Gas meter clearance distance questions & answers:

Answers to common questions about the required distances between a gas meter and building walls, decks, fences, and other building features, openings, or appliances.

This article series provides a detailed table of example clearance distance specifications for natural gas meter installations, giving the distances to various building features such as windows, doors, electrical components, vents, air conditioners, and outside hose bibs.

Gas service line trench features are also described.

Gas Meter or Gas Meter Regulator Vent Clearance Distance FAQs

These questions and answers about distances between a gas meter and other building or site features were posted originally at the topic home: GAS METER CODES & CLEARANCE DISTANCES - be sure to see the clearance spacing tables given there.

Photo: gas meters along an alley in Tucson Arizona in the U.S. must be protected from vehicle impact.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2020-12-18 by Marie

The house were renting has a gas line in the basement with 120 V cable sitting right on top of it? Is this dangerous? I feel it’s super unsafe and I’m not running my heater until I find out. Can anybody answer my question please

On 2020-12-18 - by (mod) - Gas meter clearance to sources of ignition

The published electrical clearances for gas meters are given in a table above titled

Gas meter clearance distances to electrical panels & meters (outdoors)

Also see

Gas meter clearance to sources of ignition

A separate table titled

Gas Piping Clearance Distances

gives what's published for the piping itself.

Please take a look, Marie.

On 2020-10-2 by David

Does anyone know when the 3' clearance from a "Gas meter regulator vent clearance to electrical devices such as switches, electrical receptacles, power disconnects" (and electric utility meters) came into effect? Has it always been so? There are a lot of violations of this in Northern New Mexico.

Was it just never enforced? When we connect solar to the grid or do a service upgrade they want us to comply most times, although a lot of time it is "grandfathered in" as well.

On 2020-10-26 - by (mod) -

David

Building codes have been around in some form for nearly 100 years but enforcement is always varied by town, individual inspector and for other reasons. I was not able to find a specific date for New Mexico's first building code adoption. But you can certainly contact the NM authorities to ask directly:

Construction Industries Division
CID - Santa Fe
2550 Cerrillos Road - 3rd Floor
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
(505) 476-4700

CID - Albuquerque
5500 San Antonio Dr. Suite F
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
(505) 222-9800

CID - Las Cruces
505 South Main Street, Suite 103
Loretto Town Center
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001
(575) 524-6320

In my OPINION, if we find an unsafe or poor construction practice it usually makes sense to correct it first and worry about grandfathering second.

On 2020-11-04 by Anonymous

I agree we should correct any unsafe condition, but what is safe in this case seems to be a matter of opinion. All of these gas regulators are outdoors and though the utility has a rule about their meters needing to be 3 feet from the regulator, the enforcement is spotty, especially in existing homes.

The only time I see it causing a problem is if the meter is taken out under load causing an arc and the gas from the regulator is somehow contained in the area, but how can it be contained if it is outdoors?

" All portions of a gas utility distribution system up to the outlet of the meter are regulated by 49 CFR Part 192, under the U.S. Department of Transportation. These regulations require a three-foot clearance from indoor meters to sources of ignition, but have no comparable requirement when the meter is located outdoors.

There is also misunderstanding about the term 'source of ignition.' Electrical equipment is a source of ignition if it creates an arc or spark during operation. Electric wiring and junction boxes, for instance, are not considered sources of ignition. But most switches, panelboards, relays, and other devices that can create an arc when operated are treated as ignition sources.

"The National Fuel Gas Code Handbook," in its discussion of the above cited gas meter clearance, states that electric meters (except those that incorporate switching relays) are not considered a source of ignition. In summary, the three-foot clearance cited in the National Fuel Gas Code is not directly applicable to the clearance between gas and electric utility meters."
-https://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/code-questions-and-answers

On 2020-11-04 by (mod) - LP gas danger outdoors

Watch out: LPG unlike natural gas, is heavier than air and in still air conditions will pool and can explode.

Thanks for the discussion. We welcome your criticism, content suggestions, or questions.

On 2020-09-17 by Brian

I live in Oklahoma. My local gas company came out today and said we had a leak in the yard. They then turned off the gas and told us they would not turn it back on until it was fixed. Their "solution" was to move my gas meter from the property line to up against the house and they would take care of everything to the meter.

