Do I need a 2nd gas meter or will upgrade suffice?

[ShaunCorbs]

Can’t really use diversity on two Combi boilers as there’s a good chance there both going to be running at full at the same time

As for the info it’s not for everyday joe blogs the information is easy to find if your a registered gas tech

My last post on the matter

 

[Cerendib]

Cerenbid,

Unfortunately, you are referencing a calculation process that is not accepted by current GS(IU) Regulations for domestic premises.

The only methodology accepted is an empirical process defined by the regulations. The process uses the Manufacturer's stated net input for each appliance on the installation. Similarly pipework is also sized on aempirical basis.

The reason for this is that any competent engineer using the process will reach exactly the same answer for the installation.

I accept, that in physical terms the answer is not necessarily correct ( but a structured estimate) - but it gives uniformity across the industry in England and Wales. Irrespective of that, it is the only process that Gas Safe will accept.

Please take this comment in the spirit with which it is intended.

Proposing to instal a second U6 meter feeding the same dwelling ( that is not divided into flats) is unusual and raises alarm bells with any credible Registered Gas Engineer. Moving to a U16 (if that capacity is needed) would be the normal route to follow. This would probably move the classification of your installation from domestic to commercial.

If you wish, guides to the GS(IU) Regulations are available to buy ( circa £50) - they cover all the situations you are referring to in a simple straightforward manner, with lots of worked examples.

Thanks for this info Brambles. So I guess the diversity factor is now not used and current regs. simply take the sum of net (not gross) input of all appliances.
I will try to get hold of a copy of the current GS(IU) Regulations to see how this and the total gas volume calculations are done.

I'll also have to get confirmation from Cadent re. what their engineer said about a second U6 meter or whether a U16 would suffice.

Thanks to all contributors for your input - with your help I think I have gone as far as I can with this.

So unless any one has any further comments, which I will answer if required, I'll say thanks again - and goodbye.

 

[Brambles]

No. All gas appliances should be CE marked. The CE mark defines the net heat input. That gives you a consistent measure for all appliances across Europe. From there, if required for the calculation, you convert the net to gross ( for natural gas multiply by 1.11) and proceed with the relevant calculations.

The GS(IU) Regulations are very prescriptive - if you follow them correctly, there is never a debate, it will give you a definitive answer.

 

[Cerendib]

No. All gas appliances should be CE marked. The CE mark defines the net heat input. That gives you a consistent measure for all appliances across Europe. From there, if required for the calculation, you convert the net to gross ( for natural gas multiply by 1.11) and proceed with the relevant calculations.

The GS(IU) Regulations are very prescriptive - if you follow them correctly, there is never a debate, it will give you a definitive answer.

OK.
I did see the multiplication of the net by 1.1 to get gross by topdog (post following kirkgas's referred to above) but he did suggest it was only if mfr's gross figures were not available.

The only regs I seem to be be getting up, from multiple locations, are Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR) as amended. Approved Code of Practice and guidance (from Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR) as amended. Approved Code of Practice and guidance) which is very prescriptive on the safety rules but gives no figures or examples, could you give me a link or an actual publication title to look for?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Brambles]

There are a number of manuals that describe the working of the GS(IU)Regulations, they are all around £50 to £60.

NICEIC Domestic Gas Safety Parts 1 and 2
BPEC Core Domestic Gas Safety
Logic Certification Gas Safety Training Manual

plus others, but they are all in a very similar format reflecting the GS(IU)R into real life situations.

With respect to rated capacity. CE rules determine that the legally required number is the Manufacturer's stated net input in KW.

All gas appliances currently sold in the UK must be CE marked.

Having said the above, my advice remains to find a local reputable Gas Safe Registered installer who can talk you through the process and develop a cost effective solution for you. That is what they are trained (and legally registered) to do.

 

[Cerendib]

There are a number of manuals that describe the working of the GS(IU)Regulations, they are all around £50 to £60.

NICEIC Domestic Gas Safety Parts 1 and 2
BPEC Core Domestic Gas Safety
Logic Certification Gas Safety Training Manual

plus others, but they are all in a very similar format reflecting the GS(IU)R into real life situations.

With respect to rated capacity. CE rules determine that the legally required number is the Manufacturer's stated net input in KW.

All gas appliances currently sold in the UK must be CE marked.

Having said the above, my advice remains to find a local reputable Gas Safe Registered installer who can talk you through the process and develop a cost effective solution for you. That is what they are trained (and legally registered) to do.

On the basis that one opinion is good but two is better, I have just got two separate (Gas Safe Registered) plumbers to have a look and give me their advice. One said I'd need a separate supply feeding a second U6 meter, the other said replacing the U6 with a U16 would be sufficient; together with my installer who thinks the current supply is good enough for a second meter and the Cadent engineer who gave both views I have no shortage of (differing) opinions. Hmmm.
Since my gas supplier has already told me that a U16 meter would still be within a domestic tarif I know which option I'd prefer.

Many thanks Brambles for the above manuals info, will try to locate them and do some calculations myself for my own piece of mind if nothing else.