Portable fuel containers, commonly known as gas cans, are necessary for safely storing and transporting flammable liquids. These containers include specific safety features, such as flame arrestors and self-venting openings, to manage the inherent risks of handling volatile fuels. A standardized color-coding system is used across the industry to prevent dangerous fuel contamination. This system is a simple, visual tool that helps users quickly identify the contents before pouring.
The Designated Fuel: Kerosene
The blue gas can is specifically designated for storing kerosene, a refined petroleum product used primarily as a heating fuel and in certain types of lamps and jet engines. Kerosene is a combustible liquid, meaning it requires a higher temperature to ignite compared to highly flammable liquids like gasoline. Its flashpoint, the lowest temperature at which its vapors can ignite, is significantly higher than that of gasoline, typically ranging from 100°F to 162°F.
This higher flashpoint is the main reason kerosene must be kept separate from gasoline, which has a flashpoint as low as -40°F. Using kerosene in a standard gasoline engine causes severe operational issues because the fuel will not vaporize or ignite properly. Poor combustion can lead to a buildup of carbon deposits, known as coking, that causes irreparable damage to engine components. Even small amounts of kerosene mixed into gasoline can reduce fuel efficiency and contaminate the lubricating oil.
The Complete Fuel Can Color Code
The color-coding system extends beyond kerosene to cover the most common combustion fuels, providing a clear visual guide for safety and equipment protection. Red is the universally recognized color for gasoline, the most volatile and common fuel used in small engines, cars, and lawn equipment. This color is associated with the highly flammable nature of gasoline.
The color yellow is reserved for diesel fuel, a combustible liquid used in compression-ignition engines. Diesel is less volatile than gasoline, but the yellow can ensures it is not mistakenly added to a gasoline engine, which would prevent the engine from running and require a complete fuel system flush. The stark color contrast between red, blue, and yellow makes it easier to recognize the difference in fuel types, especially in busy work environments.
Other colors, such as green, are often used to store oils, oil-fuel mixtures for two-stroke engines, or sometimes water, depending on local standards. While red, yellow, and blue are the most standardized colors for combustion fuels, the entire system is designed to prevent cross-contamination. Adhering to this color code protects expensive equipment and reduces the risk of fire or explosion associated with misusing flammable liquids.