The electricity meter records and registers its consumption. For some reason, the meter may need to be replaced. It is important to know some rules and the installation procedure of the device, according to which the calculation for the used electricity is carried out.
Reasons for replacing the counter
Over time, appliances become obsolete or fail. The need to install electric meters, replacing old with new ones has the following reasons and reasons:
- devices that have exhausted their resources or are subject to metrological certification;
- network modernization and planned replacement of the electricity meter;
- installation of a multi-tariff meter;
- device malfunction;
- traces of opening the device, absence or violation of the seal;
- the presence of defects in the housing, damage to the inspection window;
- indicators do not work, display, disk does not rotate;
- at the request of the owner.
The state has banned the production of old devices since 1997, induction meters of class 2.5 are not subject to verification and must be replaced by modern ones with accuracy of class 2.0, with increased current load.
Regardless of the reasons, the replacement of electricity meters must be done in the manner prescribed by law. The owner cannot independently take readings, replace and seal the device.
Preparation of documents
For work, permission from the electricity supplier is required. Without approval, interference with the design is prohibited, even if the device was purchased with the owner’s money. A person who is far from electricity cannot independently make a replacement. Since the procedure for changing the meter is associated with the danger of electric shock, work is carried out by a specialist with a specific tolerance group.
Before changing the electricity meter in the apartment, you need to submit an application in the name of the electricity supplier. It can be written by hand. Usually in the office there is a standard sample for drawing up a document.
Within 10 days, the company makes an application in the state register. After receiving the decision, the applicant can take a certificate of permission. You can buy a new counter only by reference in a specialized store or directly from the supplier. For registration you will need the following documents:
- passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
- document of ownership of the premises where the replacement will be made;
- copy of payment document on payment for services;
- power of attorney, if the applicant is not the owner of the home.
An application for a replacement device is being submitted. At the agreed time, the controller visits the applicant. The readings of the old device are recorded, the seal is removed. Further dismantling and installation is agreed upon with the supplier in advance.
Removal and installation
If an unplanned replacement is necessary due to a malfunction, the invited specialist must immediately disconnect the device from the network. The company must respond and replace in a short time. Before the installation of a new device, the consumer pays the bill according to the average standard.
No action can be taken without a prescription. Therefore, the work plan should be clarified in advance. Dismantling can be carried out on their own, with the appropriate permission. The work plan for replacing a single-phase meter is as follows:
- Turn off the machine in front of the meter, at the input of electricity.
- Remove the cover and check the absence of voltage in the conductors.
- Disconnect the terminals and disconnect the 4 conductors.
- Remove the fixing installation bolts and loosen the DIN rail holders.
- Install a new device, make the connection according to the instructions.
When dismantling, it is important not to confuse the conductors. They are laid in bundles, pulled together with clamps and marked. During operation, you need to monitor the lack of tension, use protective clothing and tools. After installation, commissioning and sealing is carried out only by the electricity supplier.
How to choose a new counter
Before replacing electricity meters, you need to choose the right model and familiarize yourself with the characteristics. It is necessary to determine the type of device - an electronic meter or a mechanical one. Given the material capabilities and feasibility, choose a single or multi-tariff device.
There are devices designed for current from 5 to 100 amperes. To change the electric meter in the apartment, you will need to calculate the total nominal values of the electrical appliances that will be used. Typically a 60 A device is enough.
To buy the right counter, you should pay attention to the following recommendations:
- Make sure that there are seals on the case and compare the verification date with the data in the passport.
- The mechanical device must be checked by turning the disc by hand. Such devices are durable, reliable and relatively inexpensive.
- The electronic device has an intertest period longer, but shorter service life and high cost.
- It will not be superfluous to find out the noise level emitted by the meter.
- On the Internet, you can ask how much it will cost to repair and replace the electric meter you selected.
It is worth paying attention to the type of fastening, it is better if it is a DIN rail. To choose a company, you can see customer reviews. Preference should be given to domestic manufacturers.
