Propane Tank OPD Exemption - Wanderlodge Owners Group
Propane Tank OPD Exemption - Wanderlodge Owners Group
Propane Tank OPD Exemption - Wanderlodge Owners Group
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RV camping wisdom from the experts at KOA.<br />
Important Information On Your RV <strong>Propane</strong> <strong>Tank</strong><br />
Is it time to retire your propane tank?<br />
Beginning April 1, you will no longer be able to get your small propane tank refilled without an overfilling<br />
protection device (<strong>OPD</strong>) installed.<br />
This means anyone with a tank manufactured before Oct. 1, 1998 will have to have the tank valve unit replaced,<br />
or purchase a new tank. The new rules apply to all small propane tanks with a capacity of from 4 pounds up to 40<br />
pounds of propane. Those tanks are common on gas grills and recreational vehicles.<br />
The overfilling protection device is being required in order to comply with national fire and safety standards.<br />
There are limits on how much propane can be put into a cylinder. A properly filled cylinder will have a vapor<br />
space left at the top to allow room for expansion of the liquid when a change in temperature occurs. The <strong>OPD</strong> is<br />
a secondary means of insuring that cylinders are not overfilled.<br />
The <strong>OPD</strong> is needed because overfilled cylinders, when subjected to warmer temperatures, create hazardous<br />
conditions. The pressure relief value may open, discharging propane from the cylinder, or liquid propane may<br />
enter your RV’s piping system, resulting in higher than normal pressures to appliances.<br />
The <strong>OPD</strong> is basically a value that includes a float inside the tank that will automatically close the cylinder when<br />
the proper level of propane is reached.<br />
You can take your old propane tanks to a propane dealer to have an <strong>OPD</strong> installed, but due to the cost you may<br />
be better off purchasing a new tank.<br />
If you’re wondering if your current tank has an <strong>OPD</strong> installed, check the value. If the value has a triangular hand<br />
wheel that is stamped with the letters <strong>OPD</strong> you have an approved cylinder.<br />
http://www.koa.com/familyzone/camping101/articles/safety_540.htm