Facilities and Backup Power Fuel Storage
This page covers generator diesel storage for hospitals, data centers, schools, offices, plants and other sites that rely on standby power. Generator fuel can sit for months between outages, so the priorities are safe storage near occupied buildings and keeping the diesel clean. A typical setup pairs a double wall or fire-rated tank with fuel polishing, spill containment and a place to store maintenance fluids.
How to choose
- Fire rating: tanks close to occupied buildings may need to be UL-2085 fire-rated. Bring in your fire marshal early in design.
- Runtime: size storage for the runtime you need during an outage, based on the generator's fuel use. Your engineer or generator supplier can confirm it.
- Fuel quality: stored diesel picks up water and can grow microbes. Plan regular testing and fuel polishing.
- Fill access: place the fill where a delivery truck can reach it, and add overfill prevention and a spill container.
Common questions
Can a standard storage tank feed a generator?
It can, with the right transfer pump, piping and controls, usually designed by your engineer or generator installer. Check the fitting sizes on each product page.
Does SPCC apply to generator fuel?
It can. Generator fuel counts toward the 1,320 gallon above-ground total. Store maintenance oils and other liquids in hazmat storage buildings and cabinets.
