Gas meter boxes are something that you will find on the exterior walls of many houses or commercial properties. But what exactly are gas meter boxes and what is the purpose of them. So, in this blog we will take a more in depth look at gas meter boxes, what they are, the different types available to you, the materials they are made from, and where they cannot be installed. If you like this post, check out our post on electric meter boxes as well!
What are Gas Meter Boxes?
So, a gas meter box is a housing that protects a gas meter shielding it from adverse weather conditions and accidental damage, while stopping anyone tampering with it. They also make it easy for utility workers to carry out maintenance or read the meter.
What are the Different Types of Gas Meter Boxes?
There are a variety of different designs of gas meter boxes available to suit installation requirements and aesthetic preferences which include:
Recessed Gas Meter Boxes: This type of box is installed into the wall and has a flush finish that doesn’t protrude. Recessed meter boxes are the perfect choice for new builds or extensions as they need one of the walls of the building to have a cavity or hole in it. This allows the meter box to be fitted into the wall as opposed to being screwed onto it.
Surface Mounted Meter Boxes: As you can probably tell by the name, this type of meter box is mounted on the surface of the wall. Easier to install than recessed boxes and fitted to the outside wall, you will often see this type of meter box on older properties, although they are not uncommon on newer properties. As this type of installation protrudes up to 250 mm from the wall, you need to check that it won’t cause an obstruction. You should also make sure you do not place it somewhere it could be damaged easily.
Semi-Concealed Meter Boxes: These boxes are partially recessed into the ground, with the top part remaining visible. Semi-concealed boxes offer a balance between aesthetics and accessibility, making them a popular choice for residential installations where discreet placement is preferred.
What are Gas Meter Boxes Made out of?
Gas meter boxes can be manufactured from a variety of different materials each one with its own distinct advantages.
Plastic: High density polyethylene (HDPE) or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) are common choices. Lightweight, durable and extremely resistant to corrosion and adverse weather are just some of the reasons why they are one of the most popular types of gas meter box.
Metal: Because of their hard wearing properties steel or aluminium boxes are routinely used in areas where there is heavy footfall or where there is the risk of vandalism. This type of box will usually have a coating to protect against rust or corrosion.
Composite Materials: composite meter boxes combine the benefits of plastic and metal, providing not only strength and durability, but also excellent weather resistance. Designed to offer long lasting protection, composite boxes are ideal for use in more extreme climates.
Where Can You Install Your Gas Meter Box?
When you install your gas meter box, it is important that it is in an accessible location so it can be accessed easily when you need to do any maintenance or tread it. Some popular locations are:
- At the front wall of the building; on either side of the front door, or on either side of a sealed window.
- Where it would be easily accessible in the case of an emergency.
- On the boundary wall of the property.
Where Not to Install a Gas Meter Box?
As well as knowing where a meter box can be installed you also need to be aware of where it cannot. Places where you never fit a gas meter box are:
- Where it could cause obstruction, or be easily subject to damage.
- Directly above manholes, drains, electricity metres, or airbricks.
- Directly under electricity metres, appliance flues, or windows that open.
- At the very back of a house, or locked behind a gate.
- Where, in the case of an emergency, the access to the meter box may be restricted.
Hopefully the information contained in this blog post will give you a greater understanding of gas meter boxes and their main uses. If you are still unsure which type of gas meter box would be the best choice for your home, why not call and speak to the team here at JML Hardware. They will be able to offer advice and provide recommendations on the gas meter box that matches your specific needs.