N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 16 § 226.6

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 25, June 18, 2024

Section 226.6 - Gas meters and accessories-test flow rates, out-test accuracy standards and test requirements

Gas meters and related accessories utilized by a utility shall conform to the following out-test accuracy standards and test requirements at the specified flow rates. Only meters determined to be free of leaks and found upon test to comply with the following, where the test results are expressed to the nearest 0.1 percent proof, shall be labelled as out-tested and placed in service at a customer's premises:

(a) Test flow rates.

(1) The check rate test for diaphragm, rotary and turbine meters is conducted at a flow rate not less than 10 percent nor more than 40 percent of rated capacity.

(2) The open rate test is conducted at a flow rate as follows:

(i) Diaphragm meters - not less than 80 percent nor more than 120 percent of rated capacity.

(ii) Rotary and turbine meters - not less than 60 nor more than 100 percent of the rated capacity.

(b) Out-test accuracy standards.

(1) Nontemperature compensating diaphragm, rotary and turbine gas meters. At the check and open rates, the percent proof shall be not less than 99.0 percent nor more than 101.0 percent. For diaphragm meters the open rate test result shall not differ from the check rate result by more than one percent.

(2) Temperature compensating diaphragm, rotary and turbine gas meters.

(i) Ambient temperature test. At the check and open rates, the percent proof shall be not less than 99.0 percent nor more than 101.0 percent. For diaphragm meters the open rate test result shall not differ from the check rate result by more than one percent.

(ii) Average winter temperature test. At the check and open rates, the percent proof shall be not less than 99.0 percent nor more than 102.0 percent. For diaphragm meters the open rate test result shall not differ from the check rate result by more than one percent.

(3) Orifice meters. The overall cumulative error of the metering system shall be not greater than +-1 percent throughout its operating range.

(4) Meters with correction devices. The percent proof, at test conditions, shall be not less than 99.0 percent nor more than 101.0 percent.

(c) Out-test requirements.

(1) Nontemperature compensating gas meters.

(i) Each nontemperature compensating meter shall be out-tested prior to its installation.

(ii) In lieu of the test requirements in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, new nontemperature compensating meters may be out-tested on an approved sampling basis by the utility if the manufacturer's test equipment has been certified in accordance with section 226.5 of this Part and the manufacturer has certified that each meter has been tested prior to delivery.

(2) Temperature compensating gas meters.

(i) Each temperature compensating meter shall be out-tested at both the ambient and average winter temperature test conditions.

(ii) In lieu of the test requirements in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, new temperature compensating meters may be out-tested on an approved sampling basis at the ambient and average winter temperature conditions by the utility, if the manufacturer's test equipment has been certified in accordance with section 226.5 of this Part and the manufacturer has certified that each meter has been tested prior to delivery.

(iii) In lieu of the test requirements in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, temperature compensating meters being returned to service after maintenance shall be out-tested at ambient temperature conditions provided that a commission approved sample of such meters is also tested at the average winter temperature conditions.

(3) Correction devices.

(i) Each correction device shall be tested and calibrated prior to installation at various pressures and/or temperature conditions representative of the device's range(s) (including the conditions expected to prevail at the sites where it may be placed in service), or upon installation at the pressure and temperature conditions at the site.

(ii) After being placed in service, the correction device shall be either monitored through a review of meter reading records at least once every six months to determine proper operation or be tested at least once every two years as set forth in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 16 § 226.6