Few things are true 100% of the time, but one truth is that things are always changing around us. In our industry, there have been very few code changes that caused significant change in the way we operate from day one of going into effect, but there is
one rolling out in 2026 that you need to be prepared for if you deal with reseller/dispenser stations.
This new code isn’t coming from NFPA58 or state code books, but rather is surfacing from the 2024 edition of the NIST Handbook 130, which governs weights, measures, and the sale of commodities. Specific code verbiage is below.
2.21.2. Metered Sales by Liquid Volume. – All metered sales by liquid volume shall be accomplished using metering systems as follows:
(a) Sales using metering systems with a maximum rated capacity greater than 20 gal/min shall be accomplished using a metering system that automatically compensates for the effects of temperature.
(b) Sales using metering systems with a maximum rated capacity equal to or less than 20 gal/min that were placed into service after January 1, 2026, shall be accomplished by use of a metering system that automatically compensates for
the effects of temperature.
(c) Effective January 1, 2030, all metered sales (through all capacities of metering devices, regardless of installation and service date) shall be accomplished by use of a metering system that automatically compensates for temperature.
In normal operation, a dispenser will give away gas in the winter months, while shorting customers in the summer months. This code addresses that issue ensuring an accurate reading no matter the temperature. Inventory wise, this makes sense and is fair to both consumers and resellers. However, this update comes with a fairly hefty price tag. Adding temperature compensation to your dispenser order, although easily done, is not cheap. Depending on how you calculate your ROI, it will affect the margin you may ask your customer to pay to cover the cost of the upgrade.
Gardner Marsh is proactively getting ahead of the change and will be offering a ATC option in the second half of 2025, and making it standard on dispenser builds by 2026. Any new unit that goes into service in 2026 will be required to have ATC installed. Any existing units will be TEMPORARILY grandfathered in, but will need to be upgraded by 2030. Don’t worry, you won’t have to replace the whole meter, there is a retro-fit kit that is available! If you weren’t aware before, hopefully now you are! We are here to help you through the process, so never hesitate to reach out with your questions or comments!
Product Spotlight!
Did you know that Gardner Marsh is a Klein Tools dealer? We keep several tools in stock, often below the price of our big box friends. We also keep an eye for new items as they become available. We recently added a few items to our assortment including some pipe wrenches, a PVC cutter, blacked out screwdrivers, and this Quick Adjust S-Jaw Pipe Wrench. This tool combines the best features of a pipe wrench and a channel lock. Good for hex nuts up to 1-1/4” and round pipe up to 1-1/2”, it is extremely versatile. It is in stock now and available to assist in your everyday jobs!
Email Darren: dmcardle@gardnermarsh.com
