Propane Is One of the Safest Energy Sources

Compared to other fuels, propane is one of the safest energy sources. A lot of this has to do with the regulations around training, handling and using propane but propane is also inherently safer.

While propane is flammable, it requires very specific conditions to ignite.

For any type of fuel to ignite, there are three requirements:

1. Fuel
2. Oxygen
3. Spark 

If you have these three components, you can start a fire but, it is not as simple as throwing them altogether.

For a fuel to ignite, there is a required fuel-to-oxygen mixture needed.

This air-to-fuel ratio varies for each type of fuel. For some gases, such as Turpentine, this ratio is incredibly precise, meaning it is much harder to light by accident. With other gases, such as propane or gasoline, there is a range of fuel-to-oxygen combinations that will suffice. The smaller the range, the harder it is to ignite the fuel.

Propane has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels and as such, requires a very specific combination of oxygen and propane to burn.

In addition, propane’s auto ignition temperature, which is the lowest temperature required for a substance to spontaneously ignite, is higher than other fuel sources. It would have to get very hot before your propane reaches that temperature (455°C).  

On top of all of this, propane is designed to make leaks obvious.

Whether you were lighting a barbeque or your propane tank had a leak, chances are you have smelled propane before – it usually smells like rotten eggs, skunk’s spray or something rotting.

While this is not a pleasant smell, it is purposeful.

An additive, called Ethyl Mercaptan, is added to propane so that when there is a leak, you will know. The smell of rotten eggs is pungent and will easily register as a sign of something wrong.

There are many multi-gas detectors on the market that detect natural gas, propane, methane, and carbon monoxide. Make sure to purchase an accredited unit and install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you do smell a leak, it is critical that you act. Check out our blog on What to Do if You Suspect a Propane Leak.

Combine propane’s physical characteristics with the stringent regulations behind propane, and you can be sure that, by choosing propane, you have chosen one of the safest energy sources for you and your family.

Budget Propane supplies the world’s most eco-friendly gas to your home or office on demand. Call 1 888 405.7777 to have Budget Propane install tanks and lines, place remote tank monitors, or provide technical support for your home, business, or contracting job. We deliver throughout central Ontario; Huntsville, Bracebridge, Haliburton, Muskoka, Bala, Midland, Orillia, Barrie, Alliston... and more! Visit us online at www.budgetpropaneontario.com