MECKLENBURG COUNTY
FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE
SPECIFICATION FOR GAS METER PROTECTION
This specification applies to locations where a moving vehicle could strike a piece of equipment that contains fuel or is
fuel fired. The applications include motor fuel-dispensing facilities, above ground storage tanks and repair garages as
well as other locations in which gas or oil-fired equipment or applications could be installed where they would be in
harm’s way.
Acceptable impact protection is dependent upon location and physical arrangement of the equipment requiring
protection and is not limited to guard posts only. Protection could consist of walls, barricades, guardrails or elevated
locations that provide the requisite level of protection and are approved by the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s
Office.
NOTE: The above specification is located in the NC Fire Code and Commentary and the below requirements
Tare located in the NC Fire Code, Section 312 and 603.
GAS METER PROTECTION
Above-ground gas meters, regulators and piping subject to damage shall be protected by a barrier complying with
Section 312 of the NC Fire Code or otherwise protected in an approved manner.
VEHICLE IMPACT PROTECTION
Vehicle impact protection required by the NC Fire Code shall be provided by posts that comply with Section 312.2 of
the NC Fire Code or by other approved physical barriers that comply with section 312.3 of the NC Fire Code.
1.
2.
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5.
Constructed of steel not less than 4 inches in diameter and concrete filled.
Spaced not more than 4 feet between posts on center.
Set not less than 3 feet deep in a concrete footing of not less than a 15 inch diameter.
Set with the top of the posts not less than 3 feet above ground.
Located not less than 3 feet from the protected object.
Physical barriers shall be a minimum of 36 inches in height and shall resist a force of 12,000 pounds applied 36 inches
above the adjacent ground surface.
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