LP Gas Line near wood stove, safe distances?

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Gforcefd

Gforcefd

Member
Dec 9, 2014
41
Ithaca, NY
I noticed that my new wood furnace (Englander 28-3500) has a LP gas line running above it.

I don't have a picture but could get one tomorrow if it is needed.

I wasn't sure if this would be better in the It's a Gas forum section either?

Here is the run down:

LP gas line is copper, running across open basement ceiling about 2.5-3 feet above closest point to flu.

The stove pipe exits the stove makes an immediate 45 degree bend and slops up and out of the house. The gas line is above the 45 degree bend.

The hot air duct coming out of the furnace goes straight up about 3 or so feet then takes a 90 degree turn and heads over to the oil furnace.

The LP line is about 5 or so inches from the 90 degree bend in the hot air duct off the stove. The LP line is not above the hot air duct, but to the side of it.

I put my infared thermometer on the pipe and it was reading 105 degree surface temp from the radiant heat coming from the stove and hot air duct.

I have a feeling this is a big issue. Thoughts? I am kind of worried about what the heat is doing to the gas inside the line, could it make the pipe burst, or does LP not work like that. I have googled like crazy and tried the forum search function but only found some very vague info, but nothing about gas line clearances.

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Usually, something with combustibles is just a matter of making sure what is met the in the manual is stated. However, I'm having a tough case envisioning this setup, even with your good description.

I think a few (or a lot) of good pictures of what you are working with here may be helpful in folks on the site giving you good advice.

Well done on being cognizant, and I hope the site can help.

pen
 
Clearance to single wall is 18" for combustibles. I think a larger worry might be the copper line itself. I may be wrong, but I believe gas line inside a house must be black pipe or CSST.
 
http://www.propane101.com/aboutpropane.htm


Based on this information I'd think you are okay. First being the ignition temperature is high enough that everything around the copper line is already on fire. Second, the air fuel ratio required to ignite will not exist inside the copper....however...if for some reason you have a minor leak then you have a big big problem. I guess even in this case you'd have a big problem anyhow. Fortunately I'm no pro, without seeing it, I guess if anything I'd insulate that line just for the sake of it.


Ian
 
True, I was thinking more like some flashing to reflect any heat around the gas line, as opposed to actual insulation, sorry about that. Like I say, I'm no gas fitter. Just guessing.


Ian
 
Thislilfishy said:
True, I was thinking more like some flashing to reflect any heat around the gas line, as opposed to actual insulation, sorry about that. Like I say, I'm no gas fitter. Just guessing.


Ian
Click to expand...

I figured as much, but just wanted to make sure that the OP knew that without specific terms of insulation, and what's appropriate, simply adding some sort of insulation could make its own mess.

Again, I think some pics could really help here.

pen
 
Thank you everyone for the thoughts. The stove meets clearances to the walls, and the gas line is more than 18 inches away from single wall flue. I will make sure to get some pictures tonight and post them.

I was thinking something like tin foil just to keep the heat from absorbing into the copper line maybe, or maybe making a U shaped cement board box to go around the box and block the heat.
 
Pictures added to original question.

I have to remove that wood shelf that is too close to the flue where it exits the basement. I think I will take that board and run it under the copper line across the steel girder to block the copper from the heat. that should help a good amoun
 
Here is what I ended up doing. Hopefully this is a bit safer.
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