BS 6400-3:2007
$189.07
Specification for installation, exchange, relocation and removal of gas meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6 m3/h – Low and medium pressure (3rd family gases)
| Published By | Publication Date | Number of Pages |
| BSI | 2007 | 46 |
The standard specifies requirements for the installation, exchange, relocation and removal of credit or prepayment diaphragm and ultrasonic gas meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6 m3/h.
NOTE 1 For the purposes of this standard, installation includes design, inspection and commissioning. It is recognized that each of these tasks can be performed by the same person.
This part of BS 6400 is applicable to meter installations:
- supplied with 3rd family gases either:
- from low pressure service pipework with a maximum operating pressure not exceeding 75 mbar and a design maximum incidental pressure of 350 mbar; or
- from medium pressure service pipework with a maximum operating pressure exceeding 75 mbar but not exceeding 2 bar and a design maximum incidental pressure of 2.7 bar;
- only fitted downstream of the emergency control valve;
- that utilizes a meter regulator downstream of the emergency control valve;
- where all gas fittings subjected to medium pressure have been pre-assembled and where strength and gas tightness testing has been undertaken on the regulator assembly at the factory;
- where the operating pressure at the outlet of the meter is nominally 37 mbar.
Installation pipework is specified in BS 5482-1 and LPGA Code of Practice 25 [14].
Service pipework (including the first emergency control valve) is specified in BS 5482-1 and the LPGA Code of Practice 22 [15] and LPGA Code of Practice 25 [14].
This standard does not cover pressure regulating installations installed in a service pipework upstream of the emergency control valve.
NOTE 2 All pressures quoted in this standard are gauge pressures and all pressure absorption values are for liquefied petroleum gas unless otherwise specified.
NOTE 3 Additional guidance on domestic gas systems can be found in the European functional standards BS EN 1775.
NOTE 4 For additional guidance on the installation of gas meters in caravan holiday homes, residential park homes and permanently moored boats, reference should be made to IGE/UP/8 [16].
PDF Catalog
| PDF Pages | PDF Title |
|---|---|
| 3 | Contents 1 Scope 1 2 Normative references 2 3 Terms and definitions 2 4 Planning and exchange of information 6 5 Competency 7 6 Design 7 7 Installation 21 8 Gas tightness testing and purging 25 9 Commissioning of the meter installation 26 10 Notices 27 11 Meter exchange and/or replacement of other gas fitting 30 12 Meter relocation 30 13 Meter removal 32 14 Records 33 15 Post installation checks 33 Annexes Annex A (normative) Sizing of meters 34 Annex B (normative) Operational pressure limits 35 Bibliography 37 List of figures Figure 1 – Arrangements of a meter installation (symbols to BS 1553-1) 9 Figure 2 – Connections on 6 m3/h metal case meter 16 Figure 3 – Connections on 6 m3/h plastic case meters intended for semi-concealed installation 17 Figure 4 – Typical meter installation notices 29 List of tables Table 1 – Minimum proximity distances for meter housings and relief valve vent pipe tips (MP installations) 14 Table A.1 – Diversity factors of appliances for meter sizing 34 Table B.1 – Operational pressure limits for a regulator conforming to BS EN 13785 which supplies MP (sometimes referred to as first stage) 35 Table B.2 – Operational pressure limits for MP regulator conforming to BS EN 13785 which supplies LP (sometimes referred to as the second stage regulator when used in a three stage system) 35 Table B.3.1 – Operational pressure limits for a MP or LP regulator conforming to BS EN 13785 which supplies the gas appliance where the downstream equipment has a MOP of 150 mbar 36 Table B.3.2 – Operational pressure limits for a MP or LP regulator which supplies the gas appliance where the downstream equipment has a MOP of 75 mbar 36 |
| 5 | Foreword |
| 6 | a) The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 [1]. b) The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 [2]. c) The Gas Safety (Application) Order (Isle of Man) 1996 [3]. d) The Gas Meters (Information on Connection and Disconnection) Regulations 1996 [4]. e) The Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996 [5]. f) The Gas Safety (Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997 [6]. g) The Gas (Meters) Regulations 1983 (as amended) [7]. h) The Building Regulations 2000 (as amended) [8]. i) The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (as amended) [9]. j) The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (as amended) [10]. k) The Measuring Instruments (EEC Requirements) (Gas Volume Meters) Regulations 1988 (as amended) [11]. l) The Measuring Instruments (Gas Meters) Regulations 2006 [12] m) The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 [13]. |
