LPG and Switchgear- Seperation Distance?

Submitted for Renosteinke:

Quote

A customer of mine added a propane dispensing facility near his switchgear. The two are 25 ft. apart, as the shrapnel flies.

How would you decide if 25 ft was plenty of room, barely enough, or not enough? What sources would you consult?

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Thanks John!. [Linked Image]

John
Around here any source of ignition needs to be 10'-00" away from the tank. (for propane)

Rob

How close is the main gear to Utility Xformer, it looks like a really tight space between them.

[This message has been edited by sierra electrician (edited 07-11-2005).]

PoCo transformer is about six feet from the switchgear. It was installed for this gear, and serves no other.

Wouldn't the seperation distance be up to whoever dictates LPG codes?? Doesn't seem like an issue for an electrician. Your work will satisfy code, why should you have to worry about where someone else set the tank??. In Maine, I'd start with the Maine Oil Dealers assoc. or the company who set the tank. Also in Maine one must be licensed to set propane tanks

Walrus
The separation is dictated by Fire Code....The NEC is dictated by Fire Code.

I was installing power to Propane Pump Station for the pump and a Night Light at a local Mini-Mart and could not find the code in the NEC book. I found it in the local County Code. Its been so long since I've seen it I cant recall the the artilce, but itwas "cut and paste" from Fire Code. There is a 10'-00" envelope that follows the contour of the tank, anything inside or passes through that area is Class 1 Div 1.

Rob