Propane tank fittings

Propane tank fittings are an integral and essential part of the safe functioning of your propane system. Without the right propane tank fittings, there is a risk of exposure to propane leaks and your propane appliances will not work properly.

Similarly, setting up propane tank fittings on your own is strongly discouraged. Again, you run a safety risk and could damage your propane system. When fitting your propane tank it is best to rely on a licensed propane company or qualified service technicians.

Propane tank fittings are included in most propane supply agreements as part of a propane tank installation or maintenance. You should request and compare quotes from different propane companies to find out what the best deal is for you.

Propane fittings come in four categories: gauges, valves, regulators and piping, as you can see in the following diagram.

Gauges: propane level

The float or dial gauge measures the amount of propane in your tank. If the level drops below 20% you need to fill your tank with propane. This is less important if you are on automatic delivery since the propane company is in charge of ensuring you do not run out of gas.

The fixed level gauge is used by qualified service technicians during propane deliveries to know when to stop pumping propane into your tank. The gauge indicates when your propane tank is at 80% capacity.

Regulators: propane pressure control

Appliances with high BTU output (power required to run on full for an hour) require high-pressure regulators. For example, pool heaters tend to use a lot of propane. Adjustable high-pressure regulators are similar but have slightly lower output pressures and can be adjusted to the pressure an appliance requires.

Two-stage regulator systems are used when the propane tank and the propane system are further apart than usual. In the first stage regulator, pressure is reduced between the tank and the gas service line. In the second stage regulator, pressure is adjusted from the line to appliance requirements. Integral two-stage regulators group the two into one unit. They are used in most homes and are installed directly at the tank.

Valves: propane transfer

• Relief valves relieve excess pressure that can accumulate in the propane tank.
• Fill valves enable your tank to be filled with propane during a delivery.
• Service valves allows for your appliances to function by letting propane vapor enter the gas appliance system.
• Vapor eliminator valves enable qualified service technicians to release excess pressure as the tank is being filled during a delivery.
• Liquid withdrawal valves allow for liquid propane to be removed from your propane tank.

Piping

Piping connects your propane tank to your home propane appliances, ensuring they are fuelled adequately and function properly. It is also called the gas service or yard line.