Keep an eye on your gas fire....

derekgas · 16-03-2011, 14:56

And cooker, boiler etc, I have noticed a lot more than average low gas pressures in Accrington and Great Harwood, it is fairly common for the gas meter to play up and have to ring Transco/National Grid to change the Governor, but it is happening on a very regular basis, one customer was told 'there is nothing can be done, it is a low pressure area' by one of their engineers, yet my records show that 5 of our customers on the same street all have good pressure... until recently, Yesterday I called to service a gas boiler, and the pressure was low, rang them about it and they said they would be there, as usual within 2 hours, but after I left, they rang the customer and informed him they would not be going until next Tuesday!!! As gas appliances are designed to run at 20 millibar, and the problem properties always seem to be around 15 millibar, some appliances can burn badly in these circumstances, so in particular at peak times, the easiest ways to spot a problem are the gas fire flame not 'looking normal' not being as high, or worst case, burning a very lazy flame and possible soot deposits, these should be turned off and inspected, it would take an age to post enough information, but if anybody has any concerns I would rather they be safe and contact me here, or by phone, advice costs nothing, and could be very necessary.

Neil · 16-03-2011, 15:09

Just checked it here and its 24mbar at the meter.

It stinks in here now

derekgas · 16-03-2011, 15:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

Just checked it here and its 24mbar at the meter.

It stinks in here now

Is that standing pressure or running pressure? And if it stinks, what did you attach to the test point? ...A bucket?

Neil · 16-03-2011, 15:26

Does 1 pilot light count as running?

derekgas · 16-03-2011, 15:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

Does 1 pilot light count as running?

Not really, it wont open the governor, but then, it isnt counted as standing either!!

Neil · 16-03-2011, 15:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by derekgas

Not really, it wont open the governor, but then, it isnt counted as standing either!!

Makes the meter go round though

20.9 mbar with boiler and fire on full bore.
No gas cooker, capped it off when we moved in and the pipe was in the way.

derekgas · 16-03-2011, 18:49

Thats quite good, the recommended pressure is 21 the theory being a 1mb loss to the appliance would result in 20mb at the appliance which is perfect.

Neil · 16-03-2011, 20:01

I will be measuring it at the appliance soon. Maybe next week

Romps · 16-03-2011, 21:52

wow you 2 really know how to live on the edge don't you...... zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

dont even think about it NJM!! x

derekgas · 24-08-2011, 15:01

Far be it from me to say I told you so... but I did, and funnily enough after 12 months of telling transco/national grid that there are problems in Accrington with gas pressures, and them denying it... low and behold they are replacing underground pipes in various places all over town. But! I have had calls from people who have had the supply renewed and it caused problems with boilers playing up in the main, after re-connection, then from people who have had their supply cut off because of not to current standard installations (meaning that the installations are not up to date with current regulations).

Gremlin · 24-08-2011, 19:10

How do you check the gas pressure if, like me, you are not a gas fitter?

Is there a gauge somewhere I have missed?

derekgas · 27-08-2011, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gremlin

How do you check the gas pressure if, like me, you are not a gas fitter?

Is there a gauge somewhere I have missed?

Hi Gremlin,

You need a manometer (weir gauge, water gauge) or to be able to do a gas rate of your appliances to test accurately, but as a rule, if you turn on every cooker ring, and the gas fire, then watch one or the other when you turn on the heating, as the boiler fires you will see and hear a slight adjustment in the flame, if it quickly returns to as was before you fired the boiler, should be ok, if not, or your not sure, turn the boiler off again and if the flames suddenly become higher on the fire or the cooker then you have a pressure or pipework problem, thanks for asking, I hope this helps.

Gremlin · 27-08-2011, 19:13

Thanks for the info Derek, I assume that the other members who posted their pressure figures here had a manometer then. Most folk won't and I wondered if there was a gauge on the gas meter or something.
I have all the paper work from the building inspector, gas and electricity reports etc which were given to me when the bungalow was built and handed over to me last Christmas.
I have checked the gas report out and it says it is 3.64 Mb, does that seem OK or have I misread the report?

derekgas · 28-08-2011, 16:05

3.64mb is way too low, I think maybe its a gas rate for a gas fire (3,64kw), the gas pressure should ideally be 21mb (millibar).
Neil has a manometer I think, although he isn't a gas fitter and we don't take much notice of him on here

, mind you, I have a multimeter and I'm no electrician.

Gremlin · 28-08-2011, 18:41

I have just had another look at the paper work Derek, the reading of 3.64 is for the Combi boiler which is a condenser type with a heat exchanger round the flue pipe.
There are so many certificates and inspectors reports that I am having trouble finding the one for the main supply.
The combi is working fine and the oven is OK, we don't have a gas fire, so I am not worried but the annual inspection, which is covered by the builder, will be due by the 1st December so I will ask questions then.