Propane Connection to Genset
A kind old man needed a new genset, so I ordered one from Northern Tool (15kw Generac). The guy already has twin propane tanks with 1/2″ soft copper already run to where the old generator sat, and the new one now resides.
I’ve done miles of copper, but never any gas work (other than some black pipe install in HS in 1970). The manual claims that the genset needs a certain fuel pressure (in inches of H2O) so I assume a regulator is required (like on a gas grill – not that I have one, I use charcoal – still).
Any help is nice, but please don’t think I’m gonna do this; I have about $1M liability insurance, but that won’t even cover the garage on this house, so I’m trying to get an authorized gas contractor in to make the final conecton. I really just want to know the basics of what is required so I won’t appear to be completely stupid when they come out. I know, I know, mission impossible, right?
Thanks
Replies
Im just going by our last house with a generac
they ran a 1" to the house from the tank. From there it splits to 2 different 3/4, one to the external generator , and the other to the house
the propane service said it would handle it.
generac, heater, h20, cooktop
actually there is more then that, but he said, I bet they are never on at the same time ( add gas fireplace, two gas bbq's, 2nd backup generator( no kidding))
this was not the low ball sub. It was the big boy in town, I didnt even bid it, cost was not an issue, he knew that up front, so if he wanted to go bigger he would have
also , he said if the tank had been nearer he could have run the whole thing in 3/4, as it is , the tank is about 250+ feet downhill away
Thanks for the reply. The piping now is 1/2" soft copper, the tanks about 25' away. I don't have the Generac manual, but I'm concerned that 1/2" (dedicated line) may starve the genset near full load.
Because the gas tanks haven't been filled since 1999, the gas co. will probably have to swap them out, though the sales guy is suppose to call and take a look.
I'm hoping the gas co. will make the final connection, though I'll know more after talking with the rep.
Thanks again.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
The propane company here always wants to make the connections to the appliances, or at least inspect them. They then test for low pressure leaks.
My guess is that the 1/2" is probably OK. They will probably set up two stages, higher pressure in the 1/2" copper and then lower pressure into the gas valve on the generator. So, a regulator on the tank controlling the pressure in the copper, and a second regulator just prior to the generator.
Thanks, the gas co will be out Friday to check out the setup, so I'll talk to him about it then. They were pretty insistent that I not attempt to connect the genset, and I was pretty adamant in agreeing.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
Nick,
Liquid fuel gensets (diesel, gasoline) always need a flexible fuel line at the connection to the genset to avoid fatigue problems / failure / nasty aftermaths.
The last several feet of "liquid conductor" is a "fuel use rated" rubber / polymer tubing rather than copper, steel, etc.
I don't intend to be connecting any gensets to propane, but I am curious as to what the gas company uses or specifies.
In the very unlikely event the guy from the gas company should connect any soft copper to the soon to be vibrating genset, I would quickly call the company and request a competent technician.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Thanks for the info, I'll keep it in mind. Interestingly enough, the last generator had been connected directly to the copper line.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
Before we got connected to natural gas we had two 75K BTU furnaces running off a single soft copper line that looks to be about 7/16" OD. I'd estimate the length at 60-75 feet.You should consult with the propane people, of course, but it seems like 1/2" would be plenty.
The best route is to go through the company that supplies the existing tanks. Most, upon consultation will want to at least inspect the installation that is connected to their tanks.
Last time I saw a similar situation the supplier were quite helpful. It was a large gas grill. Really big. They suggested larger tanks. They asked about the demand of the grill and suggested a line size and supplied the regulator. They made the final connections and tested the entire setup for leaks. Took a couple of hours. The price, or so I was told, was reasonable and it was added to the normal gas bill at something like ten dollars a month.
Some of this was done as a service but much of the kindness was more about protecting the company against legal liabilities. For them it was relatively easy. They do it all the time.
The stupid individual is the one that won't ask questions! Luck.