Gas meter and electric panel

[Andres Arias]

As per code, the electric panel and the gas meter should be far each other longer than 3 feet. What happens if the distance is less than that, but there is a wall (drywall or wooden wall) in the middle separating them?

 

[mtnelect]

As per code, the electric panel and the gas meter should be far each other longer than 3 feet. What happens if the distance is less than that, but there is a wall (drywall or wooden wall) in the middle separating them?

If you got the service spotted from the utility your good to go.

 

[Andres Arias]

Notice the case in a picture taken at site:

https://centurionsolar-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/andres_arias_centurionsolar_onmicrosoft_com/EbhvyTxq7I5Ghfeyu7TTwrIBOZy-ehRcUHPc_Se6KebNsQ?e=ogVVQm

 

[electrofelon]

As per code, the electric panel and the gas meter should be far each other longer than 3 feet.

what code is that?

 

[Andres Arias]

what code is that?

NEC 110.26

 

[rbalex]

Have you read Section 110.26? It says nothing of the kind. It defines workspaces only.

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

It's a utility requirement.

 

[augie47]

It's a utility requirement.

I think the wording should be "IN SOME AREAS. it's a utility requirement".. .. No a requirement in any of the areas I've worked....

 

[infinity]

Around here the separation required by the POCO is 3'.

 

[mopowr steve]

I think it’s more about the distance to the “vent tube” at the regulator than actually the gas meter. As the vent is threaded so that one can extend the vent to a more suitable location. Gas shouldn’t be escaping the gas meter any more than any other piece of equipment. It’s the regulator that may spurt out a little gas from time to time.

 

[Andres Arias]

Guys, but what happens if the distance between the gas meter and electric panel is less than 3 feet AND there is a wall in the middle? In this case we consider that the installation is in compliance with code?

 

[electrofelon]

Guys, but what happens if the distance between the gas meter and electric panel is less than 3 feet AND there is a wall in the middle? In this case we consider that the installation is in compliance with code?

We would have to see the code or the utility requirement. This is not covered in the NEC and this is an NEC forum.

 

[infinity]

Around here the separation required by the POCO is 3'.

To clarify my 3' measurement that is for indoor installations from the regulator and 18" for outdoor locations. Section VII, 2.

 

[Andres Arias]

To clarify my 3' measurement that is for indoor installations from the regulator and 18" for outdoor locations. Section VII, 2.

View attachment 2565445

Thank you. But if we face a situation like that shown below (wall in the middle), the 3 feet clearance is met?

 

[rbalex]

Thank you. But if we face a situation like that shown below (wall in the middle), the 3 feet clearance is met?

I suppose we've held you on tenterhooks long enough to emphasize your question isn't answered directly in the NEC - or any common Code likely to be adopted by the AHJ. It is either answered by the local utility standards or a more general industry standard. Neither is the solution trivial.

I prefer API RP500, ANNEX D as the most analytical approach to your situation. Begin with establishing the fuel source. In your case, the gas meter's regulator. The next step can be complicated; that is, determine the applicable "hazard radius". We would usually need to know pressure, flow rate, volume, flammable material characteristics, ventilation rate, etc. But, in your case, 3' has been specified from whatever authoritative source you have. At this point, the key is to determine that the barriers are truly impervious to the flow of the flammable material. If they aren't, then a flat 3' separation, would be necessary. "Drywall or wooden wall" would be irrelevant.

But let us assume the wall is impervious. The simplest solution would be to take an imaginary 3' string and define all points included within its end from the fuel source as classified. See API RP500, ANNEX D Figure D.3.

 

[Johnhall30]

My local utility standard is three feet but it is not enforced.

 

[augie47]

Seems to me the folks that have a regulation reference the regulator which is more likely to create a hazard than the meter itself as it has an "exhaust" port, I can't make out your picture but it appears to be just meters.... might make a difference,

 

[mtnelect]

For Los Angeles Water & Power its 3 '

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

Guys, but what happens if the distance between the gas meter and electric panel is less than 3 feet AND there is a wall in the middle? In this case we consider that the installation is in compliance with code?

It’s not a Code issue. It’s not an NEC issue.

It’s a local power company regulation. You’ll have to talk to them.

In my area, they want ten feet.

 

[suemarkp]

And the utility rules may be a separation between gas meter and electric METER. A panel may not be an issue, unless its a meter main type of panel. You do have the panel working space requirement to follow in the NEC, but it could be immediately adjacent to the gas meter and still comply with that if there is 30" of clear space.