Check with your local fire marshal about requirements for using UL-approved ethanol pumps.

Nearly all tanks and lines are approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for use with E85. Steel tanks are approved, but some older fiberglass tanks may not be. Check with the manufacturer or at BYOethanol.com to be certain.

Originally, blender pumps – and all E85 pumps, for that matter – were installed using standard gasoline pumps. According to UL, no complaints have been filed and no failures have been noted in installations using standard pumps to dispense E85 and other mid-level blends.

Specifically, the E85 FAQ section of UL’s website says the group has “no documented reports of field failures or safety issues associated with UL listed or recognized components used with E85.”

Even so, UL decided that a standard was needed and developed one. Currently, although dispensers and other fuel system parts have passed UL’s tests, no dispensers are available with a UL certification. This new standard will likely add several thousand dollars to the cost of a pump, and some cities, counties, and states require that only UL-listed pumps be used to dispense fuel. Many jurisdictions have made exceptions for E85 and blender pumps, some don’t use UL as the standard, and some have shut down E85. It’s a good idea to check with your local fire marshal to determine what the regulations are in your area.