All I had to do was have an above ground connection point. This would involved drilling a hole in the wall into the crawl space. If we did not go along with them, then they would not turn the gas back on. I only have two appliances using gas.

The oven/stove, which I could convert to electric, and the central heat, which was just replaced three years ago.

I feel like I am getting scammed or at least taken advantage of here. I contacted the retired operations manager for the gas company and he said it was code to move it to the house. I can't find anything that says that. I need some answers. Winter is coming and I don't want to shell out another $5000 just to switch out my central heat and air.

On 2020-09-18 by (mod)

Brian

Perhaps I don't understand the situation correctly but it sounds to me as if the gas company is agreeing to do the expensive part of the repair which is moving the metre to where should be and replacing an underground pipe that was leaking. I would be happy with that solution.

On 2020-06-22 by Justin

Our gas company recently replaced our meter and upon reconnecting found a leak. We replaced all the gas line to our house.

When it came time for city inspection we were told it failed because the gas meter needed to be connected to the electric meter. Has anyone heard of this before?

On 2020-06-25 - by (mod) - the gas meter needed to be connected to the electric meter?

Justin

I certainly find that a baffling claim myself. It's possible that the inspector was trying to tell you that there is an electrical ground missing for the gas piping or meter. You need to ask him to speak more clearly in a way that a human being can understand.

On 2020-05-27 by Steve

Can I get the codes and distances for gas and electric box in a mobile home park.

On 2020-05-27 - by (mod) - codes and distances for gas and electric box in a mobile home park.

Steve

We have collected a number of mobile home codes and standards at

MOBILE HOME CODES & STANDARDS

found by searching InspectApedia.com for "mobile home codes"

But your *local* building code compliance inspector is the final legal authority on clearance distances for gas (what - piping, meters, appliances?) and electrical components (meter, service drop, etc). - so you will want to note the country and city of location of the mobile home park and then contact your local building department too.

On 2020-05-25 by Steve Parsons

How close to the gas meter can i legally install a water heater? Both would be outdoors in a well ventilated area.

On 2020-05-25 by (mod) - Gas meter clearance distance to domestic or residential water heater

Thanks for the question, Steve.

Gas meter clearance distance to domestic or residential water heater:

Using the "distance to sources of ignition" table in the article above I'd figure 3 ft. PLUS any additional working space required by either the meter or the water heater.

Here's an excerpt;

At least 3 feet, per NEC 110-26 & NFPA 54-National Fuel Gas Code for premises-owned gas meters.

On 2020-02-05 by Jeff

I am asking about a black iron gas line in a basement is this pipe allowed to touch a furnace single wall exhaust pipe

On 2020-02-05 - by (mod) - gas piping distances we know from codes & standards

Jeff the gas piping distances we know from codes & standards are in the article above in the table titled

Gas meter needing repairs Gas Meter & Piping Clearance Distance Codes & Specifications

Beyond that it's up to your local code inspector.

In my OPINION while I certainly don't like a gas pipe or anything else rubbing against the heating system exhaust flue, it'd be a gas leak or pipe damage that'd be the first concern.

On 2020-01-06 by Conrad K

Hi -- I would like to add a front uncovered porch directly adjacent to the gas meter (see photo).. If I built a bench and pop out section giving 3' clearance would I have any issues?

Conrad

On 2020-01-06 by (mod) - Distance from gas meter or regulator to a window

Conrad if you can meet this specification you'll be in compliance:

Distance from gas meter or regulator to a window: 3 feet in any direction horizontally or vertically to the feature

On 2020-01-07 by Conrad K

thanks for the response! The original design is to replace the window in the photo with a door and bring access to the middle of the house (of course where the meter is located) instead of far to the left.

Will the distance from the meter to the door be another issue I need to look at? Just to be 100% clear.. the meter has to be 3' away from any door or window?

On 2020-01-07 by (mod) - gas meter clearances when building a porch over a gas meter

Sure, the clearances are given in the article above. Including to doorways.

Local codes may vary from the national or model codes cited here.

