atco gas AL8 User manual

DocumentCode: NCN RF 08
Revision: 8
Date: 26/10/2016
Note: Thisdocument is not applicable to the ATCO GasAustralia Albany LPG Network
As of January 2016
Gas Meter Box
Location Handbook
For gas meter sizes
AL8 to AL 18

1Introduction 1
1.1 Glossary 2
1.2 Contact Information 2
2Installation Responsibilities 3
2.1 Requirements of the Responsible Person 3
2.2 Avoiding Delays in Gas Service Installation 4
2.3 Internal Property Reinstatement 4
3 Connecting to the Gas Network 5
3.1 Connection Process 5
3.1.1 Single Residential House 6
3.1.2 Multi-Uni t Connection Process 6
3.1.3 Commercial Gas Connections 6
3.2 Determining Gas Availability 6
3.3 Gas Meter Size and Diversification 6
3.4 Accessibility 7
3.5 Service Connection 7
3.5.1 Connection without Pre Laid Service (PLS) 8
3.5.2 Connection to Pre Laid Services (PLS and PLSS) 8
3.5.3 Designated Boundary Connection Areas 11
3.5.4 Gas Services to Large Rural or Semi-Rural Lots 11
3.5.5 Connection to Commercial Properties (AL8, AL12 or AL18 Gas Meters) 11
4 Gas Meter Box Locations 12
4.1 Gas Meter Location – Examples 12
4.1.1 Standard House 13
4.1.2 Rear Laneway (Must Determine Gas Availability) 14
4.1.3 Pre-Laid at Top of Stairs / Retaining Wall 15
4.1.4 Carport 16
4.1.5 Elevated Lot with Retaining Walls 16
4.1.6 House with Swimming Pool 17
4.1.7 Property without Street Frontage or Gas Availability 17
4.2 Gas Meter Box Location Restrictions (AS/NZS 4645) 19
4.3 Other Location Restrictions 20
4.3.1 Service Regulator Installation Restrictions (AS/NZS 4645) 20
4.3.2 Gas Meter Box Restrictions in Other Localities 21
4.4 Obstructions (When Gas Meter Boxes Cannot be installed on Dwellings) 21
Table of Contents

5 Gas Meter Box Installation Requirements 22
5.1 Requirements 22
5.1.1 AL8 Gas Meter Box (Partially Recessed or face mounted) 22
5.1.2 AL12 Gas Meter Box (Partially Recessed or face mounted) 22
5.1.3 AL8 Dual Gas and Electric Meter Box (Partially Recessed or face mounted) 23
5.1.4 AL12 Dual Gas and Electric Meter Box (Partially Recessed or face mounted) 23
5.1.5 Multi-Unit Gas Meter Boxes (Partially Recessed or Face Mounted) 23
5.1.6 Gas Meter Box (Fully Recessed) 24
5.2 Gas Meter Box Mounted on Walls 25
5.2.1 Gas Meter Boxes on Nib Walls (Recommended Alternative Gas Meter Box Position) 25
5.2.2 Gas Meter Boxes on Free Standing Walls 25
5.2.3 Gas Service Riser and Footing Requirements 27
5.2.3.1 Engineered Footings 27
5.3 Locating a Gas Meter Box Away from Openings into a Building 27
5.3.1 Window within Gas Meter Box Exclusion Zone 28
5.4 Gas Meter Boxes Mounted adjacent to Electrical Power Domes 29
5.5 Gas Meter Boxes Mounted adjacent to Source of Ignition 29
5.6 Protection for Gas Meters 30
5.7 Security for Gas Meter Box and Enclosure 31
5.7.1 Viewing Apertures for Locked Enclosures 31
5.7.2 Mandatory Lock Requirements 31
6 Gas Meter Banks and Enclosures 32
6.1 Multi-Unit Gas Meter Boxes 32
6.2 Banks of Gas Meter Boxes 32
6.3 Banks of Gas Meters Mounted on AGA Approved Brackets in Building Recesses 33
6.3.1 Depth and Height of Recesses 34
6.3.2 Inside the Recess 35
6.4 Gas Meters in Recesses (Enclosures) 35
6.5 Doors and Ventilation 36
6.6 Floor Finishes 37
6.7 Security Access 37
6.8 Signage 37
7 Related Documents 38
8 Disclaimer 39
9 Appendices 40
Appendix A Gas Connection Checklist 41
Appendix B Gas Service Installation on Hold Form 42
Appendix C Gas Safety – DOs and DON’Ts 43
Appendix D Feedback Form 44

