MOVING A GAS METER
The need to move a gas meter in business premises is not unusual.
Buildings are often repurposed, and requirements change. Meters may be in the way and need relocating.
Moving a gas meter usually means relocating the Emergency Control Valve (ECV) at the end of the incoming gas supply pipe to which the meter is connected. For this reason we recommend you contact the Gas Transporter for your region. This is the company responsible for your incoming gas service which connects your property to the gas distribution network.
Moving the meter itself needs to be undertaken by a licensed gas-safe engineer and/or a registered Meter Asset Manager as it’s illegal and dangerous to move it yourself.
If you need help identifying your Gas Transporter we are happy to assist. Please contact us with the site postcode.
Domestic users may qualify for a free meter relocation if:
- The incoming gas pipe is not being relocated and remains in the same place.
- The new meter position is no more than 90 centimetres (35″ inches) away from the current position
- The meter has a flexible hose connecting it to the incoming gas supply
- It will remain on the same wall
- There are no obstructions on the wall
Domestic consumers should check with their gas supplier to see if they will provide this service.
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE MOVING YOUR GAS METER
Identify the location you wish to move your meter to. You will need to make sure the meter will be located in a secure area away from obstacles and high traffic areas. It should be protected from possible impacts, and in a well ventilated area.
Make sure you have your gas Meter Point Refence Number (MPRN) to hand as this will be needed. You should find this on your gas bill. You should also know how much gas you use in a year (Annual Quantity – AQ).
If you have a gas meter, but aren’t sure it is connected to gas, you can call Xoserve on 0870 608 1524. They will provide you with your MPRN. To find out if you have gas, you will need to carry out a Live/Dead test, or a GT1 (Gas Transporter 1). We can do this for you.
If you are moving the meter to provide gas for new services or processes, consider whether you will require a higher volume of gas to ensure your equipment functions as designed. If you do need more gas, you may find that you need to upgrade the supply pipe and/or the meter itself.
Get a gas smart meter installed at the same time you move the meter. Smart meters are incredibly effective in identifying gas wastage. With gas prices soaring, you will want to eliminate any wastage you can. Doing so will also reduce your carbon footprint.
How do I apply to move my Gas Meter?
Give us a call or complete the contact form. We will help you gather all the relevant details and explain the whole process to you. We will take time needed to understand your current situation and help you achieve the results you need.
Is a Gas Meter move simple?
It all depends on the complexity of the move. Most meter relocations are straightforward and can be completed quickly and without significant interruption. In the case of more complex relocations such as extending pipework, jobs are assessed on an individual basis, sometimes after a site visit.
Internal relocations depend on the distance of internal pipework needed to reconnect to the gas meter’s new position. If the meter is to be located some distance away and it involves drilling through walls, the work becomes more complicated.
Be aware, regulations state that a gas meter has to be located within 2meters of the Gas entry point. If the meter needs to be relocated internally more than two meters from the entry point this becomes a service move/new service to the desired location
Relocating meters to external locations will depend on the length of external pipework needed to move the gas meter from its current position to its new position. Digging trenches to hide and protect pipework will increase the complexity of the works.
Once you have accepted our quote, we will arrange a suitable date with you for the work to begin. We will keep you informed every step of the way.
It’s worth noting that in many instances, significant relocations, such as from the rear of a property to the front of a property, end up as a service disconnection with a new service laid to the desired location.
How long will moving my Gas Meter take?
Each job is unique, and until we understand your requirements its hard be specific. However, a general rule of thumb would be in the region of 6 to 8 weeks after acceptance of our quote.
Once we have agreed a start date you will receive notice.
Any reinstatement is typically completed within five working days of our team finishing work on gas equipment.
Should you require more information, we have staff members waiting to help.
DO I NEED TO INFORM MY GAS SUPPLIER OF THE PLANNED WORKS?
You aren’t required to notify your gas supplier of any modifications to metering equipment provided it is within the boundary of your property.
Will I lose my gas supply?
Inevitably, there will be a disruption to your supply. However, we work hard to ensure there are no undue delays. We want to make sure that there is no interruption to your plans, and we will work around your schedule.
How much does it cost to move a gas meter for a business?
There is no simple answer to this as it depends on how far you need to move it and how easy or difficult it is to run the necessary pipework.
The costs break down into parts and labour. The labour element will cost between £150 and £250 per day, depending on the complexity and size of the meter and the length of the pipework. Moving a medium pressure meter will cost more than moving a low-pressure meter.
Materials costs will also depend on the length of pipework.
You should also factor in any associated costs of making good, such as brickwork, decoration and plastering, once the gas work is completed.
Certified Engineers
All work carried out by fully accredited and approved Gas Safe engineers: GIRS ISO14401 and ISO9001 Certified.
- Nationwide coverage
- Free, no-obligation quote
- Dedicated Account Manager
- NERS, WIRS and MURS certified
- Gas Safe and GIRS qualified
- Bespoke project management
Would you like to know how to successfully move your gas meter?
Gas Meter Housing
(also known as a meter box, or kiosk)
If you are moving the meter from inside to outside you will need a gas meter housing. There are minimum safety requirements for meter kiosks which should not be ignored.
Ventilation: There are differing ventilation requirements depending on whether the meter is wall or floor mounted, but you should aim for at least 3% ventilation of the floor area.
Safety: Gas meters need to be placed in secure housings for safety reasons. These should be constructed of strong, safe, non-corrosive materials to protect them from fire and other hazards. Meter boxes need to comply with BS 476 part 7, class 2 which certifies that it is comprised of a flame retardant material. Meter boxes are generally constructed of GRP laminate and reinforced strand glass mat.
Fitting: Smaller meters can be fixed on exterior walls, but larger meters need to have a stable fixing. on a secure base, such as concrete and placed inside a secure, robust, purpose-built meter housing with adequate ventilation.
Do you need other Gas Connections services?
Are you concerned about your gas prices?
We can check gas rates from all the main gas providers in the UK and confirm your gas rates are on the best tariff. The Gas Connections team have years of experience in the gas market and can discuss your requirements and options in a professional and unpressured way. Simply call the number below for a relaxed, informal chat.