FYI - New Propane tank requirements

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FYI - New Propane tank requirements

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FYI - New Propane tank requirements

Posted by Roger Ford on August 17, 2001 at 12:52:00:

Just an FYI - New Propane tank requirements - an article in a local sailing
paper (Spinsheet August 2001) noted that new legislation (NFPA 58 1998) requires
all vertical propane tanks to be equipped with a “overfilling protection device”
(OPD). Tanks without that device cannot be refilled (in the US) after April 1,
2002

It seems that the retrofit of a 10 lb. Aluminum tank with the new device is
about $55.00. So, if you have steel tanks, it’s better to just purchase a new
ones.

Follow Ups:

Re: FYI - New Propane tank requirements Jeff Morris 07:48:23 08/18/01 (0)

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Re: FYI - New Propane tank requirements

Posted by Jeff Morris on August 18, 2001 at 07:48:00:
In Reply to: FYI - New Propane tank requirements posted by Roger Ford on August
17, 2001 at 12:52:00:


To make matters worse, there are several new fittings for the hose connection

I'm going from memory here, so if don't buy totally on my advice ..

As Roger mentioned, tanks must have an OPD valve to be filled in the future

Such tanks have a triangular knob for quick ID. The knobs are designed so you
can't cheat by retrofitting a knob!
Also, the POL (Prest-O-Lite) valve (female, left hand thread) is being replaced
by a new, large, male right hand thread valve called an "Acme" or QCC valve. It
is large enough that you can get a hybrid that has a POL on the inside and an
Acme on the outside. To further complicate things, the QCC stands for "Quick
Closing Coupling," but if you ask for a "quick connect" you'll get yet another,
snap-on coupling being pushed by Weber and other grill makers. I recently set up
a grill with an Acme connection, and they are nicer than the POLs. I've always
found POLs need tools if they've been sitting too long

I'm not sure where this leaves us, but I'm guessing I'll be spending more money
on my propane systems next summer! I've gone through a set of hoses, two
regulators and a solenoid in two years already - Although the PDQ 36 locker is
nicely vented, it also collects a lot of moisture, especially if the hatch drain
clogs

One more thing - If you need a hose and can't find it off-the-shelf, try a
welding supply house. They can custom make anything while you wait, for not much
money

-jeff
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