Lyla Lindsey
Gas meters in Australia vary depending on whether they are imperial or metric. Metric meters are the most common type found in households and display units of gas in cubic meters, while imperial meters display units in cubic feet. Imperial meters have an analog clock face, while metric meters have a digital display. Gas meters are typically located outside near the front door or around the side of the house. In apartments or multi-dwelling buildings, gas meters are usually found in basements or car parks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Outside the house, near the front door or on the side. In multi-dwelling buildings, they are usually in basements or car parks. In NSW, they could be under the kitchen sink. |
| Appearance | There are two types of meters in Australia: metric meters with digital displays or odometers, and imperial gas meters with analog clock faces. |
| Meter Number | The meter number or MIRN is usually stamped or printed boldly on the faceplate. In NSW, meter numbers begin with two letters followed by six numbers, while in Victoria, they have four numbers followed by two letters. |
| Reading | The meter is read from left to right, including zeros before the numbers. If the pointer is between two numbers, note the lower number. If it's between 9 and 0, note 9. If the pointer is on a number, check the dial to the right; if it hasn't passed 0, note the lower number. |
| Valve | There is a valve next to the meter. If the handle is inline with the pipe, gas is flowing. To turn off the gas, rotate the valve 90 degrees to a horizontal position. |
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What You'll Learn
Gas meter location
The location of your gas meter will differ depending on the style of your property. Typically, the meter is located near the front door or around the side of the house, usually on the front left or right. If you live in a unit, apartment, or townhouse, you will usually find your gas meter in the same location as your other meters, in a central location such as a basement or car park. The meters should be labelled with unit numbers, so check that you are reading the correct meter. If you live in NSW, the gas meter could also be located under the kitchen sink. If you are unable to find your gas meter, your landlord or building manager will be able to assist you.
Gas distributors, such as the Australian Gas Network, are responsible for maintenance and work on the gas meter and the gas distribution network. As the property owner, you are responsible for all the piping downstream from your gas meter to your appliances. You are also responsible for the gas appliances themselves and their associated fittings. If a gas leak occurs in the piping between your gas meter and your appliances, you should contact a licensed gas fitter to arrange a repair.
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Reading the meter
The first dial records thousands of megajoules (MJ), and you should take note of the number that the needle has just passed. The second dial records hundreds of MJ and works in the same way. The third dial is for tens of MJ and works in the same manner as the previous two. The final dial records single MJ and may have a hand that sweeps continuously. You should take note of the number the needle is approaching.
If the number is followed by a 9, write down the next lowest number. For example, if the reading is 9, write down 8. If the number is 0, write it down as 9. You may also have a dial with a hand that sweeps past two numbers. In this case, you should record the number the hand has just passed.
It's important to note that some gas meters have a display that shows the reading in a digital format. This makes it easy to read, and you simply need to write down the numbers that appear on the screen.
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Meter types
There are two different meter types in Australia: metric meters and imperial gas meters. Metric meters are the most common type found in Australian households. They display the units of gas consumed in cubic metres (M3) and usually take the form of an odometer or a digital display. Imperial gas meters, on the other hand, display units in cubic feet (ft3) and often feature an analog clock face with dials.
Metric meters with a digital display will have a screen showing the total units of gas consumed. When reading this type of meter, it is important to include all zeros before the numbers. Some displays may also show small numbers, such as '03', indicating the screen number for different readings like peak, off-peak, or solar usage. These small numbers should not be included in your meter reading.
Imperial gas meters, with their analog clock face, have a different reading mechanism. Each dial is read from left to right, and if a pointer is between two numbers, the lower number is recorded. If the pointer is between 9 and 0, the reading is noted as 9. Additionally, if the pointer is resting on a number, you should look at the dial to its right. If this dial has not passed 0, the original dial has not completed a full rotation, and the lower number should be noted.
It is worth noting that some older imperial gas meters may have extra dials for testing purposes, which can be disregarded. After taking the readings from each dial, these numbers need to be converted from cubic feet to cubic metres. This conversion involves moving the decimal point within the sequence of numbers two places to the right.
