A gas meter measures the volume of natural gas needed to fuel your business. They are supplied in many sizes and it is important that your business has the correct meter size or you could be paying a higher standing charge for a gas meter you don’t need. The type of meter you’ll need is determined by your Hourly Load (HL), the maximum amount you’ll need at any one point. Your HL is determined by what the gas is being used for and the devices on site. Each piece of gas equipment will need a certain amount of gas to run.
Example of appliances:
The total HL will be 60 kWhs per hour, which means you would need a gas meter that is able to flow enough gas to allow an energy of 60 kWhs. There are three types of gas meters:
Emergency Control Valve (ECV)
The safety mechanism on the supply pipe fitted to all gas pipe installations – its purpose is to control the flow of gas. You’ll find it where the pipe meets the gas meter.
Regulator / Governor
The job of a gas regulator is to supply gas at constant set outlet pressure. It will maintain the correct pressure and cut off the flow when it reaches a set pressure.
Anaconda / Flexi-hose
The anaconda is a corrugated metallic flexible hose that is used to connect the gas regulator with the gas pipes.
Meter Pressure
Meter pressure should be between 19 and 21 mbar and this is measured by a gas test gauge. If the number read is between this amount, then no more action needs to be taken. If it falls outside of this and the site hasn’t requested elevated pressure, you should contact your supplier, or if in out of hours the Gas Emergency Line on 0800 111 999.
Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN)
The MPRN is the identification number of the Supply Pipe. Your MPRN is typically an 11-digit number found but can be lower and can be located on your gas bill. It is the unique number for your gas meter and is requested if you are changing suppliers.
Knowing your gas meter size
There isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ ethos when it comes to gas meter size. It is important to check that the volume of gas you need is supported by the correct size gas meter. Standard diaphragm gas meter sizes are written as:
The U is to define all diaphragm gas meters and the number explains to meter capacity in Standard Cubic Metres per Hour (SCMH). The 6 therefore means it has a capacity of 6 cubic meters per hour. If you are unsure about the size of the gas meter that supplies your business, our Siteworks team can arrange inspections, upgrades and downgrades of meters. Get in touch with the team today.
The Meter Asset Manager is a company that works on behalf of a supplier to install and maintain your gas meters. They may be mentioned by your supplier when talking over the process. They are responsible for:
Siteworks is an integral part of the process of supplying your business with gas. If a commercial property doesn’t have a pipe, gas meter or contract, Crown Gas & Power’s Siteworks team can manage all aspects of this process for not only gas but your electricity and water pipes too.
At Crown Gas & Power, we offer free of charge standard sized meter installations to businesses that sign their gas supply contract with us, which includes LP and MP270 pressure tiers.
When working with our Siteworks team, no matter how big the project, you will benefit from working with a dedicated point of contact who will support you throughout the whole process.
Get in touch with the team today to discuss your requirements by calling 0161 762 7744 or by emailing site.service@crowngas.co.uk
Crown Gas & Power
Crown Point
Heap Brow
Bury
BL9 7JR
United Kingdom
Tel: 0161 762 7744
Email: hello@crowngas.co.uk
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Crown Gas & Power is a commercial energy supplier, who have been supplying gas to UK businesses since 2001. We are renowned for our personalised service, competitive prices & variable length supply contracts. Our service also includes multiple utility connections & service alterations; not just for gas; but, electricity & water too.