How to Choose the Right Household Gas Meter Model
Understanding these differences is essential to ensure accurate gas metering, stable operation, and safe daily use.
1. Common Household Gas Meter Models and Flow Ranges
The model number of a gas meter represents its nominal flow capacity, which directly determines the maximum amount of gas the meter can measure per hour.
Below is a general reference for household gas meters:
- G1.6 Gas Meter
Flow range: 0.016–2.5 m³/h
Maximum hourly gas consumption: ≤ 2.5 m³/h
- G2.5 Gas Meter
Flow range: 0.025–4.0 m³/h
Maximum hourly gas consumption: ≤ 4.0 m³/h
- G4 Gas Meter
Flow range: 0.04–6.0 m³/h
Maximum hourly gas consumption: ≤ 6.0 m³/h
For typical households, the total gas consumption per hour rarely exceeds 6 m³, which means G1.6, G2.5, or G4 gas meters are sufficient to meet daily cooking and hot water needs.
2. Why Household Gas Meters Are Limited to G4
Household gas pipelines are generally low-pressure systems, with working pressure usually not exceeding 50 kPa.
Under such conditions, the gas flow rate is naturally limited, making household gas meters suitable and safe for residential use.
If the required hourly gas flow exceeds 6 m³/h, household gas meters are no longer appropriate. In such cases—such as restaurants, canteens, shopping malls, schools, or factories—industrial and commercial gas meters (G6–G100) should be selected instead.
3. How to Select the Right Gas Meter Model
The selection of a gas meter should be based on the maximum hourly gas consumption, not just average daily usage.
A widely accepted principle is:
The normal operating flow of a gas meter should fall within 20%–70% of its maximum flow capacity.
When calculating the maximum gas demand, consider the following factors:
- Gas stoves
- Gas water heaters
- Wall-mounted gas boilers
- Other gas appliances
- Simultaneous operation of multiple appliances
It is also important to account for future gas usage, such as adding new appliances later. Choosing a meter that is too small may lead to inaccurate metering, unstable gas supply, or restricted gas usage during peak demand.
4. Why Proper Selection Matters
An undersized gas meter may operate close to its maximum capacity for long periods, which can result in:
- Reduced measurement accuracy
- Increased pressure loss
- Inability to meet peak gas demand
- Impact on normal gas usage
Selecting the correct gas meter model ensures accurate billing, stable performance, and long-term reliability for household gas systems.
