Rule against gas meter proximity to window?

[Gene South]

I saw this today. Gas meter in front flower bed, instead of around the corner on the side of the house. Other than being unsightly due to being installed in the front of the house, it occured that there may be a guideline or rule against having a meter this close to a window? I am on the inspection right now and do not have the ability to research this now. Just wondered what yo guys thought.

Gene

[Raymond Wand]

Relief Vent Clearance Horizontal From Feature
Three feet -

http://pse.com/accountsandservices/Construction/Documents/3885.pdf

[Markus Keller]

Obviously you can't look it up now since you are in the field ... However, I would check with your local gas utility about their requirements and if they have a manual. Both are local utilities, People's Gas in the City, Nicor in the suburbs have manuals that cover just about everything when it comes to gas hook-up. Hope that helps.

[Raymond Wand]

Also..

Builder/Developer (Step 2: Select County) (http://www.atmosenergy.com/business/bd/county.html?state=TX)

http://www.atmosenergy.com/download/other/Meter_Spec_Manual_06-06.pdf

[Bob Elliott]

Hi Gene

As mentioned local rules may apply however here is an excerpt from Peoples Energy in the Chicago area.

Meters
Meter Installation Requirements
Peoples Energy recommends that meters supplied from medium
pressure service pipes be installed outside of the building.
For medium-pressure areas in Chicago, service regulators shall
be installed. Peoples Energy’s practice is to install both the
regulators and meters outside of the structure. An outside
installation makes it easier for Peoples Energy to maintain meters
and regulators while freeing up interior space for customer use.
Gas meters shall be located:
1. In a ventilated and readily accessible area.
2. At least 3’ from sources of ignition (including electrical circuit
breaker boxes, meters, and receptacles) or any sources of
heat that may damage the meter for inside installations.
3. A minimum of 12” above ground for outside meter installations.
(See Figure 3 on Page 8.)
4. Away from obstructions, such as downspouts and windows.
Meters will be installed only after the following:
1. All inside piping (house piping and building service pipe)
has been pressure tested for tightness and approved by Peoples
Energy field service personnel.
2. House piping is properly supported, sized, and capped (or
plugged), and floor (or unit) locations are identified.
Gas meters will not be installed in these instances:
1. In locations that interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic
flow.
2. Under an interior stairway that is the sole exit or is designated
as an emergency exit.
3. Under fire escapes.
4. Directly above or below an operable window.

5. Higher than 7’ to ensure meters can be easily read and
maintained. (See Figure 23 on Page 53.)
6. In a space occupied by another owner or tenant.
The customer is responsible for pressure testing customer installed
piping prior to meter installation. Meters will not be set nor will
the account be activated if the house piping is leaking.

[Gene South]

Hello Raymond, Markus, and Bob. Thanks for the help. Good info. Appreciate it.

Gene

[Bob Elliott]

Interesting looking foundation on the side.

How old is the house?

[Peter Louis]

look at this

[Bob Elliott]

look at this

Almost funny in how they angled it away from the vent .

That exterior wall looks awfully close to the ground also.

[Gene South]

House is new construction. Brand new.