1. Introduction
ATCO Gas Australia (AGA) owns and maintains the underground network of gas pipelines in
Western Australia, bringing natural gas to over 725,000 homes and businesses. This Handbook
provides guidance for installing your natural gas meter box and service for safe, reliable and
This document is not
Petroleum Gas (LPG) network due to the differences in properties and behaviour between LPG
and natural gas. Information provided in this document relates only to installation of AGA’s
infrastructure and does not relate to installation of other utility services. Where a combination
gas / electrical meter box is to be utilised, the relevant electrical authority’s requirements must
also be met.
New developments typically have buildings that occupy a larger portion of the block and there
are an increasing number of developments located in elevated positions. The changing designs
of these developments can compromise standard gas meter box locations. AGA wishes to
avoid delays by providing information to the industry at design stage, eliminating costly
alterations and variations during construction.
This Handbook outlines the installation procedures to streamline processes and help avoid
delays or additional work and costs being incurred by the requestor.
This Handbook must be considered a “live” document and is therefore subject to change.
The Feedback Form, (refer to Appendix D), can be used to provide improvement suggestions,
relating to this document, to AGA.
1

1.1 Glossary
1.2 Contact Information
Term Definition
AGA ATCO Gas Australia
Building Frontage The elevation of the building that faces the relevant gas main or
service which connects the property
GNIS Gas Network Information System
Nib Wall A short section of wall adjoined to the main building that protrudes
at 90º
PLS Pre-Laid Service
PLSS Pre-Laid Service Under Stairs
Responsible Person Developer, Builder, Gas Fitter, Owner or Customer
Contact Information
AGA Faults and Emergencies: Phone: 13 13 52
AGA Scheduling Centre: Phone: 13 13 56, or
[e-mail]
AGA Business Development: Phone: 13 13 56, or
[e-mail]
AGA Drawing Office [e-mail]
AGA Engineering Services: Phone: 13 13 56, or
[e-mail]
AGA Enquiries: Phone: 13 13 56
[e-mail]
AGA Website: www.atcogas.com.au
Dial Before You Dig (DBYD): Phone: 1100, or
www.1100.com.au
2

2. Installation Responsibilities
This section provides information on the restrictions and conditions placed on gas meter
box locations. Graphics in Section 4.1 are provided to illustrate both correct and incorrect
installations.
2.1 Requirements of the Responsible Person
It is recommended that the Responsible Person complete the Gas Connection Checklist,
(refer to Appendix A).
It is the responsibility of the person requesting a gas service to ensure they are fully aware of
the following:
•The connection process as detailed in the Connection Process Handbook.
•cient service connection that
meet the requirements provided within this document.
•Locate the gas meter box in conforming position.
•Provide information and plans for any known location of soak wells, reticulation pipes or
other services or below ground obstructions.
•Arrange any reinstatement inside the property line including associated costs.
•Provide authorisation approval for any excavation inside the property line required to
complete the gas connection, i.e., Notice of Acceptance or Gas Service Installation on Hold
Form, refer to Appendix B.
•Ensure line of service is free from hazards or obstructions (e.g., building material, protruding
building footings or vegetation) Ensure gas meter box is installed entirely within the
property boundary for the property requiring the gas connection, unless other written
arrangements have been accepted by AGA.
Following the installation of the gas service, a gas meter and
with a security disc located in the gas meter outlet. The consu
commission (introduce gas into) their supply piping downstream of the gas meter.
3

