What is the maximum hose length allowed at a motor fuel dispensing station unless approved by AHJ?

The maximum hose length allowed at a motor fuel dispensing station, unless approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), is 18 feet. This regulation is in place primarily for safety reasons. A shorter hose length minimizes the risk of accidental disconnections or spills during refueling, ensuring that the dispensing process is efficient and contained. Moreover, having a controlled length helps to reduce the pressure and flow dynamics in the system, which can affect the overall safety and performance of the fuel dispensing operation.

Options indicating shorter hose lengths, such as 10 feet or 15 feet, while they promote safety, do not meet the operational realities of many dispensing stations where a certain length is necessary to reach various vehicle configurations. On the other side, a length of 20 feet may be excessive for proper handling, potentially hindering safety protocols. Therefore, 18 feet strikes a balance between operational practicality and safety measures, making it the acceptable maximum length.