514.3(B)(3) Fuel Storage.
Code Change Summary: A new code section was added to address fuel storage.
Section 514.3(B)(3) was added in the 2017 NEC® in order to align with code language pertaining to fuel storage for hydrogen, CNG, LNG and LP gas, found in NFPA 30A-2015 Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages.
This new section provides language on several key items such as:
- Required distance between above ground fuel tanks and property lines
- Required distance between above ground tanks and buildings
- Required distances between above ground fuel tanks
- Dispenser installations beneath canopies
Unfortunately, some of the new distance requirements just mention that separation is needed but do not provide the actual measurements. The informational notes refer the code reader to the applicable NFPA standards for the relevant distances.
These types of installations are becoming more common as oil prices fluctuate. Having a section for specialty fuel storage in the NEC® will create awareness of some of the more critical requirements related to the different fuel types.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2017 Code Language:
514.3(B)
N (3) Fuel Storage.
(a) Aboveground tanks storing CNG or LNG shall be separated from any adjacent property line that is or can be built upon, any public way, and the nearest important building on the same property.
Informational Note: The relevant distances are given in Section 8.4 of NFPA 52-2013, Vehicular Gaseous Fuel Systems Code.
(b) Aboveground tanks storing hydrogen shall be separated from any adjacent property line that is or can be built upon, any public way, and the nearest important building on the same property.
Informational Note: The relevant distances given in NFPA 2-2011, Hydrogen Technologies Code.
(c) Aboveground tanks storing LP-Gas shall be separated from any adjacent property line that is or can be built upon, any public way, and the nearest important building on the same property.
Informational Note: The relevant distances are given in Section 6.3 of NFPA 58-2014, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code.
(d) Aboveground tanks storing CNG, LNG, or LP-Gas shall be separated from each other by at least 6 m (20 ft) and from dispensing devices that dispense liquid or gaseous motor vehicle fuels by at least 6 m (20 ft).
Exception No. 1: The required separation shall not apply to tanks or dispensers storing or handling fuels of the same chemical composition.
Exception No. 2: The required separation shall not apply when both the gaseous fuel storage and dispensing equipment are at least 15 m (50 ft) from any other aboveground motor fuel storage or dispensing equipment.
(e) See actual NEC® text for section.
(f) See actual NEC® text for section.