Here’s what PG&E (and most California utilities) actually require, based on the 2022 PG&E Greenbook.
⚡️ The Basic Rule
Gas and electric service equipment must maintain a minimum 36-inch (3-foot) horizontal separation. This separation prevents arc flash or ignition hazards between the two systems.
But the key question is what points you measure between—and it’s not from the centerline.
📏 How to Measure the 3 Feet
✅ If the meters are exposed (not in cabinets):
Measure from the gas riser—the vertical pipe where the gas line transitions from underground to above ground— to the nearest point of the electric meter enclosure or conduit.
🔸 The 36-inch separation is edge to edge, not center to center.
✅ If either or both meters are in cabinets:
Measure from the nearest edge of one cabinet to the nearest edge of the other. The same 36-inch rule applies horizontally, not diagonally.
Think of it this way: draw an invisible vertical plane around the outermost edge of the gas equipment and measure 3 feet to the closest edge of any electrical equipment or conduit.
🚫 What Not to Do
- Don’t measure from centerline to centerline — that can easily shortchange the actual clearance.
- Don’t measure diagonally; the distance must be horizontal at grade.
- Don’t install electrical bonding, conduits, telecom boxes, or ground rods within that 3-foot zone around the gas meter—the rule applies to all energized equipment.
🧰 Quick Reference from the PG&E Greenbook
| Section | Requirement | Key Diagram |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3.4 – Gas Service Clearances | Maintain 36" minimum horizontal separation from gas riser to electric service. | Fig. 2-19 “Electric and Gas Meter Set Separation Dimensions” |
| 2.4.2 – Joint Trench Rules | Maintain 36" horizontal separation where electric and gas transition from below grade to above grade. | — |
| 5.4.3 – Electric Metering: General | “Applicants must not install any electrical devices or enclosures within the shaded area around the gas meter.” | Fig. 5-3 |
| Note: | When either meter is in a cabinet, measure from the cabinet edge, not the meter face or center. | — |
✅ Summary
- Minimum separation: 36 inches (3 feet).
- Measure point: from edge of gas riser or cabinet to edge of electric equipment or cabinet.
- Purpose: prevent ignition risk from arcing or gas release.
- Reference: 2022 PG&E Greenbook §§ 2.3.4, 2.4.2, 5.4.3, Figures 2-19 & 5-3.
Bottom line: That 3-foot clearance is an edge-to-edge measurement taken horizontally at grade—not from the meter centers. If either utility is in a cabinet, measure from the closest cabinet edge.
This keeps your installation compliant with PG&E standards and avoids red tags during utility inspection.
