If there’s anything you’re unsure about the chances are we’ve been asked about it before. If you can't find what you're looking for or have an enquiry, please speak to one of our advisors on 03330 146 466 or email us at enquiries@fulcrum.co.uk. If your query is of a more detailed or technical nature and you would like to speak to one of our technical engineers please call 03330 146 466 and ask to speak to one of our Design Team - we're always happy to help.
Fulcrum provides a full nationwide delivery of any of its products. This capability ensures that our customers always benefit by having their project delivered consistently by engineers with a local knowledge of their environment.
We offer new gas connections, disconnections, meters and outlet pipework (the pipework from your meter to your boiler or appliances). Our accreditation enables us to provide single, dual or full multi-utility connections and for a customer to draw on any of our skilled services for design, consultancy, site audits or project management. Additionally, it enables us to provide a full end-to-end delivery starting with design, through to the project management of your new gas connection, meter and outlet pipework.
Multi-utility is the installation of two (dual) or more utilities. At Fulcrum, this includes the installation of gas, water, electricity, telecommunications ducting, street lighting and street furniture.
Yes, we can provide quotes for a multi-utility service. At Fulcrum, this includes the installation of gas, water, electricity, telecommunications ducting and street lighting and street furniture.
Yes, no problem, we can design and install standard domestic, commercial or industrial gas meters. Additionally, we create bespoke metering solutions to meet individual business requirements. We can also upgrade, replace, relocate or remove existing meters.
We can quote for and install outlet pipework to non-domestic properties, either as a standalone service or as part of a new connection and meter installation.
Outlet is required on all projects; however the best solution for you depends on your specific requirements.
We specialise in the design and installation of commercial outlet pipework and can design and construct either above ground, steel pipework installations or underground PE outlet up to your appliances if a boundary meter is required. Gas will not flow to appliances until the outlet is installed, so it is often more practical and more time effective for us to design and install the outlet in coordination with a new gas connection and meter installation.
For domestic installations any Gas Safe Registered engineer can install your outlet for you, so we recommend that you approach a local engineer to do this most cost effectively.
There are specific ventilation requirements for meters located inside buildings that are sized U16 and greater we recommend that you read our following guidance on this - Ventilation of meters located inside buildings (U16 or greater).
The following notes detail the ventilation requirements as outlined in the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (GS(I&U)R) for gas supply meter installations where the flow rate exceeds 6m3/hr or 64 kWh (U16 Diaphragm meter or larger).
The purpose of ventilation in a meter installation housing is to;
The total effective ventilation area (free area) shall not be less than 2% of the internal floor area of the housing or its notional equivalent and should be equally distributed and disposed at high and low levels around the outside walls.
The notional equivalent floor area is the floor area of an imaginary housing to enclose a meter installation which is, in fact, located in a larger open area such as workshop, boiler house or other part of a building. Where only one wall is used, ventilation must be increased to at least 3% of the notional floor area.
Low level ventilators should be positioned 150mm above the floor. The high level openings should be situated as close as possible below, but not more than 10% of the total height below, the roof or ceiling level. Where housings have an apex roof design, the level of ventilation should be achieved by utilising ridge ventilators. Any ceiling shall not create an unventilated void.
Yes, we can design and install standard domestic, commercial or industrial gas meters. Additionally, we create bespoke metering solutions to meet individual business requirements. We can also upgrade, replace, relocate or remove existing meters.
The size of the meter is dependent upon the input loading requirements of all appliances using gas. This should be given in KWh or scmh. A Gas Safe Registered engineer will be able to assist you with obtaining this information or you can contact us directly with any questions.
A pulsed output is a function to enable remote reading of the data from your meter. All of the meters we install have a pulsed output and the ability to be read remotely.
We can install your gas meters for you - either as a standalone service or as a bundled service along with a new connection. Due to the nature of the electricity and water markets, we can coordinate commercial meter installations on your behalf; however we recommend that domestic electricity meter installations are arranged via your chosen energy supplier.
If you require a meter installed, please let us know on your request. If you already have a quote or have placed an order please check your quotation or contact us to find out whether we're installing or coordinating the meter too.
