Gas meter box Entry

[glenntaf]

Hi all

I need to upgrade the gas supply to a boiler. Currently the gas enters the property through the rear of the meter box (built in the wall type). Upgrading the pipe taking the existing route will be almost impossible without causing a lot of disruption for the customer. So I am thinking of running the pipe externally along the wall and into the kitchen. The only problem is the meter doesn't have a knock out in the bottom for a pipe to go through. Does this mean I will need to get the meter box changed, or am I allowed to drill a hole and sleeve and seal it.

Cheers

Glenn

 

[newcastle phill]

Cant you see any preformed knock-outs moulded into the casing ?
I cant see an issue but if you do ensure you seal off the hole into the house/cavity

 

[glenntaf]

Nope, no knockouts at all! And I will be leaving the existing pipe that goes through the wall in place as it connects to the gas fire.

 

[wattsie1987]

I've done it loads or times just drill a hole through the Base and your away 28mm on mmunsons just fits.

 

[AWheating]

It's fine to drill a hole, just stick to the bottom or side, the top leaves a risk of weather ingress.

 

[glenntaf]

Right just to let everyone know. I've got a Inspection by gas safe coming up and I'm planning on taking the inspector to the job in question, so I decided to ring gas safe tech to make 100% sure about this meter box. They advise me that I'm NOT allowed to drill anything into a meter box without it being a specific manufactured knock out. Seems a bit strict to me but, regardless, arranged for meter box to be swapped later this week.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Right just to let everyone know. I've got a Inspection by gas safe coming up and I'm planning on taking the inspector to the job in question, so I decided to ring gas safe tech to make 100% sure about this meter box. They advise me that I'm NOT allowed to drill anything into a meter box without it being a specific manufactured knock out. Seems a bit strict to me but, regardless, arranged for meter box to be swapped later this week.

who says there wasnt a knock out already there seen a lot like that not even sealed

 

[glenntaf]

who says there wasnt a knock out already there seen a lot like that not even sealed

Yeah your right so have I! Just thought if it's getting inspected and it's fairly obvious that it's new pipe work would rather not risk it!

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yeah your right so have I! Just thought if it's getting inspected and it's fairly obvious that it's new pipe work would rather not risk it!

Tbh I very doubt the inspector will look at that , more important things to look at

 

[Pssst]

I thought the in built ones had a pipe exit point on the bottom right hand cormer of the meter box,moulded into it and ready for drilling out?

 

[stevetheplumber]

imediately at risk if the box has been altered in anyway from manufacturers spec including earth wires drilled through

 

[glenntaf]

I thought the in built ones had a pipe exit point on the bottom right hand cormer of the meter box,moulded into it and ready for drilling out?

Yeah the newer ones do, but the older type dont.

 

[lame plumber]

imediately at risk if the box has been altered in anyway from manufacturers spec including earth wires drilled through

if the box is external how exactly can drilling a hole in the bottom make it at risk, it will vent to fresh air, not risk its structure so what is the issue?

 

[stevetheplumber]

your not supposed to cut any of the boxes but i was more talking about the built in ones

 

[glenntaf]

if the box is external how exactly can drilling a hole in the bottom make it at risk, it will vent to fresh air, not risk its structure so what is the issue?

Because in theory the built in boxes have a double skin round the outside edge, so if you drill through this and there is a gas escape it could find its way into the cavity where the meter box is installed. Exactly the same reason why you shouldn't drill through the side of a meter box. Always through the rear of bottom, providing there's a manufactured knocked that u can drill!