V-01—Hose lengths on fuel dispensers for motor vehicles, watercraft and aircraft

Category: Volume
Bulletin: V-01 (rev. 3)
Document(s): W&M Regs, section 238, 265, 272; FIM–IPO part 2, sections 1 and FIM–STP 12
Issue Date: 2013-01-07
Effective Date: 2013-01-07
Supersedes: V-01 (rev. 2)


Table of contents


1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this bulletin is to define the policy relating to the length of hoses on fuel dispensers and refuellers for motor vehicles, watercraft and aircraft.

2.0 Scope

This bulletin applies to fuel dispensers and refuellers for motor vehicles, watercraft and aircraft.

3.0 Terminology

In this bulletin, the terms "dispenser" and "refueller" are as defined in the inspection procedure outline for fuel dispensers and refuellers of Measurement Canada's Field Inspection Manual for Volumetric Measuring Devices.

4.0 Authority

Sections 238 and 272 of the Weights and Measures Regulations require any component part of a device to be installed and used in a manner that permits accurate measurement.

5.0 Background

Unless otherwise indicated in the Notice of Approval, the inside diameter and length of the hose on dispensers and refuellers are typically less than or equal to 2.54 centimetres and 5 metres, respectively. Although testing of some types of hoses has demonstrated that it is possible to maintain the required measurement accuracy, generally speaking, excessive hose length is known to cause measurement errors due to hose expansion.

6.0 Policy

The hose on a dispenser or a refueller should not normally be longer than 5 metres. Traders wishing to use a longer hose may do so, provided the dispenser or refueller maintains its accuracy within the applicable limits of error for accuracy and repeatability (including expansion). When a hose exceeds 5 metres, or an inspector has reason to believe that the quality of a hose is causing a measurement error due to expansion, the inspector shall perform the Hose Expansion test procedure provided in Measurement Canada's Field Inspection Manual for Volumetric Measuring Devices.

6.1 Dispensers and refuellers that perform within the limits of error prescribed by section 265 of the Weights and Measures Regulations and meet all applicable regulatory requirements shall be certified and the length of the hose shall be noted on the Inspection Certificate for future reference. Dispensers and refuellers that do not perform within these limits shall not be verified pursuant to sections 238, 265 and 272 of the Regulations.

6.2 This policy applies to dispensers and refuellers used in locations such as service stations, marinas and airports. Because each installation is different, each one must be evaluated on its own merits within the guidelines established herein.

Note: It may be useful to maintain a file of notes, sketches and other information relating to these devices, as they may only be used seasonally and the installation may vary from year to year.

7.0 Revisions

7.1 The purpose of revision 1 was to revise the bulletin format and sequence, remove redundant and duplicated information and make minor editorial changes.

7.2 The purpose of revision 2 was to simplify requirements regarding hose lengths on fuel dispensers for motor vehicles, watercraft and aircraft (PBRI2008).

7.3 The purpose of revision 3 was to remove reference to the limits of error set forth in section 266 of the Weights and Measures Regulations as being the applicable limits of error for refuellers. Refuellers must perform within the limits of error prescribed by section 265. Minor editorial corrections were also made.