On 2019-11-19 by ernie

need to run electric line from breaker box to sub panel outside to entry spot in foundation there is a gas line already there can I run the enclosed wire next to gas line what would be the min distance from gas line?

On 2019-11-19 by (mod) -

Ernie

In the article above see the details about gas meter clearances to electrical components in the table titled

Gas Piping Clearance Distances

You'll see that ordinary circuit wiring isn't considered an ignition source but panels are.

On 2019-10-20 by Bill Fallesen

Can a residential gas line pass over a basement egress window next to the wall or must it be buried
at some distance around the window well?

On 2019-10-20 by (mod) -

Bill, That's not a constraint I've seen, ... so as long as you're not obstructing the egress in any way I'd expect your code officer will be ok with the routing

On 2019-09-22 by Terry

Can gas meter stick out from a corner

On 2019-09-23 by (mod) -

Most likely yes, Terry BUT the meter might need protection bollards if it's in an area where it could be run-into by my mother or a similar driver.

 

On 2020-09-19 by (mod) - neighbor is building an open flame fire pit less than 3 feet from gas meter.

I would be worried about that too, and I'd ask the local building or plumbing inspector and/or fire inspector to take a look before that flame pit is used.

On 2020-09-19 by Diana

My neighbor is building an open flame fire pit less than 3 feet from gas meter. Also there is a line that runs from that gas meter underground to other meters in neighborhood which this fire pit is being built over top of. Is this safe? If not, who do I notify??

On 2020-09-16 - by (mod) -

How far does a fire pit need to be from gas meter?

GAS METER CODES & CLEARANCE DISTANCES

has all of the common clearance distances you'll find in the model codes; you won't find "fire pit" in the gas codes but you will find "sources of ignition" - typically 3 ft.

But if it were my property I'd want to be much further away than that. After all, a fire pit not only makes a lot of heat, it can send off sparks. You want to be at least 3 ft. (OPINION) from the greatest distance to which a fire pit spark or coal or ignition source might fly.

On 2020-09-15 by Marandy

How far does a fire pit need to be from gas meter

On 2020-07-21 1 by ERNIE

WHAT SIZE GAS PIPE DO I NEED FOR 100,000 BTU POOL HEATER IF IM 180 FEET AWAY FROM METER

On 2020-07-19 - by (mod) -

Wes

Please see the distances given at the topic home page: GAS METER CLEARANCE DISTANCES https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Gas_Meter_Clearances.php

and let me know if that leaves you with any questions.

On 2020-07-18 by Wes

Can you install a water heater next to the gas meter if so what's the legal distance it has to be away from the meter

On 2020-05-16 - by (mod) -

Take a look at all of the distances at

GAS METER CLEARANCE DISTANCES inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Gas_Meter_Clearances.php

and also consider that in addition to avoiding a potential ignition source (such as a sparking electrical relay in the condenser/compressor unit), there are working space requirements for both the compressor-condenser unit and for the gas meter.

On 2020-05-16 7 by Tony

What distance should you keep an ac/heat pump away from gas meter in New York State?

On 2020-04-23 - by (mod) -

Take a look at all of the distances at

GAS METER CLEARANCE DISTANCES https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Gas_Meter_Clearances.php

where in that article - the home page for this topic - you'll find a table titled

Gas meter clearance to sources of ignition

thanks for asking

On 2020-04-22 by Roy

How far must my natural gas BBQ be from the natural gas meter?

On 2020-04-15 by (mod) - How far from the side of my gas meter can I put my fence?

Len:

You will find clearances from buildings, obstructions and other site features at the home page for this topic where we also discuss "working distance" around the sides and front of a gas meter.

GAS METER CLEARANCE DISTANCES inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Gas_Meter_Clearances.php

On that page in a table titled "Gas meter clearances to Landscape features, soil depths, soil cover"

you'll find

Landscape features like shrubs or fences:

3 feet clear to front of meter

2 feet clear to either side of meter

Please take a look.

On 2020-04-15 by len05judy@gmail.com

How far from the side of my gas meter can I put my fence?
This is on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo B.C.

Thanks, Len

On 2020-03-08 - by (mod) -

should the meter be closer to the house?

