Installing tanks in enclosures can reduce
these risks and help extend tank longevity.
In addition, protecting a tank in an enclosure
provides some of the benefits provided by
indoor installations including:
• Reduced frequency of “frozen” tanks
and fuel lines
• Reduced rate of condensation
When installing a tank in an enclosure remember:
• Fuel lines from the enclosure to the
burner should be insulated and installed
in a manner that minimizes the potential
of damage
• Drill penetrations for fill pipes, vent
pipes and fuel lines before the tank is
placed in the enclosure. If you must drill
a penetration with the tank in the enclosure,
try to drill from the inside out. If
you must drill from the outside towards
the tank, measure and adjust the drill bit
to ensure that it cannot touch the tank or
install a plate between the enclosure wall
and the tank to “backstop” the drill bit
• Any penetrations made, whether for the
piping or to use for inspection, must be
located where they do not compromise
the integrity or the containment capacity
of the enclosure
NORA recommends when an outdoor
AST is being considered,
the customer be provided with an option
for installing the tank in an acceptable
enclosure. In addition to aesthetics,
the enclosure helps minimize the impact
of adverse conditions.
22 National Oilheat Research Alliance
For more information about fuel spill
protection for above ground tanks visit:
oilstoragesolutions.com
oilyeller.com
or check with the tank manufacturer.
In-Ground Tank Installations
Installing tanks underground requires a
specialized understanding of the principles of
corrosion, an understanding of soil properties
and ground water conditions and a knowledge
of safe work practices required for working
around and in excavations.
The majority of jurisdictions no longer
permit bare steel tanks to be installed in the
ground. NFPA directs that tanks used for
underground storage of fuel be protected by a
cathodic protection system or be constructed
of corrosion resistant materials. The use of the
sti-P3, ACT-100 or fiberglass tanks should be
encouraged for underground installation.
In some jurisdictions,
underground tank installers are
required to be certified
and/or registered. The installation of
underground oil tanks should not be
undertaken casually.
It is a highly specialized service.
Performing underground storage
tank installations can also increase
insurable risk.
NORA suggests only those
companies that routinely provide
underground tank services
as part of their product offerings
install USTs.
NORA suggests fuel dealers
consider using licensed and
certified contractors to install USTs.