Gas Meter Bracket - Help! Arguing with First Utility

[Deleted member 102506]

Recently I had a gas meter changed, our old one was over 30yr old, and the metal bracket had completely corroded - it was in bits.

After it was changed I checked and noticed they have fitted the new meter to what's left of the corroded bracket.

I've been arguing with First Utility ever since about getting them back to replace it. They insist it is not their responsibility - I know it is.

Please could you advise the rules and regs around this?

I've found the BS 8499:2017 pertains to the bracket but don't own a copy to quote it.

 

[snowhead]

Who do First Utility say is responsible for the bracket?

It's called a Meter bracket, it supports the meter and Govenor
First Utility (or the relevant Gas supplier) own the meter and govenor.
It doesn't support the incoming gas service, it doesn't support the customers pipework.

 

[Deleted member 102506]

They say its my responsibility and to contact a gas safe engineer. I keep telling them its their equipment and their responsibility but were just round in circles.

So I'm getting a bit more formal now, hence request for rules and regs

 

[Deleted member 102506]

This is the old meter and whats left of the bracket that they have fitted the new meter to!

 

[townfanjon]

Jesus wept they cost sod all .

 

[SimonG]

Jesus wept they cost sod all .

Exactly what I thought. Bigger issues in the world. Anyone for Brexit?

 

[Deleted member 102506]

I know, I wasn't there when they changed it to check, just assumed any normal person would have changed it.

Am I right in thinking that they are a requirement? It's just hanging by the pipes now

 

[Gasmk1]

it is part of the meter box.

 

[Gasmk1]

according to SGN and some others your the owner of the meter box so the responsibility is with the customer who owns the property they will repair or fit a new one for you. but it will cost

 

[Gasmk1]

Under the Gas Act 1996, the domestic meter box is part of the fabric of the property and as such is the responsibility of the property owner/occupier to ensure it is adequately maintained. All repair/replacement work is chargeable.

 

[Deleted member 102506]

So its their meter, but my (non existent) bracket.. that's a bugger

 

[Riley]

Homeowners responsibility

 

[Deleted member 102506]

ok, looks like I'm in the wrong... just cant believe they installed it to what's left of my bracket. I'd have nipped out for one had I know.

Can any GS plumber remove and refit meter to a new bracket?

 

[Pickwickpick]

Yes any GSR engineer can fit a new bracket for you.

Its a bit of a funny one imo because when they fitted the meter they should have fitted it with a sound bracket, even if they did charge you for the bracket itself, as when you fit a meter you are meant to ensure its securely held in place, but now that they have done it that way its going to be up to you to pay for getting it done properly.

 

[Gasmk1]

no i dont think they can, they have to have Met 1 i think so they can work on meters. but the bracket is part of the box so you should change it all. depends on the mains coming in also if its attached to the box then he wont be able to touch it. would need to be your supplier. i may be wrong