Buying Propane for Your Barbecue

Buying Propane for Your Barbecue (PDF, 21 KB, 2 pages)

How Is It Sold?

In Canada, there are currently three methods used in the sale of propane for portable cylinders. They are:

  • Cylinder exchange programs, where an empty cylinder is exchanged for a cylinder which has been filled and marked with a net weight prior to being offered for sale.
  • Propane sold with the net weight of the propane added to the cylinder stated to the customer.
  • Propane sold with the net volume of the propane added to the cylinder stated to the customer.

Retailers may, if they wish, sell propane at a fixed price when refilling a cylinder.

Filling Equipment

As per the Weights and Measures Act, Regulations and Specifications, scales and meters used for cylinder filling must be suitable for their intended application and must be adequately protected from adverse climatic conditions. Furthermore, the use of any filling systems that meet Measurement Canada requirements are acceptable.

To Receive Accurate Measure

When you have your cylinder filled, it is most likely to be done on the basis of weight. You can expect the following:

  • The scale will bear a Weights and Measures verification mark, indicating that it has been inspected and certified.
  • The attendant will weigh your cylinder and any residual propane without the delivery hose attached. This is the start weight.
  • The attendant will connect the delivery hose and fill the cylinder while it sits on the scale.
  • Either the attendant or an overfill prevention device inside the cylinder, will stop the filling process when the quantity of propane in the cylinder has reached its safe fill level.
  • The attendant will remove the delivery hose and reweigh your filled cylinder. This is the final weight.
  • The amount of propane that has been delivered into your cylinder will be determined by subtracting the start weight from the final weight; and
  • You will be provided with a written or printed statement of the weight of propane put into your cylinder.

In some instances, your cylinder may be filled on the basis of volume. The requirements and steps are similar to those for sales based on weight. You can expect the following :

  • The meter and scale will bear Weights and Measures verification marks, indicating that they have been inspected and certified.
  • The attendant will perform various steps necessary to deliver a safe amount of propane into your cylinder.
  • After the refill has been completed, the amount of propane that has been delivered into your cylinder will either be shown on the register of the meter or will be determined by subtracting the start registration from the final registration.
  • You will be provided with a written or printed statement of the volume of propane put into your cylinder.

Safety First

Basic safety precautions should always be followed when transporting and/or storing a propane cylinder. For instance, cylinders should always be transported and stored in an upright and secured position, in a well-ventilated area and away from sources of ignition.

For More Information

For more information, please contact the Measurement Canada office nearest you. We are listed in the blue pages of your telephone directory.