Effect of volatiles evaporation on Smokeless powder

PaulS

The national fire protection agency (NFPA) has a code that is rquired for the storage of smokeless propellant in quantities up to 50 pounds in a residence.
It must be stored in the original containers within a box that will take 30 minutes minimum to burn through or allow the temperature inside to rise to the ignition point of the powder. The box must have a loose fitting lid and/or weak joints at the corners that will part under weak internal pressure.

The code in the USA is:
10-3.7 Smokeless propellants intended for personal use in quantities not exceeding 20 lb (9.1 kg) may be stored in original containers in residences. Quantities exceeding 20 lb (9.1 kg), but not exceeding 50 lb (22.7 kg), may be stored in residences if kept in a wooden box or cabinet having walls of at least 1-inc. (25.4-mm) nominal thickness.

My powder is stored in a three ply box of wood and drywall with a top that can be removed and is not retained by any hinges or latches. The construction is complex but it exceeds the fire code in every way. The design has to change to add casters because with 50 pounds of powder inside it is too heavy for me to easily move.

TRBLSHTR

Hi Paul-I am going to say this-and those reading it can take it to heart if they like or take it as my own personal conviction!First with a big capitol F-"F" the nfpa!I am an electrician and they dictate just about everything that I do on a daily basis.I'll be dammed if i'll let them dictate how I perform my hobbies!Just more stinking gov't intrusiveness.Just one more way that some agency can justify someones paycheck!Tell them to clean up their own backyards after that explosion down near waco texas with the AN at the fertilizer plant!If my house catches fire-I am the one paying the insurance,I don't need some gov't lackeys telling me to build a bunker to keep my powder in! I may not have the 50 lbs of powder -but if I had it-then they could still KMA! Mad

PaulS

Trblshtr,
You will be happy to know that you don't need a magazine for up to 20 pounds of powder. I store a bit more than that and my insurance company doesn't have to cover fire damage unless I follow the regs. I understand your frustration but I like the idea of protecting what I own.