running my own propane line?

[Tractor Seabee]

LEL & UEL of different gasses

https://www.mathesongas.com/pdfs/products/Lower-(LEL)-&-Upper-(UEL)-Explosive-Limits-.pdf

propane ..... 2.1% LEL gas & air mixture to 9.5% UEL

vs nat gas ...4% LEL gas & air mixture to 14% for UEL

Propane is heavier than air so accumulates in low spots, NG is lighter than air so dissipates rapidly if vented.

Ron

 

[kenmac]

Propane is heavier than air so accumulates in low spots, NG is lighter than air so dissipates rapidly if vented.

Ron

Lower explosive limits as well

Propane being heavier, makes it harder to dissipate

 

[Jack Murdock]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, I will make some calls today.

I live in a more rural part of CT, but I will still check with the building inspector to see what he says. We completed a renovation a few years ago and he was easy to work with...

We have a 200lb tank on the house that gets serviced. It was there when we moved in and is only used for the range. Its probably a 50-60' run across our back yard to the barn so I was thinking it would be cheaper/easier to just throw a 100lb tank out there that I could bring somewhere for refills.

Depending on the cost to run the gas line my run could be as short as like 10' or maybe be as long as 20'...I have a couple different concrete pads outside the barn I could put it on. And its an unfinished post and beam barn so its not like we're dealing with drywall or insulation or anything...

At the very least I guess I am hoping I can run the line from point A to point B so if I have to pay a licensed installed they are just making a few connections and it shouldnt be too much$$ ? We shall see!

Homeowners take propane for granted since they switch BBQ tanks themselves usually without issue. I cant imagine someone with a family risking said family's health to save a couple of hundred bucks. There are NO states in New England where a homeowner can run their own gas lines unless they are a licensed professional. Matt if you call me I can help you hook up with a good LP company in CT. My office number is 518-733-0101

 

[LouNY]

Homeowners take propane for granted since they switch BBQ tanks themselves usually without issue. I cant imagine someone with a family risking said family's health to save a couple of hundred bucks. There are NO states in New England where a homeowner can run their own gas lines unless they are a licensed professional. Matt if you call me I can help you hook up with a good LP company in CT. My office number is 518-733-0101

Over regulated, over taxed, over burdened, under paid.

 

[Jack Murdock]

That describes me perfectly.

 

[Deere Dude]

If you are mechanically inclined at all, I would do it myself. It may take a little research as to the type of copper tubing and fittings and connections it takes, such as no compression fittings on gas and to just use flare as an example. Use a soap solution to check for leaks.

 

[mikester]

Do I have to hire a licensed professional to install a ~100lb propane tank outside my barn and run a line a short distance inside to a shop heater or can I do it myself? I live in Connecticut if that matters (as I suspect it might).

A good place to start is to call your house insurance to see if they would cover home installs on propane equipment.

Sometimes its worth spending a few extra $$$ and let a pro take on the liability of the install. If you do it and something goes wrong, even if it has nothing to do with your install, you can be SOL when it comes to insurance claims and lawsuits.

At the very least you will need to get it inspected by a certified gas tech if somebody comes to fill your tanks. FYI Not many gas techs are willing to certify work by an unknown, untrained and uncertified installer.

 

[Fuddy1952]

I would think before calling my insurance company. Let sleeping dogs lie?
Maybe simply get a few estimates from pros first about installation. With a simple job like yours they should be able to give you a guesstimate price over the phone.
If it's reasonable, pay and forget it.

 

[LouNY]

Do I have to hire a licensed professional to install a ~100lb propane tank outside my barn and run a line a short distance inside to a shop heater or can I do it myself? I live in Connecticut if that matters (as I suspect it might).

The original poster isn't even putting it into his home.
Heck ( I was going to use he double hockey sticks but it starred it out) it's going to a shop heater some people are making a mountain out of something that's less then a mole hill.
If the poster is comfortable running copper tubing and flaring it, go for it.
If its hundred pound cylinders that he takes in to have filled or even if he manifolded two of them filled them once and used the system he could call and have a truck refill them and no one would think twice.
If he feels competent and leak checks it carefully, go for it and enjoy the heat.
Lou

 

[Ford850]

If there are this many regulations and concerns over a line from a small propane tank installed to heat a shop in a barn, imagine how bad it will be is someone asks if they are allowed to start an open fire inside their house (in a fireplace).