Move/change gas meter - same box as electricity?

JohnB47

Sorry if I've asked this before. I'm still wondering about moving our old, large gas meter and having gas and electricity smart meters installed. So, some questions (we're with Octopus, duel fuel).

Can you have gas and electric smart meters in the same box? (the gas meter is currently under the stairs, the electric and consumer unit in the hall, near the front door. The gas pipe passes right in front of the electric box, under the floorboards.) Something tells me this is not permitted.

Who does the work of moving the gas meter?

Who to contact about this?

What would the sequence of work be? I'm thinking that it would be best to have smart meters fitted first, then get the gas one repositioned.

Thanks for any advice.

QrizB

JohnB47 said:

Can you have gas and electric smart meters in the same box?

I don't think so; if you could, someone would sell a combined meter box.

JohnB47 said:

Who does the work of moving the gas meter?

Your gas network operator:
https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator

JohnB47 said:

Who to contact about this?

Your gas network operator.

Note that it might be quite expensive.

JohnB47 said:

What would the sequence of work be? I'm thinking that it would be best to have smart meters fitted first, then get the gas one repositioned.

If the meters are currently close enough that they can communicate (they use a technology similar to wifi), I'd get the meters changed first.

If I had an indoor gas meter, I'd look to get it moved outdoors. One less source of leaks to worry about!

Neil_Jones

A lot might depend on the environment and what work would be required to relocate the meter.

Who does the work - existing supplier or local gas network operator.  The latter will charge, expect three figure easily,. and if the former can't (or won't) do it (there is only a finite limit to the work they'll do) then the latter will have to.

It may not be a problem that the gas pipe passes in front of the electric box, what's not permissible now probably was when it was installed.   No end of stories of gas/electric meters ending up in places for one reason or another where nobody in their right mind would have installed it in the first place.

JohnB47

Thanks guys. "It may not be a problem that the gas pipe passes in front of the electric box, what's not permissible now probably was when it was installed." 

I wasn't thinking it would be a problem, more a benefit if both meters could be fitted together in the same cabinet.

[Deleted User]

JohnB47 said:

Thanks guys. "It may not be a problem that the gas pipe passes in front of the electric box, what's not permissible now probably was when it was installed." 

I wasn't thinking it would be a problem, more a benefit if both meters could be fitted together in the same cabinet.

‘Gas pipes should also be at least 150mm from electrical supply equipment such as electric metering equipment, service cut-outs, main isolation switches or consumer units. If these distances cannot be met, then gas pipework and electrics must be separated by a non-conductive barrier.’

Most modern meter box doors are vented for a reason. 

JohnB47

Dolor said:

JohnB47 said:

Thanks guys. "It may not be a problem that the gas pipe passes in front of the electric box, what's not permissible now probably was when it was installed." 

I wasn't thinking it would be a problem, more a benefit if both meters could be fitted together in the same cabinet.

‘Gas pipes should also be at least 150mm from electrical supply equipment such as electric metering equipment, service cut-outs, main isolation switches or consumer units. If these distances cannot be met, then gas pipework and electrics must be separated by a non-conductive barrier.’

Most modern meter box doors are vented for a reason. 

So that answers one question then. Or does it. If gas pipes and meter can be fitted "at least 150mm from electrical supply equipment "  in theory both electricity and gas meters could be fitted in the same hall cabinet.

[Deleted User]

JohnB47 said:

Dolor said:

JohnB47 said:

Thanks guys. "It may not be a problem that the gas pipe passes in front of the electric box, what's not permissible now probably was when it was installed." 

I wasn't thinking it would be a problem, more a benefit if both meters could be fitted together in the same cabinet.

‘Gas pipes should also be at least 150mm from electrical supply equipment such as electric metering equipment, service cut-outs, main isolation switches or consumer units. If these distances cannot be met, then gas pipework and electrics must be separated by a non-conductive barrier.’

Most modern meter box doors are vented for a reason. 

So that answers one question then. Or does it. If gas pipes and meter can be fitted "at least 150mm from electrical supply equipment "  in theory both electricity and gas meters could be fitted in the same hall cabinet.

In theory, yes - but note the requirement for a non conductive barrier which would effectively separate gas from electricity. 

Read para 2.7 and the reference for the latest advice:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/995871/smart-metering-guidance-new-builds.pdf

JohnB47

Jus found this. It suggests contacting Octopus (in my case) first.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/your-energy-meter/move-your-gas-or-electricity-meter/#:~:text=Only your current supplier can,best deal by switching supplier.