A modern gas meter is suitable for installation in any residential premises subject to gasification of the building. It tracks gas consumption and helps to significantly reduce fuel costs. Before buying a device, you should study the available types of meters, learn about their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the rules for installation and operation.
Varieties of gas meters in the apartment and their characteristics
The device is designed to account for the amount of gas that is considered in cubic meters. Since it is placed in the gas pipeline for a long time, it is important to immediately choose a reliable and high-quality meter. There are models on the market for domestic, municipal and industrial needs, digital or mechanical type, suitable for work on the street or only in the apartment. If we are talking about a device in an apartment, it is recommended to choose one of the devices presented below.
Volume
Volumetric gas meters for a private house or apartment are mechanical and are considered a more economical option compared to electronic counterparts. They are produced by both Russian and foreign manufacturers. The main disadvantage of such devices is strong noise during operation and large dimensions. They need to be checked once every 8-10 years.
Membrane
Membrane devices are simple, reliable and affordable. They work according to the standard principle: the gas flow inside the device enters the chamber and activates the movement of the diaphragm. The filling cycles of the chamber are repeated and taken into account by a counting mechanism showing the amount of substance used on a digital scale. The accuracy of the readings depends on the number of cameras in the meter: the more there are, the faster possible errors are eliminated. Due to the robust design, the life of the membrane counters can be more than twenty years, the interval between inspections of at least ten years.
Rotational (mechanical)
The gas rotary meter in the apartment has a more compact size compared to analogues and is suitable for installation only on vertical pipes of a gas pipeline, the flow of which goes from top to bottom. Inside the device there is a camera with two horizontal blades resembling a figure eight. Thanks to this design, the blades are as close to each other as they rotate in opposite directions.
The rotors move due to the pressure difference in the nozzle and at the outlet of the device, while during each revolution a strictly limited volume of gas passes through the meter. Among the advantages of such devices, an expanded measurement range and good throughput, as well as durability and non-volatility, are noted. Their main disadvantage is a short interval between verifications of five years.
Electronic
Electronic models of meters are able to give the most accurate readings on the consumed gas. They do not create noise during operation and are small in size, which allows them to be mounted indoors without any inconvenience.
Electronic devices do not cause problems during installation, configuration and maintenance. Check them once every 10-12 years. Their main disadvantage is the high cost.
Rules for choosing a gas meter in an apartment
When choosing a gas meter for household type mechanical or electronic, it is necessary to take into account the transmission opportunity.For apartments with large gas stoves, devices with a pass parameter of 1.6 m are suitable3/ h, in private buildings it is better to install devices where this value does not exceed 2.5-4 m3/ h taking into account the heated area.
When choosing a device, it is necessary to take into account the direction of the gas flow passing through it, which can be left or right. If this important point is not taken into account, the counter will not work correctly or will completely fail. Of major importance is the diameter of the thread for the inlet and outlet nozzles, depending on the size of the gas pipe of the main line. For apartments, this parameter cannot be more than 1/2 inch, for private buildings from 3/4 to 1 inch.
Which counters are more economical
In terms of economy, users allocate standard volumetric meters, which are the cheapest. Membrane options will cost more, but will last much longer due to the robust design. Rotational and electronic models are considered less profitable due to the high price and short intervals between calibrations, while they are simpler and more compact.
Installation tips and rules
Only employees who have passed certification can install a gas-type meter in an apartment, since such a metering device belongs to the category of devices with a high level of danger. First you need to choose a company for the provision of services, it must have access to work, sufficient experience and a guarantee for the installation of the meter. The owner of the premises must write a statement about the installation of the device, providing a passport, a certificate confirming ownership of the apartment and a receipt for gas payment.
After receiving the application, the time of arrival of the service employee is appointed, who will determine the possible installation of the device and take measurements. The site for installation is chosen together with a specialist, it must comply with the rules specified in SNiP 42-01-2002, as well as SP 42-101-2003. Typically, the meter is mounted in an apartment where a gas boiler or tile is located, and it can also be installed in an adjacent room. The meter can be set at a distance of no more than 0.8-1 meters from the device for fuel consumption, the gas meter is placed at a height of up to 1.6 meters.
A distance of 3-5 cm should be maintained between the gas appliance and the wall. The shut-off valve is placed on the side of the stove, if the wiring of the upper type is provided, this element is mounted on the descent.
Counter Dimensions
When choosing a device, you need to pay attention to its dimensions. The largest are volumetric mechanical meters, which are not suitable for every room because of the size. More compact electronic devices are universal, since such a gas meter can be installed in an apartment with a small area and a minimum of free space.
Advantages and disadvantages of gas meters
A gas meter can be installed in an apartment with any layout, which makes this device a universal option for those who want to reduce costs and keep the most accurate records. The list of advantages of popular types of devices includes:
- lack of payment for unspent gas, since only the resource actually used is paid;
- seasonal factor, due to which in summer gas costs will be less;
- the ability to fully control gas metering.
Of the minuses of the device, the high price of the device itself and its installation are noted, as well as the need to often conduct scheduled checks of the meter and take into account its serviceability.
If two people are registered in the room and more than two live, the benefit of installing the device is lost.
Rating of the best models
Before making a choice in favor of a particular device, it is worth examining the rating of the most popular models. Each device has its own characteristics and advantages.
- Betar CBSS-1.6. This model is the most bought in Russia, as it helps to significantly save on gas costs. Owners of devices also note their reasonable cost and the absence of problems during operation.
- Gazdevice NPM-G4. It features a high degree of accuracy, can be installed in an apartment or on the street.
- Samgaz G 2.5. It is large enough, does not cause problems in the process of maintenance and use. The main advantage is its low price.
- Counting device SGM-4. The list of its advantages includes maximum accuracy and reliability in combination with small sizes.
According to the rules for selecting meters, in order to select a suitable model, you must first determine the type of device that is suitable for a particular room. Also take into account the features of the gas appliance and the type of installation.
