Getting connected to mains gas may seem complicated, and it’s true, if you don’t know how the system works, it can be daunting, and often frustrating.
Do you need to get a property connected to a new mains gas supply?
Are you:
- building or occupying new business premises
- developing an existing site
- moving into new business premises and the gas doesn’t work or have sufficient capacity
Here are some pointers before starting the process.
- Before you start the process of obtaining gas for your premises you should make sure there isn’t already gas on site. Just because you can’t find a meter, or related pipework, doesn’t mean that it’s not there. So, before you start, give us a call, and we can investigate, and potentially save you a lot of time and energy.
- Trench excavation. If you just require a gas meter, and no excavation for pipework is required, then you can proceed with the installation process which is outlined below. However, it is often the case that gas supply pipes will need to be brought onto your site, or older, inadequate pipework require upgrading. If you need to dig on private land, we can help obtain competitive prices for you from a choice of engineers. Whatever you do, don’t just accept the price from your gas shipper, get a range of quotes. The price differences can be truly startling.
- Choose where to locate your gas meter. Once you are sure you require gas on site, start off by thinking where you want the meter to be situated. You should decide whether it should be brought inside your premises or located outside, in a special meter housing box. The meter will be either wall-mounted (termed surface- mounted) or free-standing, depending on the meter technical details and size of the meter. Wall mounted installations can accommodate 3 meter sizes: U6, U16 and U25. Free standing meter boxes house many different types and sizes of meter, including medium pressure. These meter boxes require a substantial concrete base.
If you choose to place it inside, you should ensure that the location is well ventilated, and on an outside wall nearest to the gas mains access. You should make certain it is no more than 2 metres high on the inside of an external wall, and no more than 2 metres inside a property internally. Make sure you select an external (usually brick) wall!
- Now you need to consider what size gas meter you will need to cope with your planned peak demand. You do this by calculating your maximum demand requirements in kW (kilowatts) To work this out, you need to add up the input rating (or maximum kilowatt usage) of each gas using appliance which you have installed, or intend to in the future. Check the ratings of your appliances, they will generally have a manufacturer’s identity plate showing the kilowatt rating. If you’re not sure, you may need to consult with the appliance manufacturer or a Gas Safe engineer.
- Select a gas supplier. Before you can arrange a gas meter installation, you must have a gas supply contract. You won’t be able to arrange a meter installation without a valid contract. This is to prevent gas theft. Ask Gas Connections for details on our gas contract services. Unlike gas suppliers, we provide prices from many suppliers, not just one or two.
- Once your meter is installed you will need to connect your appliances to it. Arrange for a gas safe engineer to install and connect your appliances after the meter. After your meter is installed, you will have a fully operational gas pipe connection to the mains and your meter will be ready for connection to your appliances. The engineer will test and commission your equipment. for heating, cooking, drying such as boilers, fires, hobs, grills, driers, heaters etc.
Here are some pointers before starting the process.
- The Gas Transporter (GT)/wholesaler is responsible for the mains network which runs all the way up to the valve that your meter sits on.
- The Meter Asset Manager (MAM) is responsible for fitting and maintaining your gas meter on that valve.
- The Gas Supplier is responsible for billing you for the gas that you use.
- Your Gas Safe Engineer who is allowed to work on the pipework after the gas meter (sometimes called outlet pipework) to your appliances. The engineer can tell you what your peak energy value is, (in kwh or m3) & make adjustments to your gas installation. The peak energy value (also called SPEV) is the maximum amount of gas your appliances could possibly require and is the figure that your meter and supply pipe needs to be sized to deliver the volume of gas required. This will ensure your appliances perform as designed. It is important to get this correct, getting a supply configuration which is too small or too big can be expensive, inconvenient or unsafe.
1. Gas Transporter / Wholesaler
Responsible for the mains network which runs all the way up to the valve that your meter sits on.
2. Meter Asset Manager
Responsible for fitting and maintaining you gas meter on that valve.
3. Gas Supplier
Responsible for billing you for the gas that you use.
4. Gas Safe Engineer
Works on the pipework and appliances after the gas meter.