Sealing an electric meter is a set of measures related to the installation of a protective seal on the metering device, which confirms the integrity, correct display of data and proper performance. Sealing the electricity meter is mandatory, otherwise penalties from the management company will follow.
When and why you need to seal an electricity meter
Sealing metering devices must be mandatory for those who intend to use the resources. The seal indicates a number of facts:
- The data displayed on the instrument panel is correct, not wound or unwound.
- Only masters have access to metering devices. Third parties did not interfere with the operation of the device.
The performance and seals on the meter are regularly checked by employees of organizations that supply electricity. As a rule, we are talking about scheduled inspections, therefore, residents have time to independently verify the serviceability and integrity of the device and the protective "mechanism".
Special attention deserves the question of the need for filling. Perform the procedure in one of the following situations:
- A new counter that has been recently installed.
- A meter that has already been replaced. Installation of a new metering device entails the installation of a new seal.
- The seal failed as a result of the accident at the substation.
- The seal became unusable naturally, for example, from a long operational period.
In other cases, there is no need to change or reinstall the protective mechanism. Its service life can reach decades.
The main task of the tenant is to monitor the integrity of the meter and seals, handle carefully when taking readings.
Types of seals and installation methods
Seals intended for electric meters are divided into two types:
- Installed by electricity providers during installation in a driveway or apartment.
- Established by the manufacturer during the manufacturing phase.
In the first case, the seal fixes a reliable connection for access to the mains. The metering device is sealed exclusively in the interests of resource providers. If the protective "mechanism" is missing, the device data will not be accepted by the supplier. If we talk about the obligation to ensure sealing, according to the legislative regulation, all responsibility lies with the consumer.
In the second case, the main task of such a seal is to restrict third-party access to the device, as well as to prevent its mechanical damage.
Who should seal the electricity meters
The law forces people to apply for services only to trusted and certified companies to seal metering devices. The last bill passed clearly indicated organizations that have the right to provide such services:
- power networks;
- service providers;
- Energy sales;
- a company that supplies electricity to specific homes.
There are a large number of private organizations that “specialize” in filling.Such activity will be illegal, the tenant will be forced to continue to pay at the rate, all responsibility will be assigned only to him.
How much is the procedure
There are situations when the sealing process takes place for free, and also when the tenant must pay for the service.
- Nothing needs to be paid if the sealing initiative comes from the service provider. In a particular case, it is an energy supplying company. For example, if a meter is installed or there is a need to replace the old with a new one, but not through the fault of the consumer.
- The tenant pays for the seal if the integrity of the seal was damaged due to his fault, or if the meter for this reason failed. The service is paid in full if the initiative to replace the PU came from him.
To find out the exact price of secondary sealing, you need to contact the management company in your region. The cost in different regions is different, so even approximate figures can not be called.
Action algorithm
Sealing of metering devices always occurs using a single technology.
- Install the primary or secondary protective mechanism on the meter should be the enterprise for the supply of electricity. For circulation, correctly fill out the application and application for the installation of a seal.
- Employees of the resource supplying organization will say what documents are required. The package of documents is important in that it confirms the need for sealing an electric meter.
- Employees with the consumer set clear deadlines for re-sealing. The law states that the protective mechanism must be installed no later than 1 month from the date of installation of the new device.
- If the procedure is paid by the consumer, an additional check is issued to the company with the details, using which payment must be made.
Upon completion of all work, the specialist who carried out the installation draws up an act in which all information about the metering device, sealing and installation features is recorded.
Common Problems and Recommendations
To avoid unpleasant situations in the future associated with a breakdown of the meter or damage to the seal, you must follow these recommendations:
- Check the integrity of the seals at least once a month.
- Do not try to independently make or remove a "protection system". This is a potential risk to health and life due to electricity. Also, due to an illegal type of activity, a lawsuit may be brought, which will entail problems.
- If the apartment is not privatized, metering devices should be installed by the public municipality on which this housing is registered.
- If during the inspection mechanical damage was detected, or there is no seal at all, you should immediately contact the company that supplies the service.
It is recommended that all documents and passports for metering devices be stored in one place. It is required to keep documentation even for metering devices that have already been replaced. As practice shows, such documents will inevitably be required in the future.
What to do in case of violation of the integrity of the seal
The probability of damage to the seal is always there, so you need to know what to do in such situations.
- A high-quality image of the meter is taken and the date when the damage was detected is recorded on it. The shield is carefully inspected.
- Damage should be immediately reported to the body of the management company, for example, Housing Office or Homeowners Association.
- An application is submitted in duplicate to the energy company.The statement records the violation of the integrity of the seal, and also indicates the meter at the time of detection of damage. The first copy is given to employees, and the second must be picked up with the mark “accepted for execution” with the incoming number and date.
The fact of damage to the integrity of the seal does not have serious consequences, especially if the shield is installed on the stairwell, but you should be aware that power engineers will always assume that it was the tenant who wanted to "steal" a little electricity. For this reason, it is better for him to identify the violation, and not for company employees during a scheduled inspection.
Further, the work remains only with the management company. A commission will be created to check for the presence or absence of interference, damage to the circuit, installation of bugs, etc. After the planned inspection, they will put a new seal marked on the secondary sealing of the meter.
To preserve the seal and reduce the probability of damage to it to a minimum, you need to accustom yourself to regularly check its condition, even if the meter is in the shield. If possible, cover the seals so as not to damage. If the electric meter is installed at home, it is recommended to place it in a rectangular structure with a door and lock it with a key so that children do not have the opportunity to get there.
Even if a meter with a protection system is installed on the stairwell, this is not the consumer’s area of responsibility, but problems will primarily concern him.
