What changes with the new G465-1 and the associated information sheets G465-3 and G465-4-x?

The reform of the regulations is profound and far-reaching. The new version not only restructures the cycle of test intervals in line with the EU Methane Emissions Regulation, but more importantly, shifts the focus from the previous leak frequency to material and emission characteristics.

Prescribed inspection cycles G465-1:2026

According to G 465-1:2026 Pressure level up to 16 bar, underground pipe,
Inspection periods within built-up areas
Table 1, page 11

Prescribed intervals for LDAR testing G465-5:2025

According to G 465-5-1:2025 Pressure rating up to 16 bar, underground pipeline,
Table 1, page 14

Taking a PE pipe as an example, this means in concrete terms that emission measurements in accordance with G465-5:2025 must be carried out every three years, and safety-related tests in accordance with G465-1:2026 every six years. This means that the testing effort will almost double. An extended cycle will effectively result in a doubling of inspection activities. Although it will still be possible to apply for cycle extensions if the documented frequency of leaks is low, this flexibility will no longer be the focus; material and emission requirements will dominate the testing strategy in the future.

Technical innovations through G465-4-ff

G465-4-x is the first standard to specify a wide range of modern measurement techniques. This allows efficient and reliable inspections to be carried out even under conditions of high inspection cycles:

Vehicle-based leak detection according to G465-4-3 and G465-4-4

According to G465-4-3, the new regulations allow the use of a vehicle above the pipeline as before, but now with wind measurement if the vehicle is not driving directly above the pipeline. p>

G465-4-4 extends this to include atmospheric measurement methods. Gas leaks can be detected from the ambient air using mobile systems, rather than exclusively by manual inspection.
This technology replaces inspection on foot.

Handheld laser devices with open measurement path (TDLAS) G465-4-6

For objects that are difficult to access, such as inaccessible or impassable house connections, G465-4-6 allows the use of a hand-held laser (TDLAS). This allows the inspection to be carried out from a distance. In addition to the house connection, the absence of gas can also be determined, for example in pipe trenches.

Visual and thermographic methods

The use of gas cameras is also explicitly regulated.

Restructuring of pressure levels and terms

The previous pressure levels (1 bar / 5 bar) are merged, with the focus on the type of material, see Table 1. In addition, the term “leak” is replaced by the more neutral term “gas escape” — thus clearly focusing on emissions relevant to the atmosphere.

Integration of hydrogen in hand-held measurement technology. G465-4-2

G465-4-2 regulates the use of hand-held devices in mixed networks and pure hydrogen networks for the first time.
The regulations contain an overview of which test methods (e.g., TDLAS, vehicle-based, gas camera) are suitable for hydrogen.

Clear system G465-4-1

G465-4-1 now serves as the central directory for all related G465-4-ff standards. This makes it immediately apparent which methods are permitted for which applications.

Other important changes introduced by G465-3

Stricter deadlines for eliminating gas leaks

A deadline of 5 days applies to priority class A2 and 30 days to class B.
Extensions are only permitted with a comprehensible justification. The focus is clearly on rapid damage repair and minimization of emissions.

Why these changes are relevant

The combination of tighter cycles and emission measurement requirements results in significantly higher testing and documentation costs.

However, this increased effort can be better managed with the modern methods approved by the standards (e.g., vehicle-based measurement, TDLAS, gas camera). This is particularly important in view of the increasing shortage of personnel in the gas sector. This new set of rules allows network operators to carry out emission and safety tests systematically, economically, and in a future-proof manner.

The previous G501 will now become G465-4-5

Airborne remote gas detection is described here

Imaging remote gas detection methods are described in G465-4-7

The requirements for gas cameras, their use, and suitability testing are described. An example of this is the detection of methane wavelengths (1.8, 3.3, or 7.8 µm). A pure thermography camera is not sufficient.

Gas pipe network inspection according to G 465-1

Schütz Messtechnik is a DVGW-certified company for gas pipe network inspection. We have enjoyed a trusting working relationship with our customers for many years. We operate throughout Germany, which means that our gas detectors can be on site quickly.

Through continuous testing, extensive knowledge of gas detection work, the existence of the relevant regulations and other requirements is verified and externally monitored. Gas pipe network operators who inspect their pipe systems themselves are welcome to obtain the necessary information programs for tablet PCs (Software Scout), hardware, and measuring devices from us. Of course, we also offer further training on this topic.

Benefit from our many years of experience in the field of gas pipeline network inspection. As a reliable partner in pipeline network inspection, Schütz Messtechnik offers you recognized and leading state-of-the-art hardware and software technology as well as the security of a service provider certified by the DVGW in accordance with G486-1 and ISO 9000.

