As a soon-to-be fully qualified Gas Engineer in Scotland (course wrapping up), one of the things that comes up a lot on jobs, in training, and even in customer chats is electrical cables running too close to—or even touching—gas pipes. It’s a common sight in older homes, utility rooms, or during renos where pipes and wires share tight spaces like boiler cupboards or stud walls.
But is it allowed? Short answer: No, direct touching or being within 25 mm is not compliant under UK standards. Here’s a clear breakdown for homeowners, landlords, or anyone in the trade.
The Key Rule: BS 6891 Sets the Minimum Distances
The main standard for domestic gas installation pipework (up to 35 mm) in the UK—including Scotland—is BS 6891: Specification for the installation and maintenance of low pressure gas installation pipework of up to 35 mm on premises.
Section 8.16.2 (or equivalent in the 2015 edition) states:
Gas installation pipes must be spaced at least 25 mm away from:
Electricity supply or distribution cables
Electrical switches
Sockets
They must be at least 150 mm away from electrical supply equipment like:
Electricity meters
Consumer units/distribution boards
Main isolation switches
Service cut-outs
If you can’t achieve that separation (e.g., in a cramped chase or where a cable crosses a pipe), the rules allow a workaround: separate them with a non-conductive barrier (like insulating material, plastic sleeving, trunking, or even suitable electrical tape in some cases—though permanent fixes like rerouting are preferred).
Direct contact (touching) or less than 25 mm without a barrier? That’s a breach of BS 6891. It’s not to current standards, and it creates potential risks.
Why the Separation? Real Safety Reasons
Electrical fault risk: If an electrical cable’s insulation gets damaged (age, rodents, rubbing, poor install), a live fault could energise the metal gas pipe. That means risk of electric shock if someone touches the pipe or fittings.
Spark/ignition hazard: In the (rare) event of a small gas escape nearby, a spark from a faulty cable could ignite it—though gas pipes aren’t usually ignition sources themselves.
Induced voltage: Close proximity can sometimes cause stray voltages on the pipe, especially if bonding is missing.
Bonding interaction: Gas pipes need proper equipotential bonding (usually 10 mm² cable to the main earthing terminal). Too-close cables can complicate that or create issues if faults occur.
It’s not usually an “explosion waiting to happen” like a major leak, but it’s a preventable hazard that Gas Safe engineers flag during services.
How Does This Fit with IGEM/G/11 (Unsafe Situations Procedure)?
IGEM/G/11 (Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure—the bible for classifying ID/AR/NCS) does not list “cable too close to gas pipe” or “touching cable” as a specific example in its tables.
No direct entry for this proximity issue.
Engineers use professional judgement based on risk assessment.
In practice (from Gas Safe training, forums, and real jobs):
Not to Current Standards (NCS): Often the classification if it’s just under 25 mm or touching with no barrier, but no immediate danger (no leak, no damaged live cable, no exposed wires).
At Risk (AR): If the engineer judges there’s a foreseeable future danger (e.g., cable looks chafed, old wiring, potential for fault, or combined with other issues like poor bonding). This usually means advise fix, note on paperwork, possibly turn off/label if risk is higher.
Immediately Dangerous (ID): Rare for proximity alone—only if there’s an actual fault (e.g., live on pipe already, or imminent spark risk with a leak).
Most cases I’ve seen in training/videos end up as AR or NCS: Engineer notes it, recommends an electrician reroute the cable or add insulation, and the gas side stays on if safe otherwise.
What Should You Do If You Spot It?
Homeowners/landlords: Get a Gas Safe engineer to check during your next boiler service. They’ll assess risk and advise. Then call a qualified electrician to fix the cable side (reroute, sleeve, or barrier).
As a Gas Engineer (or trainee like me!): Always measure the gap. If <25 mm/no barrier:
Record on job sheet/Benchmark.
Advise customer in writing.
Classify per IGEM/G/11 judgement (usually NCS/AR).
Don’t disconnect unless AR and risk justifies it.
Fix is often simple: Clip cable away, add insulating sleeve, or trunk it properly.
This is classic crossover trade stuff—gas and sparks need to talk! Once qualified, jobs like this are bread-and-butter in Scotland’s older housing stock.
Have you seen this in a utility room or behind a boiler? Drop a comment or DM a pic (safely anonymised)—happy to chat about it on the next podcast or video. As a Class 1 driver turned content creator turned Gas Engineer, these practical safety tips are what my audience loves.
Stay safe, keep those annual services going, and let’s keep Scotland’s homes gas-safe! 🚀
0 Comments