Gas meter - earthing / new smart meter

Cramgirl

My house that I’ve occupied since the early 1990’s has a gas meter in the adjoining garage.
The meter is not earthed. This has never been flagged up on the annual visits by British Gas to service my boiler (which is also in the garage). It only came to light when a salesperson from Br Gas came out to quote for a new boiler a few years ago. Within the quote was an amount of around £200 for earthing the gas meter. I never progressed either the new boiler or the earthing work.
My assumption was that my meter, although “not to current standards” was still ok to use and it was only with something like a new boiler installation that it would have to be brought up to current regulations.
Fast forward to now. I’ve been offered a new Gas Smart meter by Br Gas to replace my existing one. Installation is scheduled for later this month. I’m working on the assumption that as they’re installing a new meter at their suggestion, they will also have to earth the new meter in accordance with current regulations.
Is this a fair assumption to make?
Also, is there any reason NOT to get a smart meter installed? My understanding is that, unlike the earlier versions, the latest versions of smart meters will still work as ‘smart’ meters even if you switch supplier.
Thanks in advance

Ectophile

I’m working on the assumption that as they’re installing a new meter at their suggestion, they will also have to earth the new meter in accordance with current regulations.
Is this a fair assumption to make?

I think you're being wildly optimistic there. The person who comes to fit the meter will be a meter fitter. They won't be trained in anything else, particularly not electrics.


Earthing of incoming metal pipes is in the electrical safety rules, which is why previous gas people have quietly ignored it.

bris

Ectophile wrote: »

Earthing of incoming metal pipes is in the electrical safety rules, which is why previous gas people have quietly ignored it.

It used to be classed as not to current standards but as that class has now been taken away it can be quietly ignored.


It would or should be noted on any paperwork but it's not a fail.


The OP is the responsible person who needs to sort it out, it's not going to get done for them.


OP as you have known about this issue for years now you only have yourself to blame if, god forbid, an electrical fault happens and makes the pipes live.

dj1471

My gas pipework likewise isn't earthed, e.on left a piece of card with a notice recommending it be done when they put my smart meters in. There's no chance of them earthing it, it's your responsibility.

Cramgirl

Ectophile wrote: »

I think you're being wildly optimistic there. The person who comes to fit the meter will be a meter fitter. They won't be trained in anything else, particularly not electrics.

.

I was told that the “meter fitter” would need access to my electricity meter as part of the gas meter installation process and that the electricity supply would be turned off for up to an hour. If the “fitter” is messing around (for want of a better word) with my main electrics box, I would certainly hope that they are trained to a regulated standard in electrical work.

bris wrote: »

The OP is the responsible person who needs to sort it out, it's not going to get done for them.
.

I'm not sure how to interpret this. Are you saying Br Gas will install a new meter that doesn't meet CURRENT safety standards?


My neighbour recently knocked down his garage. He wanted to build a new one, identical in size, in its place. However planning regs had changed since the original build and his builder had to conform to the new guidelines given it was a new construction. My thought process follows the same pattern in that any utility company installing a NEW meter would have to ensure the installation meets current regs, notwithstanding what had gone before?

Risteard

Ectophile wrote: »

Earthing of incoming metal pipes is in the electrical safety rules

Bonding - NOT Earthing.

keith969

Cramgirl wrote: »

Fast forward to now. I’ve been offered a new Gas Smart meter by Br Gas to replace my existing one. Installation is scheduled for later this month. I’m working on the assumption that as they’re installing a new meter at their suggestion, they will also have to earth the new meter in accordance with current regulations.
Is this a fair assumption to make?

No. In my previous house, BG came to replace the meter under the stairs with a new one, when the guy looked at it he said the bonding was on the wrong side of the meter. And said I'd need to get an electrician in to correct it before a new meter could be fitted - he would not do it himself as not qualified to.

baldelectrician

It is the responsibility of the home owner

I do inspection and testing (electrical) as part of my job. It comes as a surprise to many when they are told they need gas bonding

They will leave a notice (and may get you to sign something) so that you know the protective bonding is not done (this passes the buck)

I would look at your service reports for your gas boiler- it should be noted there as well.

missile

BG installed a new boiler at my MiLs property. After 12 months they came to service it and said the gas pipe required earth bonding.
"You fitted it you repair it".
"That will be £200 sir" :eek::eek::eek:
Bought and fitted earth bonding clamp and earth wire gas pipe connected to the water pipe = job done. :A

bris

missile wrote: »

Bought and fitted earth bonding clamp and earth wire gas pipe connected to the water pipe = job done. :A

Ideally it should be bonded with 10mm earth wire back to the consumer unit.


Are you sure the water pipes are all bonded in one continuous loop, no breaks, no plastic pipe anywhere It would be difficult to tell unless you did the original work.


It's a mistake to just bond it to a water pipe and hope for the best.

Gloomendoom

I had a new gas meter fitted fairly recently. Earth bonding isn't present and it wasn't mentioned by the fitter.

However, the meter is outside on the other side of the drive. Would it need bonding? The pipe from the meter is bonded with 10mm earth cable back to the consumer unit from where it enters the house.