Gas meter - InspectionNews

Clay White · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 03:33 PM

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Jon Randolph · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 04:07 PM

I'm pretty sure that ground clearance is needed, but as I am not home, I don't have anything right now to back that up. I'm sure J. P. will be in to provide code reference.

Jerry Peck · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 04:18 PM

This is some typical gas meter clearance information, you may find some slight variation from it, but it should be close to correct all over.

I forgot who posted it just the other day, but it is similar to something I had years ago, so things haven't changed much in that regard.

Rick Cantrell · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 04:36 PM

Clay
You could report something like this:
" While I don't, and did not, inspect the gas meter installation, I did notice that..."

Bob Harper · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 05:57 PM

FYI, the location and installation of gas meters is regulated by the federal DOT unless the meter is located inside a building, in which case the gas code takes over. The "point of delivery", which marks the separation of jurisdiction is the nut on the right hand bull horn coming off the top of the meter on NG or the discharge from the second stage regulator on LP gas systems.

HTH,
Bob

Jerry Peck · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clay White

Maybe say? Bottom of gas meter in contact with ground. Check with your local gas company for properly clearances as well as any other defects relating to the gas meter installation.

I didn't "inspect" gas meter either, but I would write them up as being partially buried or partially submerged (if the ground was wet, and, in South Florida with its overall poor drainage the ground was always wet) and advise my client to call the gas company to come out and verify proper height *ABOVE GROUND* of the gas meter and other clearances required.

Some clients did and the gas company would address the issue most of the time, other times the gas company just 'signed off' on the installation (I always told my clients to have the gas company provide a letter on their letter head stating that the installation was acceptable to them as installed, then attach a photo to the letter with the gas company signing off on the photo. Yeah, sometimes the gas company would do that, and it was their liability anyway - my client just had proof that the issue was raised and the gas company accepted the installation - they could not later say that that was not the installation they signed off on.

Many times, when the gas company said they would issue the letter, the balked at signing off on the photo - and raised the meter instead.

Bob Harper · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2007, 07:20 AM

For those in snow country, the vent on the meter's regulator must be kept clear of snow difts. Low lying areas showing evidence of flooding or exposure to traffic without crash protection would also be red flags.

Bob