| 7 | 1 Scope a) supplied with 3rd family gases either: 2) from medium pressure service pipework with a maximum operating pressure exceeding 75 mbar but not exceeding 2 bar and a design maximum incidental pressure of 2.7 bar; b) only fitted downstream of the emergency control valve; c) that utilizes a meter regulator downstream of the emergency control valve; d) where all gas fittings subjected to medium pressure have been pre-assembled and where strength and gas tightness testing has been undertaken on the regulator assembly at the factory; e) where the operating pressure at the outlet of the meter is nominally 37 mbar. |
| 8 | 2 Normative references 3 Terms and definitions 3.1 additional emergency control valve (AECV) 3.2 equipotential bond |
| 9 | 3.3 electrical insulator 3.4 emergency control valve (ECV) 3.5 gas fitting 3.6 index 3.7 installation pipework 3.8 interconnecting pipework 3.9 lock-up pressure 3.10 low pressure (LP) 3.11 lowest operating pressure (LOP) 3.12 maximum operating pressure (MOP) 3.13 design pressure (DP) 3.14 design maximum incidental pressure (DMIP) 3.15 medium pressure (MP) 3.16 meter |
| 10 | 3.17 meter box 3.18 meter bracket 3.19 meter exchange 3.20 filter 3.21 meter housing 3.22 meter inlet valve (MIV) |
| 11 | 3.23 meter installation 3.24 non-return valve 3.25 safety device 3.26 meter regulator 3.27 meter support post 3.28 pressure test point |
| 12 | 3.29 pliable connector 3.30 service pipework 3.31 semi-concealed meter box 3.32 strength test 3.33 tightness test 3.34 pressure absorption 3.35 vent pipe 4 Planning and exchange of information 4.1 Consultation |
| 13 | 4.2 Dissemination of information 4.3 Scheduling 4.4 Co-ordination of work 4.5 Non-return valve 5 Competency 6 Design 6.1 General 6.1.1 Arrangement of the meter installation |
| 14 | 6.1.2 Gas fittings 6.1.2.1 All installations 6.1.2.2 Medium pressure (MP) installations a) be capable of withstanding the DMIP advised by the gas supplier, i.e. in Great Britain this value is 2.7 bar; b) be suitable for a MOP of 2 bar; c) have been strength and gas tightness tested at the factory to a minimum of 3 bar. a) be capable of withstanding a pressure resulting from the operation of the final safety device, i.e. the OPSO; b) have been strength and gas tightness tested at the factory to a minimum of 1.5 times the set pressure of the final safety device, i.e. the OPSO. 6.1.2.3 Low pressure (LP) installations a) be capable of withstanding a DMIP of 350 mbar; b) be suitable for a MOP of 75 mbar; c) have been strength and gas tightness tested at the factory to a minimum of 525 mbar. |
| 15 | Figure 1 Arrangements of a meter installation (symbols to BS 1553-1) |
| 16 | Figure 1 Arrangements of a meter installation (symbols to BS 1553-1) (continued) |
| 17 | Figure 1 Arrangements of a meter installation (symbols to BS 1553-1) (continued) |
| 18 | Figure 1 Arrangements of a meter installation (symbols to BS 1553-1) (continued) |
| 19 | 6.1.3 Gas Family 6.1.4 Flow rate 6.1.5 Connections 6.1.6 Pressure absorption 6.2 Regulator and safety devices 6.2.1 General 6.2.2 Medium pressure (MP) regulator a) an UPSO; b) an OPSO; c) a limited relief valve with a maximum capacity of 5% of the regulator design capacity. |
| 20 | 6.2.3 Low pressure (LP) regulator 6.3 Vent pipe (MP installations only) Table 1 Minimum proximity distances for meter housings and relief valve vent pipe tips (MP installations) |
| 21 | 6.4 Meter and meter connections |
| 22 | Figure 2 Connections on 6 m3/h metal case meter |
| 23 | Figure 3 Connections on 6 m3/h plastic case meters intended for semi-concealed installation |
| 24 | 6.5 Emergency control valve 6.6 Meter inlet valve 6.7 Pliable connector 6.8 Pressure test point 6.9 Interconnecting pipework 6.10 Location of meter installation a) as to enable the installation, adjustment, servicing and exchange of the regulator and safety devices and the exchange of the meter itself; b) the meter is easily accessible for inspection and meter reading. |
