E.2 Gas Regulator and Gas Regulator Vent Outlets

Gas meter piping supplying gas to a building at a pressure in excess of ¹/₂ psig (3.4 kPa gauge) shall be provided with a regulator that will reduce the pressure of the gas to ¹/₂ psig (3.4 kPa gauge) or less prior to entering the gas distribution piping in the building, except where the use of higher pressure is permitted. Where gas distribution pressure in excess of ¹/₂ psig (3.4 kPa gauge) is permitted, it shall be regulated not to exceed the maximum pressure level as permitted by the code or the commissioner.

Inside gas meter piping operating at a pressure in excess of 15 psig (103 kPa gauge) shall comply with the following:

1. Where such piping is greater than 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter, the meter piping shall be installed in a properly ventilated meter room of 3-hour fire-rated construction.
2. The maximum distance from the service line valve to the regulator shall be limited as follows:

SERVICE LINE VALVE SIZE	MAXIMUM DISTANCE (LINEAR FEET OF PIPE)
Up through 2-inch (51 mm) pipe size	4 feet (1219 mm)
Over 2-inch (51 mm) through 4-inch (102 mm) pipe size	8 feet (2438 mm)
Over 4-inch (102 mm) through 8-inch (203 mm) pipe size	15 feet (4572 mm)
10-inch (254 mm) pipe size and larger	20 feet (6096 mm)

3. Where these maximum distances cannot be met, the following shall be required:

FOOTAGE (LINEAR FEET OF PIPE) IN EXCESS OF ABOVE REQUIREMENTS	ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Up to 5 feet (1534 mm)	The meter room shall have 3 hour fire-rating construction and adequate ventilation.
Over 5 feet (1524 mm) through 10 feet (3048 mm)	Above requirements plus a combustible gas-detection alarm system
Over 10 feet (3048 mm) through 15 feet (4572 mm)	Above requirements plus special inspection by the customer, or his or her representative as required by the New York City Building Code.
Over 15 feet (4572 mm) through 20 feet (6096 mm)	Above requirements plus explosion venting per NFPA 68 and NFPA 69 or alternative ventilation acceptable to the commissioner and automatic gas shutoff devices
Over 20 feet (6096 mm)	Above requirements plus suitable fire protection approved by the commissioner

For new gas installations made in existing structures, the above requirements shall be used to the extent feasible. Alternate designs may be considered by the commissioner.

When located inside the building, each regulator shall be provided with a vent pipe that leads directly to the outdoor air. The vent pipe shall be sized according to local utility requirements. The vent outlet shall not be located under a window or any opening leading back into the premises or located below any overhang or projection. No gas regulator vent outlet shall be covered over, plugged up, or otherwise obstructed, and all gas vents shall be identified by suitable marking on the outlet on the outside of the building.

Gas appliance pressure regulators requiring access to the atmosphere for successful operation shall be equipped with vent leading to the outdoors, unless constructed or equipped with a vent-limiting means to limit the escape of gas from the vent opening in the event of diaphragm failure.