2.2 Avoiding Delays in Gas Service Installation
Gas service installation may be delayed for a number of reasons and gas service installation
may be deferred by placing the installation on hold until the r
A Gas Service Installation on Hold Form, (refer to Appendix B) will be left in the gas meter box
(for new dwellings) or in the consumer letter box, if existing premises.
Examples of situations where delays may occur:
•The gas meter box is installed in a non-compliant position:
•Too close to a window that can be opened
•Meter box installed too high
•Footing requires cutting to accommodate the gas service riser
•Paving or driveway is installed beneath gas meter boxes and permission is required in order
to remove or lift paving.
•Rubble or debris is on the line of service route preventing access for installation.
2.3 Internal Property Reinstatement
Internal property reinstatement refers to any reinstatement and restoration of surfaces inside
the property boundary, including but not limited to, paving, driveway and lawns.
install the gas service, then the
Responsible Person is responsible for the reinstatement.
to obtain the Responsible Person’s
signature in the last paragraph of the Gas Service Installation on Hold Form, refer to Appendix
The form must be left in the
customer’s gas meter box.
For new connections, the permission letter must be left in the gas meter box.
4
B, confirming that they agree to the conditions of the installation.
For an established premise, it is the gasfitter’s responsibility
If paving or other finished surface must be lifted or removed to

3. Connecting to the Gas Network
This section provides information on the connection process, gas availability, gas meter box
accessibility and network connection, including connection to pre-laid services.
3.1 Connection Process
3.1.1 Single Residential House
Figure 1 illustrates the process to have natural gas connected to a property:
You contact a
Gas Retailer
Gas Retailer
opens account
for you and
sends your
request for
connection to
ATCO Gas
ATCO Gas
connects your
home and
informs your
Gas Reatiler
Your Gas
Retailer will
let you know
when you are
connected
Figure 1: Overview – Request for Gas
5
Customer Gas Retailer Gas Retailer
ATCO Gas
Australia
You contact a
licensed Gas
Fitter
Gas Fitter
completes
installation &
noties the
Gas Retailer
Customer Gas Fitter

3.1.2 Multi-Unit Connection Process
For details regarding the Multi-Unit connection process, refer to NCN GL0006 Residential Unit
Development Handbook.
3.1.3 Commercial Gas Connections
For Commercial Gas Connections, refer to Section 3.5.5.
3.2 Determining Gas Availability
To determine if gas is available to the property, please contact a gas retailer.
If gas is not outside the property but in an adjoining street, or if there is no appropriate gas
main in the vicinity, then a mains extension may be required to bring gas to the property. If
requested, a gas retailer will organise a quotation from AGA to extend the gas main to the
property.
Where a gas connection cannot readily be made because there is no direct street frontage to a
gas main (e.g., a property on a rear laneway without gas mains), refer to Section4.1.7.
6
3.3 Gas Meter Size and Diversification
GAS METER SELECTION TABLE
FOR DOMESTIC INSTALLATIONS
Correct as at September 2016
Full details can be found in the ATCO Gas Australia Technical Notice available at www.atcogas.com.au
ATCO Gas
Australia Meter
Type
capacity Alwaysconsider gas load diversity
Typical number of gas appliances
1.25kPa 2.75kPa
AL8
8m
3
/hr
300 MJ/hr
8m
3
/hr
300 MJ/hr Up to 4 including 2 hot water systems
AL10
10m
3
/hr
375 MJ/hr
10m
3
/hr
375 MJ/hr 5-6 including 3 hot water systems
AL12
12m
3
/hr
450 MJ/hr
25m
3
/hr
940 MJ/hr Typically 7+

3. Connecting to the Gas Network
3.4 Accessibility
Accessibility to gas meter boxes must be provided and maintained for the provision of:
• Gas service pipe installation
• Emergency shut-off
• Maintenance
• Gas meter reading
• Inspection
A minimum 600mm clearance must be maintained in front of the gas meter box at all times.
3.5 Service Connection
The gas network connection point is normally pre-determined by the location of a Pre-laid
Service (PLS) or Pre-laid Service under Stairs (PLSS), prior to selecting an approved gas meter
box location.
To calculate the size of gas meter required:
1. Multiply the maximum megajoule/hr rating for each appliance by its applicable diversity factor;
 2. Addallindividualappliancediversiedgasloadstogether;
3. Refer to gas meter selection table
Additional notes:
1. For more than two (2) continuous hot water systems, alternate 0.8 and 0.2 diversity factors for all remaining units.
2. You must apply diversity to all gas meter selections. Do not specify a gas meter larger than AL8 unless the gas
load exceeds 300MJ/hr after diversity has been applied.
GAS METER
DIVERSITY FACTORS
DOMESTIC GAS APPLIANCE DESCRIPTION DIVERSITY FACTOR*
Gas pool/ spa heater
0.8
Gas hot water system - continuous type (highest MJ rated unit)
0.8
Gas hot water system - continuous type (2nd unit if tted) 0.2
Gas hot water system (storage type) 0.6
Gas room heater (portable, replace, ducted or other) 0.6
Gas clothes dryer 0.6
Gas hotplate/ oven/ BBQ (separate devices) 0.6
Gas cooker (combined hotplate with oven) 0.4
* Based on British Standard BS6400-1 as updated in accordance with the ATCO Gas Australia Technical Notice available at www.atcogas.com.au
Figure 2: Gas Meter Selection and Diversity Factors
7

