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jumbowindows
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May 7, 2025
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Smart meter fitting - Gas meter and pipework too close to electrical equipment

  • May 7, 2025
  • 9 replies
  • 1460 views

We finally had a smart meter fitted today, and as the fitter was leaving (after he fitted the new meter) he showed me a warning notice with the header "Danger do not use warning notice", that stated the following: 

"Gas meter and pipework too close to electrical equipment unable to fit separation board suggest alterations"

He reassured me at the time that this was nothing to worry about but since he left i’ve been getting increasingly concerned.

How would i go about getting this checked out, who by?

And what can be done about it? 

Can I get a normal electrician to move the electrics ? 

Do I need the gas board to move the meter? 

I’m really not happy about the way this was handled 

Best answer by Lukepeniket_OVO

Updated on 19/12/25 by Abby_OVO

 

Hello everyone!!

​@jumbowindows thank you for the photo. So. the gas and electric here do not achieve the appropriate separation distances, but I want to assure you, if there was anything immediately dangerous the on site engineer would have taken different steps to ensure safety of yourself/property.

What are the options? Flexible plastic shrouding around the pipework to separate everything would be the best bet, youll also need to leave the emergency control valve accessible.

As ​​​​@Blastoise186 said, moving any of the services can be expensive but there’s a possibility the gas board would move it for you but you’d have to enquire with them….

So, what I'm saying is, if there was anything immediately dangerous our engineer would have taken more drastic steps to ensure safety so i hope this alleviates some worry.

 

 

 

 

9 replies

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
May 7, 2025

Howdy ​@jumbowindows !

We can analyse this one for you, but my X-Ray Vision is still under development.

Could you show me some snaps of the setup and I’ll get my scanners working. Once I’ve seen them, I’ll be happy to give you my thoughts and - if needed - call on a certain expert we happen to have access to...

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
J
Rank 1
jumbowindowsAuthor
Rank 1
May 7, 2025

Howdy ​@jumbowindows !

We can analyse this one for you, but my X-Ray Vision is still under development.

Could you show me some snaps of the setup and I’ll get my scanners working. Once I’ve seen them, I’ll be happy to give you my thoughts and - if needed - call on a certain expert we happen to have access to...

Thank you! here you go…

 

 

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
May 7, 2025

Thank you!

Yeah, that is a bit of a tight squeeze… I can see why the engineer may have warned you about it. Moving the meters is possible but would be expensive and I think it’d be best to have an expert opinion first, even if it just puts your mind at ease. If you’re OK with that, I can request it.

I suspect ​@Lukepeniket_OVO might be able to do just that next time he stops by. It may take a few days, so bear with us but he’s an absolute legend so you may get lucky.

IIRC Luke has mentioned previously that ideally you’d either want a bit more room between the meters or as a fallback, a board that helps isolate the two a bit, but it doesn’t look like there’s a suitable gap for one of those in that particular space. The flexi-hose on the gas meter seems like it has enough play to allow the meter to move a bit, but you’ve still got that pipe under the electric meter...

If you need anything in the meantime, feel free to let us know here on the Forum.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
J
Rank 1
jumbowindowsAuthor
Rank 1
May 7, 2025

Thanks so much for your reply

 

I’m going to investigate getting the gas meter moved to the outside of the house 

 

Do you think there’s anything that could be done as a temporary measure for peace of mind?

maybe some sort of insulation in between the gas pipe and the electric cables? 

Fireproof ceramic fiber insulation perhaps 

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
May 8, 2025

Moving the gas meter outside would be massively expensive. There may be better solutions.

I’ll wait for Luke to swing by, he may have better options than I can recommend.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
May 8, 2025

Hey ​@jumbowindows 

I’m sorry, it sounds like a stressful situation to be in. Although the engineer advised not to worry, I can see why the warning sign might be alarming. I’ll give ​@Lukepeniket_OVO a nudge internally as well. 

We have the following topic which might be helpful if you do notice anything that causes you any concern:
 

 

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
L
OVO Staff
Lukepeniket_OVOSolved
OVO Engineer
May 8, 2025

Updated on 19/12/25 by Abby_OVO

 

Hello everyone!!

​@jumbowindows thank you for the photo. So. the gas and electric here do not achieve the appropriate separation distances, but I want to assure you, if there was anything immediately dangerous the on site engineer would have taken different steps to ensure safety of yourself/property.

What are the options? Flexible plastic shrouding around the pipework to separate everything would be the best bet, youll also need to leave the emergency control valve accessible.

As ​​​​@Blastoise186 said, moving any of the services can be expensive but there’s a possibility the gas board would move it for you but you’d have to enquire with them….

So, what I'm saying is, if there was anything immediately dangerous our engineer would have taken more drastic steps to ensure safety so i hope this alleviates some worry.

 

 

 

 

OVO Operations Excellence Manager and Former Field Operations Team Leader
    J
    Rank 1
    jumbowindowsAuthor
    Rank 1
    May 8, 2025

    Hello everyone!!

    ​@jumbowindows thank you for the photo. So. the gas and electric here do not achieve the appropriate separation distances, but I want to assure you, if there was anything immediately dangerous the on site engineer would have taken different steps to ensure safety of yourself/property.

    What are the options? Flexible plastic shrouding around the pipework to separate everything would be the best bet, youll also need to leave the emergency control valve accessible.

    As ​​​​@Blastoise186 said, moving any of the services can be expensive but theres a possibility the gas board would move it for you but youd have to enquire with them….

    So, what I'm saying is, if there was anything immediately dangerous our engineer would have taken more drastic steps to ensure safety so i hope this alleviates some worry.

    Thanks very much indeed for your reply.  

    I’ve got to say this is an EXTREMELY helpful forum!! 

    We are investigating with the gas board and will see where we get with them first 

     

     

      Emmanuelle_OVO
      Retired Moderator
      Emmanuelle_OVO
      Retired Moderator
      May 9, 2025

      I’m glad we’ve been able to help ​@jumbowindows, pop back anytime 😁

      ​@Lukepeniket_OVO & ​@Blastoise186 are metering brains 

      Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
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