How to move a gas meter: rules and procedures for moving a flow meter

Have you started renovating your kitchen and are wondering how to move the gas meter so that it does not spoil the interior of the room? Or is the data transmitted by the flow meter difficult to read due to the inaccessibility of the device? This, as well as the requirements for the location of gas equipment, may cause relocation and changes to the existing project.

There are quite a lot of rules for dismantling and installation. All of them are approved by law and are accompanied by instructions about who has the right to perform the work, what documents are needed, what algorithm should be followed when changing the position of the meter.

In order not to search for information from disparate sources, we suggest that you read our article. In it we have collected information about legal requirements, precautions, and the correct procedure when moving a flow meter.

Possible reasons for transfer

The most common motive is the beginning of renovation in the kitchen, when old cabinets are replaced by a new fashionable set.

In this case, the initiator of the displacement of the apparatus is the owner of the house or apartment. It can also start the process when changing the stove, gas equipment, purchasing new heating appliances or a taller refrigerator.

When planning to purchase a new kitchen set, it is worth determining in advance the location for the counter. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the requirements of SNiP 42-01-2002, which provides the rules for the location of the device.The right approach is a preliminary consultation with a gas specialist

But this is not the only possible option. Request transfer gas flow meter a gas service employee may be in the kitchen if he notices a violation of the placement rules. In this case, he will draw up a suitable scheme and determine the timing of the work.

Rules for choosing a location for a meter

The main criteria for choosing a location are safe operation and ease of maintenance.

If you look into Set of Rules 42-101-2003, you can find requirements such as:

• maintaining a meter distance from the metering device to the batteries;
• location of the device at a height of 0.5 to 1.6 meters from the floor, 40 cm from the surface of the slab;
• placing it 4-5 centimeters from the wall;
• remoteness from the sink and other sources of high humidity.

And most importantly, the gas meter must be visible. Access must be freed up for reading readings and control inspections.

The location of the meter in an apartment is more standardized than when used in the private sector. When moving a gas meter in a private home, you often have to take an individual approach.

When contacting the gas service, the owner of a residential building must submit an existing gasification project. The document is created at the stage of connecting the household to the gas pipeline

The device can be taken outside, outside the gasified premises. Or located in a new, completed building. In such cases, it is necessary to focus on the rules for designing gas distribution systems.

They say that:

• removal of the device from the premises must be accompanied by the installation of a canopy or a metal cabinet that provides sufficient ventilation;
• the device cannot be located closer than 50 cm to window and door openings;
• external openings in the walls of the house are not suitable for installing a flow meter, as they contribute to the accumulation of fuel in the event of a leak.

Installation of a gas flow meter on open, free-standing supports is permissible if the ambient temperature does not exceed 60 degrees above zero and drop below -20.

In controversial situations, the rules for placing the meter specified in its technical data sheet take precedence.

Main stages of preparation

Despite the fact that the actions of gas services are regulated by law, the procedure for applying and submitting applications to transfer a meter may differ.

You can find the address and contact phone number of the district gas service on the receipt that is sent to residents monthly for payment. Typically this information is located at the bottom of the sheet.

Therefore, the first step in preparation should be to call the organization that serves your area of ​​residence. Its representatives will tell you where to get the application form and which department to contact.

If changes affect the general gas supply plan of an apartment building, then not only clarification of the possibility of transfer will be required, but also separate approval. This is what gas service engineers do. They also draw up circuits that meet safety requirements.

The next step is preparing documents. So, the standard kit includes:

1. Applicant's passport.
2. A completed application form indicating the reasons for moving the meter.
3. Certificate of ownership.
4. Written consent of all owners.
5. Technical passport of the device, the latest verification report.

Some services additionally require confirmation of payment for the services of the gas supply organization, as well as copies of all provided documents.

If a new device is installed during the transfer, then it is necessary to coordinate its type and brand with the gas service. A professional opinion wouldn’t hurt here either, since there are right- and left-handed counters and have different throughputs

The final stage of preparation is payment for services for dismantling the device and moving it. The owner is given an estimate, which indicates the cost of the work, the name, quantity and price of consumables. At the same time, the date of the visit is agreed upon.

Work order

Professional teams spend on moving or gas meter installation in the apartment no more than an hour. The first step is to turn off the gas supply in the house. This is done in agreement with local utility services, with a warning to other residents.

Further actions occur as follows:

1. The device is removed using gas welding.
2. Held transfer of gas pipes in accordance with the new scheme.
3. The device is installed in a new location.

At the end of the work, representatives of the gas service must check the tightness of the connections. To do this, gas is released through the riser, and soap foam is applied to the joints.

The absence of bubbles indicates that the connections are good. The appearance indicates a leak. In this case, the gas is shut off and the seams are welded again.

It is necessary to prepare the workspace for the gas workers’ visit: ensure the accessibility of gas equipment and pipes, pull back the curtains, remove kitchen utensils and foreign objects

Flange connections are retightened.Simultaneously with leakage monitoring, the functionality of the device is checked.

Installing a new device when moving

Work on moving the flow meter can be combined with replacing the device for something new. This is beneficial when:

• nearing completion service life of the old meter;
• desire to install a modern device with remote data transfer;
• absence of documents confirming the positive outcome of the last verification.

When you hand over an old device for verification, you will have to spend time waiting for the service to be provided and money to pay for it.

If the equipment is found unusable, costs will increase: it will be necessary to purchase a new meter. Therefore, in some cases, when transferring, it is more profitable to plan the installation of a new device.

Acceptance, accompanying documents

Being present during the work, the owner can check the correctness of installation and compliance of the new arrangement of pipes and meter with the approved diagram. If everything is done correctly, the craftsmen must fill out a certificate of completed work.

It states:

• information about the gas distribution organization that issued the permit and sent its representatives;
• information about the employees who performed the work;
• technical data of the metering device, its serial number.

The second required document is the act of putting the device into operation. It must record the launch date and time and confirm the functionality of the device.

When submitting an application to transfer the meter, ask the gas company if the device can be sealed immediately after installation. Some organizations present this opportunity. In others, you must submit a separate application after completion of installation work

Both acts are drawn up in two copies.The owner of the premises must store his copies along with the technical data sheet of the product.

Installing a filling after transfer

After you have managed to move the gas meter in the kitchen, you need to seal it. To do this, you need to fill out an application and take it to the customer service department.

The following documents will be required at the time of application:

1. Applicant's passport, certificate of ownership.
2. Technical data sheet of the product or a copy thereof.
3. Acts drawn up by gas company foremen during the transfer.

The period allotted for installation of a seal, is 5 days. During this time, the company is obliged to agree on and determine the date of the specialist’s visit, perform the work, and prepare a service agreement.

After transferring the meter and sealing it, it is necessary to record the readings. The data must be documented. This rule applies to both new and used devices.

Payments are calculated on the meter from the day following the date of sealing. Until this point, when calculating expenses, the consumer must be guided by regional and seasonal standards.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

In the video below, gas company employees once again remind you that before purchasing a kitchen set, it is necessary to clarify the possibility of moving the meter and obtain official consent:

If you are planning to move a gas meter, you need to get full advice from a professional gas fitter. An independent search for options may result in non-compliance with the rules and failure to obtain approval.

The work must be carried out by certified specialists using tools and welding machines with permission.All controversial issues should be resolved based on SNiP 42-01-2002, SP 42-101-2003.

If you are about to renovate your kitchen or are in doubt about the correct location for a gas flow meter, ask questions and exchange opinions. The form below allows you not only to create text messages, but also to attach diagrams, sketches, and drawings. Start a dialogue, become an initiator of discussion!