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KelVarnsen
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# Posted: 18 Jun 2017 10:34am - Edited by: KelVarnsen
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I'm looking to install some propane appliances in my off grid cabin. I have some black iron pipe left over from another project so I'm planning on using that. My cottage is on piers with the under side easily accessible. I'm hoping to create a level pad on the ground for a couple of 30lb propane tanks with an auto-changeover valve. I want to install my piping between the floor joists on the outside of the cabin. The applicances that I'm looking to run are a Martin MDV12VP heater, Unique UGP-24G stove/oven, and a Unique UGP-10 fridge. I've attached a diagram of my proposed setup and a picture of the area under the cabin where I'd be doing the install.
I had a couple of questions. Firstly, can anyone spot any issues with my plan? Secondly, I'm in Ontario in an organized township. I'd like to do the install myself, but still make sure that my insurance policy doesn't get voided. Can I do the install myself and then get an inspection? Is an inspection necessary? Thanks for all that respond.
Piping Diagram
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Underside of Cabin
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FishHog
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# Posted: 18 Jun 2017 11:53am - Edited by: FishHog
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Mine was almost identical. I've got a couple lights as well. Assuming 1/2 black pipe you should be fine. Run a pressure test after to be sure you have no leaks. As for the insurance I can't say but I'm guessing you will need an approval from a certified person to keep everyone happy.
didn't realize that was you when I posted from my cell. But I have some left over pipe if you want it and happy to help with the install, just need to borrow some tools from Chris
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rockies
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# Posted: 18 Jun 2017 07:14pm
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I would be concerned that a wildfire could cause your tanks to explode and burn the place down if they were right underneath.
I would place the tanks on a pad about 4 feet away from the cabin and build a concrete block wall around them and anchor the roof rafters into concrete that you pour into the voids. Leave the front of the propane "shed" open to allow any propane fumes to exit should there ever be a leak. If the tanks do blow up from a fire the walls and roof will contain the blast and focus it out the front and away from the cabin.
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deercula
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# Posted: 18 Jun 2017 09:46pm
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When it is cold outside, you will not be able to get enough fuel for all three appliances from a 30# tank. Do a search here for much past discussion on this.
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FishHog
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# Posted: 19 Jun 2017 08:53am
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Quoting: deercula When it is cold outside, you will not be able to get enough fuel for all three appliances from a 30# tank. Do a search here for much past discussion on this.
to a point your correct, but he probably won't be running the fridge and while he may get reduced performance in extreme cold on his furnace, it will still work. I've arrived in -35C to my place and immediately turned on my furnace, 4 stove top burners and 2 propane lights to add heat as fast as I can and performance was acceptable.
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KelVarnsen
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# Posted: 19 Jun 2017 10:35am
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Thanks for the input guys. FishHog is right, when I'm running the furnace there is a pretty good change that I won't be running the fridge. I was considering adding a place on the furnace to hook up a tank inside the cabin for when it is really cold, but I'm sure that is frowned upon for safety reasons.
Rockies, thanks for the concerns about tank safety in a wildfire. I think that if the tanks get hot enough to explode from a wildfire I'm pretty sure my cabin will already be fully ablaze.
Anyone know if the individual appliance shutoff valves need to legally be inside the cottage or if I can mount them outside so long as they are easily accessible?
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bldginsp
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# Posted: 20 Jun 2017 01:11am
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I'm pretty sure the valves just have to be accessible. If your area requires building permits I bet they'll require it for a gas pipe instal- major safety issue. Check your pipe sizes by doing a pipe sizing calc- if anything your first leg out of the tanks may be too small for 1/2" depending on the btus of your appliances.
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creeky
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# Posted: 20 Jun 2017 09:02am
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I remember the book I got with my heaters wanted the propane shut off inside next to the unit. I think its an "uh oh" device.
I used black iron. Worked great.
One thing about propane fridges. Check your cost. I swapped a $1,200 propane fridge for a $400 electric one. That was 6 years ago. Now take 1.4lbs of propane consumed daily and multiply by 365. Now haul then drive to fill those tanks every two to six weeks.
Putting in a small solar system can not only give you lights, pumps, microwave. Run an electric fridge. Save labour.
But solar saves a lot of money.
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Cowracer
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# Posted: 20 Jun 2017 09:32am
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Make sure you use a dual-stage regulator like a Camco 59005. Single stage regulators usually wont flow enough for all you have.
Tim
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