CSA B149.5:20

This is the sixth edition of CSA B149.5, Installation code for propane fuel systems and containers on motor vehicles. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2015, 2010, 2005, and 2000 by CSA Group as CAN/CSA-B149.5, and in 1995 by the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) as CAN/CGA-B149.5, under the title Installation code for propane fuel systems and tanks on highway vehicles.

These requirements for the installation of propane fuel systems and tanks on motor vehicles were originally published in 1982 as an amendment to CAN/CGA-B149.2-80, Propane Installation Code, and were subsequently incorporated as Part 15 in the editions of CAN/CGA-B149.2 published in 1986 and 1991. In 1995, the Part 15 requirements were removed from CAN/CGA-B149.2 to create CAN/CGA-B149.5 for the convenience of those individuals involved with converting propane vehicles who do not require the CSA B149.1 and B149.2 Codes.

The following are the major changes to this edition:

• change made to method of confirmation of OEM status;
• changed to metric;
• reference added to ISO 19825 and UL 1337;
• rationalization of installation and design requirements with CSA B51;
• requirement for the pressure rating of container appurtenances to match the container PRV;
• elimination of second fixed liquid level gauge at remote fill location;
• added requirements for return connections to a fuel tank;
• changes to the requirements for filling of multiple tanks on a vehicle;
• updated tank mounting requirements to address bolting and dissimilar metals;
• prohibit the use of gear clamps with propane hoses;
• changes to the angle of venting for PRVs;
• changes to purging requirements and container decommissioning; and
• addition of OEM window label.

CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the financial support of Natural Resources Canada.

This Code has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Scope:

1.1

This Code applies to

a) the installation, servicing, and repair of propane fuel system components and containers on motor vehicles for the provision of motive power; and

b) the installation of containers on motor vehicles such as recreational vehicles, outdoor food service units, and wash-mobiles when propane is to be used for fuel purposes (other than motive power).

Note: “Motor vehicles” include cases where propane is used as an engine fuel in other than highway vehicles, such as ice resurfacing machines, lift trucks, lawnmowers, etc.

1.2

This Code does not apply to

a) vehicles qualified under the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations; *

b) propane used on boats; and

c) the installation of appliances.

* For confirmation of CMVSS compliance, you can contact the vehicle manufacturer.

1.3

Where the term “propane” is used, the requirements of this Code include, and apply equally to, any material that is composed predominantly of any of the following hydrocarbons or a mixture of them: propane, propylene, butane (normal butane or isobutane), and butylenes.

1.4

This Code and any Standards referenced in it do not make or imply any assurance or guarantee with respect to the life expectancy, durability, or operating performance of equipment and materials referenced in the Code.

1.5

The values shown are in SI (metric) units. The Code contains yard/pound equivalents so the code can be used in these units also. The conversion of yard/pound to SI is in accordance with Table F.1. All pressures are gauge unless otherwise noted.

1.6

In this Code, shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Code; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Code. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.