Built in gas meter boxes.

[kris]

I know most of you have probably used these types of boxes recessed into brickwork . But have any if you used the spigot that comes with it on the already semi bored hole in the back of the box....?

 

[Rich8]

Yes kris had to cut it back a bit

 

[kris]

The reason im askin i had one recently and SGN who are our new transco refused to fit the pipe to the box because there was a hole bored on the box, i told him i know if a box is damaged it cant be used but this hole isnt damaged , he tried telling me theres a law about the bored hole in box bein illegal,, i tried explaining to the guy that its a pre bored hole and once connected the hole will be siliconed round the pipe, he still refused ,, this turned into a huge debate , i phoned gas safe , local building control , council, even gov and no where could i find this law that the guy said, turns out SGN (scotia gas network) have implemented a new code of practise and that is a recessed box can be used but the gas pipe (my end) mustnt enter the building from the back of the box, Now this was a new build so the box was sealed into the wall, what we had to do was put a suface box next existing one and take the copper gas pipe which entered through the back of the box out the bottom then into the new one , it was an absolute carry on and wondered if any other guys have experienced this atall,

 

[Rich8]

I done one on Wednesday in a new box used the popout and the sleeve in the back of the box no problem it was all moved because the old external box obstructed the customers drive they clipped it with the car

 

[kris]

What i though was crazy is when i had my GSR visit one of the houses i took him to was the one in question , it was 1st fix stage so he saw my pipe , i know its not a law but this a hole from sgn basically refused to put the gas main in until we changed boxes, i even phoned his superior and found out its SGN code of practise so they basically had me over a barrel ,,,

 

[Rich8]

Sometimes you just have to do what they kris

 

[josh]

What the hell is that about kris, what a jobsworth you had to deal with.
Can use the hole and sleeve in the back but not for medium pressure, that has to atleast drop outside the box below then into the property.
Not allowed to make any other hole in the box tho, classic is the electrician making a little hole in the back of the box for his earth to come through, even sealing that they dont accept.
Had two boxes that have had to be taken out and changed because of that reason.

 

[SafeGasInstall]

Must use fire resistant jointing putty !!!!!

 

[SafeGasInstall]

Will take picture of the one I use and will post tomorrow

 

[kris]

SGNs argument is that once you bore the hole thats the box classed as damadged. But your right Rich just had to do wot they say. I think something mustve happened on one if there previous jobs (possibly leak at meter and entered house) just a guess.

 

[kris]

Must use fire resistant jointing putty !!!!!

Yeh i just use fire resistant black silicone. Same stuff i use on multifuel burners.

 

[SafeGasInstall]

Transco down London will not allow silicone on it ( even if it's heat/fire resistant)

 

[Reg Man]

Always use FJC to seal a sleeve. Fire resistant and inert. Silicone has acetates which are corrosive. Low pressure service use the provided sleeve through the rear knock out, secure with 3 screws. Medium pressure must exit the box externally before passing through the wall.

 

[Ermintrude]

It's been in GIUIP for ages. It's classed as cavity as any leak in that box fills void behind box or the wall cavity. It's AR if no putty, no cone, cone not screwed in, earth cable drilled through box wall (should use sleeve - instructions on box)

 

[kris]

Yeh but i never even got that far as SGN will not fit gas main if the sleeve is bein used. Theyre tryin to say that using the sleeve that comes with the box classes the box as damaged.

 

[GrahamM]

SGN creating their own rules now?
I understand using a recessed box is not advised, but if it is properly sleaved and sealed at both ends then the chance of a leak entering the prem from the box is neglegable. And permitted under regs obviously.
SGN doing their own thing now! Is this policy UK wide or just SGN?

 

[kris]

SGN creating their own rules now?
I understand using a recessed box is not advised, but if it is properly sleaved and sealed at both ends then the chance of a leak entering the prem from the box is neglegable. And permitted under regs obviously.
SGN doing their own thing now! Is this policy UK wide or just SGN?

Just SGN graham after loads of too and fro i found out thats its just a code of practice they have . Unfortunately the box n pipe was already built in to brickwork as it was a new build. But il know next time..... booogers

 

[SafeGasInstall]

I think best and easyer will be as said before , do as they wish and have it sent written on paper or email from SGN and move on

 

[kris]

I think best and easyer will be as said before , do as they wish and have it sent written on paper or email from SGN and move on

Cheers stan defo will.

 

[midge]

Was it a medium pressure service pipe?
The outlet pipework on those can't exit through the back of the box.

 

[Reg Man]

Was it a medium pressure service pipe?
The outlet pipework on those can't exit through the back of the box.

As for mentioned in post 13. Mot likely excuse for refusing, and sound judgement.