3.5.1 Connection without Pre Laid Service (PLS)
Where there is no PLS or PLSS, the line of service between the gas meter box and the gas
connection point in the roadway is to be considered, ensuring the route is unhindered and free
from hazards and obstructions. For additional details refer to Section4.4.
3.5.2 Connection to Pre Laid Services (PLS and PLSS)
In the majority of new subdivisions a PLS or PLSS is installed in a common trench to the
boundary line of a property when the subdivision is developed.
The line of service between the gas meter box and the PLS is to be considered, ensuring the
route is unhindered and free from hazards and obstructions. For additional details refer to
Section 4.4.
Figure 3 shows an example plan from AGA’s Gas Network Information System (GNIS),
(available through Dial Before you Dig (DBYD)). It is an example of a new subdivision where
gas mains have been installed in road reserves, including rear
and elevated lots. The PLS notation indicates the side of the lot where the service has been
installed with one PLS normally supplying two lots. The gas meter position must allow direct
(straight) access to the PLS ensuring no part of the gas service is covered by a future building
structure, (e.g., a carport or garage).
Figure 3 Plan Showing Gas Mains and Pre-Laid Service Locations
8

3. Connecting to the Gas Network
Where a gas service is to run from the PLS under a driveway, it is advisable that the
service installation is completed prior to construction of the driveway. If this is not
achievable, permission to lift the driveway will be sought, or alternative installation
techniques discussed and agreed, prior to proceeding.
Figure 4 shows a typical connection to a PLS. When the service is to be connected to a PLS,
(generally in new subdivisions) the service is laid in a straight line from the PLS or PLSS to the
gas meter box position at a depth of 600mm.
Figure 4 Typical Connection to a Pre-Laid Service
9

Figure 5 Stairways at Front of Properties
Figure 6 Pre-Laid Gas Services Installed Under Stairways(PLSS)
3.5.2.1 Pre-Laid Services with Retaining Walls
With the introduction of retaining walls into subdivisions (refer to Figure 5 for a typical view),
gas services have been catered for in a variety of methods.
PLSS method has the gas service installed beneath the retaining wall stairs, terminating
at top of stairs. Refer to Figure 6 and Section 4.1.3 for details.
PLS alignment. Refer to Section 4.1.2 for details.
The Responsible Person should determine the PLS or PLSS location on the lot being
developed when determining the gas meter box position for a new dwelling.
AGA will only connect to the PLS or PLSS (if installed) located inside the lot boundary as per
the PLS or PLSS design which was installed to that lot at development stage.
The Responsible Person must ascertain the PLS or PLSS location and ensure accessibility for
gas service pipe installation to the gas meter box position.
If a gas meter box is located in a position which may become inaccessible, then AGA will
not approve the connection.
10

