
How and Where to Use Brass Propane Fittings
A List of Brass Propane Tank Fittings for Your Application
Please note the information listed in this article is for informative purposes only. Propane Warehouse advises that all work must be done by a qualified installer in accordance with all industry standards and zoning regulations.
Brass propane fittings are essential attachments for effective propane tank use. Brass attachments come in many forms: adaptors, t-fittings, y-separator adaptors, caps or plugs.
Brass Flare Sealing Plug
Brass flare sealing plugs are designed to be used with flared tubing; these plugs can be assembled and disassembled where needed. These plugs are perfect for situations in which future use of the sealed pipe is foreseen.
Pay attention to the max pressure and size specifications when purchasing sealing plugs, as not all brass flare sealing plugs are created equal. Check for SAE compliance and mechanical pullout test results.
Brass Pipe Thread Cap
Brass pipe thread caps are used to close off the end of a pipe; they are generally used as a long term fix.
POL Fitting
- Soft Nose Propane POL
- Propane POL x Female Pipe Thread
- Propane POL with Excess Flow
POL (Prest-O-Lite) fittings are old technology, though still common. Technically referred to as CGA-510 fittings, they come in full flow and models that have an excess flow feature that shuts when gas flow faster than normal.
See our full selection of Prest-O-Lite fittings here.
Brass T Fitting
- Male Flare Tee to Female Pipe
- Male Flare Tee
- Female Pipe Tee
Brass T fittings allow gas flow to be modified, combine flows or split gas flow to suit your needs.
Brass Inverted Flare Plug
Inverted flare plugs perform a metal to metal seal with an inverted flare, check for mechanical pull out tests when choosing a plug.
Forged Brass 45-Degree Street Elbow
Forged brass elbow connects at a 45-degree angle; these fittings are used to connect a male or female thread at an angle.
Quick Connect Fitting
Quick connect fittings come in high pressure and low-pressure kits; these are normally used with RV’s with the adaptor connected directly onto the propane tank.
Quick connect fittings are convenient to connect or disconnect; this makes them perfect for gas cylinders which constantly need to be removed and replaced. Quick connect fittings are a simple and easy fitting, best used with low-pressure systems.
- See our Quick Connect Fittings here. Please note this type of fitting is for tanks only.
Quick Connect Adaptor
The adaptor is connected directly onto the propane tank which allows for quick connect fitting insertion
Quick connect adaptors replace threaded connections, they are perfect for gas cylinders which constantly need to be removed and replaced. They are also relatively easy to install; they come with a shut-off valve to stop gas flow.
Brass Hex Nipple
Brass hex nipples are used to connect two pipes with female threading. The hex nipple has male threading on both sides of a central nut, this makes it superior to a close nipple, the nut provides a grip point which prevents any damage to the threading.
Here are a few different options depending on the size you need:
- A selection of over 16 various lengths and sizes of brass nipple.
- Brass Hex Nipple, great for propane and many other uses.
- Brass Hex Nipple Reducing, perfect for transitioning from one size hose to another.
Inverted Flare Adapter
Use an inverted flare adaptor to connect pigtails with inverted flare fittings to regulators.
Propane Filler Short
Propane filler fittings are used to fill your propane tank. These are an inexpensive, industry-standard approved alternative to the larger POL Fillers.
Matching Your Brass Fitting to the Correct Propane Tank for Smooth Operation
Check your propane tank’s connections, fittings and pipe specifications, check materials of the parts you will be working with. Be sure to choose the right size and fitting for your system, check the size and quality of fittings before purchase, to make sure of compatibility and safe use.
When purchasing a fitting, choose reputable manufacturers with a proven record, fittings must meet industry standards.
Safety Tips for Working with the Right Brass Propane Fittings and for Your Propane Tanks
Fittings
When installing new fittings, first check the size of fittings, they must be compatible with your system, ensure shut off valves are in place and no ignition sources nearby. After fittings are installed, check for leaks and damage to any pipes, fittings, or the tank itself, before use.
To check for leaks, apply an approved Leak Detector Fluid on the connections and check for bubbles, if you find bubbles, shut off the fuel supply, clean off the water, tighten the fittings and recheck with the soapy water solution. A proper connection should have no bubbles/leaks.
Use approved pipe dope or Teflon tape on pipe thread fittings; these fittings will perform better with the added pipe dope or Teflon tape. Flared fittings do not need Teflon tape or pipe dope; these should not be used with flared fittings.
Propane
Propane may be referred to as LPG; it is a highly flammable gas. Propane is odorless, and an unpleasant odor is added to propane as a safety precaution for leaks not to go unnoticed.
Propane is produced and stored as a pressurized liquid; liquid propane takes up less than 200x the space of propane in gas form.
Propane is abundant and it burns cleaner than gasoline and diesel, it is also cheaper than electricity and oil, this makes propane perfect for commercial, agricultural, and residential use. Avoid direct contact with propane at all times. Propane may cause cold burns.
Propane Appliances
Inspect propane appliances connectors and check for leaks regularly. Vents should be unobstructed and cleaned of any debris.
If a propane appliance is leaking or damaged, cut off the supply of propane and do not reuse the appliance until the leak or damage has been repaired. Propane appliances should not be modified. Repair should only be done by a qualified professional.
Propane Tanks
Propane tanks must comply with the ASME (American Society of Engineers) standards. Rules regarding the positioning of a propane tank can change, depending on the size and above or underground placement of the tank being positioned. The safety relief valve must be cleared of obstructions and ignition sources.
Regulations regarding placement of propane tanks:
- Above ground propane tanks up to 125 gallons may be stored 5 feet from a building.
- Above ground propane tanks from 125-500 gallons may be stored 10 feet from a building.
- Above ground propane tanks from 500-2000 gallons may be stored 25 feet from a building, though an underground tank of this size can be stored 10 feet from a building.
Buried propane tanks must be designed for burial, tanks must have anti-corrosion protection and all of the fittings must be protected. Storage must meet local standards. Use danger signs to alert anyone entering a propane tank storage area.
If a leak is found, eliminate any source of flames or devices that could create a spark and immediately vacate the area where the leak has been detected. If it is safe to do so, turn off the gas line. It is important to notify the professionals to complete a thorough investigation of the apparatus and to conduct the proper safety procedures.
Do not return to the area of the gas leak until you have been given the all-clear from the propane professional. Once the situation is deemed safe, contact your propane supplier or technician for a full inspection of the propane tank before returning to use.
Read our Propane Tank Guide to learn more.
DOT cylinders
Propane cylinders must comply with DOT (Department of Transportation) standards. One of the downsides of using cylinders is that they need to be recertified 12 years after the date of manufacture and every 5 years after that. Propane cylinders should be handled with care at all times. Do not drag or roll propane cylinders, use a trolley when necessary to avoid damaging the cylinder.
Cylinders with any remaining propane should be treated as potentially hazardous; cylinders should be purged before being handled in any manner other than that of normal use. DOT cylinders should be stored in a safe location, where they will be unlikely to be damaged or struck. Ideally, cylinders should be stored properly.
Cylinders should be shielded from the elements and any potential hazards, ensure they are stored safely away from ignition sources. Use danger signs in areas where cylinders are stored long term. Propane cylinders should not be used inside a home or dwelling, appliances like propane grills or barbecues, generators or heaters, should not be used indoors.
Propane Warehouse, Your Source for Brass Propane Fittings
There are many different types of brass propane fittings for many different applications. Make sure you are getting the right one for exactly what you need. Check out Propane Warehouse for our vast selection of everything propane and brass fittings for your every need.