What protection is necessary for meter headers to prevent damage from impact?

The necessity for protection for meter headers primarily revolves around the potential for impacts that could lead to damage or malfunction of the gas meter. The correct answer emphasizes the need for an appropriate protective measure specifically designed to shield the meter from physical forces.

Protection in this context refers to any mechanism or design modification that ensures the integrity of the meter header against external impacts. This can include robust structures or strategically placed materials that can absorb or deflect force, safeguarding the meter's delicate components from being compromised.

While insulation, shields, and barriers can serve purposes related to thermal management or physical containment, they do not all encompass the broader protective strategies required for meter headers in the event of potential impacts. Protection can be a more general term that encompasses a range of strategies including but not limited to barriers and shields, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach in safeguarding critical infrastructure such as gas meters.