If we are installing both the service(s) and meter(s), the meter installation will typically take place within 2 days of the connection being completed as long as a contract is in place with an energy supplier. If we're installing the meter as a standalone service, we can normally fit them in 7-10 working days following order, but please note this is, providing you have a contract in place with your energy supplier.
Meter housing specifications depend on the type of meter you're having installed. We've supplied technical guides that show the dimensions of the three standard gas domestic meter box types which are used on residential developments. Commercial or bespoke meters have specific requirements and we ask that you contact us to discuss the dimensions and any construction requirements with the project’s Designer.
The meter kiosk can be positioned in a number of locations in line with gas safety regulations, your designer will discuss the specific options available to you. Please note, for safety reasons, the position has to be considered very carefully. Some gas network owners prefer a boundary meter, however option is not always practical or available and the next best option would be to locate it on the building in an outside kiosk. This must be sited on the front wall or no more than 2m along a gable wall. Again in some cases this option is not practical, typically where a building abuts a public footpath. In this instance the network will only accept an internal meter location.
This depends on your specific project and individual requirements. You can check this with your dedicated designer by contacting them directly.
Unfortunately we cannot issue a completion certificate for disconnection works as we are not normally the network owner for the site. However we can confirm exact points of disconnection when requested.
Unlike some of the gas networks, we don’t wait until we have a group of disconnections in a specific location before we deliver the disconnection. We will agree a disconnection date that meets your needs and has minimal impact on your wider works schedule.
Multi-utility is the installation of two (dual) or more utilities. At Fulcrum, this includes the installation of gas, water, electricity, telecommunications ducting, street lighting and street furniture.
Yes, we can provide quotes for a multi-utility service. At Fulcrum, this includes the installation of gas, water, electricity, telecommunications ducting and street lighting and street furniture.
Due to the nature of how the electricity and water sectors work, some types of work within a installation are non-contestable and can only be completed by the incumbent utility network owner. We therefore have to obtain quotations from the relevant network owners for certain types of work before we can issue you with a formal quotation. Unfortunately some of these timescales can be significant, with some electricity network quotations taking over 35 working days to be returned.
We will always explain potential lead times associated with obtaining this information up front as they will depend on your specific requirements.
Obtaining firm water costs from the appropriate network owner at the quotation stage is possible, so please ask your Fulcrum Multi-Utility Designer about this. However, this is chargeable and will need to be paid upfront if required. Costs vary between £100-£1500 depending on the water network and project scope.
Water infrastructure charges are not included within water quotations as these are a separate charge and are usually paid directly to water network after quotation acceptance. We are happy to coordinate the payment of infrastructure charges on your behalf after acceptance. But please note, although domestic water infrastructure charges can be found on the relevant water network’s website, the charges for non-domestic premises cannot be identified until design approval is granted (again this is after quotation acceptance).
If we're delivering a multi-utility service for you, we look to install all supplies in the same trench wherever we possibly can. This helps minimise onsite disruption and is better for the environment. Please note that there are minimum distances between the various utilities, these must be adhered to and will determine the minimum width of the trench.
In an effort to reduce traffic congestion in London caused by works affecting highways, Transport for London are imposing "Lane Rental" surcharges on all utility installations taking place on specified sections of the busiest arterial roads into and out of London. When the road is dug up and traffic flow affected, the charge is made.
Lane Rental charges apply to all relevant utility works on key London road routes since Monday, June 11th 2012. They affect the cost of works undertaken by all utility companies at specified locations, not just Fulcrum.
As the highways authority for the Capital, Transport for London aim to reduce the congestion impact of utility installation on key highways by encouraging such works overnight or outside peak traffic hours as far as possible.
Yes. These charges don't just apply to relevant works carried out by Fulcrum. Any utility company undertaking installations involving digging up roads in specified locations on specified highways will be forced to impose the additional Lane Rental charges over and above the core cost of works.
Lane Rental charges affect the main arterial roads into and out of central London and the surrounding boroughs. Around 200 miles, 57 per cent, of Red Routes are affected. Certain sections of road will attract the highest charges - with the highest charge made for works on the busiest roads and which, by their nature, have to take place through peak hours.
