Pipe from ECV to gas meter

[Steelmasons]

OK, I've gone with FiremanT's suggestion of putting the white box on the ground although I haven't had time to do any masonry. For the moment I've lowered the ground level by about 9" and reassembled the meter box so that the ECV is sticking up into it. If BG are happy with that and will fit a meter into that box then I reckon I've saved myself £400

(Note that the ground slopes away from the front of the house slightly, and on the other side of that wall is my under-floor crawl space that is about a meter deep so I highly doubt that water will collect in the bit I've dug out, but I'll keep an eye on it)
View attachment 104607 View attachment 104608

Anyone see any major problems before I ring BG to put a meter in it?

Well that's just great....
How are you proposing the gas supply entry/exit from meter box.

 

[FiremanT]

It wasn't my suggestion to reposition the box, I suggested a brick enclosure (normally with a sloping felt roof). As per Snoopy, though, knowing NG you will get away with it, depending on the operative. Once a meter is fitted, and after a short period, any rectification deemed necessary in the future will probably get done free, But it all probably depends on the attitude of several operatives.
Probably.
Snoopy: Vent is only an issue with MP supply

 

[bernardgreen]

BG are not the people who move meters. You need to speak to national grid

http://www2.nationalgrid.com/uk/services/Gas-distribution-connections/8-steps/

and www2.nationalgrid.com/uk/.../Meter-Box-Guide/ which states :-

The 100mm is believed to be an error and should read "between 500mm and 1000mm above finished ground level. ( flush mounted boxes have to be between 500 mm and 1000 mm abouve finished ground level.

 

[ralphius]

BG are not the people who move meters. You need to speak to national grid

I think it's Wales & West utilities who are responsible for my area now, according to this map anyway: http://www2.nationalgrid.com/UK/Our-company/Gas/Gas-Distribution-Network/

http://www2.nationalgrid.com/uk/services/Gas-distribution-connections/Documents/Meter-Box-Guide/

Many thanks for that document, first I've seen that gives proper informative diagrams! Interestingly, I had a look down my street and there's not many meter boxes where the base is more than half a meter above ground level! I'm really hoping they won't mind since I assume the old meter box must have been in a pretty low down position based on the position of the old pipework?

 

[gas112]

looking at your pic the main tap fitting is exactly the right one for a box to be positioned back onto it .
Big snoopy amuse me why ??? was the box too close to an air vent ????

 

[ralphius]

@gas112 Glad you said that about the fitting. I thought the fitting might be designed to go through a box, even seems to have a rubber washer on it. Trouble is the large nut that looks like it's designed to hold the box (not the one holding the ECV on!) is rusted solid, and one thing I am NOT going to do with a gas main of unknown age, condition etc is put a spanner on it!

 

[gas112]

pipe exiting ground below main tap is grey fibre glass ? ,That case the service is actually plastic and that is just a protection sleeve around it .

 

[ralphius]

Yes, the bit you can see in the pictures appears to be a protective sleeve. If I hold the ECV I can wiggle it side to side slightly inside the sleeve.

 

[FiremanT]

I think it's Wales & West utilities who are responsible for my area now, according to this map anyway: http://www2.nationalgrid.com/UK/Our-company/Gas/Gas-Distribution-Network/


Many thanks for that document, first I've seen that gives proper informative diagrams! Interestingly, I had a look down my street and there's not many meter boxes where the base is more than half a meter above ground level! I'm really hoping they won't mind since I assume the old meter box must have been in a pretty low down position based on the position of the old pipework?

I've seen one on first floor level! MANY are fitted at high level in garages and (eg victorian terraces etc) porches.

 

[Agile]

I know of one at second floor level without even a balcony floor underneath it.

But there is a balcony beside it.

 

[Agile]

Don't tell him but with a little digging and a plastic service he could probably pull the pipe upwards 100-200 mm.

 

[gasmanstu72]

who turns up to fit the meter nowadays?
is it someone from transco, or just some bod who only has ever fitted meters and done the purge and re light fresh out of college?

the reason i ask is that if it's the transco dude, you could bung him a few quid and he might be able to raise the height of the main cock with a bit of 3/4" pipe

disclaimer: that last bit was a joke

 

[AGAS]

its still across the dpc

 

[ralphius]

In case anybody comes across this thread in future, I now have a gas meter installed. They were unhappy that my ECV had no handle on it when they arrived and he had to call Wales & West to come and fit one, but as for box\ECV placement they couldn't seem to care less.

Photo of my new gas meter

 

[FiremanT]

Pints all round?