3. Connecting to the Gas Network
3.5.3 Designated Boundary Connection Areas
Some areas in the Perth hills are designated as boundary connection areas. In these areas, the
standard gas meter box should be located on the main fronting boundary line of the property
and an open trench provided to the gas meter box position.
Your gas retailer will advise you if your site is a Designated Boundary Connection Area.
3.5.4 Gas Services to Large Rural or Semi-Rural Lots
The gas meter box should be mounted on the main fronting boundary line of the property.
Alternatively, it may be mounted on the primary building in a suitable, compliant position.
Additional charges may apply for services over 20m in length.
All the following conditions must be met:
• A suitable straight and direct trench is to be provided from the boundary to the gas meter
location by the Responsible Person.
• The route shall, as far as practicable, be at right angles to the gas main or as directed by
AGA.
• The bed of the trench shall be soil that is free from rock or other sharp formation that may
cause damage to the Polyethylene (PE) gas service pipe.
• The minimum depth of cover is 600mm.
A front boundary connection is the preferred option when the Building Frontage is
greater than 20m from the boundary line.
3.5.5 Connection to ,Commercial Properties (AL8, AL12 or AL18
Gas Meters)
For a new gas connection to a commercial property requiring an AL8 or AL12 gas meter, refer
to the Connection Process Handbook.
Installation of an AL18 gas meter, or greater, requires a Commercial Gas Request (CGR) to be
submitted to AGA. Refer to the link below for further information:
• http://www.atcogas.com.au/For-Business/Connecting-to-Our-Network/
The siting of AL8, AL12 and AL18 gas meters for commercial properties is subject to the
conditions detailed in this document. Where possible, gas meter boxes for commercial
properties should be mounted on the boundary in a protected location.
Approval for commercial gas meter locations will be subject to site inspection and assessment
by AGA Construction Department. Contact AGA Scheduling with any enquiries.
Where gas meter box is not located on the boundary, an open trench may be required.
11

4. Gas Meter Box Locations
This section sets out requirements for the location of gas meter boxes. Refer also to the
relevant power authority in instances where combination gas / electric meter boxes are to be
installed.
• The line of service between the gas meter box and the gas connection point is to be
considered, ensuring the route is free from hazards / obstructions, and is straight.
• Gas meter boxes must be installed in a location not greater than 1,000mm behind the
Building Frontage of a dwelling.
Note: Building Frontage is dened as the elevation of the building that faces the relevant
gas main or service which connects the property.
4.1 Gas Meter Location – Examples
The following gures show typical house designs indicating the Building Frontage and
acceptable / unacceptable gas meter box locations for each example case:
• Standard house
• Rear laneway
• Pre-laid service at top of stairs (double stairway)
• Pre-laid service at top of stairs (straight on single stairway)
• Elevated lot with retaining wall
• Car port
• House with swimming pool
• Property without street frontage or gas availability
Refer to Figure 7 below for symbols and colours used to help interpret these gures.
Figure 7: Legend for Diagrams
12

4. Gas Meter Box Locations
Installation and accessibility of the gas service must be taken into consideration with
regards to distance between the gas meter box and the boundary fences and walls.
4.1.1 Standard House
Figure 8 Standard House
13

4.1.2 Rear Laneway (Must Determine Gas Availability)
Figure 9 Rear Laneway
Position ‘B’ in diagram above Position ‘C’ in diagram above
14

4. Gas Meter Box Locations
4.1.3 Pre-Laid at Top of Stairs / Retaining Wall
Figure 10 Pre-Laid at Top of Stairs (Double Stairway)
Figure 11 Pre-Laid at Top of Stairs (Straight on Single Stairway)
1.5m is the minimum house wall setback distance required to physically install a gas service
to avoid retaining wall backing blocks and ensure safe separation from the house slab is
maintained. Where backing blocks do not exist, a reduced setback might be applied
15

4.1.4 Carport
4.1.5 Elevated Lot with Retaining Walls
Figure 13 Elevated Lot with Retaining Walls
Figure 12 Carport
16

4. Gas Meter Box Locations
4.1.6 House with Swimming Pool
4.1.7 Property without Street Frontage or Gas Availability
Note: A gas service line must not travel through any part of a pool enclosure. Should any
future works position the gas service inside the pool area, the Responsible Person
must complete an Alter Gas Meter / Service Position – Request Form.
Where a gas connection cannot readily be made because there is no street frontage or gas
availability in a rear laneway, the following conditions apply:
•The gas meter box must be located on the boundary line or as close as reasonably practical
to where gas is available up to a maximum distance of 1,000mm from the boundary line.
•Gas meter box position must remain readily accessible for emergency and maintenance
purposes.
•Obstructions and site conditions are to be taken into account as the above may not be
applicable in all scenarios.
Figure 14 House with Swimming Pool
17