How to find out the calibration interval of an electricity meter

In accordance with the legislation, all objects and buildings to which electricity is supplied must be equipped with energy meters. There is such a thing as the calibration interval for electricity meters. For each type of device, a time has been set, after which they must be checked. In addition, the service life of energy meters was determined, after which the products are written off and replaced with new ones. Property owners need to know what to do if the electric meter calibration interval has expired, so as not to get into an unpleasant situation associated with delays and penalties.

Calibration interval and service life of the electric meter

An electric meter is a device designed to accurately record the energy consumed by consumers over a certain period of time. Based on the readings taken, a receipt is drawn up, which is mandatory for payment before the date specified in the contract.

The instrument is checked and calibrated prior to installation, giving an accurate reading. During operation, mechanical parts wear out, electronic parts change their characteristics under the influence of external factors. As a result, the sensitivity and accuracy of the measurement is reduced. In order to respond in a timely manner to such phenomena, a periodic check of the condition and correct operation of the devices is carried out.

The calibration interval (MPI) of an electric meter is a period of time during which, in accordance with the conclusion of the metrologists, the product must function correctly, correctly recording the consumed resource.

For devices of various types, their own intervals are set, which is due to the following factors:

• device;
• operating principle;
• the possibility of outside influence;
• manufacturer's recommendations;
• terms of Use.

For mechanical products that are installed in city apartments, the inspection frequency is 1 year. Mercury and Neva electronic devices are recommended to be checked every 2 years.

Do not equate the MPI of an electricity meter with its service life. Several intertesting periods of electric meters constitute their limiting resource. This is the number of years during which the manufacturer guarantees the trouble-free operation of the device. The date of manufacture is indicated on the body of the product. From it begins the countdown of the service life, unless otherwise indicated in the instructions.

The service life of mechanical products is 15-20 years, and of electronic products - 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 electric meter, as well as its resource, is reduced by 2 times. This should be recorded in the product installation certificate. Also, the document specifies the term for checking the electricity meter.

Types and classifications of devices

By the type of device, meters are divided into the following categories:

• Mechanical. They function according to the principle of electromagnetic induction. When current flows through the coils, a magnetic field is created that rotates the disk associated with the dial. The higher the load, the faster the rotation and the greater the reading. Since rotation is accompanied by friction, induction devices are installed in objects with a small number of consumers.
• Electronic. The consumption of energy is counted by a chip that has high sensitivity and captures even weak impulses. The read data are fed to the executive device, which displays them on the front panel. Today mechanical devices are being replaced with electronic ones.
• Electrodynamic. They combine mechanical and computer components. They have high power, durability and reliability. Designed for heavy loads, so they have a narrow range of applications.

By measuring values:

• Single phase. Designed for a current with a voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Installed in residential and business premises connected to the household network.
• Three-phase. Designed to operate 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 circuit. In this way, metering devices are connected to common panels located in apartments and private houses.
• Through transformers. It is used when connecting to a high-voltage line and for products operating at 380 V.

The verification period for electricity meters is determined separately for each device after comparing the manual and operating conditions.

Purpose of checking the electricity meter

Any electrical product is exposed both internally and externally. In addition, the human factor cannot be ruled out. People do not want to pay money even for the services received and try to do everything to reduce the readings.

The state verification of the energy meter is carried out for the following purposes:

1. Establishing the presence of the device.
2. Inspection to determine the integrity of the hull.
3. Identification of signs of impact on the device.
4. Measurement of indications.

Instrument diagnostics is divided into the following types:

• Primary. Performed at the manufacturer's technical control department. Allows you to determine the operability of the device and the correctness of the readings. An entry is made about the event in the form. In some cases with imported products, an initial inspection may be carried out when it is received at the border.
• Periodic. It is carried out after a certain period of time of use or storage of goods. In the process of diagnostics, the degree of wear of the device is determined, the probability of issuing readings 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 survey, a verification report is drawn up. If the product is in good working order, it is sealed, after which an entry is made in the form. A defective meter is discarded, and its readings are no longer accepted. The property owner needs to purchase a new device and apply for its connection.

