Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024
(a) NFPA
and SAE Standards. This section incorporates by reference the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 57, "Liquefied Natural Gas Vehicular
Fuel Systems Code," 1996 edition, NFPA Standard 57, "Liquefied Natural Gas
Vehicular Fuel Systems Code," 2002 edition, and NFPA Standard 52 "Vehicular
Fuel Systems Code," 2006 edition. This section also incorporates by reference
the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J2343 Jan 1997.
(1) All liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel
systems installed after January 1, 2000, shall comply with one of the
identified standards noted above, in addition to requirements of subsection (b)
of this section.
(2) Grandfather
Clause. LNG fuel systems installed before January 1, 2000, shall comply with
either one of the identified standards noted above, including the additional
requirements listed in subsection (b), or with Sections
935.1 and
936 of this
title.
(b) Additional
Requirements. All LNG fuel systems complying with the NFPA Standard 57, 1996
edition, NFPA Standard 57, 2002 edition, NFPA Standard 52, 2006 edition, or the
SAE Standard J2343 Jan 1997, shall also comply with the following:
(1) Wherever the word "should" appears in
either the NFPA Standard 57, 1996 edition, NFPA Standard 57, 2002 edition, NFPA
Standard 52, 2006 edition, or the SAE Standard J2343 Jan 1997, it shall be
understood to set forth mandatory requirements.
(2) Every motor vehicle equipped with an LNG
fuel system shall be equipped with a methane gas detection system which shall
warn of the presence of methane in the engine compartment, driver's compartment
and any passenger compartments. At a minimum, the methane gas detection system
shall provide a warning before the methane gas concentration reaches 25% of the
Lower Flammability Limit. Such warning shall be plainly audible and visible to
the driver before entering the driver's compartment and while seated in the
normal driving position. The gas detection system shall function continuously
at all times, whether or not the engine is operating, when the vehicle is
operated or parked on public roadways or other areas open to the public. At a
minimum, the gas detection system shall be tested three times per calendar year
at equal intervals. The testing procedure shall simulate the same gaseous fuel
and operating environment in which the vehicle is used. Test results,
validating the performance of the gas detection system within the parameters
established by the component manufacturer(s), shall be maintained as a
permanent part of the vehicle service history records.
(3) The LNG container shall meet the drop
test requirements of SAE J2343 Jan 97 or equivalent.
(4) Fuel tanks shall be oriented and mounted
in accordance with the tank manufacturer's recommendations and in a location
designated by the vehicle manufacturer, in the location normally utilized for
liquid (gasoline or diesel) fuel containers for that make and model of vehicle,
or as determined by a qualified engineer. Fuel tanks shall not be mounted above
any driver or passenger compartment, unless a spill pan is installed between
the fuel tanks and the compartment, with a liquid capacity equal to at least
the capacity of the largest single fuel tank of a multiple tank installation
consisting of three or more fuel tanks, but not less than one-quarter the fuel
capacity of the containers located above the compartment and capable of
preventing liquid from entering the interior or dripping into any window, door
or emergency exit way. Spill pans shall be designed in such a manner that rain
water is not retained. The spill pan drain shall not be directed into any
confined space, the engine compartment, muffler area, battery box or other
hazardous location.
(5) Every motor
vehicle equipped with an LNG fuel system shall bear a label located at or near
the fueling connection that shall include:
(A)
identification of the vehicle as an LNG-fueled vehicle, and
(B) the maximum allowable working pressure of
the vehicle fuel container.
(6) The NFPA Standard specifies that certain
systems and components shall be approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
The Department of California Highway Patrol has jurisdiction over these
regulations but does not approve individual systems or components. Users and
installers are responsible for use of proper components and for their proper
installation as specified in the NFPA Standard.
1. Editorial
correction adding NOTE filed 4-28-83 (Register 83, No. 18).
2.
Renumbering of former section 935 to section
935.1 and new section 935 filed
12-29-99; operative 12-29-99 pursuant to Government Code section
11343.4(d)
(Register 99, No. 53).
3. Amendment of subsections (a) and
(b)-(b)(2) filed 10-7-2008; operative 11-6-2008 (Register 2008, No.
41).
Note: Authority cited: Section
2402.6,
Vehicle Code. Reference: Section
2402.6,
Vehicle Code.
