Generator Gas Line Sizing Charts

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Equations for Gas Line Sizing

LP

  • LPG: 8.55 ft3/lb., 4.24 lbs./gal., 2500 btu/ft3
  • LPG: 36.3 ft3 = 1 gal.

Natural Gas

  • 1 cubic foot = 1,000 BTU.
  • 1 therm = 100,000 BTU.
  • Gas consumption = 13,000 - 16,000 BTU per kW/hr.

Pressure

  • 1 inch mercury = 13.61 inches water column
  • 1 inch Water Column = 0.036 psi.
  • 5 - 14 inches water column = 0.18 psi - 0.50 psi.

Note

  • Pipe sizing is based on 0.5" H2O pressure drop
  • Sizing includes a nominal number of elbows and tees
  • Please verify adequate service and meter sizing

Information sourced from Eaton Generator Sizing Guide

What Size Natural Gas Line Do I Need?

Natural Gas Pipe Sizing Chart

Use this chart to find the maximum pipe run in feet for a gas line to a natural gas generator.

Pipe Size
(Diameter)		 Kilowatts (kW)
7-8 10 13-14 16-17
3/4" 55 20 10
1" 200 85 50 40
1 1/4" 820 370 245 190
1 1/2" 800 545 425
2"
2 1/2"
3"
Pipe Size
(Diameter)		 Kilowatts (kW)
20 22 25 27
3/4"
1" 20 15 10
1 1/4" 130 115 95 85
1 1/2" 305 260 220 203
2" 945 799 739 552
2 1/2"
3"
Pipe Size
(Diameter)		 Kilowatts (kW)
30 35 - 36 40 45
3/4"
1"
1 1/4" 60 35 25 15
1 1/2" 147 95 75 60
2" 565 370 315 260
2 1/2" 915 790 650
3"
Pipe Size
(Diameter)		 Kilowatts (kW)
48 50 60 70
3/4"
1"
1 1/4"
1 1/2" 50 50 25 5
2" 230 220 145 75
2 1/2" 585 560 390 225
3" 1185 710
Pipe Size
(Diameter)		 Kilowatts (kW)
80 100 130 150
3/4"
1"
1 1/4"
1 1/2"
2" 65 40
2 1/2" 195 140 50 30
3" 630 460 215 150

What Size Propane Gas Line Do I Need?

LP Gas Pipe Sizing Chart

Use this chart to find the maximum pipe run in feet for a gas line to a propane generator.

Pipe Size
(Diameter)		 Kilowatts (kW)
7 - 8 10 13 - 14 16 - 17
3/4" 165 70 45 25
1" 570 255 170 130
1 1/4" 1000 690 540
1 1/2"
2"
2 1/2"
3"
Pipe Size
(Diameter)		 Kilowatts (kW)
20 22 25 27
3/4" 15
1" 115 85 60 55
1 1/4" 480 365 275 260
1 1/2" 605 575
2"
2 1/2"
3"
Pipe Size
(Diameter)		 Kilowatts (kW)
30 35 - 36 40 45
3/4"
1" 40 20 15
1 1/4" 195 125 107 82
1 1/2" 435 290 250 195
2" 1030 890 725
2 1/2"
3"
Pipe Size
(Diameter)		 Kilowatts (kW)
48 50 60 70
3/4"
1"
1 1/4" 70 70 45 20
1 1/2" 165 160 115 60
2" 620 610 445 260
2 1/2" 1095 660
3"
Pipe Size
(Diameter)		 Kilowatts (kW)
80 100 130 150
3/4"
1"
1 1/4" 15
1 1/2" 50 30
2" 230 165 70 45
2 1/2" 590 430 205 150
3" 1305 660 490
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Warning: When using this information to perform electrical work, call a licensed electrician and consult the NEC® for safety. All licensed electricians have passed examinations covering the National Electric Code®, know state and local building codes, and may carry insurance to cover damages.