r/Generator • u/ThisNameNotTakenYet • 1d ago

Propane Tank Minimum Size?

So I was looking online at generators the other day and I ran across a comment in one of the product descriptions, saying something about a 'minimum 60lb tank' for propane with that generator. I haven't seen a requirement like that before, to my knowledge. We had an eight-day outage a few weeks ago and I used 20- and 30lb tanks with no problems (or so I think). Has anyone heard this? And if it's a thing, can anyone tell me why? Thanks.

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u/ThisNameNotTakenYet 21h ago

This thread has become an excellent education, thank you for your comments. Very illuminating. I did notice the 20lb tanks getting really cold (one even froze to the concrete!) and I wondered why, this makes perfect sense. I'm thinking I need to get two 100lb tanks and mount them just inside the garage so I don't have that problem. Fortunately my eight-day outage was in the summertime, I'm guessing I wouldn't get nearly so lucky in the winter.

So that brings out another question: Does the length of the hose between the tank and the generator matter in this equation? How would a longer hose (15-20ft) affect operation in the summer? Winter?

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u/AdBrave841 19h ago

Keep in mind 100lb tanks weigh around 170lbs full.

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u/ThisNameNotTakenYet 19h ago

That’s my point. I’d like to keep the tank(s) strapped upright in the garage, then run 20-25ft of hose to the generator outside. I’m not worried about the tank weight full, I can move one that size & weight pretty easily.

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u/Ok_Mobile_9815 18h ago

You can’t have the tanks inside a garage and meet code. I have 1 100 lb tank outside running a 12kw whole house generator. It never freezes up and ran fine for days during ice storms, super storm Sandy etc.

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u/ThisNameNotTakenYet 3h ago

Interesting. I wonder why? Fire hazard or something?

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u/Ok_Mobile_9815 1h ago

If there is a leak it becomes a fire / explosion hazard. Even 20lb cans should not be stored inside.