This British Standard specifies design parameters, materials and methods of installing pipe, in sizes not
exceeding R1? (32 mm) for steel and DN 32 for corrugated stainless steel or DN 35 for copper, gas
pipework, for the supply of 2nd family gas from the meter to appliances in domestic dwellings. The
standard is also applicable to polyethylene pipe up to DN 32 that is exterior to a dwelling.
This standard applies to gas installation pipework where the nominal operating pressure is 21 mbar1).
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON CLAUSE 1
Annex A shows a typical domestic gas installation (figures from the Gas Safety (Installation and Use)
Regulations 1998 [1]).
Steel pipework to BS 1387 of nominal size DN 32 is that size which is threaded to R1? (32 mm) in
accordance with BS 21.
The provision of service pipes to the consumer’s gas meter is covered by the Institution of Gas Engineers and
Managers publication IGE/TD/4 [6].
The installation of gas meters is covered by BS 6400.
3rd family gas (liquefied petroleum gas) installations in permanent dwellings are covered in BS 5482-1.
Gas installation pipework in larger sizes or at higher gas pressures is detailed in the Institution of Gas
Engineers and Managers publication IGE/UP/2 [7].
Gas, as classified in BS EN 437:2003, Table 1, is normally supplied to the public in accordance with
statutory requirements. The provisions of this standard apply to installations supplied with 2nd family
gases including natural gas and mixtures of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) and air.
NOTE 1 For the purposes of this standard, installation includes design, inspection and commissioning. It is recognized that each of
these tasks can be performed by the same person.
NOTE 2 As well as normally constructed dwellings, domestic premises include any permanently sited caravans, holiday homes,
residential park homes and permanently moored boats. Additional requirements exist for these categories of premises and can be
found in IGE/UP/8 [8]. Neither this standard nor IGE/UP/8 [8] applies to gas installations in towed or motorized caravans.
NOTE 3 Additional information on gas installations in timber frame dwellings is given in IGE/UP/7 [9].