What is the typical gas pressure at the outlet of the natural gas meter?

What is the typical gas pressure at the outlet of the natural gas meter?

• A. 10 inches water column
• B. 5 inches water column
• C. 7 inches water column
• D. 4 inches water column

Answer: (C)

Gas pressure for natural gas in residential systems is a low, regulated value expressed in inches of water column. The meter outlet is typically set to about 7 inches of water column (roughly 0.25 psi) to provide enough pressure to push gas through the house piping and through appliance regulators, while staying safely within what burners need to operate consistently. This moderate, steady pressure helps ensure reliable ignition and flame control across a range of appliances. Too high a pressure could cause excessively large flames or instability, while too low a pressure may fail to sustain proper operation. That’s why seven inches water column is the standard outlet pressure.

Gas pressure for natural gas in residential systems is a low, regulated value expressed in inches of water column. The meter outlet is typically set to about 7 inches of water column (roughly 0.25 psi) to provide enough pressure to push gas through the house piping and through appliance regulators, while staying safely within what burners need to operate consistently. This moderate, steady pressure helps ensure reliable ignition and flame control across a range of appliances. Too high a pressure could cause excessively large flames or instability, while too low a pressure may fail to sustain proper operation. That’s why seven inches water column is the standard outlet pressure.