What should be the distance from the container to a source of ignition in an LP-gas system?

In an LP-gas system, maintaining an appropriate distance from the container to a source of ignition is critical for safety. The correct distance of 10 feet is specified to reduce the risk of fire or explosion in the event of a leak. This distance helps to ensure that any potential ignition sources, such as flames, heat sources, or electrical equipment, are far enough away so that they do not pose a hazard to the LP-gas container.

The requirement for a 10-foot separation aims to minimize the chances of ignition in the event of an accidental release of gas. By adhering to this standard, safety is enhanced, and the likelihood of dangerous incidents decreases substantially, which is a foundational principle in the NFPA 58 code.

Other distances, such as 3 feet, 25 feet, or 50 feet, do not conform to the established safety guidelines and could either be insufficient to prevent ignition (3 feet) or unnecessarily conservative (25 feet and 50 feet). Therefore, the 10-foot separation ensures a balance of safety and practicality within LP-gas system management.