Fireproof cabinet to enclose gas meter?

Never heard of one and wouldn't imagine the fitter being pleased, that they have to work in a tiny box.

 

Most meter boxes are plastic and are quite large, larger than you would want in you house.

Just out of interest, my meters is in my house and is just in a wooden cupboard, no ones ever said owt.

 

Just had a quick look around, it seem that a standard meter box is 30 minute fire rated, trouble would you want a standard meter box inside your flat.??, have a Google for meter boxes, they are quite cheap but ugly.

 

Doesn't have to be small though. Something like a kitchen cabinet lined with 12mm plasterboard would create a 1/2hr fire rated box. Ordinary meter cupboards are made from glass fibre, so can be 1/2hr rated. Possibly the supplier is insisting on the fire rating because your in a property of multiple occupation. Is there an existing gas supply to your flat ? Best advice I could give is to contact the company who are insisting on this and ask them for advice on a fire rated box. I'm sure they'll help you.

 

Perhaps its a bit of a mix-up/misunderstanding Margarit (on there behalf). I guess the person who can clarify this is the installers.
I've got my fingers crossed for you!

 

Seems strange, old meters were soldered together with lead connections and fell apart in a fire, but new meters are pressed steel with stainless steel connections, almost fire proof.
The main risk would be from any soldered copper pipe, if compression fittings were used in the exposed area (or if you can find someone who can still work with it iron pipe) there would seem to be very little chance of fire.
My guess is they really don't want to put meters inside these days and try to force external meter boxes on customers, by putting obstacles in the way.
Don't know if rules are different for Scotland, but Gas Safe or whatever the body is might be able to advise on the position.

 

Margarit, in your original post, you mentioned that it was a top floor flat. I'm assuming there are other flats in the same property? (a bit like the auld tenement buildings doon Leith and in Portobello) This would make the building, one of multiple occupation. This could be the reason they are insisting on a fireproof cupboard to put the meter in. Best to get in touch with a local joinery company and ask their advice about the box hen.

 

Build a wooden box to the size required, then line the inside, including the door, with master board using fire retardant silicone.

 

I know this post is from a good few years ago

 

I know this thread is from a good few years ago but I find myself in Edinburgh with the same issue. I have a joiner trying to source fir proof material to make a box. I wonder how you solved the problem ...,,,

 

the parts that fail in a fire are the rubber parts in the meter regulator before the meter
by the time the fire has done this there is not much left
and after you can expect an explosion
so theres the reality but reality has never really mattered and after the fire it want there still go on about it
externaln meter box external outlet pipes until your flat is the way

 

Thanks for response. I appreciate the need for good safety and happy to support this. An external gas meter and box not an option as in an Edinburgh tenement on next to top floor. I am looking for help as to how others have solved the problem of providing a fire proof box to fit over an internal sited gas meter.

 

SGN will have a specification for it if they req one
ask your other tenents

 

hi, I've run into the exact same "problem". My flat on the fifth floor will be connected to the gas mains but Sgn have said I need to install a fireproof meter box. I have phoned them, Scottish power, activa, HSE and asked my central heating installer. Most haven't heard of this and the rest can't give any specific instructions or where to get such a box.

Jld, did you ever gets yours sorted?

 

Hi - we got box made - huge, heavy and very expensive. No one has asked about the box and we now have gas supply and meter. To fit it we will need to get joiner to create gaps for pipes and fit to wall - more expense - we will leave for time being and see what happens Jld

 

Found this late. It's possible to treat mdf and buy pre treated mdf that would make it ok for this use as far as I am aware. It's sometimes used to make wooden fire surrounds as well.

John
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