The electricity charge is increasing every year and is gradually becoming a separate item in the family budget. In this case, there is a high probability that the bills can be much too high due to a malfunction of the energy meter installed in the apartment. To confirm this documented, it is necessary to apply to the management company, wait a long time, and then still pay for the services of specialists. However, there is no guarantee that the master will announce the real result of the survey, as it represents an organization that is not interested in reducing the amount of payments. Checking a three-phase electricity meter can be carried out independently using one of the available methods.
Reconciliation frequency
All metering devices for consumed resources are subject to periodic inspection, both for serviceability and for the correctness of the issued testimony. The need for inspection of meters is explained by such factors as the natural wear of mechanical parts or a possible malfunction of the software.
In most cases, RES themselves initiate this procedure by sending written notifications to citizens. The papers indicate the time and place of delivery of the device, as well as the procedure and method for its dismantling. If a notice has not been received for several years, property owners should learn about it themselves.
For diskless electronic meters such as "Mercury" and "Neva" the control period is no more than 10 years. Old type devices are checked more often - every 5-8 years. Based on the results of the survey, an act is drawn up.
Unscheduled inspection
An unscheduled check of the correctness of the connection of electric energy meters, the correctness and correctness of their work can be carried out at the initiative of the management company or residents.
The reasons for determining the degree of operability of the device may be as follows:
- excessively large accounts with a minimum number of consumers;
- suspicion of theft of electricity when its consumption is suspiciously small;
- reconciliation of testimonies that citizens transmit with real ones on the device;
- in case of loss of the device inspection report issued earlier;
- when installing and registering new equipment.
Only controllers who have the appropriate certificates and regulations can check the connection and take readings.
Why do electric meters lie?
All metering devices, regardless of their device, have a limited resource and this should be reckoned with. Over time, the accuracy of the products begins to deteriorate, as a result of which they give incorrect readings.
This happens for the following reasons:
- manufacturing defects;
- contact oxidation;
- wire combustion;
- hinge abrasion;
- wrong connection;
- end of life of parts;
- voltage drop failure.
Before checking the electricity meter for correct operation, it is necessary to calculate the number of consumers and the total power that they consume per day. This will serve as the initial data in subsequent measurements.
Checking the connection
It is better to check the connection diagram of the electric meter with the power off, so as not to get an electric shock when disassembling and inspecting the device.Home meters are connected to the network using four terminals located on their case. Connection should be carried out in a strictly defined order.
The correct wiring diagram for the terminals:
- phase - extreme left;
- phase entrance to the apartment - second from the left;
- zero is the third on the left;
- zero to the apartment is the far right.
A working device with this connection gives the correct signal, regardless of the influence of external factors.
Instruments and tools for testing
The inspection is carried out under voltage, therefore it belongs to the category of hazardous work. They should be carried out in an adequate condition, without being under the influence of alcohol, psychotropic drugs or fatigue.
To work, you will need:
- clamp meter;
- indicator;
- tester;
- incandescent lamp 100 W;
- pieces of wire;
- rubber mat.
Since a power outage may be required, stock up on a powerful rechargeable flashlight.
Self-check
A self-propelled gun is a factory defect or a defect acquired during the operation of the product. It represents an increase in readings in the absence of connected consumers.
To check the presence of this phenomenon, you need to disconnect from the network all consumers of electricity in the house. The exact result can only be obtained with plugs removed from sockets. Then you need to consider how many in 5 minutes there will be disk revolutions or pulses on the indicator of the electronic device. If this number is 2 or more, there is a fact of self-propelling and a reason for calling the controller.
Use of clamp meters
This product is an expensive professional equipment that is not practical to purchase for a single use. It’s easier to rent or invite an electrician on an ad.
Rules for calculating the error of the electric meter:
- The current and voltage indications are measured at the second terminal from which the wire goes to the apartment. By multiplying them, the power consumption is obtained.
- The time for which 10 revolutions of the disk or indicator flashes occurs is determined. The resulting number is multiplied by power, the result is divided by 3600. This is the real work in kW.
- Both indicators are compared, on the basis of which a conclusion is drawn about the correct operation of the device.
How to calculate deviations in measurements at home
In order not to turn to the services of specialists, you can use several simple and affordable methods of checking the electricity meter using inexpensive tools and devices.
Test with a tester
The technique for examining the meter with a tester is completely similar to working with clamp meters. The difference lies in the accuracy of the results. To minimize the measurement error, one should spend 10 times more time on measurements, introducing this coefficient into all preliminary and final calculations.
Incandescent lamps
You can find out the accuracy of meter readings using a 100 W incandescent lamp. a prerequisite for testing is the disconnection of all consumers. The readings are recorded, after which the lamp is connected to the network for 1 hour. At the end, new readings are taken. They should increase by 100 watts with a margin of error of 10%.
Features of checking a three-phase meter
On three-phase meters, measurements are made alternately at all phases. After that, the power for each is calculated, the sum of the indicators gives the final result of the real and demonstrated power.
Theft of electricity is not uncommon. A person versed in electricity and having access to the shield can connect to someone else's line.Start by monitoring the device when consumers are disconnected throughout the apartment. If in the absence of self-propelled the device shows the load, theft of energy takes place. You can inspect the shield yourself, but it is better to do this in the presence of representatives of the resource supplying organization.
