5.1.9 Student Book © 2005 Propane Education & Research Council Page 1

5.1.9 Installing Propane Dispensers

Successful propane dispenser installations are the result of • Thorough analysis of operator needs and the installation site

• Proper component selection

• Applying a knowledge and understanding of NFPA code requirements

• Complying with local jurisdictional requirements, including any applicable permit and inspection steps or preparation of a fire safety analysis if needed

• Coordination with the site owner or manager and any job sub-contractor(s)

• Good pre-installation job planning and communication with propane company employees involved

• Application of quality work practices during all phases of the installation

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5.1.9 Installing Propane Dispensers

1. Verify compliance with NFPA code requirements for dispenser installations

2. Locate and install dispenser foundation and supporting structures

3. Install dispenser components

In this module you will learn to:

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Verifying compliance with NFPA code requirements for dispenser installations

NFPA 582004

6.22 Vehicle Fuel Dispenser and Dispensing Stations.

6.22.1.1 Section 6.22 includes location, installation, and operation of vehicle fuel dispensers and dispensing stations.

6.22.1.2 The provisions of Sections 6.2 and 6.3, as modified by Section 6.22, shall apply.

6.22.2 Location.

6.22.2.1 Location of vehicle fuel dispensers and dispensing stations shall be in accordance with Table 6.5.3.

6.22.2.2 Vehicle fuel dispensers and dispensing stations shall be located away from pits in accordance with Table 6.5.3 with no drains or blow-offs from the unit directed toward or within 15 feet of a sewer system’s opening.

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5.1.9 Student Book © 2005 Propane Education & Research Council Pages 3 & 4

Before the dispenser equipment is installed, two important steps to meet either local jurisdictional authority or NFPA 58 requirements may be needed:

1. Submission of a permit application with a site plan

2. Preparation of a fire safety analysis if aggregate water capacity of propane storage tank(s) is 4,000 gallons or greater

NFPA 582004

6.22.3 General Installation Provisions.

6.22.4 Installation of Vehicle Fuel Dispensers.

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Locating and installing dispenser foundation and supporting structures

Courtesy Berquist, Inc.

Figure 1. Dispenser Foundation & Electrical Service Trench

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Foundations, especially those for vertical supply tanks, must strictly conform to manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Motor fuel dispensing units at multi-fuel refueling stations must be installed on raised concrete foundations.

For dispensers located at multiple fuel refueling stations where the propane dispensing cabinet is located at a fueling island, most local jurisdictional authorities require the installation of a breakaway coupling, sometimes called a “foot valve.”

Courtesy Clean Fueling Technologies

Figure 2. Dispenser Base Piping or Hose Emergency Breakaway

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Buried propane piping should be coated schedule 80 steel pipe, provided with cathodic protection as needed.

Buried propane piping should be:

• placed in the trench

• pressure tested for leakage at normal operating pressure

• inspected as required by local code

before the trench is back filled and the foundation is poured.

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Installing dispenser components

Courtesy Berquist, Inc.

Figure 3. Installing Dispenser Support System

Each dispenser installation has its unique set of tasks that must be coordinated and performed to meet differing site and equipment requirements. It is helpful, however, to develop and use an installation checklist to organize the job.

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5.1.9 Student Book © 2005 Propane Education & Research Council Pages 8 - 10

Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This Module…

• Complete the Review on pages 8 & 9.

• See if you are ready for the Certification Exam by checking off the performance criteria on page 10.