Properties of Types of Fuel Oils
No. 1 Fuel Oil
- Similar to kerosene or range oil (fuel used in stoves for cooking)
- Defined as a distillate intended for vaporizing in pot-type burners and other burners where a clean flame is required
No. 2 Fuel Oil
- Often called domestic heating oil
- Similar to diesel and higher-boiling jet fuels
- Defined as a distillate for general-purpose heating in which the burners do not require the fuel to be completely vaporized before burning
No. 4 Fuel Oil
- A light industrial heating oil that is intended where preheating is not required for handling or burning
- Two grades differing primarily in safety (flash) and flow (viscosity) properties
No. 5 Fuel Oil
- A heavy industrial oil that often requires preheating for burning and, in cold climates, for handling
No. 6 Fuel Oil
- A heavy residuum oil
- Commonly referred to as Bunker C oil when it is used to fuel oceangoing vessels
- Preheating required for both handling and burning