Technical Help
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 us on 0845 641 3010 or email us at enquiries@fulcrum.co.uk.
If your query is of technical nature and you would like to speak
to one of our technical engineers please call 0845 641 3010 and ask
to speak to one of the technical engineering team - we're always
happy to help.
Do you have specific technical guidelines for developers or
house builders?
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.
If requested would someone come out and explain available
options to help me decide the best location for the pipework?
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.
Who is responsible for checking land ownership?
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.
I have to pre-excavate the on-site trenches. Where can I find
the requirements for doing this?
Please read the Gas Pipe Excavation guide that we've created to
advise on excavating your own trench.
Is it possible to lay ducting? If so, where can I find the
requirements?
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.
Can all utilities be installed in a single trench?
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.
What size is the meter housing?
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.
Where does my meter need to go?
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.
I have gas at the moment. Will I be off gas while you complete
the works?
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.
Will I need to arrange my own Gas Safe engineer?
This depends on your specific project and individual
requirements. You can check this with your dedicated designer
by contacting them directly.
Will I receive a new Meter Point Reference Number? If so, at
what stage?
This depends on the type of work we're doing for you. We will
create a new MPRN whenever we install a new service that connects
to a gas main.
I don't understand what 'shippers' are and what they do, can
you explain this to me?
Shippers and energy suppliers are the organisation who you will
pay for the ongoing supply of gas once we've installed your
infrastructure.
Can you issue me with a completion certificate following a gas
service disconnection?
Unfortunately we can not issue a completion certificate for
disconnection works as we are not normally the network owner for
the site. However we confirm exact points of disconnection when
requested.
What happens if there is a problem with my gas meter?
Your meter is owned by a Meter Asset Manager (MAM) who is
responsible for the meter. If you do encounter any issues following
installation, these should be reported to your energy supplier who
will liaise with the MAM to rectify the problem.
There is a problem with my gas bill, who do I contact regarding
this?
You will need to contact your gas supplier directly if you have
any issues with billing.
I don't know my MPRN number, where can I obtain this?
If you have an existing gas service, there should be a label
providing this information. Alternatively, you can contact the
company that installed your gas service and they should be able to
provide your MPRN. If you are unable to obtain your MPRN via either
of these methods, you can contact the M Number Helpline on 0870
6081524