Directive: Requirements for installation of gas meters on customer-owned piping system

Directive

Directive: Requirements for installation of gas meters on customer-owned piping system

June 4, 2013

Directive
Gas

Reference Number:

D-GA 2013-01

Revision Number:

Revision 1



This Directive is being issued by a provincial safety manager pursuant to section 30 of the Safety Standards Act. 

General details

Gas meters installed downstream of a gas utility’s meter are subject to the requirements of the CSA B149.1 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code. These meters may be used for collecting energy consumption data or similar purposes.

Specific details

Gas meters installed on piping systems covered by the CSA B149.1 Code are defined as “equipment” and, as such, are required to be approved for use. For diaphragm-type meters under 500 cubic feet per hour (cfh) capacity, documentation from the meter manufacturer indicating compliance with ANSI B109.1-1992 “Diaphragm Type Gas Displacement Meters” is acceptable. For diaphragm-type meters of 500 cfh or more, or other types of commercial or industrial meters, a declaration from a professional engineer registered in  British Columbia will be required. The declaration will confirm that the meter and its intended application conform to generally-accepted good engineering practices, and that the meter is suitable for the type of gas being measured and the maximum operating pressure of the system.

Installation will require a “Piping Only” permit, from either a gas contractor or holder of an Industrial and Commercial (IAC), or Special Purpose (SP) Operating Permit. Gas meters must be installed in “readily accessible” locations as defined in the CSA B149.1 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code. They shall be installed in such a manner as to not subject connecting piping to undue strain, protected from physical and environmental damage, and at least three feet from a source of ignition.

Permanent indoor installations (boiler or mechanical room or similar), must be covered by an operating permit as noted above, and the operating permit holder must provide a plan for periodic inspection and maintenance to ensure the integrity and safe operation of the meters. Temporary indoor installations for research purposes must contain provisions for maintenance and/or inspection based on the duration of the installations. 

Gas meters installed indoors in residential multi-unit occupancies must provide ventilation of meter closets and leak detection. Gas meters shall only be located in dedicated meter rooms, and will also require approval from the local building and fire jurisdictions. These applications must have a declaration from a professional engineer registered in  British Columbia confirming the installation conforms to generally-accepted good engineering practices, and applicable codes and standards.

 

 

Brad Wyatt
Provincial Safety Manager, Gas

 

 

References:
Safety Standards Act
Gas Safety Regulation
CSA B149.1 - Natural gas and propane installation code

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