Understanding Natural Gas Meter Bars

Understanding the Importance & Installation of A.Y. McDonald Natural Gas Meter Bars

Many people in North America rely on natural gas to cook, clean, and heat their home. As a staple to our everyday life, the natural gas meter set helps distribute this resource to the structure. The meter set is made of many parts but, when it comes to servicing the meter itself, the meter bar plays a crucial role.

A meter bar allows for positive swivel alignment should the meter need to be removed. Below are additional features:

• Has the ability to suspend the gas meter without exerting tension.
• Provides stability to a meter set and gives rigidity.
• Typically used in colder climates as it keeps the meter from becoming misaligned due to the shifting of the ground with the change of seasons.

Meter bars can be customized by operation and physical appearance based on their type. Common A.Y. McDonald natural gas meter bar product options include the following:

When it comes to choosing an A.Y. McDonald meter bar, the spread is the first step. A meter bar’s spread describes the length in inches from center to center of the meter connection. A.Y. McDonald meter bar spread options include 6”, 6 1/2”, 7”, 8 ¼”, and 11 1/8”. Other aspects taken into consideration when choosing an A.Y. McDonald meter bar are the inlet type, meter bar type, end configuration/bar type, finish/packaging, outlet end type, and optional tap(s).

All A.Y. McDonald natural gas meter bars come with installation instruction sheets. Please note that all connections with pipe threads require use of thread sealant at installation and PTFE tape is NOT recommended. In addition, as an alternative to utilizing a wrench, A.Y. McDonald rear inlet/valved meter bars can utilize a 1 1/16” socket for installation to ensure a gas tight seal. Hand tight plus 1 to 1 1/2 turns.

Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial applications, A.Y. McDonald meter bars are created with optimal design, engineering, and performance in mind. Learn more about how to order a meter bar, installation and use, and more by calling our customer service department at 1-800-277-2737, fill out a contact form on aymcdonald.com, or take the ‘A.Y. McDonald Natural Gas Meter Bar Use and Installation’ AYU course.