If your installation works are outside the specified routes or can be completed during "off-peak" hours, you may face no extra costs. However, if relevant installation works need to take place at a specified Lane Rental location they will attract the surcharge. The precise amount will depend on the specific location, duration and nature of the works. Transport for London are imposing Lane Rental charges on a sliding scale with a maximum cost of £2,500 a day for key traffic "pinch points" such as important intersections and the busiest sections of roadway.
Contact us for guidance on whether the utility installation works necessary for your London development may be affected.
Although collected as part of Fulcrum's installation costs, the Lane Rental surcharge element will go direct to Transport for London with revenue used to fund measures which could help to reduce future road works disruption. Like all other utility installation companies, Fulcrum receives no financial benefit.
Lane Rental will only be charged if associated utility infrastructure works hamper traffic flows on specified routes - hence the nature, duration of works and precise route and location of the installation means it is difficult to give a blanket answer.
As each installation on key routes will be different, we suggest you contact us to assess your installation needs and confirm whether the highway location falls within a Lane Rental area and how the nature and likely duration of works will attract additional Transport for London charges.
Talk to us. We may be able to reduce the cost significantly by coordinating works outside peak hours, investigating other routes to and from the property or managing a multi-utility installation which could reduce overall exposure to Lane Rental. If none of these options are available, be assured Fulcrum will carry out the works in the quickest and most efficient way possible to ensure the most cost efficient service.
All relevant Fulcrum quotes will be upfront and open about the amount of extra cost with our price due to Lane Rental. The Lane Rental element will be listed separately so you are both aware of the amount of additional surcharge due to the new legal requirement and able to see that Fulcrum's core price for the work is fair and reasonable.
Yes, we provide a single designer who'll discuss your project with you. You'll also speak with a single office and onsite contact when your project is planned. We also have a national network of Business Development Managers who are the first point of contact for our larger customers.
The speed of our response depends on the complexity of the connection requirement. Quotes requiring a site survey do take longer, reflecting the greater design input and detailed preparation. However, we aim to provide all quotes within a 10 working day period and our customers remain informed throughout the process.
Due to the nature of how the electricity and water sectors work, some types of work within a installation are non-contestable and can only be completed by the incumbent utility network owner. We therefore have to obtain quotations from the relevant network owners for certain types of work before we can issue you with a formal quotation. Unfortunately some of these timescales can be significant, with some electricity network quotations taking over 35 working days to be returned. We will always explain potential lead times associated with obtaining this information up front as they will depend on your specific requirements.
Yes, one of our local surveyors or engineers would be happy to discuss your project with you on site. Your dedicated designer will also be able to discuss any specific requirements that you may have with you over the phone.
Obtaining firm water costs from the appropriate network owner at the quotation stage is possible, so please ask your Fulcrum Multi-Utility Designer about this. However, this is chargeable and will need to be paid upfront if required. Costs vary between £100-£1500 depending on the water network and project scope.
Water infrastructure charges are not included within water quotations as these are a separate charge and are usually paid directly to water network after quotation acceptance. We are happy to coordinate the payment of infrastructure charges on your behalf after acceptance. But please note, although domestic water infrastructure charges can be found on the relevant water network’s website, the charges for non-domestic premises cannot be identified until design approval is granted (again this is after quotation acceptance).
Standard firm quotations are valid for 60 days. Your quotation letter will specify the exact validity period of your quote.
This isn't a problem. Simply call us and we'll be happy to provide a re-quote.
We need a letter of consent from the previous customer to do this. This is in line with rules on data protection.
Normally, works are paid for at the point of placing an order with us. However, payment terms are available for specific works. Please contact your Business Development Manager to discuss the payment options available to you.
Yes, we can offer staged payments for larger projects. Please contact your Business Development Manager to discuss the payment options available to you.
You will usually receive a VAT receipt around 10 working days after your payment has cleared.
Yes, we provide a single designer who'll discuss your project with you. You'll also speak with a single office and onsite contact when your project is planned. We also have a national network of Business Development Managers who are the first point of contact for our larger customers.
After you place an order, we will begin our planning process for the work you have asked us to carry out. You will receive an initial call from us clarifying what work is required and what plan date you would like. Wherever possible we try to accommodate specific dates required and aim to have a plan date to you within a 3-5 day window.