Great question, Calvin but sorry I can't answer with authority. Your gas company can, however.

Watch out: moving the meter suggests that you think that the extension of gas service piping on the gas company side of the meter is going to be installed at their expense. That may not be the case.

On 2020-03-08 by Calvin

My gas lines were all installed in the 1960s. The gas meter is at least 40 feet away from my house. There is a leak somewhere between the meter and my house, presumably underground as the plumber has checked the exposed gas lines under the house and only found three minor leaks.

To dig up and replace the 40 feet of line was estimated to be about $1300. My question is, should the meter be closer to the house?

If so, shouldn't the gas company place it near the corner or side of the house? Then the amount of line I'd need to have the plumber install would be significantly shorter, and cost significantly less.

On 2019-07-22 - by (mod) -

Sach

Our home page for this topic GAS METER CLEARANCE DISTANCES

inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Gas_Meter_Clearances.php

Gives you working clearances

including from doorways, building corners, etc.

On 2019-07-22 by Sachindevji

My gas meter is near the main entrance door. My question is how far the door from it should be?

On 2019-07-22 by (mod) - gas meter distance to building openings

Sach

Our home page for this topic GAS METER CODES & CLEARANCE DISTANCES

Gives you working clearances

including from doorways, building corners, etc.

Please take a look and if that leaves you with any questions don't hesitate to ask and we'll take it from there.

On 2019-07-22 by Sachindevji

My gas meter is near the main entrance door. My question is how far the door from it should be?

On 2019-06-26 by (mod) -

GAS METER CODES & CLEARANCE DISTANCES

Gives you working clearances

On 2019-06-25 by Chris

I saw the clearances around building structures, decks, etc. but i was wondering the distance around the meter in the state of VA. For example i will have a deck that will not sit high enough to cover the meter, so what is the clearance i need around it because i plan on having the deck built around it

. I was told when i called columbia gas VA that as long as they can service it and understand that if there is a leak that the deck will be ripped up to work on it. I am just wondering the distance AROUND it not above or below. Thanks

On 2019-04-12 by (mod) -

Mary to be sure we're talking about the same meter clearance distances please see the data at

GAS METER CODES & CLEARANCE DISTANCES

and let me know if you need more help.

On 2019-04-12 by Mary

I want to build an 8 x 8 composite deck adjacent to my entry porch. The deck will be approximately 3.5 foot high. I will be able to step from my entry porch to it. I have a gas meter on that side of the house.

How much distance do I need from the pipe that leads from the meter read with elbow connection into the house. I live in a manufactured home so the pipe runs under the skirting to the other side of home.

Someone told me I need 3 feet from the side of that pipe and I don't quite make it. It would be accessible to a technician if it were to be repaired or replaced. Thanks.

On 2019-04-09 by (mod) -

Bob

I have not found any indication that there is a regular, calendar-based requirement for a gas company to replace gas meters. The meter will be replaced if the company finds that it's damaged, obsolete, or unsafe: a condition that may be discovered when the meter reader visits the site or when another official or a plumber or homeowner reports a gas meter concern.

If you have a concern with the safety or condition of your gas meter you should contact your gas company immediately.

The Ohio Public Utilities Commission can be contacted at
(800) 686-PUCO (7826)
(614) 466-3292 (in Columbus area)
7-1-1 (TTY-TDD)

Fax
(614) 752-8351

Mailing Address
180 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Directions to the PUCO

Media Contact
Matt Schilling
(614) 466-7750

On 2019-04-09 11:16:08.465084 by Bob

How often are gas companies required to replace a gas meter in the state of Ohio?

 

On 2017-05-03 by (mod) re: distance from gas meter to electrical box

You need to be 3 feet away from the electrical box, Said. Your local plumbing inspector or gas company might, however, allow you to extend the vent piping to that safe distance from the electrical equipment.

On 2017-05-03 by Said Mosmer

is there any gas meter vent that can be install within 12 inch to the electrical disconnect box

On 2017-04-12 by (mod) re: gas meter distance to a fire pit

Me

In the table above giving gas meter clearance distances you will see

"Gas meter clearance distance to open flame barbeque or cooker or to an incinerator or other open flame device" = 3 ft.