The location of your gas meter will depend on the type of residence you have. For standalone houses, the meter is typically found outside, near the front yard, or around the sides of the house. In contrast, apartments, townhouses, or multi-dwelling units usually have centralised gas meters located in a room in the car park or basement.
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Maintenance
In Australia, gas distributors like the Australian Gas Network are responsible for gas meter maintenance and work on the gas distribution network. This includes the pipes and mains that connect to your gas meter from the street. As a property owner, you are responsible for monitoring and maintaining all the plumbing pipework and fittings on your property, including the pipes running from the gas meter to your appliances.
Gas meters are usually located outside, with easy access and adequate ventilation. This is typically on the corner of the house, near the front door or around the side of the house. If you live in an apartment or townhouse, you will usually find your gas meter in the same location as your other meters, in a central area such as the basement or car park.
The gas meter contains a valve that controls the flow of gas to your house from the gas network. To turn off the gas supply, rotate the valve handle 90 degrees so that it reaches a horizontal position. This is useful in emergencies, such as a gas leak. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off all gas appliances and pilot lights, then turn the gas meter valve to the 'off' position. If the dial continues to move, contact a licensed gas fitter to check for leaks in your gas pipes and appliances.
To turn the gas back on, ensure all gas appliances and pilot lights are off, then rotate the valve handle to the vertical 'on' position. The gas meter dial should move and then stop within 15 seconds, indicating that gas is flowing to your home. If the dial does not move, you may need to restart pilot lights for your gas appliances to work. Check the manufacturer's instructions before turning your gas appliances back on.
It is important to keep your gas meter clear and easily accessible for maintenance and accurate meter readings. This includes ensuring that the area surrounding the meter is unobstructed.
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Safety
Gas meters in Australia are typically located outside the property they serve and are usually housed in a small, rectangular metal box. The box is usually painted in a distinct colour, such as yellow or red, to make it easily identifiable. It is important to be able to identify your gas meter for safety reasons and to ensure you are being correctly charged for your gas usage. Knowing the location of your gas meter is crucial for safety. In the event of a gas leak, being able to quickly identify and access the meter can help prevent accidents and allow for prompt action to be taken.
Gas meters have a number of key features that are important to be aware of. The meter box should always be locked to prevent unauthorised access and tampering. Only authorised personnel from the gas company should open the box. Inside the box, the gas meter will have a series of dials or a digital display that shows the reading of your gas consumption. It is important to know how to read your meter to ensure accurate billing.
Additionally, understanding the basic functions of the gas meter can help identify potential safety hazards. For example, knowing how to recognise abnormal readings or signs of damage to the meter can prompt timely action and prevent hazardous situations. Always be vigilant for any signs of damage or tampering with your gas meter. If you notice any loose connections, broken seals, or signs of interference, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Contact your gas provider immediately and follow their instructions.
It is also important to keep the area around your gas meter clear and unobstructed. Ensure that there is no vegetation or debris blocking access to the meter and that the area is well-lit to facilitate easy reading of the meter and identification of any potential issues. Regularly check the area for any signs of gas leaks. If you suspect a leak, leave the area immediately, and do not turn on any electrical appliances or create any sources of ignition. Contact your gas provider and emergency services for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two types of gas meters in Australia: metric meters and imperial gas meters. Metric meters are more common and have a digital display, while imperial gas meters have an analog clock face.
The location of your gas meter depends on the style of your property. If you live in a standalone house, it is usually located outside in the front yard, or behind or on the side of the house. If you live in an apartment or townhouse, it is usually located in a central area, such as a basement or car park.
How you read your gas meter depends on whether it is imperial or metric. Read the meter from left to right, including all zeros before the numbers. If the pointer is between two numbers, note the lower number. If the pointer is between 9 and 0, note 9. If the pointer is resting on a number, look at the dial to its right. If this number hasn't passed 0, note the lower number.
A gas meter is a device used to record the amount of gas consumed by a household. The reading on your gas meter is passed on to your energy provider, who bills you for the amount of gas you have used.
If you cannot find your gas meter, contact your landlord, real estate agent, or building manager. They should be able to assist you in locating it.
