Tank construction and certification
Every ASME tank installed must:
- Carry the ASME stamp (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) certifying pressure vessel construction
- Be marked with manufacturer, water capacity, date of manufacture and pressure rating
- Have an operational relief valve appropriate to tank capacity
- Have functional gauges (dial percentage gauge and liquid-level fixed tube)
Pressure testing
All new gas piping must pass a pressure test before being placed in service:
- Test pressure: typically 1.5× operating pressure or higher
- Duration: minimum 15–30 minutes depending on jurisdiction
- No pressure drop permitted — any drop indicates a leak that must be located and fixed
- Documentation required for the post-install inspection
Vehicle impact and physical protection
If the tank could be impacted by vehicles (e.g. near driveways), NFPA 58 requires physical protection — bollards, curbs, or equivalent barriers. Tank also must be installed on a stable surface (concrete pad, gravel base, or metal cradle as appropriate).
Setback compliance
All NFPA 58 setbacks must be verified at inspection — tank to building, tank to property line, fill valve to opening, vent to ignition source. See distance rules.
Ventilation around the tank
Tanks must be installed in well-ventilated locations — never inside a building, garage or enclosed space. Outdoor installations on a concrete pad with clear air circulation around all fittings are the standard.
FAQ
Can a propane tank be installed inside a garage?
No. NFPA 58 prohibits permanent propane tank installation inside any building or enclosed structure. Garages — even attached, ventilated — are not permitted locations for residential bulk tanks.
What if my installation fails inspection?
Installer remediates the issue and inspector returns. Most failures are minor (setback off by inches, missing bollard, undocumented pressure test) and can be fixed within a day.