| 25 | a) in close proximity to any source of heat or where it might be subjected to extremes of temperature; b) where it might be exposed to accidental damage; c) where it might cause an obstruction; d) where it might be affected by a damp or corrosive atmosphere (semi-concealed meter installation excepted); e) where it will constitute a danger to any person; f) any nearer to electrical wiring, switchgear, etc. than the distances given in 6.3.2 (MP installations) and 7.10 (LP and MP installations); g) in a covered passageway or car port (MP installations only); h) in a basement or cellar; i) at such a low level that there is a significant risk of it being submerged in the event of flooding; j) for a LP meter installation in an unventilated space inside a building. 6.11 Meter housing a) semi-concealed meter box; b) surface mounted meter box; c) built-in (inset) meter box; d) post mounted meter box; e) purpose built housing. |
| 26 | a) the materials used are impermeable to gas and do not allow escaping gas to enter the wall cavity or property; b) they give protection against the weather and acts of vandalism; c) they are resistant to the surface spread of flame in accordance with BS 476-7:1997, Class 2; d) they are marked with a 24 mm high capital letter “G”; e) consumer access is gained only by a special key; f) the consumer has ready access to the ECV. |
| 27 | a) for a MP installation, the cable shall enter/leave the box via the bottom exit and not by drilling or piercing the box; b) for a LP installation the cable shall enter/leave the box either through a purpose-provided rear entry sleeve (spigot) or via the bottom exit and not by drilling or piercing the box. 7 Installation 7.1 General 7.2 Handling and care 7.3 Pre-installation checks and safety precautions a) Confirm that the meter installation inlet pipework/fitting is compatible with the outlet connection of the ECV. b) Confirm whether the pressure in the service pipework is either LP or MP. Confirm that the regulator and safety devices and their connection to the ECV are compatible with the pressure in the gas service pipework. |
| 28 | c) Confirm the site is ready to accept the completed installation, for example any housing and foundations have been completed. d) Confirm that the location and design of the meter housing conforms to 6.11 and that the ECV is accessible in accordance with 6.5. Ensure that the location of the vent pipe conforms to 6.3. e) Confirm that any electrical equipment installed within the meter housing is suitable for use within a BS EN 60079-10 zone 2 hazardous area. f) Ensure that the correct parts of the meter installation including fixings, washers and sealing materials, have been supplied for installation in accordance with the design conforming to Clause 6. g) Confirm that all gas fittings have been strength and tightness tested at the factory in accordance with 6.1.2. h) Visually check that the regulator has been sealed and the regulator assembly packaged to prevent debris entering the components prior to delivery to the site. Remove the packaging and visually check that the gasways are clean. i) Ensure that the gas fittings are undamaged and conform to the product standards specified in Clause 6. j) The meter shall not be installed in a built-in meter box with its main body damaged such that there is a risk that gas may enter the cavity or fabric of the building. k) Ensure that the notices in Clause 10 are available for the meter installation. 7.4 Temporary continuity bond |
| 29 | 7.5 Main equipotential bonding 7.6 Securing the meter a) the meter, regulator and safety devices can be supported and installed in a manner that minimizes strain being placed on any connections and allows easy removal and refitting of the meter, regulator and safety devices; b) the meter can be fitted and supported so as to restrict movement and reduce the likelihood of tampering; c) a meter that is to be installed inside a building can be fitted to a meter bracket; d) a meter that is to be installed in an above ground meter housing can be fitted to a meter bracket that has been fitted within the meter housing. e) a meter that is to be installed in a semi-concealed meter box can be restrained from movement by either the design of the box or the use of a meter bracket that has been fitted to the box; f) where a diaphragm meter is used it can only be installed upright and level such that it cannot be readily tilted; g) the meter and its regulator and safety devices can be secured such that they are not in direct contact with any wall and shal… |
| 30 | 7.7 Emergency control valve a) it is of a type suitable for operating pressures within the range of LOP and DMIP; b) it is sited so as to be easily accessible for operation by the consumer to isolate the gas supply; c) it is sited so as to permit easy access for operating, servicing and exchanging; d) it is fitted with a key or lever such that the key or lever cannot be moved in a downward direction to open it and any detachable lever is securely held in place; e) the “ON” and “OFF” positions and the direction of operation of the ECV are clearly and permanently marked. 7.8 Meter regulator and safety devices 7.9 Pliable connector 7.10 Electrical apparatus adjacent a gas meter 7.10.1 Low pressure (LP) installation |
