Propane Tank Float Gauge

April 24, 2017

Propane Tank Float Gauge Operation

A propane tank float gauge consists of moving parts located both inside the tank and outside. At the end of the stem is the float that rises and falls with the level of the propane in the tank. The top of the stem is the pinion gear. This turns the gear in the shaft and causes the dial on the external face gauge to turn.

As mentioned above, the float gauge is not a fully reliable instrument for measuring tank volume. Float gauges have numerous moving parts that are subject to wear and tear and can also become ineffective in any part of the assembly. If the gauge needs replacement, the propane tank must be empty. If the face gauge has a stuck dial, it can be quickly replaced as dial/face gauges use magnets and can be interchanged without the tank needing to be empty.

Propane Percentage Gauge Converted to Gallons

To convert percentage to gallons, simply multiply the number displayed on the face gauge (50 means 50% or .50) by the water capacity of the tank. Water capacity can be found on the tank manufacturers nameplate. The chart below indicates percentages converted to gallons on common size propane tanks (at 60°F).

If Your Gauge Reads 150 Gallon Tank 250 Gallon Tank 500 Gallon Tank
80% 120 200 400
70% 105 175 350
60% 90 150 300
50% 75 125 250
40% 60 100 200
30% 45 75 150
20% 30 50 100
10% 15 25 50

These are just the basics of propane tank float gauges. Don’t hesitate to contact us here at Texas Propane with the link below for more information!

Tips & Info

Fired up to learn more?

Read on to learn about how you can benefit from using propane.

By Texas Propane January 3, 2023
As a fuel for your grill: Propane is a popular fuel for outdoor grills, providing a quick and easy way to cook up burgers, hot dogs, and other grill favorites. As a fuel for your stove: Many people use propane
By Texas Propane December 19, 2022
Underground propane tanks are a convenient and efficient way to store and use propane for a variety of applications, such as heating, cooking, and generating electricity. If you are considering installing an underground propane tank, there are several factors to...
By Texas Propane December 5, 2022
Propane is a clean-burning, efficient fuel that can help address a variety of heating challenges in the healthcare industry. Here are some ways that propane can be used to solve healthcare heating challenges: Heating hospital and medical office buildings: Propane…
SHOW MORE