Installation and service life of gas meters

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Standard device life

Taking into account the installation location of the device that measures the readings of the consumed resource, their varieties are also determined.

Attention! Meters that measure gas consumption can be:

• household;
• industrial;
• communal and household.

The main difference between these types is the volume of gas that the devices are capable of passing over a specified unit of time. The difference also lies in the operating time.

After a certain time, the quality of the device’s functionality decreases, interruptions occur that affect the device’s performance of its main purpose - recording readings. A decrease in quality is expressed in excessive noise, constant interruptions, and errors in accounting for consumed resources.

Therefore, any gas meter must be periodically checked (to determine its performance) and, if necessary, replaced with another.

The average service life of metering devices reaches 20 years.

For reference! The specified period begins to count according to the rules from the moment the device is created, and not from the date of its actual installation in the gas supply system.

Any accounting device is supplied along with its passport. This document contains the main characteristics of the device - operational life, frequency of verification.

For example, for different accounting devices, different periods of their maximum operation are provided. Thus, for “SGK 4” the standard period is no more than 20 years, while another device that performs similar functions “Betar” can only last up to 12 years.

For this reason, always initially focus on the information indicated in the passport for the meter.

Service life of the Betar gas meter

Small-sized meters Betar SGBM-1.6 from a domestic manufacturer are used to measure the volume of gas consumed in apartments, houses, and households. The device is small in size and can be installed on both horizontal and vertical drops of a gas pipe.

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In addition, the device has several other advantages:

• operates absolutely silently, without vibration or gas pollution;
• no additional connecting elements are required for installation;
• a special tee included in the kit allows you to use the gas pipeline while the device is being removed for inspection or repair;
• gas temperature correction is provided up to +20°C, so actual consumption does not depend on the season;
• the “Calendar” function will allow you to determine when the power was turned off;
• There are devices where readings can be taken remotely.

From the markings it is clear that this device can be installed at a pressure of no more than 1.6 cubic meters. m per hour. Betar SGBM-1.6 is perfect for apartments with one four-burner stove.

The manufacturer claims that the device will have a service life of 12 years. The warranty period is one and a half years after installation, for storage - 2 years from the date of release. The verification interval is 4 years. When purchasing a meter, a passport is attached to it, which contains all the necessary information, including the service life of the device.

Replacing the meter according to the law

The entire procedure for carrying out verification actions and replacing metering devices is regulated by a separate Federal Law No. 102. This document determines that any meter (including gas) requires testing at specified intervals.

Only certain entities have the right to perform such procedures and in strict accordance with the specified regulatory document:

• organizations (accredited);
• Individual entrepreneurs (accredited).

To do this, they must have state permission to perform such functions.

Separately, the legislator draws the attention of users to the need to orient them according to the service life indicated in the technical specifications. passports of purchased metering devices.

As soon as the period specified in the passport comes to an end, the used device is replaced (without options).

The above accredited authorized entities are responsible for replacement, as well as verification.

Attention! It is prohibited to personally disassemble meters, influence their readings in any way, or replace them. This is a gross violation.

Life time

The inspection interval and expiration date of the gas meter are different concepts. The calibration interval is specified in the technical documentation, and the service life is counted from the moment of manufacture. Instructions for determining the service life are given in the document PR 50.2.006 - 1994 “GSI. Rules for verification of measuring instruments." Measuring instruments checked by metrological state control are tested by the relevant authorities upon release or repair.

In the apartment

The meter is mounted in its original position after a positive test conclusion. Otherwise, the owner receives a defective report and purchases a new device, and also pays for its installation for further registration of gas consumption.

The general metering unit in the multi-apartment sector can be changed by representatives of the municipal formation if it is installed in the basement of the house. The relevant services are responsible for the process; the procedure is free for residents.

Replacing the meter in an apartment begins with the owner contacting the gas service to call an installer and adjust the timing of replacement of the device. If the corresponding model is not on sale, Gorgaz employees will select a new unit taking into account the required characteristics.

In a private house

If the meter is installed outdoors, a protective box is installed for it

Sometimes home owners refuse to voluntarily install a gas meter. The gas distribution company can carry out forced installation, but the owner’s consent is not required. The owner of the house is obliged to let the gas engineer through to install the device, and if he resists, he will be fined. Further evasion will be considered in court, which will oblige you to provide access to the place of work.

The installation site is selected by the owner on the advice of specialists. The meter is mounted inside the house or on an external wall so that it is not exposed to precipitation or sun.

The owner of a private building provides access to specialists for regular inspection and maintenance. Refusal to allow such a visit will result in an administrative fine in the amount of 10–20 thousand rubles.

Terms of Use

If the user violates the operating conditions specified by the manufacturer, the device will most likely fail before the specified maximum period.

To avoid any future problems with the device during its operation, be sure to follow the following points:

• installation of the device must be carried out by qualified specialists;
• be sure to provide a dust filter;
• throughput must correspond to the overall performance of the system;
• The air in the room where the product is installed should not be too humid.