| 31 | 7.10.2 Medium pressure (MP) installation 7.11 Multiple meter installations a) be installed in accordance with Figure 1c) b) the meters are situated in an area to which there is reasonable access at all times; c) the meters are enclosed in a single lockable housing or in individual lockable meter boxes; d) a suitably labelled key for the meter housing is provided for each occupant of the premises the meter serves; e) each meter or individual meter box is clearly marked to indicate the premises it serves; f) each individual premises has an appropriately sited AECV as close as practicable to where the installation pipework enters the premises; g) meter housings are installed, marked or labelled to indicate the property to which each meter relates and that the marking or labelling is permanent and visible when the compartment is closed; h) each individual premises (e.g. each house, flat or maisonette) using a supply of gas is provided with an AECV, whether or not… 8 Gas tightness testing and purging |
| 32 | 9 Commissioning of the meter installation 9.1 Meter regulator and safety devices a) the regulator gives an operating pressure at the outlet of the meter of between: 2) 32 mbar and 42 mbar at corresponding flow rates between 6 m3/h and 0.5 m3/h for regulators set to meet the requirements of Table B.3.2. b) If the pressure is outside this range the regulator shall be adjusted by a person authorized by the gas supplier; c) the regulator lock up is at a pressure not exceeding the values given in Table B.3.1 and Table B.3.2 as appropriate, with no flow through the installation; d) the UPSO and OPSO are set in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to meet the design criteria given in 6.1.2 using the values given in Table B.3.1 and Table B.3.2 as appropriate; e) the regulator and safety device(s) are sealed to prevent their settings from being interfered with, without breaking the seal. 9.2 Meter a) any prepayment coin or token mechanism is operating correctly; b) the index is incrementing correctly; c) for an ultrasonic meter that is not new or does not have an index reading of between 99 997.000 and 99 999.999 the diagnostic functions are reset after installation; d) the meter index is read and recorded in accordance with Clause 14. |
| 33 | 10 Notices 10.1 General 10.2 Emergency notices 10.2.1 Meter adjacent to the emergency control valve a) to shut off the supply of gas if there is a gas escape at the premises; b) to immediately notify the gas supplier if gas continues to escape; c) of details of the emergency service contact, including the emergency telephone number; d) not to reinstate the supply until remedial action has been taken by a competent person to prevent gas escaping again; e) of the date the notice was first displayed. 10.2.2 Meter not adjacent to the emergency control valve 10.2.2.1 Emergency notice at the emergency control valve a) to shut off the supply of gas if there is a gas escape at the premises; b) to immediately notify the gas supplier if gas continues to escape; c) not to reinstate the supply until remedial action has been taken by a competent person to prevent gas escaping again; d) of details of the emergency service contact, including the emergency telephone number; e) of the date the notice was first displayed. |
| 34 | 10.2.2.2 Emergency notice at the meter 10.3 Emergency control valve 10.4 Live gas 10.5 Meter installation a) the name and contact details of the gas supplier; b) the setting of the operating pressure at the outlet of the meter (i.e. metering pressure); c) the UPSO set pressure; d) the relief valve set pressure (for MP installations only); e) the OPSO set pressure (for MP installations only); f) regulator lock up pressure; and g) if applicable, the method of resetting the UPSO in the event of no gas at the appliance(s). |
| 35 | Figure 4 Typical meter installation notices 10.6 Meter housing notice a) where the service pipework at the ECV is at MP, the outlet pipe and vent pipe shall not exit via the rear of the box; b) the housing manufacturer’s details; c) the gas family and MOP for which the housing is intended, e.g. “3rd family gas with a maximum operating pressure not exceeding 2 bar”. |
