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Selecting the right aboveground fuel tank is about more than capacity — it’s about fire protection, regulatory compliance, and site safety. Whether you’re installing a tank for a fleet, a generator system, or a fuel depot, understanding the differences between UL 142, UL 2085, and UL 2080 is essential.
UL 142 Fuel Tanks: Common, Cost-Effective, and Straightforward
UL 142 tanks are the most widely used standard for aboveground storage of flammable liquids. They’re built from steel, and available in both single- and double-wall designs .
Key features of UL 142 tanks:
- Steel construction (single or double wall)
- EPA-compliant for aboveground use
- Lower cost and lighter weight
- Not rated for fire protection
- Emergency venting included to relieve internal pressure from fire exposure
Recommended uses:
Backup generators, rural fueling stations, agricultural sites, and other locations where local regulations do not require fire-rated protection.
Always confirm with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ), as some sites — including fleet fueling stations — may be subject to stricter fire code requirements.
Learn more about:
UL 2085 Tanks: Fire-Resistant, Impact-Tested, Code-Ready
UL 2085 tanks — like the Steel Tank Institute (STI) Fireguard® design built by Newberry Tanks — are engineered for environments requiring protection against fire, physical damage, and environmental exposure. These tanks meet or exceed fire code requirements in many jurisdictions and are trusted across highly regulated industries.
Why spec UL 2085?
- Built to UL 2085 Fireguard® standard
- Double-wall steel construction with thermal insulation
- Fire-rated and impact-resistant
- Leak detection and secondary containment included
Best applications:
Airports, urban job sites, schools, hospitals, industrial yards, or any location with compliance requirements or safety concerns. As always, consult with your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure the selected tank meets all applicable fire and environmental codes for your site.
UL 2080 Tanks: Not Sold by NT — Here’s Why
Although UL 2080 tanks do offer some fire resistance, they lack the impact and insulation standards of UL 2085. These tanks are sometimes used in environments with moderate fire risk, but many AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) prefer the higher protection UL 2085 provides.
Newberry Tanks does not offer UL 2080 tanks. We include them here only to clarify comparisons for customers searching for fuel storage options.
UL Fuel Tank Comparison Table
| Tank Type | Fire Protection | Impact Resistance | Thermal Barrier | Leak Detection | Recommended For | Offered by NT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL 142 | No | No | No | Standard on double wall tanks | General aboveground storage (non-critical environments) | Yes |
| UL 2080 | Limited | Yes (when marked) | No | Optional | Moderate-risk areas, basic fire exposure protection | No |
| UL 2085 | High | Yes | Yes | Yes (standard) | Code-sensitive sites, urban areas, regulated industries | Yes |
Comparing Single-Wall and Double-Wall Fuel Storage Tanks
| Feature | Single-Wall Tank | Double-Wall Tank |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | One steel barrier | Inner and outer tanks built with interstitial monitoring |
| Containment | Requires external berm or dike | Built-in secondary containment |
| Compliance | Limited regulatory compliance | Meets EPA requirements and many local fire codes |
| Leak Detection | Visual only (external spotting after breach) | Built-in interstitial monitoring with sensor or gauge |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher initial cost, typically longer service life |
Note: Always consult local fire codes and environmental permitting requirements, as containment and leak detection standards vary by region.
Aboveground vs Underground Fuel Tank Systems (AST vs UST)
| Feature | AST (Aboveground Storage Tank) | UST (Underground Storage Tank) |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Fully visible and accessible | Buried below grade |
| Maintenance | Easier to inspect and service | Requires specialized equipment for inspection |
| Installation Cost | Lower | Higher (excavation, backfill, monitoring) |
| Compliance Risk | Lower | Higher due to leak detection and corrosion monitoring |
| Best For | Accessible spaces and visual inspections | Sites with space constraints |
Final Recommendation
Choosing the right fuel storage tank depends on your specific site conditions, local fire code requirements, and environmental regulations.
Always consult your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to determine which UL tank type — 142, 2085, or otherwise — is approved for your intended use and location.
Newberry Tanks is here to help provide solutions tailored to your project needs
Contact Newberry Tanks
Need help choosing the right tank?
We can guide you through the options and help you understand what’s typically required — but your local fire marshal or permitting authority will always have the final say.
Let’s simplify the process and help you move forward with confidence.