LPG Solenoid Location

[Celtic_dog]

I'm putting a solenoid on my propane line, as no one has added one in the first 35 years of my boat's life. The propane tank hangs from the pushpit and the hose is routed under cockpit coaming to the cabin.

From what I've read the solenoid should be in the propane locker, but I don't have a locker to put it in. My choices seem to be close to the tank, as recommended, but exposed to the weather; or protected, under the coaming, as close to the tank as possible. Which is best?

I've also thought of making a teak seat across the back of my cockpit with a teak grate basket to hang the tank in. It would be directly above the cockpit drains and there is a 4" bridgedeck at the other end of the cockpit. Is that a foolish place to hang the tank?

Rich

[zeehag]

solenoid should be with tank. switch should be within reach of stove.
put tank wherever it isnt go9nna be in the way of anything.

[GordMay]

A-1.7.3 A readily accessible manual or electrically
operated (e.g., solenoid) shut-off valve shall be installed in
the low or high-pressure line at the fuel supply. See the
requirements in A-1.7.6.1 for valve location requirements.

A-1.7.3.1 The valve(s) or its control must be operable
from the vicinity of the appliance(s) in the event of a fire at
any appliance(s). If the cylinder shut-off valve is readily
accessible from the vicinity of the appliance, the shut-off
valve on the supply line is not required.

A-1.7.3.1.1 The valve or its control shall be operable
without reaching over the top of any open flame appliance,
e.g., cooking appliance burners.

...

A-1.7.6.1 LPG cylinders, cylinder valves, regulating
equipment, and safety devices shall be readily accessible,
secured for sea conditions, and protected from the weather
and against mechanical damage, and shall be
A-1.7.6.1.1 installed in a ventilated location on the
exterior of the boat where escaping gases will flow directly
overboard, or,

A-1.7.6.1.2 if the escaping vapors will not flow directly
overboard, the cylinder shall be installed in a dedicated
locker meeting the requirements of A-1.8

[Celtic_dog]

Thanks! That fits with what I thought I knew. Still wondering if my plan to put the tank under an 'open' seat behind the wheel meets the definition of draining overboard. I can make a box within it to protect the solenoid from weather.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Celtic_dog

... Still wondering if my plan to put the tank under an 'open' seat behind the wheel meets the definition of draining overboard...

Not unless you have an open transom.

[thinwater]

In my expereince, it isn't the tank that leaks, it's the regulator and solenoid (in that order) that leak. Though I'm not aware of any corrosion resistant solenoids, if you can build some sort of shelter on-deck and keep the solenoid coated with something like Corr-Block, it should last OK. Keep a spare.

But under no circumstances should it be anywhere where fumes could get below. If it were me, I'd build or buy a proper locker with exterior opening and a drain. I did so on my last boat.