How to change the electricity meter in an apartment and a private house

The electricity meter records and registers its consumption. For some reason, it may be necessary to replace the electricity meter. It is important to know some of the rules and procedure for installing the device, according to which the calculation for the used electricity is carried out.

Reasons for replacing the meter

Over time, devices become obsolete or fail. The need to install electricity meters, replacing old ones with new ones has the following grounds and reasons:

• devices that have exhausted their resource or are subject to metrological certification;
• modernization of the network and planned replacement of the electricity meter;
• installation of a multi-tariff meter;
• device malfunction;
• traces of opening the device, absence or violation of the seal;
• the presence of defects in the case, damage to the viewing window;
• indicators do not work, display, disc does not rotate;
• at the request of the owner.

The state has banned the production of old devices since 1997, induction meters of class 2.5 are not subject to verification and must be replaced with modern ones, with an accuracy of class 2.0, with increased current load.

Regardless of the reasons, the replacement of electricity meters must be done in accordance with the procedure established by law. The owner cannot independently take readings, replace and seal the device.

Preparation of documents

The work requires the permission of the electricity supplier. Interference with the structure is prohibited without approval, even if the device was purchased for the owner's money. A person who is far from electricity cannot make a replacement on his own. Since the procedure for changing the meter is associated with the danger of electric shock, the work is carried out by a specialist with a certain tolerance group.

Before changing the electricity meter in the apartment, you need to submit an application to the name of the electricity supplier. It can be handwritten. Usually in the office there is a standard template for drawing up a document.

Within 10 days, the company makes an application to the state register. After receiving the decision, the applicant can take a certificate of permission. You can buy a new meter only with help in a specialized store or directly from the supplier. For registration, you will need the following documents:

• passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
• a document of ownership of the premises where the replacement will be made;
• a copy of the payment document confirming payment for services;
• power of attorney if the applicant is not the owner of the dwelling.

An application is being submitted to replace the device. At the agreed time, the controller visits the applicant. The readings of the old device are recorded, the seal is removed. Further dismantling and installation is agreed in advance with the supplier.

Removal and installation

If an unscheduled replacement is necessary due to a malfunction, the invited specialist must immediately disconnect the device from the network. The company should respond in a short time and make a replacement. Before the installation of a new device, the consumer pays the bill according to the average standard.

No action can be taken without a prescription. Therefore, the work plan should be clarified in advance. Dismantling can be carried out on their own, with the appropriate permission. The work plan for replacing a single-phase meter is as follows:

1. Turn off the machine in front of the meter, at the electricity input.
2. Remove the cover and check that there is no voltage in the conductors.
3. Disconnect terminals and disconnect 4 conductors.
4. Remove the mounting fixing bolts and loosen the DIN rail holders.
5. Put in a new device, connect according to the instructions.

When dismantling, it is important not to confuse the conductors. They are laid in bunches, tightened with clamps and marked. During work, you need to monitor the absence of tension, use protective clothing and tools. After installation, commissioning and sealing is carried out only by the electricity supplier.

How to choose a new meter

Before replacing electricity metering devices, you need to choose the right model and familiarize yourself with the characteristics. It is necessary to decide on the type of device - an electronic meter or a mechanical one. Considering the material possibilities and feasibility, choose a single or multi-tariff device.

There are devices designed for currents from 5 to 100 amperes. To change the electricity meter in the apartment, you will need to calculate the total nominal values ​​of the electrical appliances that will be used. Usually a 60 A device is enough.

To buy the right meter, you should pay attention to the following recommendations:

• Make sure that there are seals on the case and compare the verification date with the data in the passport.
• The mechanical device must be checked by turning the disc with your hand. Such devices are durable, reliable, and relatively inexpensive.
• An electronic device has a longer calibration period, but a shorter service life and a high cost.
• It will not be superfluous to find out the noise level emitted by the meter.
• On the Internet, you can ask how much it will cost to repair and replace an electric meter of your choice.

It is worth paying attention to the type of fastening, it is better if it is a DIN rail. To choose a company, you can look at consumer reviews. Preference should be given to domestic producers.

