Gas meter stamping
Legally manufacture meters which are of the design originally approved and ensure they are verified to operate within the statutory limits.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Stamping
When a design has been approved under GB national legislation, a manufacturer can submit meters, manufactured in accordance with the type approval, for stamping. It is a requirement of the Gas Act 1986 that all gas meters are stamped to show that, when tested following manufacture/refurbishment, they conformed to the original type approval and operated within the prescribed levels of accuracy.
Self stamping
Stamping is performed by meter examiners appointed by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) or by authorised persons employed by manufacturers/repairers of gas meters that have been authorised to ‘self-stamp’ meters they have manufactured or repaired.
Formal ‘consents’ are issued to the manufacturer/repairer, and these are subject to regular audits performed by independent meter examiners appointed by OPSS. Unlike electricity meters there is no statutory list of approved gas meters (i.e. the equivalent of Schedule 4).
In addition, gas meters do not have a defined in-service life. However, there is an obligation in Schedule 2B of the Gas Act 1986 for all parties to keep meters in proper order for correctly registering the quantity of gas supplied. This obligation is generally fulfilled by the asset owner monitoring the accuracy of particular meter types on an ongoing basis and taking action when problems occur.
Sealing
Prior to submission for stamping, meters will have a uniquely marked seal attached. Gas meter seals are designed to be tamperproof and are used to provide security for the measuring elements of a meter, identify the manufacturer/repairer of the meter, the year of manufacturer and the fact that the meter is stamped.
If this seal is removed or tampered with in any way this should be reported to the supplier.
Contact us
If you have a specific enquiry regarding the accuracy of your gas and/or electricity meter, please email OPSS.enquiries@beis.gov.uk.
Alternatively you can contact the OPSS helpdesk on 0121 345 1201, open Monday to Friday 09.00 to 17.00.
Or in writing to:
Office for Product Safety and Standards
4th Floor Cannon House
18 The Priory Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6BS