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ANSI Z21.74-2017: Technical Standard for Portable-Type Gas Camp Lights
Scope, Technical Requirements, Implementation Highlights, and Compliance Notes for CSA/ANSI Z21.74
ANSI Z21.74-2017, jointly published by CSA Group and the American National Standards Institute, specifies the construction, performance, and safety requirements for portable-type gas camp lights. These appliances are designed for outdoor recreational use and operate on liquefied petroleum gases such as propane or butane. This article provides a technical overview of the standard, including its scope, key requirements, implementation considerations, and compliance pathways.
Scope of the Standard
ANSI Z21.74-2017 applies to portable gas-fueled camp lights that are intended for temporary outdoor lighting. The standard covers lights with a maximum gas input not exceeding 10,000 Btu/h (2.93 kW) and designed to be supported on the ground or on a flat surface. Appliances covered include those that are self-contained, with an integral fuel cylinder, as well as those attached to a separate fuel supply via a flexible hose and regulator.
The standard does not cover permanently installed gas lights, residential gas lighting fixtures, or lights intended for indoor use. It also excludes appliances that incorporate electrical components (except for ignition systems) or those that are part of a cooking appliance.
Tip: When classifying a product, verify that it falls under the definition of “portable-type gas camp light” as outlined in Section 1 of the standard. Products with multiple functions (e.g., combined heater and light) may require evaluation to additional standards.
Technical Requirements
Construction and Materials
The standard mandates robust construction using corrosion-resistant materials. Metal parts exposed to the gas flame must be of stainless steel or equivalent. Combustion chambers and heat shields must withstand continuous operating temperatures without deformation or failure. All gas-carrying components must be leak-tight under normal and abnormal conditions.
Performance and Safety Criteria
Key technical parameters are summarized in Table 1 below. Tests are conducted at ambient conditions unless otherwise specified.
| Parameter | Requirement | Test Procedure (Clause) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum gas supply pressure | 11 inches water column (2.74 kPa) for propane | 3.2.1 – Pressure regulator test |
| Input rating tolerance | ±10 % of nameplate Btu/h | 3.2.2 – Input measurement |
| Light output (minimum) | 1,200 lumens for units > 5,000 Btu/h | 3.3.3 – Photometric test |
| Tip-over stability | Must not tip when tilted to 15° from vertical | 3.4.1 – Stability test |
| Tip-over shutoff | Automatic gas shutoff within 60 seconds of tip-over | 3.4.2 – Shutoff test |
| Surface temperature (operational) | Maximum 200°F (93°C) on user-contactable surfaces | 3.5.1 – Temperature rise test |
| Leakage rate | < 0.5 mL/min with test gas at 14 psi (96.5 kPa) | 3.6 – Leak test |
Controls and Ignition
Gas flow must be controlled by a positive shut-off valve that is either fully on or fully off. Electronic or manual piezoelectric igniters must produce reliable ignition at least 90 % of the time in normal wind conditions. The standard also requires a secondary safety device (e.g., thermocouple flame sensor) that interrupts gas supply if the flame is extinguished.
Warning: The flame-out safety device must shut off gas within 30 seconds after loss of flame. This is critical to prevent unburned gas accumulation and potential explosion.
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers seeking compliance with ANSI Z21.74-2017 should focus on the following implementation aspects:
- Design for tip-over shutoff: The tipping angle requirement (15°) can be challenging for top-heavy designs. A weighted base or tilt sensor mechanism is typical.
- Regulator selection: The standard specifies a two-stage regulator system for units connected to large propane cylinders to ensure stable output pressure.
- Labeling and instructions: Permanent markings must include the rated input, gas type, and a warning about operating only outdoors. The manual must contain an illustration of the minimum clearance to combustibles (at least 36 inches from the top).
- Quality assurance testing: Each unit must pass a production leak test at 1.5 times the design pressure. Random sample testing for light output and tip-over stability is required.
Best Practice: Involve a certified testing laboratory (e.g., CSA Group, Intertek) early in the design phase. Pre-compliance testing can identify deficiencies before formal certification, saving time and cost.
Compliance Notes
Compliance to ANSI Z21.74-2017 is voluntary in most jurisdictions, but many retailers and camping equipment manufacturers require it for liability protection. In the United States, some states (e.g., California) may reference the standard in building or fire codes for portable outdoor appliances.
Certification typically requires:
- Submission of production samples and design documentation to an accredited laboratory.
- Performance of all tests listed in Table 1 plus endurance cycling (6,000 cycles of valve operation) and abnormal flame tests.
- Factory inspection by the certification body to verify production-line quality controls.
Once certified, products bear a mark (e.g., CSA, ETL) indicating compliance. Manufacturers must report any design changes that could affect gas safety.
Important: Retrofitting a previously non-compliant camp light to meet this standard without engineering review can create unsafe conditions. Always consult the standard and a qualified engineer before modifying gas-carrying components.
Maintaining certification involves annual follow-up inspections and periodic retesting. The 2017 edition included clarifications on tip-over testing for lights with detachable legs and added requirements for electronic flame-out sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main scope of ANSI Z21.74-2017?
A: The standard covers portable-type gas camp lights that burn propane or butane, with a maximum input of 10,000 Btu/h (2.93 kW), designed for outdoor use on the ground or on a flat surface. It does not cover fixed indoor gas lighting or lights integrated with cooking appliances.
A: The standard covers portable-type gas camp lights that burn propane or butane, with a maximum input of 10,000 Btu/h (2.93 kW), designed for outdoor use on the ground or on a flat surface. It does not cover fixed indoor gas lighting or lights integrated with cooking appliances.
Q: Does ANSI Z21.74-2017 require a tip-over shutoff?
A: Yes. The standard requires that if the light tips over more than 15° from vertical, an automatic shutoff must close the gas valve within 60 seconds. This is one of the most important safety provisions.
A: Yes. The standard requires that if the light tips over more than 15° from vertical, an automatic shutoff must close the gas valve within 60 seconds. This is one of the most important safety provisions.
Q: How is light output measured under this standard?
A: Light output is measured in lumens using an integrating sphere or a goniophotometer, with the light in steady-state operation. For units above 5,000 Btu/h, a minimum of 1,200 lumens is required, although the manufacturer can specify a higher value on the nameplate.
A: Light output is measured in lumens using an integrating sphere or a goniophotometer, with the light in steady-state operation. For units above 5,000 Btu/h, a minimum of 1,200 lumens is required, although the manufacturer can specify a higher value on the nameplate.
Q: Is certification to ANSI Z21.74-2017 mandatory?
A: In most of the US and Canada, it is voluntary. However, many retailers require proof of compliance (e.g., a CSA or ETL mark) for liability reasons. Some jurisdictions adopt the standard in local fire codes for outdoor gas appliances, making it de facto mandatory.
A: In most of the US and Canada, it is voluntary. However, many retailers require proof of compliance (e.g., a CSA or ETL mark) for liability reasons. Some jurisdictions adopt the standard in local fire codes for outdoor gas appliances, making it de facto mandatory.
This article is intended for informational purposes and does not replace the full text of ANSI Z21.74-2017. Manufacturers and engineers should refer to the official standard for detailed requirements.
Reference: ANSI Z21.74-2017 – Portable Type Gas Camp Lights. Published by CSA Group, 2026 (this edition reaffirmed in 2026).
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