The Transition From E15 and E25 to E20 and E30 Gasoline Blends

The 2021 Next Generation Fuels Act, which was introduced by the U.S. Senate and sponsored by more than 20 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, proposes increasing the E15 blend to E20 and the E25 blend to E30. This higher ethanol concentration could help increase the country’s gasoline supply and reduce our dependence on oil.

Since 2007, UL Solutions has offered testing, inspection and certification services for dispensing equipment and components intended for use with gasoline/ethanol blends with a nominal ethanol concentration greater than 10% (such as E25 and E85). E25 certifications currently cover E20 blends, and all the ethanol standards have been revised to evaluate E30 products using E40 as a test fluid.

Certifications for fuel dispensers and dispensing system components

UL Solutions leverages our experience in certifying dispensers and dispensing system components for use with gasoline/ethanol blend fuels with concentrations above 10% ethanol under a variety of product categories. We can test, inspect and certify the following:

• Power-operated flammable liquid dispensing devices (EWTV) — In accordance with UL 87, the Standard for Safety for Power-Operated Dispensing Devices for Petroleum Products, when used with ethanol concentrations of 10% or less (E10). We additionally test, inspect and certify dispensing devices intended for use with gasoline/ethanol blends with a nominal ethanol concentration greater than 10% in accordance with UL 87A, the Standard for Power-Operated Dispensing Devices for Gasoline and Gasoline/Ethanol Blends with Nominal Ethanol Concentrations up to 85 Percent (E0-E85).
• Emergency breakaway couplings (ERBY) and swivel connectors (ERLV) — In accordance with UL 567, the Standard for Safety for Emergency Breakaway Fittings, Swivel Connectors and Pipe Connection Fittings for Petroleum Products and LP-Gas, along with UL 567A, the Standard for Emergency Breakaway Fittings, Swivel Connectors and Pipe-Connection Fittings for Gasoline and Gasoline/Ethanol Blends with Nominal Ethanol Concentrations up to 85 Percent (E0-E85).
• Flammable liquid hose nozzle valves (ETAZ) — In accordance with UL 2586, the Standard for Safety for Hose Nozzle Valves, along with UL 2586A, the Standard for Hose Nozzle Valves for Gasoline and Gasoline/Ethanol Blends with Nominal Ethanol Concentrations up to 85 Percent (E0-E85).
• Emergency shutoff valves (EUCV) — In accordance with UL 842, the Standard for Safety for Valves for Flammable Fluids, along with UL 842A, the Standard for Valves for Gasoline and Gasoline/Ethanol Blends with Nominal Ethanol Concentrations up to 85 Percent (E0-E85).
• Strainers for flammable fluids (VXYV) — In accordance with UL 331, the Standard for Safety for Strainers for Flammable Fluids and Anhydrous Ammonia, along with UL 331A, the Standard for Strainers for Gasoline and Gasoline/Ethanol Blends with Nominal Ethanol Concentrations Up to 85 Percent (E0-E85).
• Hoses for flammable liquid and diesel exhaust fluid hose assemblies (MVQJ) — In accordance with UL 330, the Standard for Hose and Hose Assemblies for Dispensing Flammable Liquids, along with UL 330A, the Standard for Hose and Hose Assemblies for Use With Dispensing Devices Dispensing Gasoline and Gasoline/Ethanol Blends With Nominal Ethanol Concentrations Up To 85 Percent (E0-E85).

Access more information about the product categories and the products certified under these categories on UL Product iQ^®. Download our Fuel Compatibility Tool for additional information on meeting EPA, state or other code authorities fuel compatibility requirements.

Identifying UL certified dispensing devices and components

UL Certified flammable liquid dispensing devices all bear a UL Certification Mark: either the enhanced Mark including the UL symbol, the words "CERTIFIED" and "SAFETY," the geographic identifier(s), the product name (for example, “Dispensing Device Accessory,” “Hose Nozzle Valve for Flammable Liquids,” etc.) and a file number or the UL Listed Mark including “UL” in a circle symbol together with the word “LISTED,” a control number and the product name. These Marks are described in more detail in the guide information for the individual product categories.

The Standards require dispensing devices rated for a particular concentration of ethanol greater than 10% (E10) to include additional markings. Dispensing devices rated for gasoline/ethanol blends with nominal ethanol concentrations up to 25% are also marked with the warning, “Use only with E25 rated hanging hardware.” Dispensing devices rated for gasoline/ethanol blends with nominal ethanol concentrations above 25% and up to 85% are marked, “Use only the following,” followed by the brand names and specific model designations of permitted combinations of hose assemblies, breakaway couplings, swivel connectors and hose nozzle valves to be used. This text must be located where it will be visible to the responsible personnel when performing the intended assembly or replacement of hanging hardware. As part of their certification, the identified components are rated for the same ethanol concentration as the dispenser. Products must also include a marking indicating that they need to be used with hanging hardware with the same ethanol concentration. Dispensing device components must also be marked with the fuel rating they are intended for use with — for example, gasoline, “E25,” “E40” or “E85,” as applicable.

Fuel dispensing system installation considerations

To help ensure that gasoline/methanol fuel dispensing systems are installed in compliance with applicable codes and safety standards, code authorities are encouraged to: 

1. Identify the fuel mixture(s) to be dispensed.
2. Verify that the installations comply with applicable code requirements.
3. Utilize UL Certified (Listed) dispensing devices and components that are marked as being suitable for use with the fuels being dispensed.
4. Verify that components intended to be installed on the dispensing equipment are identified on the dispenser markings.
5. Inspect and maintain the equipment as outlined in the fire code.

UL Solutions can help you navigate the complex regulatory requirements for fuel dispensing systems and other flammable and combustible fluids equipment. We published our first gas and oil safety Standard in 1922 and have a long history of understanding and addressing gas and oil safety issues. We apply our industry experience and expertise to assist manufacturers, users and inspection authorities with a variety of gas and oil equipment needs.