Exterior Gas Regulator Detail
Photo Details
- Date: November 3, 2025
- Time: 5:55 PM EDT
- Weather: Clear and windy afternoon, 51-56°F. Good conditions for final grading.
- Phase: Utilities planning & verification
- Location: 309 E. 7th St., Clare, MI – exterior meter set
- View: Side profile highlighting the service regulator downstream of the meter
Description
Close-up of the Actaris (Schlumberger) B2R service regulator attached to the DTE meter set. The regulator body data tag reads “B2R 7705 – ORI 3/16 – 10 & 60 PSIG – SYSTEM 7” WC,” indicating the factory orifice, inlet pressure range, and outlet setpoint.
Key Observations
- Regulator model: Actaris B2R (residential service regulator)
- Orifice: 3/16” – matched to the AC-250 meter for ~250 CFH capacity
- Inlet range: Rated for 10 to 60 PSIG distribution pressure ahead of the meter
- Outlet setpoint: “System 7” WC” (≈ 0.25 PSIG) low-pressure delivery to the house piping
- Application: Standard single-stage regulation for legacy low-pressure residential systems
Implications for Backup Generator Planning
- The downstream piping currently operates at approximately 7” water column. Many larger standby generators prefer a dedicated 2 PSIG feed or larger orifice to prevent pressure sag during high demand.
- Any significant new load (e.g., 150 kBTU/hr generator) should trigger a load survey with DTE to confirm if this low-pressure B2R setup can maintain ≥ 5” WC at the generator while other appliances run.
- If calculations or measurements show inadequate pressure, options include:
- Requesting a meter/regulator upsizing (larger orifice or higher-capacity regulator)
- Converting to a 2 PSIG service with secondary regulation at the generator branch
- Installing a dedicated high-capacity branch just after the meter with appropriately sized piping
Related Notes
- Backup Generator Plan – Natural gas design considerations
- PXL_20251103_175451665 – Companion meter overview photo