But WATCH OUT: "portable" means "movable" means that the clearance distance could easily become unsafe. I'd also worry about not just open flame but the possible effects of high heat on a gas meter or on nearby gas piping.

There may also be fire safety concerns about the distance of the portable fire pit to nearby structures such as the trailers themselves. Ask your local building department of fire department for a fire safety inspection.

On 2017-04-11 by Me

How far from a gas meter is safe to have a portable fire pit? Neighbors have a fire pit going and there is a gas meter directly across from it. The fire is in between trailers that are approx. 15 feet apart in a trailer park

On 2017-04-12 by (mod) re: gas meter distance from a balcony or deck or porch

Jason

In the table at GAS METER CODES & CLEARANCE DISTANCES see

Gas meter clearance distances below balconies, entrance platforms, decks & porches

On 2017-04-10 by Jason

I'm building a deck and the gas meter is is against the house where the deck is running. What is the clearance needed to build the deck around it?

On 2017-02-24 by (mod) re: handicap ramp clearance to gas meter

Jasin:

I don't consider the meter a hazard to ramp users provided guardrails protect it from any possible impact and provided you don't have a dope helping you who cuts a gas line while digging for the ramp support posts.

To be proper you should follow the clearances for gas meters given above at

Gas meter clearance distances below balconies, entrance platforms, decks & porches

I am worried that you may not be giving adequate clearance around the meter front for future maintenance or repairs, and more important, for safety there must be easy access to the gas line shutoff that one normally finds at the meter.

On 2017-02-24 by Jasin

I have an existing church with that would like to put a handicap ramp on the exterior of the building

. I have an area of 7'-6" wide with a natural gas mater that will be aside of the proposed ramp run. The width of the ramp is 3'-6" and the farthest part of the meter protrudes from the building 28".

The ramp will have a 34" high hand rail (no guard required). This leaves 1'-8" from the front of the meter to the edge of the ramp/handrail. What would the minimum clearance in front of the meter need to be?

On 2017-02-24 by (mod) - distance from access ramp to gas meter

Jasin:

I don't consider the meter a hazard to ramp users provided guardrails protect it from any possible impact and provided you don't have a dope helping you who cuts a gas line while digging for the ramp support posts.

To be proper you should follow the clearances for gas meters given above at

Gas meter clearance distances below balconies, entrance platforms, decks & porches

I am worried that you may not be giving adequate clearance around the meter front for future maintenance or repairs, and more important, for safety there must be easy access to the gas line shutoff that one normally finds at the meter.

On 2017-02-24 by Jasin

I have an existing church with that would like to put a handicap ramp on the exterior of the building.

I have an area of 7'-6" wide with a natural gas mater that will be aside of the proposed ramp run.

The width of the ramp is 3'-6" and the farthest part of the meter protrudes from the building 28".

The ramp will have a 34" high hand rail (no guard required). This leaves 1'-8" from the front of the meter to the edge of the ramp/handrail. What would the minimum clearance in front of the meter need to be?

On 2017-02-18 by (mod) - distance between gas meter and garage

Eric

The final answer is going to be from your building and zoning departments.

But certainly besides giving a 10 foot or more clearance for future work/excavation/repairs, you need to be very sure that excavation or work for constructing the foundation of your garage doesn't cut into, affect, or build too close to or over a buried gas line without first building department approval.

Hitting a gas line while digging for a footing for your garage could be a once in a lifetime, final experience.

On 2017-02-18 1 by eric

when putting a garage right next to another building how far away do i have to put the garage. the gas meter is right in between the existing building and the new garage. how far do i have to put the new garage from the gas meter

On 2017-01-14 by (mod) - gas odors after meter was moved

Harold your message left me confused - lost some words. But if you smell gas there is risk of an explosion or fire.

You should call your gas company - from another, safe location. DO NOT flip light switches, use a telephone, make sparks, etc. anywhere that you smell gas and keep people away until you know the building is safe.