How does the shelf life differ from the calibration period and the warranty

Understanding the difference between these concepts will allow you to timely perform all procedures related to routine maintenance that are carried out with accounting devices, regardless of where they are installed.

The shelf life is the time period during which the product must work before it finally fails. The time spent by the goods in the warehouse with different manufacturers can be taken into account or not. Most manufacturers set the life of their products up to 5 years, although in fact some devices last for 30 years or more. After the expiration of the date specified in the technical documentation, it is prohibited to use the equipment for its intended purpose.

The warranty period is the stage, measured in years, during which the product must operate without failures, giving indicators within the permissible error. In other words, it is the manufacturer's obligation to bear the cost of repairing or replacing a device that breaks down ahead of time through no fault of the user.

The calibration period for electricity 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 stretched over the entire shelf life of the device. During this time, several diagnostics of various types can be carried out.

How to find out the deadline for checking an electric meter

There are the following ways to find out the deadline for checking the electric meter:

1. Find the latest diagnostic report. The document clearly states the date of inspection of the device. Often times, papers are lost, thrown away, or accidentally destroyed. Therefore, this option is not always feasible.
2. Log into the user's personal account on the energy company's website. To do this, you need to have a computer and be able to register. You can get an answer to your question by searching the page or by asking the manager who is on the line in the chat.
3. Call by phone, which can be found in the directory or by number 109. Employees of the organization have access to all data about their clients.
4. Go to the office of the company in person. You need to have a passport with you, the contract is not needed, since it is entered in the database. This method is more productive, since live communication is more intelligible and practical. In addition, the manager can provide the visitor with reference material, which will later come in handy.

After receiving information about the meter diagnostics, you need to prepare for this event. It is paid and in addition has a number of nuances that need to be taken into account.

Is it possible to check the electricity meter instead of replacing

Replacement of the metering device is carried out in the following cases:

1. End of service life (shelf life). It is carried out regardless of the condition, serviceability of the equipment and the quality of the issued indicators. It is carried out in accordance with the specifications specified by the manufacturer.
2. Identification of damages that do not allow further operation of the device. This applies to security measures and the possibility of influencing internal parts.
3. Wear of units and mechanisms. Occurs when the device has been operating under heavy loads for a long time.
4. Deviations in readings are greater than permissible. Performed if repairs and calibrations have not yielded the desired results.

The check also has its own characteristics.

This activity consists of the following stages:

1. Dismantling. During this period, the entire apartment is de-energized, after which the wires are connected directly.
2. Delivery of equipment to the metrology laboratory.
3. In order of priority, diagnostics are carried out. An act of suitability or unsuitability is drawn up.
4. The product is returned to its place, sealed, and the owner is given reporting documents.

How long this process will last is impossible to predict, since its duration is determined by subjective factors. In some cases, it is faster and easier to buy a new meter, having resolved 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 the device connected to the network without removing and exporting it. You will have to pay for this, 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 falls on it. The exception is electronic devices with accuracy class 1. After the end of their service life, they are subject to inspection every 12 months. To do this, you need to write an application and wait for the results of its consideration.

Responsibility for omitting periodic verification

Skipping the IIP is a common practice in the practice of management companies. People do not live in their property for a long time, which is why the gap can stretch for months and years.

The consumer needs to apply to the address of the organization with a statement on the verification of the device, indicating the reasons for the delay. In most cases, the day and time of the visit of the masters are specified on the spot.

If you overdue the deadline for diagnosing the meter, you should not be afraid of criminal or administrative liability. This is not considered a punishable offense. All that threatens a person is payment for services at increased rates. They are calculated according to a formula based on the number of registered people, outlets, the total power of consumers and the average for the last 3 months.