gas code

[electricmanscott]

Does anyone have a copy of the gas code that requires three foot clearance from electrical stuff such as meters, and disconnects?

 

[alfiesauce]

As a usless fact for your situation-
The Canadian Electric Code requires this.

 

[satcom]

Does anyone have a copy of the gas code that requires three foot clearance from electrical stuff such as meters, and disconnects?

It's not code, it is Best Practices, and can vary from one utility to another, try the Duke Energy Practices for an example http://www.commongroundalliance.com...EMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm

 

[electricmanscott]

The problem is this. AC condensor disco is within 3 feet of a gas meter. I thought it was clear but I just eyeballed it and I'm not even sure such a code exists although I think it does.

Plumbing inspector says it has to be moved. The problem is...and the reason it is where it is... the only other space for it will violate 110.26. (over the condensor)

So which violation will win out?

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Does anyone have a copy of the gas code that requires three foot clearance from electrical stuff such as meters, and disconnects?

I just looked in the ICC gas code, and it is not there.
I believe it is part of the NESC of which the utility companies address.

 

[growler]

Plumbing inspector says it has to be moved.

If the plumbing inspector wants it moved then let him come up with the code that requires this.

I have never even thought about an A/C disconnect. I try to keep the service cable away from the gas meter & pipe just in case there is a melt down.
With no overcurrent protection it's possible to get a lot of heat & arcing but an A/C disconnect is protected with 15-35 A. breaker in most cases.
What's the danger?

 

[electricmanscott]

Found this on the serving utility website. Guess it answers my question. But I have a new one. Does the plumbing inspector enforce utility co requirements?



604. Meter Location
The location of the riser/meter fit on the outside of the foundation must
comply with Company standards including the following considerations:
a) The meter fit should be located at the front or sides of the building or
house.
b) The meter fit should be 3 feet away from any windows, louvers,
vents, or any opening to the building or house.
c) The meter fit should be 3 feet away from any electrical device,
electrical outlet, transformers, or any other potential ignition source.
d) The meter fit should be 10 feet from any forced air intake.
e) The meter fit cannot be underneath porches, decks or overhangs.
NSTAR Gas will supply an as-built drawing of the main and gas line
installation upon request.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

Found this on the serving utility website. Guess it answers my question. But I have a new one. Does the plumbing inspector enforce utility co requirements?



604. Meter Location
The location of the riser/meter fit on the outside of the foundation must
comply with Company standards including the following considerations:
a) The meter fit should be located at the front or sides of the building or
house.
b) The meter fit should be 3 feet away from any windows, louvers,
vents, or any opening to the building or house.
c) The meter fit should be 3 feet away from any electrical device,
electrical outlet, transformers, or any other potential ignition source.
d) The meter fit should be 10 feet from any forced air intake.
e) The meter fit cannot be underneath porches, decks or overhangs.
NSTAR Gas will supply an as-built drawing of the main and gas line
installation upon request.

I think they need to move the meter.

 

[electricalperson]

electricians always get screwed over. the plumber comes and puts something in the work space of a panel and we have to deal with it

 

[charlie]

From the 2009 Edition of NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, Section 5.8.5.1 Line Gas Pressure Regulators, (3) The regulator vent shall terminate at least 3 ft. (0.9 m) from a source of ignition.

There are no requirements for the location of the gas meter with respect to sources of ignition. :smile:

 

[ishium 80439]

This is basically semantics but it reads less stringent than the NEC. Whereas the NEC is all about "shall" and "shall not" this code uses the word "should". I "should" change the oil in my vehicle more often. It is a much softer word. To me it sounds like it leaves the window open for inspector discretion and since the NEC leaves no uncertainty I would vote for that getting the nod.

Don't know if this helps but it is the way I read it.

 

[charlie]

NSTAR is leaving a bit of wiggle room for their people to make some allowances for unusual situations. If the are applying rules in the same manner as the intent of the NESC, should is the same as shall unless nothing else can be done to remedy the situation.

 

[ishium 80439]

So would you personally consider this an unusual situation since the only other option will result in violation of the NEC? Or is the intent to give flexibilty in extreme cases such as geography problems (house surrounded on three sides by water?)?

 

[nakulak]

I think its poor planning, unworkmanlike, and damned dangerous to put any electric within 3' of a gas meter. most gas meters have the regulator relief valve adjacent to them, and when the gas company pipeline pressure spikes everyone in the neighborhood might have gas blowing off. Why would you want to put a possible source of ignition near that ? I don't care if the inspector has a code section or not - he's right, and its not a good place for the disco.