There are several technical reasons why there are timescales attached to certain jobs and the length of time it takes Fulcrum to obtain permissions to do your work. For example, if we are connecting in a public area we will require permission from the local highways authority to excavate in the public highway and these can take anything from 15 days to 90 days to gain agreement.
A start date will be agreed with you and confirmed both verbally and in writing, providing you with sufficient time to complete any preparation prior to our works. We'll also call you before works commence to ensure that you're still ready for us.
This varies depending on your project, your specific requirements (for example phasing of installations) and its location. We will visit your site after you place your order to determine an estimated duration for the works. This is done before planning the project and we will confirm all plan dates as soon as possible.
If we are installing both your service and meter, the meter installation will typically take place within 2 days of the connection being completed. If we're installing your meter as a standalone service, we can normally install it in 7-10 working days following your order (providing you have a contract in place with your supplier).
It's sometimes possible to arrange an earlier plan date. If another customer delays their project, we may be able to provide you with an earlier date if all required permissions (e.g. authority from the highways and local utility network owner) are granted.
Yes, all plan dates are all day appointments. Our engineers will require access to the site and the property/ properties from 8am and until the work is completed. We also need an authorised person on site should our engineers need to discuss the project in more detail with you.
A gas interruption is likely if we're completing an alteration or upgrade to an existing supply. Please let us know if you require your supply to remain constant during our works and we will discuss the options available to you.
This depends on your specific project and individual requirements. You can check this with your dedicated designer by contacting them directly.
Yes, we can quote for specifically working at the weekend. Please contact your Design Engineer if you require weekend work on your project.
Smaller or single installation works are normally completed in one visit. For larger or phased developments, works are quoted on a continuous delivery basis. However, we can also quote to phase the work depending on your individual requirements - please let us know your specific requirements when you make your request.
Yes, we will require access to both the site and property/ properties we will be working at.
We have a number of technical reference guides that cover the installation of utilities. We also have a detailed 'Developer pack' that supplies detailed information and has been specifically developed for house builders. Please contact us if you would like a copy.
Yes, one of our local surveyors or engineers would be happy to discuss your project with you on site. Your dedicated designer will also be able to discuss any specific requirements that you may have with you over the phone.
It is your responsibility to highlight any 3rd party land (except public highway) that we are proposing to work in. Please tell us about any 3rd party land when you make your request.
Please note that if works are required in 3rd party land, it is likely that additional costs will be incurred and the timeline for the works will be extended. This is due to the additional permissions required to excavate and install in 3rd party land.
Please read the Gas Pipe Excavation guide that we've created to advise on excavating your own trench.
Yes, you can lay ducting within your own private land. Please read the Gas Ducting guide that we've created before you buy or install any ducting.
If we're delivering a multi-utility service for you, we look to install all supplies in the same trench wherever we possibly can. This helps minimise onsite disruption and is better for the environment. Please note that there are minimum distances between the various utilities. These must be adhered to and will determine the minimum width of the trench.
This depends on the type of meter you're having installed. Please see the individual technical guides which show the dimensions of the three standard domestic meter box types or contact us to discuss dimensions for non-domestic or bespoke meter housing requirements.
The meter kiosk can be positioned in a number of locations and your designer will discuss the specific options available to you. Please note, for safety reasons the position should be considered very carefully. Some gas network owners prefer a boundary meter. This option is not always practical or available and the next best option would be to locate it on the building in an outside kiosk. This must be sited on the front wall or no more than 2m along a gable wall. Again in some cases this option is not practical, typically where a building abuts a public footpath. In this instance the network will only accept an internal meter location. There are also ventilation requirements to consider when we're installing none-domestic meters. You can find out more about by reading our guidance on this - Ventilation of meters located inside buildings (U16 or greater).
Yes, for non-domestic meters there are specific requirements that must be adhered to. We recommend that you read our guidance on this - Ventilation of meters located inside buildings (U16 or greater).
A gas interruption is likely if we're completing an alteration or upgrade to an existing supply. Please let us know if you require your supply to remain constant during our works and we will discuss the options available to you.
This depends on your specific project and individual requirements. You can check this with your dedicated designer by contacting them directly.
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