Propane tanks near electricity meters - Hydro-Québec releases the report issued by CRIQ

Hydro-Québec is releasing the conclusions of the study on the distance to be maintained between a next-generation meter and a stationary propane tank. The results of the study performed by Hydro-Québec’s research institute (IREQ) under the observation of the Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (CRIQ) show that a distance of one metre between the meter and a stationary propane tank poses no risk with a simple preventive measure.

According to the report issued by CRIQ, a public independent applied research centre, “the test program revealed that, for residential installations, after applying a preventive measure, a distance of one meter between a next-generation meter and a propane tank does not present a risk of explosion.” In addition, the report mentions that scenarios in which there is a leak, be it during tank filling or during regular use “show no seepage of propane into the socket or the meter. The only scenarios in which propane seeped into the socket or the meter are those in which the regulator malfunctions or fails.” Doing the tests with the preventive measures in place showed that the flammability level was never reached under these conditions.

Further to the filing of these reports, Hydro-Québec has submitted a request to the Régie du bâtiment du Québec to have next-generation meters treated the same as traditional meters, which can be located one meter from propane tanks according to standards in effect. Until the Régie renders its decision, the remote service interruption function on next-generation meters will remain inactive for all non-compliant installations.

Simple preventive measures

The researchers recommend orienting the pressure regulator in the direction opposite the meter. Another possibility is to install a pipe to direct the regulator outlet towards the ground. The CRIQ report states that “this solution requires very little time to implement. Pressure regulators on the market are compatible with diversion pipes.”

The complete CRIQ report is available for consultation (in French only).