wg cahill
Sep 9, 2012, 04:01 PM
I am installing a natural gas standby generater that requires a .75 gas line . What is the best way to tap meter and run to generater. Run is 12 feet.
massplumber2008
Sep 10, 2012, 03:58 AM
Hi Wg Cahill
It should be as simple as shutting off the gas before the meter and then disassembling the outlet of the meter, backing off a couple fittings and the first piece or two of pipe and inserting a tee fitting and repiping to the meter with a shorter piece of pipe (called a nipple) and the fittings you removed.
You need to be sure that you pull a permit for the work.
You need to be sure your gas main is sized large enough for the added load of the gas the generator will pull at peak load.
You need to be sure to TEST the gas at the appropriate pressure and time limit as required in your area. In most cases, this means that you will need to disconnect the meter again and disconnect all gas appliances and cap their gas lines to test the entire gas system (including the new gas line up and through the new shutoff).
The generator gas line will also need its own gas shutoff near the generator and in most states will be required to be connected VIA a special gas connector designed for generators. Here, you CANNOT use a regular flexible appliance gas connector... need a special flexible connector made for these systems.
That should get you started... ;)
Mark