Propane Basics & Facts

Propane Basics

What is propane?
Propane (also called LPG—liquefied petroleum gas—or LP gas) is a widely used fuel. It is transported and stored as a very cold liquid, and can cause a “freeze burn” or frostbite if it contacts the skin. The liquid propane is turned into a gas inside a tank or a cylinder. In its natural form, propane is colorless and odorless. To make propane easier to detect in the event of a leak or spill, manufacturers deliberately add a chemical compound to give it a distinctive smell.
Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many sources, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks, and static electricity.
Propane vapors are heavier than air. For this reason, they may accumulate in low-lying areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and ditches, or along floors. However, air currents can sometimes carry propane vapors elsewhere within a building.

How does propane get to your house?

• It is important to become familiar with the parts of your propane system so that you can take quick and appropriate action in case of a leak or other emergency.
• Propane is delivered to your home as a very cold liquid and is pumped into a specially designed storage tank. The liquid changes to gas before it leaves the tank. Propane tanks are typically painted white or silver to reflect heat and prevent the pressure inside the tank from getting too high.
•  If you have an underground tank, only the cover will be visible above ground.
• The cover on top of the tank protects several components from weather and physical damage, including:
  • The tank shut-off valve, which you can close to stop the flow of propane to your home in case of a leak or other emergency.
  • The regulator, which controls the pressure of the propane gas coming out of the tank.
  • The safety relief valve, which will pop open automatically if the pressure inside the tank gets too high. The valve will close again when the pressure returns to normal.
• The tank gauge, which shows the percentage of propane in the tank.
• Propane flows from your tank to your home through pipes, most of which run underground.
• You may also have a secondary pressure regulator on an outside wall of your home to further adjust gas pressure.
• A shut-off valve in each pipe can be closed to stop gas flow to an individual appliance.
• An appliance connector is the final segment in the gas piping system. This specially designed flexible tube—typically 2 or 3 feet long—carries gas from a pipe to the back of an appliance.

What is flammable vapor ignition?
FLAMMABLE VAPORS ARE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD!

• Vapors from flammable products—such as gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, and solvents —can be ignited accidentally by the pilot light of a propane appliance.
• Flammable vapors are often heavier than air and may travel along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (such as a basement or pit). Sometimes the vapors may follow air currents in the building to higher levels. Any source of ignition in these areas (such as a pilot light, spark, heater element, or electric motor) could cause an explosion or a fire.

TO HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF FLAMMABLE VAPOR IGNITION:

• Store flammable liquids in well-sealed containers outside.
• Do not use gasoline, cleaning fluids, oil-soaked rags, or other flammable liquids inside a building where propane appliances are located.

PROPANE VAPORS CAN BE DANGEROUS. Propane vapor is also combustible and can ignite explosively. Keep propane storage containers closed. Never store propane cylinders in an enclosed area, or near a heat or ignition source.

What is odor loss?
ODOR LOSS ALSO CAN DIMINISH PROPANE’S SMELL.
Odor Loss. On rare occasions, propane can lose its odor. Several things can cause this including:

• Air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder can reduce propane odor concentration.
• If the propane is leaking underground, its passage through soil may reduce the smell of propane.
• The propane odor may stick to the inside surfaces of gas piping and distribution systems and possibly other materials.

Since there is a possibility of odor loss or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED that you or others in your home may have difficulty smelling propane, consider buying one or more propane gas detectors.
 

Facts about propane detectors

CONSIDER INSTALLING GAS DETECTORS.

• Under some circumstances, you may not smell a propane leak. Propane gas detectors are designed to sound an alarm if they sense the presence of propane. Their operation does not depend on the concentration of odorant in the air, just the propane concentration at the detector.
• We recommend that you consider installing one or more propane gas detectors. This is important if you or others in your home have difficulty smelling propane, or if appliances are in little-used areas in your home where the smell of propane might not be detected. Detectors can provide an additional measure of security.

DETECTOR QUALITY IS IMPORTANT.
Be sure the units you buy are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). To be sure propane gas detectors operate properly, install and maintain them as the manufacturer recommends.

TRUST YOUR NOSE.
Never ignore the smell of propane, even if no detector is sounding an alarm to signal the presence of propane. However, if a detector is sounding an alarm, treat it as an emergency and act immediately, even if you do not smell the propane.

CHECK YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM.
Even if you install gas detectors, have a qualified service technician inspect your propane system and propane appliances periodically.
 

Facts about carbon monoxide (CO)

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE? 
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas. Smoking a cigarette; idling a gasoline engine; and burning fuel oil, wood, kerosene, natural gas, and propane all produce CO. High levels of CO can be produced when fuels are burned incompletely.

WHERE DO HIGH LEVELS OF CO COME FROM? 
High levels of CO can be generated by appliances that are defective or improperly installed or maintained. CO can also enter a home if an appliance venting system or chimney becomes blocked (for example, by a bird’s nest).

