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Topic: grounding propane tank

User: Joseph Alexander, Location: Florida

Asked on: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 12:31 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:05 am EDT

Question: What are the grounding requirements (if any) for a buried propane tank? I have looked through the Fuel gas code, the fire code and the NEC I can't find any. HelpAlex

NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code does not require grounding for buried propane tanks.NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 250.118 requires grounding of "metallic underground piping systems containing flammable or combustible fluids or gases" and provides an exception as follows:> Exception No. 1

Underground piping systems connected to underground storage tanks that are bonded in accordance with 58.9 of NFPA 58.

NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code
Section 58.9 outlines the following bonding requirements for underground propane storage tanks:> Metallic underground storage tanks, tank accessories, underground piping, and equipment shall be electrically bonded together in a manner to ensure electrical continuity.> The electrical resistance of the bonding conductors between any two bonded components shall not exceed 0.005 ohm.> * The bonding method shall be installed in accordance with Section 250.97 of NFPA 70.

Conclusion

Based on the above codes,

grounding is not required for buried propane tanks, but bonding is required.
The bonding requirements outlined in NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code ensure electrical continuity and minimize the risk of static electricity discharge and electrical shock. Flag for review

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