In accordance with the law, all objects and buildings to which electricity is connected must be equipped with meters for energy consumption. There is such a thing as the calibration interval of electricity meters. For each type of device, the time after which they should be checked is set. In addition, the resource of the energy meter service is determined, after which the products are written off and replaced with new ones. Real estate owners need to know what to do if the meter’s calibration interval has expired so as not to get into an unpleasant situation related to late payments and penalties.
Intertesting interval and life of the meter
An electric meter is a device designed to accurately account for energy consumed by consumers over a specific period of time. Based on the taken testimony, a receipt is compiled, which is mandatory for payment before the date specified in the contract.
Before installation, the device is checked and calibrated, due to which it gives accurate readings. During operation, the mechanical parts wear out, electronic parts change their characteristics under the influence of external factors. As a result, the sensitivity and measurement accuracy are reduced. In order to timely respond to such phenomena, a periodic check is made of the status and correct operation of the devices.
Intertesting interval (MPI) of the electric meter is a period of time during which, in accordance with the conclusion of metrologists, the product must function correctly, correctly fixing the consumed resource.
For devices of various types, their own intervals are established, which is due to the following factors:
- device;
- operating principle;
- the possibility of exposure from the outside;
- manufacturer's recommendations;
- Operating conditions.
For products of a mechanical type, which are installed in city apartments, the inspection frequency is 1 year. Mercury and Neva electronic devices are recommended to be checked every 2 years.
The MPI of an electricity meter should not be identified with its useful life. Several inter-calibration periods of electric meters make up their ultimate resource. This is the number of years during which the manufacturer guarantees the uptime of the device. The date of manufacture is indicated on the body of the product. From it begins the countdown of the life, unless otherwise specified in the instructions.
The service life of mechanical products is 15-20 years, and electronic - 20-30 years. If the operation is carried out in places with high humidity, air pollution or is exposed to significant temperature changes, the verification period of the meter, as well as its life is reduced by 2 times. This should be recorded in the product installation certificate. The document also prescribes the verification period of the electricity meter.
Types and classifications of devices
By type of device, counters are divided into the following categories:
- Mechanical. They operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction.When current flows through the coils, a magnetic field is created that rotates the disk connected to the dial. The greater the load, the faster the rotation and the greater the reading. Since rotation is accompanied by friction, induction devices are installed at facilities with a small number of consumers.
- Electronic. The energy consumption is taken into account by a chip, which is highly sensitive and captures even weak pulses. The read data is fed to the actuator, which displays them on the front panel. Today, mechanical devices are being replaced by electronic ones.
- Electrodynamic. Combine mechanical and computer components. Possess high power, durability and reliability. Designed for heavy loads, therefore, have a narrow range of applications.
By measuring values:
- Single phase. Designed for current voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. They are installed in residential and utility rooms connected to a household network.
- Three phase. Designed to work with a voltage of 380 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. They are used for industrial equipment and electric stoves, which are installed in some apartments.
By connection type:
- Directly into the household chain. In this way, metering devices are connected to common panels located in apartments and private houses.
- Through transformers. It is used when connected to a high-voltage line and for products operating at 380 V.
The verification period of electric meters is determined separately for each device after comparing the manual and operating conditions.
The purpose of checking the electricity meter
Any electrical product is exposed both from inside and outside. In addition, the human factor cannot be ruled out. People do not want to pay money even for the services they receive and try to do everything to reduce their readings.
State verification of the energy meter is carried out with the following objectives:
- Establishing instrument availability.
- Inspection to determine the integrity of the housing.
- Identification of signs of exposure to the device.
- Reading measurement.
Diagnostics of devices is divided into the following varieties:
- Primary It is carried out at the manufacturer in the technical control department. Allows you to determine the operability of the device and the correctness of the issued readings. An event is recorded in the form. In some cases with imported products, an initial inspection may be carried out when they are received at the border.
- Periodic It is carried out after a certain period of time using or storing the goods. In the process of diagnosis, the degree of wear of the device is determined, the probability of issuing indications with an error exceeding the permissible values.
- Extraordinary. The reason is a multiple increase or decrease in data, the possibility of damage to equipment by fire, flooding or weather conditions.