If you have to change the device in the garage, you should purchase a powerful device so that you can easily use the welding machine or compressor.

When it becomes necessary to replace the electricity meter in the country, it is recommended to choose one-rate devices.

Registration and commissioning

After installing the electricity meter, an application is again submitted to call the controller or an authorized contractor. The commissioning procedure consists of several stages.

1. Checking the meter data for compliance with the manufacturer's technical documentation.
2. Testing the counting mechanism for operability.
3. Installation of control and anti-magnetic seals.
4. Fixing indications at the beginning of work after sealing.
5. Drawing up an act of commissioning indicating the date of the next verification.

To register a new device with the management company, the owner submits an application, a copy of the passport and technical passport of the meter, an act of commissioning. Documents must be submitted within a month from the date of connection.

The management company is obliged to consider the application within 3 working days. Commissioning is established no later than 15 days from the date of submission of the application. If the controller did not accept the device and did not draw up an act within the agreed time frame, the date of entry and recording of indicators is the number specified in the registration application.

What documents are issued

After purchasing an electricity meter, the consumer remains with a technical passport. Subsequently, marks are made in it about checking the device. An application for installation is the basis for concluding a contract between the organization and the energy consumer. An act on the commissioning of the meter is also drawn up, which should indicate:

• the main characteristics of the counter;
• indications of old and new devices;
• data on the verification of both devices;
• grounds for replacement;
• date of installation and sealing (data of the seal);
• information about the specialist installing the seal.

The act of sealing is provided to the management company to determine the cost for the billing period. Also, the owner must have a document stating that the self-purchased meter is entered in the register of certified devices. The user is obliged to provide unimpeded access for the controlling organization to the metering device.

Who changes and at whose expense

Normative acts do not regulate the procedure for changing the meter. Therefore, a person can turn to a legal entity or a private company. According to the rules, the safety, integrity and maintenance of the device is carried out by the owner of the facility where the meter is installed. In a residential building, the owner or tenant is responsible for the safety of the property. The Civil Code of the Russian Federation provides that the owner is responsible for the maintenance of the property, unless otherwise provided by a separate agreement.

In a privatized apartment, as in a private house, the purchase and installation of metering devices is at the expense of the owner. The price depends on the following components:

• device tariffication;
• one- or three-phase device;
• dismantling the old and installing a new meter;
• setting up a control program for electronic devices;
• sealing.

Also, the price depends on the tariff for the work of the management company. A consumer remote a considerable distance from the owner of an electrical installation organization will have to pay the cost of the call.

The management company is responsible for metering devices in municipal housing, as well as at the entrance of an apartment building. The purchase and installation of meters and circuit breakers is carried out at their expense. In this case, the role of residents is to respond in a timely manner to a malfunction of the device. If you notice that the seal is missing, the case or the viewing window is damaged, an electrician should be called.

What will change from 2020

The Department of Energy has developed a law on smart meters. It was officially adopted, signed by the President and published on the legal information portal. The innovation comes into force on July 1, 2020. Old devices are subject to mandatory replacement with intelligent metering systems (IMS).

Such devices will optimize light consumption. The issue of non-payment and unaccounted consumption of electricity is losing its urgency. Bona fide payers will not suffer from debtors. The distribution of unpaid electricity to apartments will cease to function. The new devices will perform the following functions:

• metering of the energy used by a separate private house or a specific apartment;
• automatic transmission of readings to the electricity supplier;
• remote disconnection of the user for non-payment.

Payment for and installation of devices at enterprises and private homes will be carried out by PJSC Rosseti. The electricity supplier is responsible for the connection in apartment buildings. The introduction of intelligent metering systems will begin with new buildings and apartment buildings after major repairs.

Further, the replacement of email. the meter will be carried out after its failure or with the onset of the scheduled calibration date. Consumers will not be responsible for the condition of the MIS. However, the costs of new devices will have to be reimbursed to citizens. Payment of the "debt" will be gradual, prices will be incorporated into electricity tariffs. The installation of new appliances will not be forced.