On 2017-01-12 02:59:19.015310 by Harold Jones

They moved our gas meter and put it right against our house and we can smellgas coming from the meter is this legal to put it so close

On 2017-01-04 by (mod) The NEC code sections 110.26 and 240.24 discuss access to the electric utility room

Re-posting

AUTHOR:jerry (no email)

COMMENT:Q: Are tenants in a multi-family residence required to have unrestricted access to their gas and/or electric meters which are located in a utility room with all the meters for the building?

The NEC code sections 110.26 and 240.24 discuss access to the electric utility room, but do not appear to require unsupervised tenant access

. In fact 110.26 describes access by qualified persons to equipment behind a locked door is acceptable. In the case of this building only the gas meters are in the utility room; electric meters are located on the outside rear of the structure and are accessible to tenants without restriction.

It is my opinion that access to an otherwise code-compliant utility room may be via a locked door accessible on reasonable notice to a designated person

--- manager, Management Company, building supervisor or owner-- for access to inspect the gas meters. I have not found a requirement that direct tenant access to the front of that locked door via a dedicated stairway is required.

On 2016-12-12 by M Bondy

thy install a new meter last week and raised ti two feet of the ground and it looks like love beside my house

On 2016-11-27 by (mod) - maximum distance you can run a gas line

Rather than an absolute limit, more likely you'll have to go to a larger diameter pipe and possibly to a staged regulator system. Check gas piping tables in the UPC or with your building department.

On 2016-11-27 by Chaz

What is the furthest distance I can run a gas line?

On 2016-10-27 by (mod) distance from sump pump to gas meter

I think so, Tyler, but the proper authority, the only one in fact who has final word is your local building code or building plumbing inspector. Let me know what she or he says.

The worry is probably mostly one of access space or arcing motor hazards

On 2016-10-27 by Tyler

My plumber installed a sump pump and ran the 2" line out my rim about 12" away from the gas meter. If this is buried and sealed, will I be in compliance?

On 2016-10-20 by Anonymous - driveway to gas meter

How much distance is required for a driveway next to a gas meter?

On 2016-10-12 by Donna - gas meter to mobile home

I am the manager of a mobile home park in northern Alberta Canada. my question is how far from the existing natural gas line/meter can a mobile home be placed. The service line is appox 6 feet out the end of the mobile secured to a fence line. This places the service approx. 2 to 2 1/2 feet from the meter hook up.

On 2016-10-04 by Dan - gas meter to furnace

What is the clearance between the gas meter and vent on a high efficiency furnace

On 2016-09-22 by (mod) - gas meter in front of a foundation vent

Interesting question, Most likely he's entirely correct, and is using the same AGA sources you see in the article above - take a look at the table and you'll see crawl space vents are included along with clearance distances.

On 2016-09-22 17:17:37.437210 by Jack G.

The gas meter was installed directly in front of a crawl space foundation vent. The vent was there when the gas line and meter was installed. A home inspector now says that the vent has to be covered and sealed. Is he correct?

On 2016-07-12 by Susan K - gas meter distance to charcoal wood smoker

Can I use my charcoal/wood smoker on the same side of the house where my gas meter is? It would be about 15-20 feet away.

On 2016-07-10 by (mod) - distance from gas meter to fence

Jason this is a question to take to your gas supply company.
Issues I can forsee include:

1. some idiot driving a fencepost through a utility line causing a catastrophe

2. making it impossible to visually read the meter. Some systems use a transponder and meters are read remotely, requiring only occasional direct visual access.

Let me know what your gas company says. Meanwhile don't move the fence nor drive posts nor dig into ground before you also know what utilities such as buried gas lines need to be avoided, and where they are located.

On 2016-07-09 by Jason Smith

Can I move my fence to where the gas meter would be behind the the fence. I live in Wichita Falls Tx.

Currently the fence is behind the meter where it had open access for its meter readings. I was wanting to build a new fence and not have to remove it due to the gas company not be able to read the meter or violate some code.

The customer service line is not open for til Monday. I was trying to get it done today while I'm off. Thanks

On 2016-07-03 by (mod) - requirement to move gas meter away from front of mobile home

Cecelia,

You don't say where you live, so we cannot even guess at what codes apply to you regarding gas meters and gas piping. In any case usually permit questions are usually a local building code matter.

