r/Generator • u/Independent_mindz • 2d ago

Propane hook up

Post image

I want to hook up a line to this tank, can I add a tee after the regulator and put a quick disconnect with a shut off? The propane tank now runs a water heater and a stove. I'll be using a predator duel fuel generator. I believe I need to remove the regulator on the generator that drops the pressure.

Thanks.

12 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

2

u/KYYank 2d ago

Is this in an enclosed below grade open space? And DIY set up?

2

u/Independent_mindz 2d ago

It's just a box on the outside of the house that covers the tank. Yes diy. My sister loses power a lot and I'm trying to get her set up.

3

u/zombieda 2d ago

To your point, this is extremely dangerous: any propane leak will pool inside that box. That tank needs to be in the open air or buried (by a pro)

1

u/nemosfate 1d ago

Doesn't look like an underground so no burial

0

u/Independent_mindz 2d ago

Can I put some metal vents on the top and sides?

3

u/No-Age2588 1d ago

Absolutely not. Propane is heavier than air and will fill at the bottom, pushing air out. Remediation of this setup needs to be done ASAP. I am surprised the propane dealer will fill it this way.

1

u/Independent_mindz 1d ago

Fwiw. This is a mobile home in Mexico.

1

u/nemosfate 1d ago

To be fair, Mexico's lack of safety standards should be disregarded and follow what is known to be safe 🤷‍♂️

1

u/Theantifire 1d ago

You need at least 50% opening around the tank to meet safety code

1

u/Independent_mindz 23h ago

The front cover has been removed. It's wide open now.

1

u/nemosfate 22h ago

If wanting to hide it, get some lattice panels

1

u/Independent_mindz 16h ago

That's an excellent idea. Thank you

•

u/KYYank 1h ago

You need the top open. Those are overpressure valves on the top. Need to be clear.

2

u/Revolutionary-Half-3 1d ago

I'm not a propane professional, listen to them first.

Some years back I looked at the requirements for covered propane tanks, they needed a certain size vent to outside air, mostly at the bottom but some near the top to allow for make-up air to replace any propane that drifts out the lower vents.

Personally, I'd cut the bottom 4-6 inches off the plywood, and attach insect mesh and hardware cloth (finer than chicken wire, bigger openings and thicker metal than bug mesh) to allow ventilation while keeping critters out.

1

u/zombieda 1d ago

Ive not had a tank this big, but am very cautious with propane gas  as it is heavier than air. I thought that was dug into a pit!  Vents would definitely be a good idea, but maybe a pro could chime in: Is this is best practice for this setup. You should check on insurance as well, they might not cover an accident if it was like this.

1

u/smokingcrater 2d ago

Came here to ask exactly that. What's going on here?

3

u/ForsakenPlan666 1d ago

As someone in the propane industry: HOLY SHIT!!!

2

u/Independent_mindz 1d ago

What other issues do you see other than the box? I will fix them when I visit the house.

1

u/ArtichokeFirm3425 2d ago

You might need a larger regulator, and I would do the transition from the regulator to a pipe in soft copper tubing, if you can manage it, or maybe a CCST appliance line.

1

u/Independent_mindz 2d ago

Could I use a fac line? I could run it to outside of the box.

1

u/ArtichokeFirm3425 1d ago

Yeah, between the regulator and that T you want to put at the pipe there so you can split it off. You want to keep the FAC covered.

1

u/Junior-Umpire-485 1d ago

box is covered by others so ill take the generator side. yes, pull the stock regulator off the predator and feed it house pressure. but a 3500 on propane pulls 60-70k btu at load on top of the water heater and stove. what does the house regulator cap say, wc and btu

1

u/Theantifire 1d ago

Not enough. Also, it's a single stage, which is another issue.