Different Types of Gas Cans

Sometimes it can be helpful to have fuel on hand. For example, it can be useful on long road trips, when gas stations may be few and far between, or if you need to bring fuel home to gas up a tractor or some other machine. If you want to transport or store fuel, you’ll need to purchase a gas canister.
There are several types of canisters to consider. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of gas cans, their safety features and how to use a gas can safely.
Types of Gas Cans
Gas cans come in two main types:
Type 1
A Type 1 gas canister has just one opening. This opening is used for both filling the can with gas and dispensing the gas. A Type 1 gas can typically uses a funnel to dispense the fuel.
Type 2
A Type 2 gas can has two separate openings. One is used for filling the canister with fuel, and the other is used for dispensing gas. Compared to Type 1 canisters, Type 2 gas cans are easier to use. They typically come with an attached hose that has a flexible structure to support accurate filling.
Gas cans also vary by color. A can’s color offers insight into the type of fuel it’s designed to carry. Gas canisters come in the following three colors:
- Red gas cans are designed to carry gas
- Yellow gas cans are for storing and transporting diesel
- Blue gas canisters are intended for kerosene
Gas Can Safety Features
Gas is highly flammable, and handling it can be dangerous. Some gas cans offer safety features that can help mitigate the risk. Here are some safety features worth noting:
Flame arrestor
It can be all too easy for gas vapors to start a fire. A flame arrestor is a screen that prevents an external fire from causing the gas canister to explode. If gas vapors ignite outside the canister, the flame arrestor prevents the fire from making contact with the vapors within the gas can.
Pressure relief
Pressure relief prevents a gas can from exploding. If a gas can has this feature, it will automatically vent at three to five pounds of pressure per square inch. After that, it will automatically reseal.
Self-closing lid
Gas cans are prone to spills, which can create hazardous conditions. A self-closing lid makes spills less likely.
How to Safely Use Gas Cans
Keep these safety tips in mind when you’re using gas canisters:
- Never use the gas can to refuel near a spark or open flame
- Never breathe in gasoline fumes, as they can be harmful to your health
- Never fill your gas can past 95% of its capacity as the extra room is necessary because the gas will expand as the temperature rises
- Always place the gas can on the ground before you fill it
- Dissipate static electricity by making sure the filler nozzle makes contact with the rim of the filler
- Always turn off your engine before fueling
- Use a cloth or hose to ensure that the can’s exterior is free of gas before you place it inside a vehicle
Be sure to keep a gas can in your inventory of vehicle-related equipment so you’ll always be prepared in the event of an unexpected fuel shortage.
Check out all the fuel canisters available on NAPA Online, or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on the different types of gas cans, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.
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Warren Clarke View All
I'm a writer and editor who's a regular contributor with the New York Daily News and Carfax, and my content has appeared in over 20 publications. I've written content that covers industries such as automotive, medical, insurance, healthcare, real estate, plumbing, pest control, dental and hospitality.