Gas Meters - Information GAS SAFE REGISTER TM

METER INFORMATION

1. Size
The size of the meter needed is established by the volume of gas flowing and not the size of pipework. The maximum flow can be calculated from the number and type of appliances downstream of the meter. A Btu or kilowatt rating can be converted into a flow rate.

Conversion Table
Natural Gas Natural Gas Propane Butane kW Btus
m³/hr ft³/hr m³/hr m³/hr  
2.5 88 1.04 0.80 26.9 91,783
Conversion factors to calculate the above table:
Natural Gas kW x 0.0929 = m³/hr (or kW x 3.6 ÷ 38.76 = m³/hr)
Propane kW x 0.0387 = m³/hr (or kW x 3.6 ÷ 93.10 = m³/hr)
Butane kW x 0.0296 = m³/hr (or kW x 3.6 ÷ 121.8 = m³/hr)
Additional conversion factors : Btus ÷ 3412 = kW, Btus ÷ 1040 = ft³/hr
6.0 212 2.50 1.91 64.6 220,415
10.0 353 4.16 3.18 107.7 367,472
16.0 565 6.66 5.09 172.3 587,888
25.0 883 10.41 7.96 269.2 918,510
40.0 1,412 16.65 12.72 430.5 1,468,866

As a guide, the common domestic meter is a size U6/G4 diaphragm meter which will cope with the normal requirements of a medium sized home, including central heating. U6 and G4 meters have the same maximum capacity (6 m3 /hour), but the distance between the inlet and outlet bosses may differ. Size G1.6 is for lighter applications such as a caravan with, say, a cooker and two fires. The number immediately after the U refers to the maximum capacity of the meter in cubic metres per hour.

2. Metric or Imperial
British Gas plc generally have meters which measure in cubic feet. However, they usually charge by cubic metre.

3. Credit or Coin
Credit meters are read. Coin meters are operated with a pound or 2 euro coin.

4. Type of Gas
All meters shown are suitable for Natural Gas and LPG without modification except P/N 7354 E6 (Click here)electronic gas meter which is only suitable for Natural Gas. Care should be taken to ensure that the maximum working pressures quoted are not exceeded.

5. Remote Reading Facility
As indicated by the suffix P on next page, some meters have a remote reading facility. This comprises a low frequency pulse output. A pulse plug is needed to pick up this output and transmit it to, say, a remote display counter (see below).

6. Diaphragm or Turbine
The conventional domestic meter is a diaphragm meter, as are most other meters fitted by British Gas plc for charging purposes. The turbine meter is less accurate, but is very much smaller. It is therefore ideal for monitoring gas flow to large burners, boilers, furnaces, etc.

7. Threads and Adaptors
The choice of meter establishes the size of thread or flange on the meter, please click here for the specification table. For adaptors and washers, which may need to be purchased with the meter please click the following link: adaptors and washers.

8. Commissioning
When first passing gas through meter, increase the flow slowly and evenly.

9. Labelling
Any person providing gas through a secondary meter shall ensure that a notice in permanent form is prominently displayed on or near the primary meter indicating the number and location of secondary meters installed. Please click here for labels.

10. Meter Installation
Please click here for typical installation diagrams. While there are many varying installations, BES have listed meter fixing kits which we have found to be regularly called upon.

When preparing the design of a gas installation after the Primary Meter, allowance must be made for the pressure loss due to the installation of any Secondary (Sub) Gas Meter(s). To accommodate a Secondary (Sub) Gas Meter within the gas installation a pressure loss of 0.5 mbar should be allowed. At this pressure loss it is important to know the maximum gas rate that will pass through the meter - please see the Diaphragm Gas Meter Specification table (click here).


DISPLAY COUNTERS

Display counter gives a remote reading from a pulse plug facility meter using a pulse plug to connect the meter to the counter. Six digit display with lithium battery to give estimated 10 year life. Housed in die-cast metal case. Meets NEMA 4/IP 65 specifications for wash down and/or dust when properly installed. P/N 8311 as supplied includes mounting clips to enable counter to be fitted in an opening cut into a panel. If base mounting is required, please order P/N 8985 base mounting kit as well.
Part No.Description Unit PriceQty

Pulse Plugs

With 2.5 metre lead
Meter pulse rates are as below:
8129 Pulse at 0.01 cubic metres per pulse
8301/2/3/4/5 Pulse at 0.1 cubic metres per pulse
8306 Pulse at 1 cubic metres per pulse
Part No.Description Unit PriceQty