U16 gas Meter Capacity kW
A U16 is a small diaphragm meter generally used for commercial applications and occasionally for domestic properties. The U number is used to define all Diaphragm Gas Meters and relates to the meter capacity in Standard Cubic Metres per Hour (SCMH). Therefore, a U16 meter has a capacity of 16 cubic metres per hour.
The chart below shows the range of Low Pressure (LP) diaphragm meters and their corresponding capacities and flow rates, both in metres and feet.
| Meter Type: Low Pressure (Diaphragm Meters) | Flow Rate kW (kilowatts | Capacity (SCMH) Standard cubic metres per | Capacity (SCFH) Standard cubic feet per hour |
| U6 | 0 – 65 kW | 6 m³/hr | 212 ft³/hr |
| U16 | 66 – 173 kW | 16 m³/hr | 565 ft³/hr |
| U25 | 174 - 271 kW | 25 m³/hr | 883 ft³/hr |
| U40 | 272 - 430 kW | 40 m³/hr | 1,412 ft³/hr |
| U65 | 343 – 704 kW | 65 m³/hr | 2,296 ft³/hr |
| U100 | 705 – 1,083 kW | 100 m³/hr | 3,511 ft³/hr |
| U160 | 1,084 – 1,733 kW | 160 m³/hr | 5,650 ft³/hr |
Many gas suppliers and meter providers charge hundreds or even thousands of pounds for a meter installation. We provide bespoke project management with one on one customer service, often at substantially lower prices than our competitors. If you have already been quoted, make sure you are getting best-value by inviting us to price-match.
How do you know what meter you need?
Firstly, you need to know whether your supply is low or high pressure and secondly, the peak demand of gas that is required. This is also known as the gas load or maximum capacity (in kilowatts, cubic metres/feet per hour. *If you are not sure of your peak demand, contact us for help.
Most sites in the UK have low or medium pressure. If you are unsure about this, or the pipe was laid some time ago, we can arrange a Gas Transporter 1 (GT1) test for you.
What is a GT1?
If you need a gas meter installation it will be necessary to carry out a GT1 test to find out about any current business gas supply before a new gas meter is attached. It normally takes around a week to complete, but you should allow two weeks. The results will give you the capacity of the existing gas pipe in kilowatts (kW), the pressure: low pressure (LP), medium pressure (MP), intermediate pressure (IP), and high pressure (HP), a live-dead test, the size and type of Emergency Control Valve (ECV) in inches or millimetres (mm) and whether it is a screwed or threaded valve connection type.
Once we know about the incoming supply and the peak demand, we can specify which meter type you require. There are many different makes, models, and sizes of gas meter specifically designed for the maximum demand required.
If you do not have gas pipework on site, we can organise supply pipework installation for you.
Commercial low-pressure diaphragm gas meters range from U16 to U160. The sizing of the meter involves an analysis of the input or output demand of all the gas appliances onsite. A full list of all the appliances, along with their gas rating (load), and hours of operation are required for this purpose. Once the demand of all gas equipment is added together the Peak Demand can be established. This will dictate what size meter is required. If you would like help with this, please ask us.
U16 Gas Meter Dimensions
When planning for a meter installation you should first decide whether you require a meter housing and a base.
When installing a meter outside it is common to place it on a concrete plinth. Internally, they are often installed in purpose-built cupboards on shelves, or in utility rooms. *Note: It is important to ensure all meter cupboards and rooms have adequate ventilation. Please ask for ventilation specifications if required.
When installed externally, Meter Housings are used to protect the meter.
Physical sizes vary according to manufacturer.
The following measurements are for guidance only and may vary due to the components used.
Example of U16 gas meter – (used for example purposes only)