If all specified optimal requirements are met and the device is properly operated in accordance with the established instructions, its service life will be as long as possible, and there will be no interruptions to the meter during this period.

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Gas meter verification period

In accordance with the list of requirements set forth by Federal Law No. 102 (effective from June 26, 2008) to residents, all metering devices without exception (including gas meters) must be checked in advance before use.

In the future, checks are carried out periodically during the ongoing operation of the metering device. The rules are defined for each user of the resource metering device and must be followed.

Standard inspections are performed once every 5 years. In some cases, the interval between inspections can reach 10 years.

The period when a device is checked for compliance with its officially approved standards begins not from the date of actual installation of the meter in the gas supply system, but from the moment the device was released by the manufacturer.

It is when the device is released that it is initially tested for compliance with the target. Once the meter is assembled at the factory, it is initially inspected and tested to determine how well the meter performs to specifications.

All technical characteristics of the gas meter and information about its initial testing can be viewed in the document attached to it - the technical passport.

In some cases, the data necessary to determine the period for checking the device is not indicated in those documents. passport, but in a separate certificate. The last document in this case also comes with the product in one set.

How to remove a seal from a gas meter

If the owner of the apartment removed the seal from the device himself, then unpleasant consequences await him after such a violation. When there is an urgent need for such actions, it is better to act through the gas company and let these actions be carried out by their specialists.

Attention! Any citizen enters into an agreement with a supplier to consume a resource; look at his contacts in the document and report the problem. Wait for the master to arrive.

If a company representative, upon arrival at the installation site of the device, finds traces of a violation of the integrity of the seal on it, there will be every reason to believe that the owner tried to act unlawfully in order to influence the meter readings.

If external signs of interference with the proper operation of the meter in the form of a broken seal are detected, the representative of the service company has the right to immediately remove the meter. He records all actions in a report, removes the counter and sends it for examination.

If the fact of a seal violation was revealed and the device was removed from the gas supply system for examination, it is the owner who will pay for the examination, and subsequently for the installation of another device.

The fact of violating the seal of an accounting device is an administrative offense that provides for punishment of the appropriate type.

If the owner refuses to install a new metering device at his expense, payment for resource consumption will no longer occur according to indications, but based on the total area of ​​the premises.

Attention! Our qualified lawyers will assist you free of charge and around the clock on any issues. Find out more here.

What to do if the device breaks down

Any mechanical device can fail over time. Gas meters also do not escape this fate.

Breakdowns may vary depending on the type of meter:

• If we talk about electronic means of metering gas consumption, digital values ​​are not reflected on the screen, or they are viewed, but only in fragments;
• for other types - the meter may freeze in place (this is noticeable visually), or there is a slight gas leak in the places where the meter is attached.

If, however, any problems are observed in the operation of the device, they can be eliminated in several ways. Regardless of when the specialist discovered a violation of the sealing of the accounting device, when he is called by the owner of the apartment or during the next medical examination, a report is drawn up.

In it, a representative of the organization indicates the identified fact of violation. When this happens, the owner of the equipment will be required by law to pay the company for the resource consumed, but according to the standards, this is an order of magnitude higher than payment according to indications.

Payment is calculated for the last six months of using the resource. By analogy with this technique, resource consumption is calculated when there is no metering device.

Please note! If the seal remains intact, but the gas engineer, during a routine inspection, discovers that the meter is faulty, you will also have to pay for gas according to the standard for the last 6 months.

It is believed that if the consumer did not report an obvious breakdown, he deliberately concealed the fact of incorrect recording of resource consumption.

A message about recalculation of the amount due to a violation will be sent to the consumer within 30 days. The company is obliged to notify about the recalculation and calculate the amount due.

If a malfunction of the device is discovered by the homeowner, and this is reported to the service company, a specialist arrives on site, determines that the seal is in place, and records the fact of the malfunction.

Here, calculation of consumption, based on approved standards, will be made only from the moment a malfunction is identified until the installation of another serviceable device.

What to do?

If it's broken

Devices tend to break down.

Gas meters are no exception

Failures may include the following:

• for electronic measuring instruments - there is no display of digital values ​​on the screen, or they are visible in fragments;
• for all types - the meter is frozen in one place or there is a slight gas leak at the mounting location.

If problems are detected, there are several options for eliminating them.

If the seal is broken , then both in the event of a defect being discovered by a specialist during a routine inspection, and when called by the owner of the apartment, a report on its violation is drawn up.

According to it, the user of the equipment will have to pay for the last six months of operation of the meter according to standards, which, as a rule, are higher. A similar calculation is carried out in those rooms in which there are no installed devices.

If the integrity of the seal is preserved , but the gas worker discovered the fault during a routine inspection, in this case you will also have to pay the standard for six months for concealing the faulty equipment. The company that performed the verification will have to send a notification of the recalculation amount within 30 days.