You need to call your local gas company OR your local building department to ask their advice as well as ask a recommendation for who can handle this job as making a mistake could be dangerous.

If the meter belongs to the park, it's not clear to me that a park tenant should or even legally could move their meter.

On 2016-07-03 by Cecelia Lucido

I sold my mothers Mobile Home, gas meter is as you go into her door but below it. Park owner says I need to have it moved away from the front. It's not PG&E meter it's the parks meter. Do I need a permit to move it. Park manager is a very mean person.

On 2016-05-20 by Cipriano Yanez

The city inspector left me a correction notice stating that the gas regulator I installed needed to be 3' above the fresh air intake from the HVAC system or 10' away, is this correct? on this web site it indicates 10' either way.

On 2016-04-19 by (mod) - distance from gas meter to any flame source

Darren,

There are clearance distances between a gas meter and flame sources or other hazards, so I'm nervous about what you describe. (See the tables above).

Some building officials will "grandfather" an indoor gas meter provided that its regulator vent is piped to the outdoors. Let me know what your building department says.

On 2016-04-19 by darren

We are renewing kitchen units. The gas meter is in a kitchen unit which is directly next to the cooker point. Is this allowed?

On 2016-02-11 by (mod) - gas meters vs radon mitigation systems

There is no relationship between gas meters and radon mitigation or testing systems other than giving standard gas meter clearances for access and maintenance.

On 2016-02-11 by Anonymous

How far does a radon system coming out of a home need to be from a gas meter in the city of ST Paul MN

On 2016-01-31 by (mod) - gas meter distance to interior framing

John, the gas meter clearances in this article series are typically from finished wall surfaces. Add 1-2" to your framing to allow for finished materials.

On 2016-01-31 by John

How close can interior framing be to a gas meter?

On 2015-10-04 by Anonymous

how far does the electric meter have to be from the gas meter

On 2015-08-26 by (mod) NYC Fuel Gas Code Appendix E on BBQ distance to gas meter

Quoting the NYC Fuel Gas Code Appendix E as an example that has some helpful language:

3. Gas meter rooms, when provided, shall at all times be kept clear of all rubbish; and shall not be used in any way for storage purposes, including material or equipment of any kind.

A legible sign reading “Gas meter room—

No storage permitted” shall be permanently and conspicuously posted on the exterior of the meter room door, except that the sign may be posted on the interior of the meter room door in Occupancy Group R-3.

The lettering of such signs shall be of bold type at least 1 inch (25 mm) in height and shall be properly spaced to provide good legibility. The lettering and background shall be of con- trasting colors.

Where gas meters and related equipment are not located in a separate room but are located in an open floor area, no combustible material shall be stored or kept within 5 feet (1524 mm) of such equipment; nor shall the gas meter be within 3 feet (914 mm) of any heating boiler or sources of ignition and, except Occupancy Group R-3, there shall be a physical barrier required if the room is also used for storage purposes or the like.

On 2015-08-26 by Dave

how close should a gas meter be to rubbish and stdorage

...

...

Continue reading at GAS METER CODES & CLEARANCE DISTANCES or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see GAS METER CLEARANCE DISTANCE FAQs-2 - more-recent questions and answers about clearance spacing distances around gas meters

Or see these

Gas Meter Articles

• GAS LP & NATURAL GAS SAFETY HAZARDS
• GAS BTUH, CUBIC FEET & ENERGY - how to calculate or convert between cubic feet of gas, liquid gallons of LP gas, and BTUs per cubic foot or gallon of gas fuels.
• GAS LEAK DETECTION, LP / NG
• GAS METERS
  • GAS METER CODES & CLEARANCE DISTANCES
  • GAS METER CODES & STANDARDS
  • GAS METER PROTECTION BOLLARDS
• GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS - home
• LP / PROPANE GAS TANKS

Suggested citation for this web page

GAS METER CLEARANCE DISTANCE FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to GAS APPLIANCES, PIPING, CONTROLS

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Questions & answers or comments about residential gas meters, inspection, diagnosis, repair.

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay.

Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like.
You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted.
Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response.
Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca

Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

---

ADVERTISEMENT

---