoses, depending on its diameter, may restrict the gas flow
The length of a propane hose is inversely related to propane gas pressure (i.e. longer the hose will result in lower gas pressure)

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Takeaways

Although a propane hose can be extended by joining two shorter hoses together, it is preferable to use a once-piece hose
Using a longer hose when your generator is running at max load means your generator may not get sufficient fuel for continued operation

Frequently Asked Questions

Does propane go bad or expire?
- No, unlike gasoline, propane does not degrade over time and can even be used after 30 years if stored properly

How do I save money on propane?
- If possible, refill your portable propane tanks at a local tool rental stores or wholesale stores like BJ’s rather than from a home improvement box stores. As of October 2022, it costs $16 (in the northeast) to refill a 20lb tank. The same sized tank at a home improvement store (i.e. Blue Rhino tank swapping) will cost $30

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Guide to Using Propane For Your Duel Fuel Portable Generator

Key Points

Table of Contents

Introduction

Propane Tanks – Filling Capacity

Propane Tanks – Certifications

Point of Transfer – Distance Requirements

Long Propane Hose – Maximum Length of a Propane Hose

Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Links