When a malfunction of the measuring device is detected by the owner of the apartment and the integrity of the seal is established, the specialist records the fact of the breakdown. In this case, the calculation will be carried out according to the standards only from the date of detection of the breakdown until the date of installation of the new meter.

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If expired

Responsibility for observing the verification intervals for gas appliances lies entirely with the user .

Every six months, gas service specialists must conduct a scheduled inspection of indoor gas equipment, including meters.

If they discover a delay in the verification period , then in this case the amount for gas use for six months will be recalculated according to current standards.

There is no penalty for failure to comply with verification deadlines. The amount of payment for utilities will only increase due to recalculation for the last six months.

If the meter is expired

Users themselves must monitor compliance with the verification intervals for gas metering devices. They are held accountable in this matter.

Specialists from gas services are required to perform a routine inspection of the metering equipment located inside each apartment and the gas supply system in general. The period for such inspection is once every 6 months.

If a delay in the verification period is detected, a recalculation will be made for the violator using gas. He will be paid for the past 6 months according to the current approved standards.

The law does not provide for separate fines for violation of the verification period. The specified recalculation is used as a sanction, according to which there is an automatic increase in the amount payable for the amount. service for the 6 months preceding the violation.

What to do if the meter is broken?

It is almost impossible to avoid breakdowns, which can manifest themselves as follows :

• the readings do not change or there is a slight leak at the mounting location;
• Digital values ​​are not displayed at all or are only partially displayed (for electronic devices).

In such situations, the importance of maintaining the integrity of the filling becomes apparent. If it is violated, a corresponding act is drawn up.

Based on this act, the user must pay for the past six months in accordance with the standards applied to premises without measuring and accounting equipment.

The same sanctions apply for concealing a malfunction of gas equipment, if a routine inspection reveals a malfunction, even despite the integrity of the seal.

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The subscriber is notified of the recalculation no later than 30 days .

If everything is in order with the seal, and the fault is identified by the owner of the property, the specialist records the fact of the breakdown .

Calculation according to standards in such a situation will be applied only for the period of actual absence of the metering device - from the date of detection of the malfunction to the date of replacement.

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Who performs the installation

Remember! Specialists from specialized organizations (for example, Gorgaz) are responsible for installing gas meters. Only such organizations have the right to carry out work in this area due to the availability of appropriate licenses and qualified employees.

Replacing metering devices involves the following actions:

• the owner of the equipment submits a separate application for replacement (sent to Gorgaz);
• specialists check the current state of the gas supply system and draw up an estimate for carrying out the required amount of work;
• Upon installation of accounting equipment, specialists draw up a certificate of completion of work (this document records all actions performed by employees and the final result);
• the owner of the installed equipment submits an application for sealing (the application is sent to the Management Company);
• The device is sealed within 3 (three) working days.

The location where the new meter will be installed is determined by the homeowner. The specialist checks the specified location to see if it complies with the approved standards (norms), and then installation is carried out.

There are separate acceptable indicators for installing the meter. It is placed at a minimum height from the floor - 1.2 meters - and at a minimum distance from the stove - 0.8 meters.

Who pays for the replacement?

After the service life of the metering equipment has expired or when a malfunction is confirmed, the device must be replaced. This condition must be observed. Paying for the replacement of the meter is the owner's concern, since it is in his interests to complete the replacement as quickly as possible.

The owner will have to take care not only of purchasing a new device (the cost here is quite different and depends on the chosen model, manufacturer, and throughput - from 1.5 to 15 thousand rubles), but also pay for the installation of the purchased device by specialists.

Types of gas meters

There are 3 types of gas meters: electronic, rotary and membrane. But which one is better to choose? Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of meter.

An electronic meter has many advantages:

1. Setting it up is very easy;
2. Small size;
3. Verification must be done no more than 10 years;
4. Works without noise;
5. The readings are always accurate.

But there is one drawback to such a meter: an electronic meter is expensive. Therefore, such counters are not popular. But if you decide to purchase such equipment, then it will serve you for a long time and with high quality.

Rotary has some advantages:

• The price of the product is available to everyone;
• Small counter size.

There are many more disadvantages:

• If the glass is damaged, a gas leak may occur. Therefore, such a meter is explosive;
• Verification must be carried out every 2 years;
• The service life is significantly shorter compared to other types of meters;
• The readings are not always accurate;
• The counter is quite loud.

This type of meter is not safe, so you should think carefully before purchasing it.

Advantages of a membrane gas meter:

1. The service life is the highest. It is 30 years old;
2. Verification can be carried out every 15 years;
3. The case of such a meter is closed and durable; it can withstand high temperatures. Therefore, it is safe for your home;
4. The membrane meter can withstand the flow of poor quality gas;
5. The design of the meter is very simple;
6. The cost is reasonable.

There are only 2 disadvantages:

1. Big sizes;
2. This counter operates quite loudly.