Why the general exchange of electricity meters
is carried out. The calculation and accounting devices for various public goods( consumed by us hot and cold water, gas, electricity) with each new round of tariff increases are becoming more popular among the population. Familiar since childhood, electricity meters are the oldest representatives of this glorious cohort of fiscal accounting devices and are therefore the first to embark on the path of modernization and replacement.
Mass replacement of old electricity meters in apartment buildings was carried out in accordance with paragraph 5 of Federal Law No. 261-FZ of 23.11.12 "On Energy Saving".Thus, the transition from old metering devices of accuracy class 2.5 to new induction categories of no less than 2.0 was carried out in an organized and minimal way for ordinary people.
Note that consumer citizens( in the terminology of p.141 of the Federal Law), already connected to electrical networks with voltages below 0.4 kV, when replacing electric meters were limited to a 2% error in their computing devices. Yes, and in the near future accuracy class 1.0 for all regulatory documents, we are not shining with you. Although the mere fact of recognizing old electric meters of class 2.5 as unsuitable measuring instruments has already been rewarded.
The same law specifies additional reasons for the replacement of electricity meters, which now also apply to the newly installed:
- uneven( jerky) rotation of the disk in the device;
- idle or strange working display or indicator;
- mechanical body damage;
- infringement of tightness of the counter, the broken viewing window.
The malfunctions are clear, outlined even in the law available. If they have appeared, referring to Law 28-FZ of 03.04.96 and GOST 5570-96, call the repair team boldly.
The procedure for checking and replacing the meter
The life of the meters is registered in their technical passport. Usually these devices, if they were connected by "normal" electricians, serve much longer. Supervisory authorities do not notice the delay - you can continue to use. With the existing calibration of devices you will not lose much money, but replacement with all permits will fly into a pretty penny( from 1500 without the cost of the device itself).The lifetime of the electricity meter is not taken into account.
The periodicity of verification of electrical devices is prescribed in their technical data sheet, but in practice all the same measuring instruments have a single calibration interval for which the readings are absolutely reliable:
- disc mechanical induction meters - 8 years;
- modern electronic class 1,0-2,0 - up to 16 years.
Regular verification of the testimony, which according to the regulations should be carried out at certain dates by employees of the sales company( with a frequency of every six months), if they occur, it is completely invisible. Regular payment of bills for electricity is the best protection against all control checks.
Who pays for the replacement of the electric meter
From the technical side - full clarity. Only qualified specialists of the service provider can perform complex installation work with electricity meters. We strongly advise you not to mount the shield yourself, even in the cottage. Guarantees in the form of a seal on the electricity meter - this is important, but you will have to check the quality of the installation yourself, after the signature in the certificate of acceptance, all claims are not accepted .Any defect in the installation revealed after this, you will pay at a separate rate.
Now about the money .The counter is installed in the apartment, the owner of which you are. Here everything is simple: your property, you must keep it, protect it and, if necessary, replace it at your own expense. Including at the request of energy sales companies. Read p.139 of the RF Government Decree of August 31, 2006 No. 530.
With the electric switchboard mounted on the landing, it is somewhat more complicated. In emergency cases( mechanical damage, burnout, failure of operating elements), you will pay all the operations for replacing your electricity meter yourself, however, as well as buying a new one. A planned reinstallation, conducted on the initiative of your HOA, energy specialists or the Government, is paid by the initiators. Your consent may be asked, can be ignored, but in any case the new free counter is better than the old one.