| 36 | 11 Meter exchange and/or replacement of other gas fitting 11.1 Inspection 11.2 Temporary continuity bonding 11.3 Carrying out the work 12 Meter relocation 12.1 General a) altering the position of the service pipework; b) relocating the meter only; c) relocating the regulator and meter. a) the owner of the premises; b) the owner of the meter/meter installation; c) the relevant gas supplier. |
| 37 | 12.2 Inspection of existing installation a) the condition of the gas fittings; b) the suitability of the proposed location; c) which type of relocation listed in 12.1.1 is the most practical. 12.3 Design 12.4 Carrying out the work 12.4.1 Gas tightness of existing installation 12.4.2 Temporary continuity bond |
| 38 | 12.4.3 Relocation work 12.5 Gas tightness testing and purging 12.6 Commissioning, notices and records a) commission the meter installation in accordance with Clause 9; b) fit notices in accordance with Clause 10; and c) complete records in accordance with Clause 14. 13 Meter removal |
| 39 | 14 Records 15 Post installation checks a) all un-used tappings and purge points are capped or plugged with appropriate fittings; b) any MIV handle has been removed except when it has been relocated in accordance with Clause 12 because it is acting as an AECV; c) the regulator and safety devices have been sealed to prevent their settings from being interfered with, without breaking any seal; d) the installation pipework has not been connected to the outlet of the meter installation unless it has been tightness tested, purged and labelled and all appliances commissioned or disconnected form the gas supply; e) notices are fitted in accordance with Clause 10. f) the meter details have been recorded in accordance with Clause 14. |
| 40 | Annex A (normative) Sizing of meters A.1 Diversity factor A.2 Meter size calculation |
| 41 | Annex B (normative) Operational pressure limits |
| 43 | Bibliography [1] GREAT BRITAIN. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, No. 2451, London: HMSO. [2] NORTHERN IRELAND. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004, No. 63, London: HMSO. [3] ISLE OF MAN. The Gas Safety (Application) Order (Isle of Man) 1996, No. 326/96. Hard copies are available from the Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate of the Isle of Man. [4] GREAT BRITAIN. The Gas Meters (Information on Connection and Disconnection) Regulations 1996, No. 450, London: HMSO. [5] GREAT BRITAIN. The Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996, No. 551, London: HMSO. [6] NORTHERN IRELAND. The Gas Safety (Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997, No. 195, London: HMSO. |
| 44 | [7] GREAT BRITAIN. The Gas (Meters) Regulations 1983 (as amended), No. 684, London: HMSO. [8] GREAT BRITAIN. The Building Regulations 2000 (as amended), No. 2531, London: HMSO. [9] GREAT BRITAIN. The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (as amended), No. 406, London: HMSO. [10] NORTHERN IRELAND. The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (as amended), No. 389, London: HMSO. [11] GREAT BRITAIN. The Measuring Instruments (EEC Requirements) (Gas Volume Meters) Regulations 1988 (as amended), No. 296, London: HMSO. [12] GREAT BRITAIN. The Measuring Instruments (Gas Meters) Regulations 2006, No. 2647, London: HMSO. [13] GREAT BRITAIN. The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002, No. 2776, London: HMSO. [14] LPGA. Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association Code of Practice 25 LPG Central Storage and Distribution Systems for Multiple Consumers, 1999. Ringwood, Hampshire: The LP Gas Association, 1999. [15] LPGA. Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association Code of Practice 22 LPG Piping System Design and Installation, 2002. Ringwood, Hampshire: The LP Gas Association, 2002. [16] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGE/UP/8, Gas in caravans, holiday homes and boats, 2000. Loughborough: IGEM [17] GREAT BRITAIN. Gas Act 1986 (as amended by the Gas Act 1995 and incorporating standalone provisions of the Utilities Act 2000). London: HMSO. [18] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGE/GM/7, Gas measurement procedures – Electrical connections and hazardous area classification for gas metering equipment (as amended), 2004, Loughborough: IGEM. [19] HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSION (HSC). L56, Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998: Approved Code of Practice and Guidance, 1998, Sudbury: HSE Books, www.hsebooks.co.uk. [20] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGE/SR/25, Hazardous area classification of natural gas installations, 2000, Loughborough: IGEM. [21] INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS. IGE/G/5, Gas installations in multi-occupancy, multi-dwelling buildings, 2006, Loughborough: IGEM. |
