What does 1/2 reading on LP Gauge mean
I understand my 28 gal lp tank can only be filled to 80% (22.4 gal). So when I read the guage on the tank and it indicates 1/2 (approximately) does that mean 1/2 of 22.4 or 1/2 of 28? Thanks
Forum Discussion
DrewE wrote:
It depends somewhat on the gauge and the shape and mounting of the tank (for a float gauge). I don't think most of the ones on horizontal tanks are calibrated much to the changing geometry of the tank, for instance, so the middle quarters are bigger than the top and bottom quarters. I also think mine shows circa 80% after filling (so it's percent of water capacity), but I am not completely sure of that.
To me, 50% means I don't have to start thinking about buying propane yet.
X2 on the above.
Pretty sure the gauge on our horizontal tank is a float type gauge. It indicates about 80% full at maximum. Also there is an auto shutoff on the fill connection that prevents the tank from being filled past the 80% point. As Drew already indicated, these horizontal mounted tanks have most of the liquid volume at the wider portion around the halfway full point. Your 28 gallon tank contains about 14 gallons at the 1/2 full point. At the 1/4 full point it doesn't contain 7 gallons. More likely only 3 or 4 gallons. I forgot this fact one time and almost ran out of propane.
