TECHNICAL HEATING

a builder when the house is the following information for

under construction. the consumer:
• Surface mounted – the box • Shut off the supply of gas if
is designed to be surface there is a gas escape.
mounted on an external wall. • To immediately notify the local
The installation • Semi-concealed – again this gas emergency service if gas Built-in Surface mounted
meter box meter box
standards for gas box is designed to be surface continues to escape.
mounted to an external wall, • To not reinstate the supply until
meters constantly but is also partially buried in the fault has been rectified
changes to reflect the ground.
developments in • Universal – this type of box is A manufacturer’s label with details
also designed to be surface of the manufacturer and the meter
buildings, meters mounted to an external wall but box model should be provided.
and meter boxes. may be wholly above ground This will enable operatives and
Graham Elkins or partially below ground. meter asset managers to identify
provides an overview who to contact should there

of the essential i NOTE

The type and
be any problems – for example,
a damaged or missing door
information required construction of a gas meter needs replacing. Semi-concealed Universal
meter box meter box
when carrying box is subject to approval by
the Gas Transporter. Meters located internally
out installations. within a building
Figure 2. Typical gas meter box designs.

Meter box design The meter installation (low

Dimensions pressure meter installations only)
The dimensions of the meter needs to be located such that the
box will include: emergency control valve (ECV)
• The position and size of the is readily accessible and there
aperture for the meter box is easy access for maintaining
adaptor (transition fitting used and exchanging the meter and
between the service pipe and associated controls etc. Also, it
the ECV). is essential that the meter can

Centre meters
• The position and size of hole(s)/ be read and any prepayment
Figure 1. Selection of typical UK gas meters.
knock-out(s) to accommodate mechanism/card operation can
the installation pipework. be carried out by the gas user.
• The position of the installations can be found in the
meter bracket. What to look out for on Gas Industry Unsafe Situations
• A ground-level line for meter existing meter installations Procedure and Gas Safe

D
boxes (semi-concealed and • Does the meter installation Technical Bulletin 004.
omestic gas meter • Medium pressure exceeding 75 mbar – but not universal) designed to be comply with the current Figure 3. Meter box with purpose-provided
vents in the door at high and low level.
installations have been (2nd family gases) exceeding 2 bar – and a design partially buried in the ground. installations standard? • For medium pressure fed
around for many years, These types of installation are incidental pressure of 2.7 bar. • Is the ECV accessible and the meter installations, is the relief
and the standards to now becoming more common Ventilation handle secured to the valve? valve discharge pipe correctly
which they need to be installed and also are supplied with 2nd Typical domestic gas meters Ventilation for built-in and surface- • If the meter is located in a installed? Are any clearances
The author have been updated to reflect family gases, but at medium Domestic gas meters have mounted meter boxes is provided meter box, is the meter box from the meter box and
Graham Elkins is a self- changes in both meter and pressure from the distribution evolved over the years from at 2% of the plan area of the box suitable and undamaged? discharge pipe tip to openings
employed gas consultant with meter box design as well as the system with a maximum the early leather-diaphragm gas and is distributed via 1% at high • Where the installation pipework into building and electrical
40 years experience in the gas requirements of modern building operating pressure exceeding meter and the prepayment coin- level and 1% at low level. This may exits the back of the meter box, equipment in accordance
industry, spending 23 years structure designs. 75 mbar – but not exceeding operated meter, which had to be be via vents in the door or by is the pipework correctly sealed with BS 6400 Part 2 or 3
with British Gas and 13 years BS 6400 - Specification for 2 bar – and a design maximum emptied at regular intervals. There design where there is a purpose- to prevent any escaping gas as appropriate?
working for CORGI in a variety
installation, exchange, relocation incidental pressure of 2.7 bar. are now more compact unit built gap between the meter box from entering the property or • Are the correct warning/
of roles including, answering
and removal of gas meters with a • Low and medium pressure construction meters, ultrasonic door and the housing to provide cavity of the building (see also information labels attached?
calls on the technical helpline
and in the publications maximum capacity not exceeding (3rd family gases) and even the smart meter. the relevant ventilation required next bullet point)? • Is there equipotential bonding
department producing 6 m3/h is in three parts: These installations are less (see Figures 3 and 4 below). • For medium pressure fed evident and correctly positioned?
manuals, pocket books, etc. • Low pressure common and will typically be Domestic gas meter boxes Ventilation for semi-concealed meter installations, the low • Is there a meter regulator seal Figure 4. Meter box designed with a purpose-
Graham has also been a (2nd family gases) found on caravan park home The British Standard for domestic and universal boxes needs to be pressure outlet gas pipework fitted and intact? n built gap between the door and housing.
proactive member on several This is the most common type sites. As stated, they will be gas meter boxes is BS 8499, a minimum of 6% of the plan area or equipotential bonding must
British Standard committees. of meter installation found supplied with 3rd family gases which specifies the requirements of the box. The ventilation will be not pass directly from the box
in the UK and is supplied and for low pressure installations for gas meter boxes for single equally distributed around the into the building. The pipework
with 2nd family gases from a from service pipework with a gas meter installations that edge of the box lid/door. or equipotential bonding needs TO SUM UP
low pressure gas distribution maximum operating pressure conform to BS 6400-1, 2 and 3. to exit the bottom of the box
system. A low pressure not exceeding 75 mbar and a The standard covers the following Marking/notices and labels before entering the building › Be aware of the different pressures that may be in use.
distribution system is one with design maximum incidental types of gas meter boxes (see The box will include a letter ‘G’ through a gas tight sleeve.
a maximum operating pressure pressure of 350 mbar. Medium Figure 2), including any associated that is permanently moulded or › Ensure warning/advice labels are attached as necessary.
not exceeding 75 mbar, a
design minimum pressure of
pressure installations will be
supplied with 3rd family gases
meter box extensions:
• Built-in – this type of box is
embossed on the external surface
of the meter box door. i NOTE
Where this scenario is
› Report any faults to the gas user and relevant gas supplier/
gas transporter as appropriate.
19 mbar, and a design incidental from service pipework with a built into the external leaf of a An emergency notice will encountered, further guidance
pressure of 200 mbar. maximum operating pressure cavity wall, usually installed by be provided with the box with and advice on these types of

34 › INSTALLER › May 2013 35