Meter location

When connecting to natural gas, only certain locations and positions are permitted for the installation of your natural gas meter and meter box.

Service pipeline guidelines

When we connect a building to the natural gas network the proposed service line route must:

  • Be in a straight line to the meter location
  • Be the shortest, most direct route and where possible at a right angle to the gas main
  • Have at least of 600mm of ground cover
  • Be clear when the crew arrives to carry out the work

Meter box or cabinet

Meters are generally contained in a meter box or meter cabinet located outside your premises. Meter boxes usually contain one meter and are used for single dwellings (i.e. a typical house). Meter cabinets contain a number of meters and are used for multiple dwellings (e.g. apartment blocks).

Meter location guidelines

If the meter box is to be attached to the wall it must:

  • Be positioned above the damp proof course of the property, at least 300mm above finished ground level
  • Not be placed within 300mm above, below or beside an electricity meter

Multi-Occupancy Buildings

The Multi - Occupancy Building Meter Location Guide provides information on meter and pipework installation, access requirements for Gas Networks Ireland operation and maintenance and awareness of responsibilities for the safety of downstream gas pipework within Multi - Occupancy Buildings.

Meter box types

Surface mounted Recessed meter box
A surface mounted meter box is installed on the property or boundary wall. A recessed meter box is installed in the cavity wall of a building or in a pillar enclosure.
Who installs it?
This meter box is more suitable for installation on older buildings converting to natural gas. The meter box will be provided by Gas Networks Ireland.
Who installs it?
This type of meter box is generally installed by a builder in a new one-off build or as part of a new extension. The box must be purchased from a building supplier and is not provided by us.
Fitting the meter
It will be fitted at a minimum of 300mm above finished ground level. The meter box will project 264mm outwards from the wall.

Fitting the meter
If this type of meter box is damaged, we will be unable to install the meter for safety reasons. The meter box must be built into the wall and not screwed or nailed on. The meter box will project 70mm outwards from the wall.
 

Where to locate your meter box

  • At the front gable end wall, at a maximum of 2 metres from the front corner of the building
  • At the front wall of the building - on either side of the front door, or on either side of a sealed window
  • On the boundary wall of the property
     

Where not to locate your meter box

  • At the back of the house or behind a gate
  • Directly above the drains, airbricks, manholes or electricity meter
  • Directly under appliance flues, windows that open or electricity meter
  • In a porch or under an overhang which is enclosed or could be enclosed
  • Where it is liable to cause an obstruction or be subject to mechanical damage
  • Where access to the meter box may be blocked in an emergency e.g. narrow path
  • On a stone boundary wall or stone garden wall
  • Adjacent to an electricity meter, if there is a suitable practical location for it elsewhere

Internal meter

If a building is next to a footpath (i.e. no garden etc.) the meter may be located inside the property. This is subject to a low pressure gas connection being available. When the meter is located inside, it should be located as close as possible to the gas entry point of the building.

Do not locate your internal meter

  • Close to a heat source or where it may be subject to extremes of temperature
  • Where food is stored or in bathrooms
  • Where it might be affected by a corrosive atmosphere or liquid
  • Where readily combustible material is stored
  • In a void or compartment without normal air circulation

Meter under stairs

A meter should not be under a stairway, in a common hallway, passageway, or any other part of a building that provides the sole means of escape. If there is no alternative to the above the following conditions must apply:

  • The material used for the meter compartment should be fire resistant for at least two hours. The compartment is directly ventilated to the outside of the building. The compartment has an automatic self-closing door
  • Internal pipework should have a thermal cut off device that activates when the temperature exceeds 95C
     

Meter location guide

The meter location guide will help residential and small business customers (Small business customers with a gas consumption of up to 73,000 kWh's) who are installing or moving a gas meter.