what do the numbers mean on the 1 pound propane cylindars used on camp stoves and barbeques?

Question

I bought a barbeque grill that uses 1 pound propane cannisters. The instructions say to only use this type. what do the numbers mean?

I mean the nuber DOT- 39 NRC 228/286. the barbeque says only to use this type. but I boght some at the store that have a number more like 230/290. what's the difference???

Answer 1

You may have to ask a professional. My barbeque specifies a Type 1 cannister. These have a Type 1 connector and are designed with a valve inside to prevent overfilling. (The cannister is rated at 20 lbs, but only 80% of the insides is filled with liquid propane.)

You may have to find a copy of the regs on this. NRC stands for National Regulatory Commission. They set the standards for just about everything. NRC 228/286 stands for the section which states this type of canister I expect, though I do not know for sure.

Added 6:00 pm CST
From my research I am beginning to think that the numbers specify the type of tank and requisite valves along with the sizing. 228/286 is for the NON-Refillable tank. I'm not going to say the one you have is safe, but if I were you, I'd contact someone in the industry for a quick lesson.

Edit: Found some specifics which may help you to understand them. It all has to do with the way they fill and how they are made.

Read the specifics here: (Note the mentions of the numbers associated with US DOT Standards. )

http://mmsd1.mms.nrcan.gc.ca/recycle/Propane%20Tanks%20-%20Final%20Report.EN.pdf

Answer 2

Dot-39 Nrc