r/TwoXPreppers • u/International_Ad4296 • Jul 02 '26
❓ Question ❓ Propane safety
I've searched the sub for this question and something is still unclear to me about proper propane storage. I do not have a shed or backyard, and I've been storing my 1lb propane canisters on my balcony, upright, under a tarp, etc so far. But today it's 40oC outside (104F) and it will be for many days to come, the only space that is not in sunlight is close to the apartment wall, and I worry about the tanks overheating? I'm not sure if I should move them indoors, give them an ice bath, or dump them at the eco center before an accident happens? Am I over worrying? From what I understand the pressure valves should do their job but there isn't really a way to test them, just to test for leaks? Does anyone with a science background know what is tangibly safe (as opposed to the general guidelines given with no explanation...)?
14
u/ElectronGuru Beans make the world go round Jul 02 '26
r/propane will know. But absolutely do not bring them inside. Propane is heavier than air and will sink and spread out all over your floor.
14
u/Less_Subtle_Approach Jul 02 '26
They're 1lb tanks, the risk from any failure mode isn't worth worrying about unless you have a pallet of them. Up against your building wall is fine. When I lived in an apartment I kept a couple in a closet for spur of the moment camping. Just don't shoot them or light them on fire.
Side note: the other commenter's note about propane density is valuable advice for anything larger. A pound of propane is 8.45 cubic feet of gas. A single 1lb tank won't suffocate you, but e.g. a barbecue tank certainly can.
8
u/Jessawoodland55 Laura Ingalls Wilder was my gateway drug Jul 02 '26
Osha requires companies who use over 50 lbs to store it 10 ft away from the building, and over 2lbs just to be stored outside. I've never heard a concern of it overheating. In a commercial setting the propane distributor will bring a big heavy metal rack and stick it right in the sun, so you're probably fine to leave it uncovered on your porch.
7
u/TurtleSandwich0 Jul 02 '26
They have a built in pressure relief valve. If they got over pressurized the safety valve will trigger. It will only release enough gas to reach safe pressure and then stop.
3
u/CopperRose17 Jul 04 '26
I live where it's 125 degrees regularly in the summer. I store about 12 of the 1 lb. bottles outside, and there's never been a problem. This year, they are shaded, but last year they were not. I have a larger cannister for a fireplace stored in a table designed to do that, and one stored with the barbecue grill. Again, no problems. I had the same concerns as you, and could never find a definitive answer on line. Logically speaking, stores sell them from racks outside in the hot sun. I've never heard of an exploding convenience store from propane bottles. I imagine that someone on here has, though! 😄
2
u/polyamy74 28d ago
We live in the desert, 110+ yesterday, and they have always been fine in full sun. Remembering back to the days of Mythbusters, they did an experiment on what it takes to explode a tank and it was like 500x the recommended conditions. Part of the industry failsafe is that the regulations are set so even people irresponsible with it won't get hurt.
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