Based on the results of the inspection, a verification act is drawn up. If the product is in good condition, it is sealed, after which an entry is made in the form. The defective counter is rejected, and its readings cease to be accepted. The property owner needs to purchase a new device and apply for its connection.
How does the expiration date differ from the inter-verification period and the warranty
Understanding the difference between these concepts will allow you to timely perform all the procedures associated with routine maintenance that are carried out with accounting devices, regardless of where they are installed.
Shelf life is the time period during which the product must work before it finally fails.The time spent at the warehouse by different manufacturers may or may not be taken into account. Most manufacturers set the operating time of their products to 5 years, although in fact, some devices last for 30 years or more. After the date specified in the technical documentation, it is forbidden to use the equipment for its intended purpose.
The warranty period is the stage measured in years during which the product should work without failures, giving out indicators within the margin of error. In other words, it is the manufacturer’s obligation to incur the cost of repairing or replacing the device that broke before the specified time through no fault of the user.
The intertesting period of electric meters is much shorter than the categories described above. It is installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations and according to the conditions of the installation site. The duration of the MPI is extended over the entire shelf life of the device. During this time, several diagnostics of various types can be performed.
How to find out the verification period of the electric meter
There are the following ways to find out the verification period of the meter:
- Find the act of the latest diagnosis. The document clearly spelled out the date of the examination of the device. Often paper is lost, thrown away or accidentally destroyed. Therefore, this option is not always feasible.
- Go to the user's personal account on the website of the energy company. To do this, you need to have a computer and be able to register. You can get the answer to your question by searching the page or by asking the chat manager who is on the line to chat.
- Call on the phone, which can be found in the directory or by number 109. Employees of the organization have access to all data about their customers.
- Personally go to the office of the company. You need to have a passport with you, the contract is not needed, since it is entered into the database. This method is more productive, as live communication is more intelligible and practical. In addition, the manager can provide the visitor with reference material, which is subsequently useful.
After receiving information about the diagnosis of the meter, you need to prepare for this event. It is paid and in addition it has a number of nuances that need to be taken into account.
Is it possible to check the meter instead of replacing
The meter is replaced in the following cases:
- End of life (shelf life). It is carried out regardless of the condition, serviceability of the equipment and the quality of the indicators issued. It is carried out in accordance with the specifications specified by the manufacturer.
- Identification of damages that prevent further operation of the device. This applies to safety measures and the possibility of exposure to internal parts.
- Depreciation of knots and mechanisms. Occurs when the device has been operating under heavy loads for a long time.
- Deviations in the readings are more than acceptable. It is carried out if repair and calibration did not bring the desired results.
The check also has its own characteristics.
This event consists of the following steps:
- Dismantling. For this period, the entire apartment is de-energized, after which the wires are connected directly.
- Delivery of equipment to the metrology laboratory.
- Diagnostics is performed in order of priority. An act of fitness or unsuitability is drawn up.
- The product is returned to its place, sealed, reporting documents are issued to the owner.
It is impossible to predict how long this process will last, since its duration is determined by subjective factors. In some cases, it’s faster and easier to buy a new counter, resolving the issue within one hour.
Another option to simplify the procedure is to order a diagnostic service without dismantling.For this, special equipment is used that scans a device connected to the network without removing and removing it. You will have to pay for it, but such a service is worth it.
Not a single energy company will carry out verification instead of replacement, since with such a decision all responsibility for possible complications rests with it. The exception is electronic devices with accuracy class 1. After the end of the resource, they are subject to inspection every 12 months. To do this, you need to write a statement and wait for the results of its consideration.
Responsibility for omitting periodic verification
Skipping MPI is common in the practice of management companies. People do not live in their real estate for a long time, which is why the gap can stretch for months and years.
The consumer needs to contact the address of the organization with a statement on the verification of the device indicating the reasons for being late. In most cases, the day and time of the visit of the masters are specified on the spot.
If you expire the check period for diagnosing the meter, you should not be afraid of criminal or administrative liability. This is not considered a misdemeanor punishment. All that threatens a person is payment for services at increased rates. They are calculated according to the formula, which is based on the number of registered people, outlets, the total power of consumers and the average for the last 3 months.