If you have to change the device in the garage, you should purchase a powerful device to use the welding unit or compressor without problems.
When it becomes necessary to replace the electric meter in the country, it is recommended to choose single-tariff devices.
Design and commissioning
After installing the electricity meter, they again submit an application to call the controller or an authorized contractor. The commissioning procedure consists of several stages.
- Checking the meter data for compliance with the manufacturer's technical documentation.
- Testing the counting mechanism for performance.
- Installation of control and anti-magnetic seals.
- Fixation of indications at the beginning of work after sealing.
- Drawing up an act of commissioning indicating the date of the next verification.
To register a new device, the owner submits an application to the management company, a copy of the meter’s passport and data sheet, and the commissioning certificate. Documents must be submitted within a month from the date of connection.
The management company must review the application within 3 business days. Registration of commissioning is established no later than 15 days from the date of application. If the controller did not accept the device and did not draw up the act within the agreed time, the date specified in the registration application is considered the date of entry and recording of indicators.
What documents are issued
After purchasing an electricity meter, the consumer has a technical passport. Subsequently, it performs marks on the verification of the device. An application for installation is the basis for concluding an agreement between the organization and the energy consumer. An act is also drawn up on putting the meter into operation, where it should be indicated:
- main characteristics of the counter;
- readings of old and new devices;
- verification data for both devices;
- grounds for replacement;
- date of installation and sealing (seal data);
- information about the specialist installing the seal.
The act of sealing is submitted to the management company to determine the value for the billing period. Also, the owner must have a document stating that a self-acquired meter is entered in the register of certified devices. The user is obliged to provide unhindered access for the controlling organization to the metering device.
Who changes and at whose expense
Normative acts do not regulate the procedure for changing the meter. Therefore, a person can contact a legal entity or a private company. According to the rules, the safety, integrity and maintenance of the device is carried out by the owner of the facility where the meter is installed. In a dwelling, the owner or tenant is responsible for the safety of the property. The Civil Code of the Russian Federation provides that the owner is responsible for the maintenance of property, unless otherwise provided by a separate contract.
In a privatized apartment, as in a private house, the acquisition and installation of metering devices is carried out at the expense of the owner. The price depends on the following components:
- instrument rating
- single or three phase device;
- dismantling the old and installing a new meter;
- setting up a control program for electronic devices;
- sealing.
Also, the price depends on the tariff for the management company. A consumer who is far away from the owner of the wiring organization will have to pay the cost of the call.
The management company is responsible for metering devices in municipal housing, as well as in the entrance of an apartment building. The purchase and installation of meters and circuit breakers is carried out at their expense. In this case, the role of the tenants is a timely response to a malfunction of the device. If it is noticed that there is no seal, the case or the inspection window is damaged, it is necessary to call an electrician.
What to change from 2020
The Department of Energy has developed a smart meter law. It is officially adopted, signed by the president and published on the legal information portal. The innovation comes into force on July 1, 2020. Old devices are subject to mandatory replacement with intelligent metering systems (ISU).
Such devices will optimize the consumption of light. The issue of non-payment and unreasoned expenditure of electricity is becoming less acute. Conscientious payers will not suffer from debtors. The distribution of unpaid electricity in apartments will cease to be valid. New devices will perform the following functions:
- accounting of energy used by a separate private house or a specific apartment;
- automatic transmission of readings to the electricity supplier;
- remote disconnection of the user for non-payment.
Payment and installation of devices at enterprises and in private homes will be carried out by PJSC Rosseti. Responsibility for connecting in apartment buildings is assumed by the electricity supplier. The implementation of smart metering systems will begin with new buildings and apartment buildings after major repairs.
Further replacement email. the meter will be carried out after its failure or when the scheduled calibration date arrives. Consumers will not be responsible for the status of the MIS. However, the costs of new devices will have to be reimbursed to citizens. Payment of "debt" will be gradual, prices will be introduced into the tariffs for light. Installation of new devices will not be forced.
