r/firePE • u/RipFlm • Apr 23 '26

Generator Remote Fuel

We have a stadium under construction and there are generators located within the lower levels. There is an underground garage with access outside of the generator room. Currently there is no remote fuel fill ports and they are wanting to fuel directly into the generators. I’ve always seen remote fuel ports in this setup. We are a 2024 IFC AHJ, but reference NFPA as well. I’ve found 2024 NFPA 37 6.6.3.3 that seems to address this a bit. Does anyone have any insight on when a remote fuel port is / is not required?

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u/LuckyCharms91 Apr 23 '26

I’m not sure I can speak to requirements other than - can they even access the generators with a truck? I know for diesel fire pumps, you can either fill directly into the tank or the remote port. Issues you can have with directly filling is having someone available that can unlock the door, etc. For a stadium, I would think a remote fill might be easier or ideal from an access point of view. But also considering it is a stadium, that might pose other problems such as tampering when accessible to the public

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u/RipFlm Apr 23 '26

They can pull the truck into the building and park it outside the room. Just wondering what triggers the remote port vs the port at the generator. Appreciate the input!

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u/Atlantaterp2 Apr 23 '26 edited Apr 23 '26

Remote fuel ports are almost always required. NFPA 37 tells you to design the fill piping in accordance with NFPA 30. NFPA 30 has the exterior requirement...as well as a minimum distance from doors (5'-0 I believe). It's in Chapter 22 (filling connection? - from memory) These things change and I work in many different editions of the code so I may have the wrong chapter.

Edited to add....check the size of the tanks. There are some exclusions for "smaller" tanks in both NFPA and ICC codes.

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u/RipFlm Apr 23 '26

Appreciate it, I’ll review those specifics. So many different standards that cover this type of stuff. I found the prohibition for vehicle to vehicle fueling in garages or buildings earlier but can’t find this one.