Installation GuideNatural Gas Service Line and MeterNatural Gas Service Line and MeterInstallation RequirementsInstallation Requirements

Meter GuidelinesResidential Service Line and Meter GuidelinesResidential Service Line and Meter Guidelines

Getting a Natural Gas Service Line and MeterPlease follow these three easy steps to get a natural gas service line and meter for your project.

STEP 1:Contact our New Business Team at least 30 days prior to needing natural gas service at 800-440-6111.

n The natural gas service line and meter will be installed at the same time if the site is ready.

STEP 2:Identify the location of the natural gas meter and stub out the fuel line.

n Clearly mark the proposed location of the natural gas meter on the buildings foundation. n Stub out the fuel line in accordance with appropriate fuel gas code.

STEP 3:Mark all private underground utilities and ensure the site is ready.Locate and mark all private underground utilities owned by you or your firm which are not marked by VA811 such as water lines, sewer laterals, drain fields, sprinkler systems and invisible dog fences.

n Make sure the site is within 6 of final grade. n Make sure the proposed path of the natural gas service line is clear of debris and obstructions.

If Your Construction Project Requires an InspectionIf your construction project is located within an area requiring a city inspection prior to the gas service being established in the building, a city building inspection sticker or report needs to be available at your site prior to requesting a gas meter being set.

Important: Fuel line(s) and appliance(s) must have been installed in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code; and manufactured home installations shall be in accordance with Title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 3280, Subpart H.

When the fuel line(s) and equipment, if applicable, have been installed, inspected, and tested, the party responsible for the payment of the gas bill should call our New Business Team at 800-440-6111 to schedule the meter installation. The required Columbia Gas inspection and testing will be done at the time the meter is installed.

Here are some important points to remember for construction projects requiring new residential gas service.

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Meter Guidelines

The section of fuel line piping which extends through the outside wall to connect to the meter setting must extend:

n 4-6 inches outside the building wall, with a threaded end for piping smaller than 2 inches

n 6-8 inches outside the building wall for piping 2 inches and larger if the connection to the meter setting will be threaded, and

n 10 inches outside the building wall for piping 2 inches and larger if the connection to the meter setting will be welded.

Fuel lines that will be tied into large volume meter settings should terminate 18 inches above finished grade. The meter setting size will be determined by our New Business Team during the application process.

All fuel line piping must be sealed, to be rain and insect resistant.

Meter protection will be required, if near vehicular traffic. Customer will be responsible for installing meter protection prior to meter installation for commercial properties.

On multiple meter installations, each fuel line stub must be plainly and properly identified with a weatherproof tag or other approved means of designating the apartment, unit or the part of the building it supplies.

Customer ChargesThe first inspection and/or test is done at no charge. If a Columbia Gas Field Technician determines that a return trip is necessary due to the failure to comply with the requirements detailed above, a tag will be left at the premise stating the reason and the appropriate fee will be charged for each subsequent return trip.

The provisions in this document are subject to change and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Local codes, ordinances, and governmental regulations will govern when they are more stringent than the requirements contained herein. When in doubt as to the proper procedure, consult with Columbia Gas before proceeding with the work.

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Meter StandardsGas Meter Location StandardsGas Meter Location Standards

How to Determine the Best Location for Our Gas Meter

n Create a perpendicular, continuous straight line of sight from the meter to our gas main line facility which is typically located in or near the street right-of-way or alley.

n Locate the meter a minimum of 3 feet from any building opening, vent, electric equipment, electric panel or meter and any other possible source of ignition.

Please keep these requirements in mind when determining the best location for our natural gas meter:

Regular vent terminal must be installed to maintain a minimum clearance of Regular vent terminal must be installed to maintain a minimum clearance of 3 feet radial separation from any door, window, gravity air opening into a building, 3 feet radial separation from any door, window, gravity air opening into a building, or rotating electrical equipment. However, in no circumstance shall the event or rotating electrical equipment. However, in no circumstance shall the event terminal be installed beneath any of the features described above.terminal be installed beneath any of the features described above.

The regulator vent terminal should be installed to maintain a 3 feet radial The regulator vent terminal should be installed to maintain a 3 feet radial separation from electric meters, outlets, switches in disconnects, etc.. separation from electric meters, outlets, switches in disconnects, etc.. However, if it is not practical to maintain a 3 foot separation, no less than 1 foot However, if it is not practical to maintain a 3 foot separation, no less than 1 foot radial separation shall be required.radial separation shall be required.

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2ND FLOOR LINE

3FT RADIUS

1FT RADIUS

ELECTRIC METER

FOUNDATION VENT

ELECTRIC OUTLET

DRYER EXHAUST

AIR CONDITIONINGUNIT

NOTE: Regulator vent terminal shall

not be installed beneath any 1st floor air opening

into a building nor under any

rotating electrical equipment.

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Meter StandardsMeter Placement GuideMeter Placement Guide

When planning for the location of your natural gas meter, please note:Meters and meter settings must maintain a clearance of:

n 6 above finished grade to bottom of meter

n 6 on sides and top of meter

n 36 in front of meter

Meters and meter settings must be:

n Installed in a ventilated, readily accessible location

n Protected from corrosion and damage

Meters, meter settings & regulators must be a minimum of 10 feet away from:

n Generators

Regulator vents must be a minimum of:

n 12 above grade (in areas where flooding may occur, vent height may be in excess of 12 above grade)

n 3 feet radially and NOT directly below any rotating electrical equipment (e.g., an air conditioner)

n 3 feet radial separation from: an electric meter, electric panel, electric outlet,electric pedestal, electrical equipment disconnect, or pad mounted transformer.

n 3 feet radially from, and NOT below any first floor opening into a building, such as: a door, window or other gravity air openings (including clothes dryer exhaust terminals and appliance air intakes)

n 10 feet radially from, and NOT below any forced air inlet or power intake.

Local codes or manufacturers requirements may exceed 3 feet. Local codes or manufacturers requirements may exceed 3 feet. Please check with your gas equipment installer for details.Please check with your gas equipment installer for details.

Central A/C compressor > (source of ignition)

Window air conditioner

(source of ignition)

Meter < Setting

MeterSetting >

METER

Crawl space opening, windows, or exhaust fan

Intake to direct vent appliance