Gas Meters for Sale: A Practical Guide for Installers and Property Owners
For a property with piped or reticulated gas, the meter is what turns shared supply into clear, usable information. Property owners, landlords and complexes can measure consumption per unit or tenant, split gas costs fairly and keep a clear record of usage. Prepaid metering can also prevent unpaid consumption because gas is paid for before it is used.
This guide focuses on choosing and buying gas meters. For meter reading and installation information, see How to Read and Install Prepaid and Analogue Meters.
Choosing gas meters for multi-unit properties
For landlords and property managers, the main question is how gas costs need to be allocated. A meter per unit gives each tenant a separate usage record. That makes billing clearer and removes the guesswork that comes with dividing a shared gas bill.
Why meter gas usage per unit or tenant
Individual metering gives a property owner a clear record of who uses what. A prepaid gas meter goes a step further. The user buys gas credit before consumption, which means the property owner is not left carrying unpaid gas usage. This can be useful where several tenants share one reticulated gas supply, but each unit needs its own account.
Prepaid, analogue and smart gas meters
Prepaid and smart are not the same thing, although the functions can overlap. A prepaid gas meter controls access to paid gas credit. A smart gas meter adds communication or remote data functions. A prepaid meter can also have smart features, such as remote monitoring.
G1 Tradepoint’s current meter range includes Prepaid STS G4 Split Type Gas meter and Pulse Output Gas Meter G2.5. The STS G4 has an aluminium alloy body, a split keypad arrangement and SIGFOX connectivity available on request. The G2.5 is an analogue meter with pulse output, which allows it to connect to a compatible monitoring system.
When a prepaid gas meter makes sense
A prepaid gas meter is worth considering for rental properties, complexes and other multi-unit sites where the owner wants each user to pay for their own gas.
The Prepaid STS G4 Split Type Gas meter uses STS technology and separates the meter from the customer keypad. This gives the user access to the keypad without needing access to the meter itself. SIGFOX connectivity is available on request for remote monitoring.
At the time of writing, the G1 Tradepoint website lists the Prepaid STS G4 Split Type Gas meter at R3 116,50 (Including VAT, excluding delivery). Availability of SIGFOX options should be confirmed when ordering.
When analogue and pulse output metering fits the job
Analogue meters remain a practical option where the main requirement is to measure gas volume. The Pulse Output Gas Meter G2.5 adds pulse output for connection to a compatible remote monitoring or data system.
At the time of writing, the G1 Tradepoint website lists the Pulse Output Gas Meter G2.5 at R1 725,00 (Including VAT, excluding delivery). The pulse pickup probe is ordered separately.
For larger bulk measurement, G16 and G25 vapour meters have a maximum working pressure of 0.5 bar. Confirm the application with G1 Tradepoint before specifying one.
What installers should check before specifying a meter
Start with the gas system and the client’s management needs. Check the expected gas demand, the required meter capacity, the operating pressure and the gas being measured. Then establish if the owner needs a basic usage reading, prepaid control or connected monitoring.
If the owner wants remote data, confirm the required communication setup before ordering. Smart functions depend on the meter, keypad and monitoring arrangement selected, so do not assume every prepaid meter includes the same connectivity.
Gas meter pressure and installation safety
Gas meter pressure ratings must match the installation. TDM aluminium meters supplied by G1 Tradepoint have a maximum pressure of 2 bar and are CMI tested to EN1359 and OIML R137.
A regulator must be installed before the meter, and pressure must be raised slowly to 1.2 bar. A pressure burst can tear the diaphragm. Damage caused by a pressure burst is a workmanship error and is not a warranty issue.
Gas work must be carried out by a registered gas installer. Property owners should not treat meter selection as a DIY gas installation project.
A meter can make the installation a more complete system
Instead of quoting only pipework and regulation, you can discuss how the client plans to recover gas costs, record consumption and manage tenants. That conversation helps determine if analogue, prepaid or smart gas metering is the better fit.
Choosing the right gas meter with G1 Tradepoint
If you are comparing gas meters for sale, start with the property, gas demand, pressure and the way usage needs to be managed. Browse the prepaid and analogue meters on the G1 Tradepoint website, or email info@g1tradepoint.co.za and we’ll help you choose the right meter for the property.