CO CAN BE DEADLY! 
High levels of CO can make you dizzy, give you headaches, or cause flu-like symptoms (see the list below). In extreme cases, high levels of or extended exposure to CO can result in brain damage or death. Young children; the elderly; people with heart disease; and those under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication are particularly susceptible to CO poisoning.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Fatigue

CO DETECTORS CAN IMPROVE SAFETY. 
CO detectors are designed to sound an alarm when they sense excessive levels of CO in the air. We recommend that you consider installing a CO detector listed by UL on each level of your home. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance. These devices can provide an extra measure of safety.  IF YOU SUSPECT CO IS PRESENT, ACT IMMEDIATELY!

• If you or a family member shows physical symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911 or your local fire department.
• If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow entry of fresh air, and turn off any appliances you suspect may be releasing the CO.
• If no one has physical symptoms of CO poisoning, but you suspect that CO is present, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to check CO levels and your propane equipment.

TO HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF CO POISONING:

• Have a qualified service technician check your propane appliances and venting systems annually, preferably before the heating season begins.
• Install UL-listed CO detectors on every level of your home.
• Never use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.
• Never use portable heaters indoors, unless they are designed and approved for indoor use.
• Never use a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors for cooking or heating.
• Regularly check your appliance exhaust vents for blockage.​​​​​​​

SIGNS OF IMPROPER APPLIANCE OPERATION THAT CAN GENERATE HIGH CO LEVELS:

• Sooting, especially on appliances and vents
• Unfamiliar or burning odor
• Increased moisture inside of windows

What happens if you run out of gas?

• DON’T RUN OUT OF GAS. Serious safety hazards, including fire or explosion, can result.
• If an appliance valve or a gas line is left open when the propane supply runs out, a leak could occur when the system is recharged with propane.
• Air and moisture could get into an empty or depleted storage tank, which can cause rust build-up inside the tank. Rust can decrease the concentration of the odor of propane, making it harder to smell.
• If your propane tank runs out of gas, any pilot lights on your appliances will go out. This can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly.
• A LEAK CHECK IS REQUIRED. In many states, a propane retailer or a qualified service technician must perform a leak check of your propane system before turning on the gas.
• SET UP REGULAR DELIVERY. Establish a regular delivery schedule with your propane retailer. Also, periodically check the fuel gauge on your propane tank. If the fuel level drops below 20%, call your propane retailer.

What should I do if my pilot light goes out?

• IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN LIGHT ANY PILOT LIGHT THAT HAS GONE OUT.
• WHAT IS A PILOT LIGHT? Many propane appliances may have a pilot light—a small, constantly burning flame inside the appliance. (Appliances without a pilot light often have electronic ignition instead.) If your appliance has a pilot light, it is an important safety feature. The pilot light ignites the main burner when needed.
• WHEN A PILOT LIGHT GOES OUT. A pilot light that repeatedly goes out—or is very difficult to light—may be signaling that there is a problem with the appliance or with your propane system. If this occurs, do not try to fix the problem yourself. Contact a qualified service technician to evaluate the appliance. Accidents and serious injuries can occur when customers attempt to fix a pilot light problem on their own.
•  IF YOU LIGHT A PILOT LIGHT YOURSELF, you are taking the risk of STARTING a fire or an explosion. Many serious injuries occur when people attempt to light pilot lights. Proceed with great caution and follow these rules:
  • Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings concerning the appliance.
  • If the appliance is in a basement or closed room, thoroughly ventilate the area before lighting the pilot.
  • DO NOT smoke or have any source of ignition (such as flames or spark-producing materials) in the area before lighting the pilot.
  • Be especially alert for the smell of propane. Sniff at floor level before lighting a pilot.
  • DO NOT allow any extra or unnecessary people (especially children) to remain in the room or area of the building where you are lighting a pilot.
  • DO NOT try to light pilot lights in any area where other odors may make it difficult for you to detect the smell of a propane leak.
  • DO NOT light the pilot if a musty or damp smell persists. These conditions can mask the smell of propane.
  • DO NOT apply force or use tools on the pilot light or its control. This could cause damage that leads to gas leakage. Use only your hands to operate knobs, switches, or buttons.
  • DO NOT attempt to let air out of gas lines by opening a valve or fitting inside a building or enclosed space. You may release gas and not be able to smell it.
  • DO NOT apply oil to a sticky knob or button on a gas control valve. Oil can cause the control valve mechanism to stick and malfunction.

How can I keep my home safe when I am away for an extended period?

• KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE WHEN YOU’RE AWAY. If you’re leaving your home for an extended period, consider closing all propane supply valves. This includes the main gas supply valve on the propane tank as well as gas supply valves located near individual appliances.
• WHEN YOU RETURN to your home after an extended absence, contact your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to conduct a leak check before the propane is turned on and to re-light the pilot lights.

How can I use a space heater safely?

• USE THE RIGHT KIND OF HEATER. Some propane space heaters are designed only for use outdoors. Others are designed only for use indoors. Check your owner’s manual or contact a qualified service technician to be sure you are using the right kind of heater.
• DO NOT USE AN OUTDOOR HEATER INDOORS. High levels of CO can be generated from heaters that are not designed for indoor use. High levels of CO can make you dizzy, give you headaches, or cause flu-like symptoms. In extreme cases, extended exposure to CO can result in brain damage or death.
• READ YOUR SPACE HEATER MANUAL. The appliance manufacturer’s manual that came with your space heater tells how to set up and operate it safely. Read the entire manual and carefully follow all directions.