Question on older propane tanks
Hey gang, I'm selling my camper (bought a new one) and a potential buyer asked if my propane tanks are compiant. I've never been asked that question in all the years my tanks have been filled so....I ...
Forum Discussion
Recent Exclusion of horizontal DOT tanks:
Owners of older RV's that use horizontal rather than vertical propane cylinders should read the following information:
The new OPD (Overfilling Prevention Device) valves will be required on 4 lb to 40 lb propane cylinders from 1 April 2002. However, the currently available new valves are designed only for vertical cylinders and cannot be used with horizontal cylinders. Therefore, horizontal cylinders manufactured prior to 1 October 1998 have been exempted from having OPD valves, provided they are so labeled. (Such cylinders manufactured after 1 October 1998 do already have OPD valves).
Since propane dealers do not seem always well-informed, it is suggested that RV owners with pre-1998 horizontal DOT tanks should print this article and carry it with them, in case a dealer balks at filling a cylinder without an OPD valve.
The relevant part of the document is on the second page:
Q: I have a horizontal cylinder on my recreational vehicle. Are OPD's available for that kind of service?
A: The 2001 edition of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 58 (the LP-Gas Code) recognizes that horizontally oriented cylinders that were manufactured prior to October 1, 1998, are unable to be retrofitted with the OPD's. As a result of this fact, the Code now exempts these cylinders from having to be retrofit with OPD valves (NFPA 5.7.3.5). Any such cylinder must have a label affixed to it to inform the user and the refiller that an OPD valve is not installed (NFPA 5.7.3.6)."
Reference:
NFPA 58
Chapter 5 LP-Gas Equipment and Appliances
5.7 Container Appurtenances and Regulators
5.7.3 Overfilling Prevention Devices
5.7.3.5 Exemptions
5.7.3.6 Labeling
Owners of older RV's that use horizontal rather than vertical propane cylinders should read the following information:
The new OPD (Overfilling Prevention Device) valves will be required on 4 lb to 40 lb propane cylinders from 1 April 2002. However, the currently available new valves are designed only for vertical cylinders and cannot be used with horizontal cylinders. Therefore, horizontal cylinders manufactured prior to 1 October 1998 have been exempted from having OPD valves, provided they are so labeled. (Such cylinders manufactured after 1 October 1998 do already have OPD valves).
Since propane dealers do not seem always well-informed, it is suggested that RV owners with pre-1998 horizontal DOT tanks should print this article and carry it with them, in case a dealer balks at filling a cylinder without an OPD valve.
The relevant part of the document is on the second page:
Q: I have a horizontal cylinder on my recreational vehicle. Are OPD's available for that kind of service?
A: The 2001 edition of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 58 (the LP-Gas Code) recognizes that horizontally oriented cylinders that were manufactured prior to October 1, 1998, are unable to be retrofitted with the OPD's. As a result of this fact, the Code now exempts these cylinders from having to be retrofit with OPD valves (NFPA 5.7.3.5). Any such cylinder must have a label affixed to it to inform the user and the refiller that an OPD valve is not installed (NFPA 5.7.3.6)."
Reference:
NFPA 58
Chapter 5 LP-Gas Equipment and Appliances
5.7 Container Appurtenances and Regulators
5.7.3 Overfilling Prevention Devices
5.7.3.5 Exemptions
5.7.3.6 Labeling