Complete systems from Schütz Messtechnik

• Tried and tested hardware that has proven itself in practice
• Self-developed “Scout” planning information software
• System setup and testing
• Hotline with remote maintenance support for your gas detectors
• Complete system including detection device

Use of digital plans

Managing all pipe network information with a geographic information system (GIS) is standard practice for network operators today. Printing and assembling the plans, handling the plans by the gas detector, checking and manually entering the data obtained during the inspection are work steps that were still carried out in the previous paper-based system and were time-consuming and expensive.

If you want to take full advantage of your GIS, Schütz Messetechnik offers you digital data transfer for gas pipeline network inspections. Equipped with our Scout electronic field information system, gas detectors can access the complete set of plans digitally. All the network operator needs to do is provide the plans or pipeline sections to be inspected.

The data can be read into a field-compatible computer by the gas detector and then used during the pipeline inspection. With the help of a GPS receiver (Global Positioning System), the gas detector can determine its position and automatically carry the plans with it. To document the route taken, the information is recorded digitally during the inspection and can be easily exported or imported into the GIS.

Advantages of gas pipe network inspection with Scout software

• No inventory plans required
• You significantly reduce your workload
• You significantly increase the quality of the documentation
• With GPS map tracking
• Automatic address entry
• Easy data exchange between VGS 4500, LDEM 2000, or the second gas detector
• Many data export options: GPX, KML, KMZ, Geopackage, csv, etc.

Vehicle-based above-ground pipeline inspection

Vehicle-based inspection using concentration and wind measurements of the atmosphere

Checklist for data exchange

• Send sample data for review before starting the job
• Determine the visibility requirements as specified for the pipe network inspection (dimensions, protective pipes, street fixtures, etc.)
• Ensure that the dimensions are clearly legible (dimension height approx. 1.3 m)
• Highlight the gas line clearly, in red if possible
• For dxf data, use an older format (e.g., dxf 14)
• For dwg data, use an older format (e.g., dwg 14)
• The dxf or dwg file size should not exceed 50MB to a maximum of 80MB
• Send us the data at least 2 weeks before the start of work
• Send the data in its entirety to avoid double processing

DXF DWG data exchange

For vector data formats (dxf, dwg, etc.), we adapt to the needs of gas detectors. Please break up the blocks when exporting.

Please check the following items

• Encoding: Umlauts may no longer be displayed
• Unlock blocks
• The line thicknesses of the pipe are too narrow and cannot be recognized on the portable device
• The colors of the pipe are not suitable and cannot be recognized on the portable device
• The files are too large and can no longer be loaded
• Dimensions are too small and no longer legible

Prescribed inspection cycles

According to G 465-1:2026 Pressure level up to 16 bar, underground pipe,
Inspection intervals within built-up areas
Appendix A (normative) Table 4, page 20

* These inspection intervals only apply to PE pipes and cathodically protected steel pipes.

The inspection cycle must be changed according to the leaks found during the last inspection. For example, if 9 leaks were found during the last pipe network inspection and a total network of 10 km (leak frequency: 9/10=0.9) was inspected in a 24 mbar network, another pipe network inspection must be carried out in this network in two years.

According to G 465-1:2026 Pressure level up to 16 bar, underground pipe,
Inspection intervals outside built-up areas:
Appendix A (normative) Table 5, page 20

Above-ground leak checks can be dispensed with if route checks are carried out at least every four months by walking or driving along the route, or by monthly aerial surveys and semi-annual inspections of operationally important points.

The frequency of aerial inspections can be extended to two months if operational experience, the results of reporting, and local conditions allow this. This only applies to PE pipes and cathodically protected steel pipes.

According to G 466-1 Pressure rating above 16 bar, underground pipeline

The pipeline is located closer than 20 m to buildings

• Drive or walk over every 2 months
• Once a year according to G 465-1 above-ground inspection

According to G614, exposed gas pipes on factory premises

Inspection period 1 year after commissioning,
thereafter according to leak frequency, see G614-2

• Tightness of detachable and non-detachable connections
• Condition of fastenings, corrosion protection, color coding
• Functionality and accessibility of fittings and other pipe components
• Inspection of wall and ceiling penetrations
• Inspection of gas-tight storage of pipe end caps
• Checking documentation for completeness

Inspection period in accordance with TRGI DVGW G 600 (less than 1 bar)

• Annual visual inspection, paying particular attention to gas odors
• Serviceability test every 12 years