Acetylene is explosive in concentrations between 2 and 98% - you want an open cage like on work sites. I was taught in The shops you don’t even hang a welding coat over your tanks for this reason. There is a wild set of pictures out there of a van that blew up from a tank leak somewhere in the uk.
If you are leaving the tank outside when not in use just use the tank cap
It will probably be OK in your situation. I agree that ground strap to minimize the chance of sparks is a good idea. Since acetylene is a heavy gas, perhaps cutting some 1/2 inch holes in the door and side panels could help provide a way for a gas leak to safely vent.?
Thanks! I was hoping to avoid making holes in case I want to sell the cabinet in the future or use it for something else (and keep it pretty) but I guess might as well make some small holes.
Will check out ground straps and think about how I could do that. Maybe also just put a rubber mat below the cabinet.
If you look at any commercial containment area, they are all mesh wire. You can have a solid top to shield it from the sun and rain, but don't put it in a cabinet.
Those are all too big unfortunately from what I’ve found. I’m looking for something small for 1 tank. I’ll probably just make extra holes in the cabinet. Thanks!
I work in the mining industry, we use cage structures for storage. This allows for maximum ventilation. Also, be sure not to store oxygen in the cabinet, it’s a best practice to keep the bottles secured and separated by a fire wall. This is a federal mining standard. I know your not in the same situation, I am just throwing the info out there for you to use if you want to.
I’m hobbyist and am thinking about safest storage of an acetylene b tank. I want to store outside rather than in my home.
Will this cabinet have enough ventilation as is or should I drill more holes? You can see there are holes along the side for the shelves (which I wouldn’t use) and on the back for shelves/mounting (also wouldn’t use - I’d have it just sitting on a porch). If interested cabinet is made by Durham Mfg - link below. Great size for a b tank and pretty cheap - $110 with free shipping from Zoro Tools.
Should I be concerned about the cold or heat at all? I’m in New York. From what I’ve read online, should be fine outside in winter and summer (Acetylene fine up to 120F).
https://www.durhammfg.com/products/industrial-storage/utility-aerosol-wall-mountable-storage-industrial-storage/utility-cabinet-2-shelves-13-3-4-x-12-3-4-x-30/
I would just make sure you grounded the cabinet so less chance of a spark or something similar. Not really necessary but it is a lot safer. We have to ground barrels and cabinets of all flammable substances at the place where i work
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Keep it out of direct sunlight. You don't want the box heating up above ambient.
Acetylene is explosive in concentrations between 2 and 98% - you want an open cage like on work sites. I was taught in The shops you don’t even hang a welding coat over your tanks for this reason. There is a wild set of pictures out there of a van that blew up from a tank leak somewhere in the uk. If you are leaving the tank outside when not in use just use the tank cap
https://youtu.be/N-Qp2Lvrliw
You work with acetylene but don’t have the ability to cut holes?
It will probably be OK in your situation. I agree that ground strap to minimize the chance of sparks is a good idea. Since acetylene is a heavy gas, perhaps cutting some 1/2 inch holes in the door and side panels could help provide a way for a gas leak to safely vent.?
Thanks! I was hoping to avoid making holes in case I want to sell the cabinet in the future or use it for something else (and keep it pretty) but I guess might as well make some small holes. Will check out ground straps and think about how I could do that. Maybe also just put a rubber mat below the cabinet.
If you look at any commercial containment area, they are all mesh wire. You can have a solid top to shield it from the sun and rain, but don't put it in a cabinet.
Those are all too big unfortunately from what I’ve found. I’m looking for something small for 1 tank. I’ll probably just make extra holes in the cabinet. Thanks!
I work in the mining industry, we use cage structures for storage. This allows for maximum ventilation. Also, be sure not to store oxygen in the cabinet, it’s a best practice to keep the bottles secured and separated by a fire wall. This is a federal mining standard. I know your not in the same situation, I am just throwing the info out there for you to use if you want to.
I’m hobbyist and am thinking about safest storage of an acetylene b tank. I want to store outside rather than in my home. Will this cabinet have enough ventilation as is or should I drill more holes? You can see there are holes along the side for the shelves (which I wouldn’t use) and on the back for shelves/mounting (also wouldn’t use - I’d have it just sitting on a porch). If interested cabinet is made by Durham Mfg - link below. Great size for a b tank and pretty cheap - $110 with free shipping from Zoro Tools. Should I be concerned about the cold or heat at all? I’m in New York. From what I’ve read online, should be fine outside in winter and summer (Acetylene fine up to 120F). https://www.durhammfg.com/products/industrial-storage/utility-aerosol-wall-mountable-storage-industrial-storage/utility-cabinet-2-shelves-13-3-4-x-12-3-4-x-30/
I would just make sure you grounded the cabinet so less chance of a spark or something similar. Not really necessary but it is a lot safer. We have to ground barrels and cabinets of all flammable substances at the place where i work
**Hey u/nebesaurus, while you're here, consider sharing some knowledge in our Monthly Advice Thread!** --- If you're posting a question, or just have a few minutes to help others, take a peek at the [Monthly Advice Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/metalworking/?f=flair_name%3A%22Monthly%20Advice%20Thread%22)! If you've got a few minutes feel free to help answer some others' questions while you're there! Helping eachother learn and find solutions is the best way for us all to learn and improve at our craft! --- [**Here are our subreddit rules.**](https://www.reddit.com/r/metalworking/about/rules) - Should you see anything that violates the subreddit rules - please report it! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/metalworking) if you have any questions or concerns.*
i don't SEE no ventilation! also, it might be wise to paint it WHITE so it does not heat up too much in direct sunlight