Gas meters, when installed in alcoves or closets, shall be built to the following minimum dimensions below. These dimensions are approximate and will vary based on pipe components used. Final alcove dimensions should be built based on finished size of meter set.
Gas alcoves must be sealed tight by the customer at all interior seams, corners, or penetrations to prevent gas from entering any portion of the building
The gas alcove shall not be used as a storage areaThe gas alcove shall not be used as a storage area
Other utilities including electric, water, telephone, television cable, or other facilities shall not be installed in the gas alcove
The bottom of the meter alcove shall be constructed to prevent water from collecting inside the alcove
Vents across the top and bottom of the alcove or a louvered door should be installed to provide adequate ventilation
All gas regulators must be independently vented to the outside of the building as required by National Fire Protection Agency Standard 54. (NFPA 54 5.8.5).
The meter set(s) must be readily accessible for emergency shut-off, maintenance, and meter reading. (NFPA 54 5.7.2.1).
Vents are recommended across the extreme top and bottom of all gas alcoves. Each unobstructed vent opening should be at least 3” high, extending across the width of the alcove.
If louvered doors are used, only the top vent is recommended. Space between louvers should be a minimum of ¼”.
All enclosed gas alcove ceiling should be sloped upwards from back to front, with a 1” rise per 12” depth to allow SNG to escape out through the top vent.
The floor should be sloped downwards from back to front with a 1” rise per 12” depth to allow LPG to escape out through the bottom vent.
