Hole in back of gas meter box - can it be sealed safely?

[Dorset Drew]

If a gas meter box is recessed into the wall, with the electrical earthing/bonding wire going through a hole in the back into the cavity... can that hole be sealed safely?

My gas supply company said it's unsafe and no holes into the cavity are allowed (aside the actual supply pipe which is sealed) and the entire meter box needs replacing for it to be considered safe.... my gas safe engineer said it's common to see the wire routed through a small hole like that and it can be sealed.....

Any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[chris watkins]

As a company who provides the gas supplies to new housing we would not except the bonding wire passing through the back of the box only the gas outlet can enter this way as it is sleeved & sealed to prevent any gas escape from filling up the cavity of the wall.

I can't see why the cable can't be removed & relocated outside the box & the hole that is left sealed to an acceptable standard.

 

[lame plumber]

no need to earth bond the meter in the box as it can be connected inside the building as soon as the gas pipe exits the wall.

 

[ed209]

Can you post a picture?

 

[ed209]

Does the earth wire pass through the gas pipe sleeve or is it going through a separate hole?
I think you can repair holes less than 10mm with a manufacturer of the box approved repair kit but this needs to be confirmed by your supplier

 

[townfanjon]

Seen loads ( bloody sparkies ) as above ^ if its a small hole I just seal it up

 

[AWheating]

as above, 10mm or under you can repair it. bigger then its new box and punch the sparks time.