May192022

Installation of electricity meters: installation features

The main devices for removing indicators of used electricity, water and gas are meters. The installation of electricity meters can be done with your own hands, but it is better to entrust this task to electricians who have the necessary skills and knowledge. If necessary, it is possible to mount the accounting device on a pole. In this publication, we will talk about the types of devices, preparatory work before installation and about connecting the device.

It is possible to install electric meters in residential premises if there is a state verification

Installation of electricity meters: general information

The modern pace of life and the constant rise in prices make citizens seriously think about total savings. Not the last place in the issue of saving is taken by the payment for electricity and other natural resources. Therefore, in recent years, the demand for the installation of electric meters has increased significantly.

Counters are installed according to clearly regulated rules

Most residents of our country, having performed elementary calculations, concluded that the installation of electricity meters is a very profitable way to save money, since the meter gives great opportunities (in comparison with the traditional method of charging). First of all, payment according to the indications of this device allows you to give money only for the raw materials actually used, and also helps to fully control your expenses. Even after going on vacation, you don’t have to worry that a huge electricity bill will come.

Useful advice! A meter for recording the consumed electricity is an extremely necessary device in every apartment and house. In addition, according to the law of Russia, premises in which electric meters are not installed must be disconnected from the electricity supply.

Electricity meter selection: classification of devices

Technological progress does not stand still, so modern technologies have been introduced into all spheres of life. The electric power industry is no exception in this regard. Therefore, the choice of modern meters for accounting for used electricity is quite wide.

Mechanical meters are cheap, but they have significant errors in operation

Classification of devices is carried out according to such parameters as the principle of operation and the number of phases. Each of the devices has its own technical characteristics and features.

Depending on the principle of operation , there are such types of electric meters:

Mechanical devices are the most common option. The mechanical parts of the device move due to the electric current that passes through the meter. The number of rotations indicates the electricity consumed. These devices are cheap, but they have significant errors in operation.

Electronic designs are more modern devices. The amount of electricity used is recorded using a special chip or semiconductor. Then the received information is transmitted using sensors. These devices work much more accurately, but their price is also higher.

Depending on the number of phases, electricity meters are single-phase and three-phase. The number of phases of the device must correspond to the number of phases in the network. However, in some cases, three-phase electric meters are connected to the power grid with a single phase. In the presence of a three-phase network, only three-phase devices can be installed.

Electronic devices work much more accurately than mechanical devices

Technologies are developing more and more, and now it is possible to install new electricity meters that are capable of accounting for used electricity at several tariffs. So, there are:

single-tariff devices that count only at one tariff;
two–tariff devices – counters that divide the day into two tariff zones: day and night;
three-tariff meters that take into account electricity consumption depending on three time intervals: peak, night and half-peak.

It’s interesting! This division of the day occurred due to uneven loads at the substation. Electricity is generated around the clock, and sudden spikes in electricity consumption negatively affect the operation of substation equipment. Maximum loads occur from 7 to 9 in the morning and from 18 to 23 in the evening. Consequently, the cost of electricity during peak hours is higher than at night, when consumption is minimal.

Depending on the number of phases, electricity meters are single-phase and three-phase

Replacement of electricity meters: reasons for installation

Most often, the replacement of counters occurs as a result of the following reasons:

mechanical damage to the device body;
technical malfunctions;
outdated equipment;
damage to seals or their absence.

In most apartments, the installed electric meters are old samples, that is, they were released back in the 60s of the twentieth century. The developers of the old devices did not expect that the apartments would be so crowded with household appliances. The daily life of the modern population is unthinkable without a microwave oven, washing machine, air conditioner and other household appliances. Consequently, there is a large overload of meters, which may result in their ignition. The situation is further aggravated by the old wiring, which is also a fire hazard, which entails a danger to the tenants of the apartment.

In addition, the places where old electricity meters are located are often covered with cobwebs and covered with a lot of dust. Old fasteners and sagging wires often discourage apartment residents. Therefore, the owners sooner or later decide on the immediate repair and renovation of the house. Since the old meter does not fit into the new interior, there is a desire to install an electric meter.

It is not customary to install electric meters in apartments on their own

The desire to save money often implies the need to install new modern electricity meters. The engineers studied and took into account the multi-tariff electricity metering system. Therefore, anyone who has such a device will be able to save about 30% of the usual monthly payment.

Useful advice! The replacement or installation of an electric meter must be carried out during the repair or modernization of the power supply system in the house. Typically, the service life of these devices is about 16 years, and technical inspection should take place once every 24 months. After the expiration of the specified term, it is necessary to replace the device.

Connection of electricity meters: features of the work

A lot of people are interested in the question of how to install an electric meter. In most cases, the installation or replacement of electric meters is carried out by special organizations that perform the installation and configuration of devices. The price of installing an electricity meter by employees of such companies is too high and is not always affordable for an ordinary consumer. Therefore, if there is a desire, then you can install an electricity meter yourself, without the participation of a certified specialist.

If you violate the rules for installing electric meters, it can lead to an accident

To do this, it is necessary to comply with the safety requirements when working with electricity and know the rules for installing an electricity meter. Taking this into account, it is possible to avoid problems such as accidents, fires in the house or at a substation, electric shock.

Since the electric meter is not an easy and complex device, therefore, external factors such as high humidity, temperature, as well as aggressive chemicals can affect its operation. Usually, all installation requirements are met when placing the device in an apartment. In case of installation on the stairwell, you will need a special box for the electric meter.

Useful advice! It is not recommended to engage in the installation process without the necessary qualifications and knowledge of the legislation. Violation of the rules for installing electric meters can lead to an accident.

How to install an electricity meter: installation location

The installation of metering devices must be carried out in specially designated places: in lockers, niches, on panels or boxes for electric meters. To perform the installation of the device, it is necessary to equip a wooden or plastic shield for the meter with a rigid mount.

The height of the meter installation above the floor should be from 0.8 to 1.7 meters

The device is installed at a height of 80 cm to 1.7 m, but in case of urgent need, the placement height can be reduced to 40 cm. Below this indicator, the installation of the device is prohibited.

Special attention should be paid to the installation location of the device in the event that the electricity meter needs to be installed in the garage. Usually such a room is not heated, therefore, the device must be resistant to low temperatures and moisture. On sale there are meters designed for installation in unheated rooms. Such devices will also be useful for cottages or houses that are heated intermittently in winter.

Useful advice! It is very important that after installing the device, a cabinet, drawer or niche should be provided with comfortable access for inspection and repair of the electric meter by service personnel.

Who should install electricity meters: we understand the situation

All issues related to the accounting of used electricity and related equipment are resolved in accordance with the requirements specified in various legislative documents. They set out the procedure and features of the repair and replacement of devices, as well as the rules for the operation of devices.

After installing a new meter, you need to apply for sealing to an energy supply company

Control over the correct operation of the device, as well as maintenance is carried out by power supply companies. Replacement of the electricity meter is possible only after submitting an application for replacement of the device to this organization. To do this, you need to have the following documents with you:

passport;
a document confirming the ownership.

The installation of a new device must be carried out by a qualified specialist, since a person without experience can not only make critical errors when connecting, but also completely break the new device. Only a specialist knows how to properly connect an electric meter.

It is very important to apply for sealing to the power supply company after installing a new device. The authorized person draws up an act of acceptance of the meter and performs the sealing of the device.

Useful advice! The cost of installing an electricity meter, regardless of the reason for the replacement, must be paid by the owner of the premises.

The installation of the meter must be carried out by a qualified specialist

Electric meter on a pole: features of placement and connection

In recent years, the option of installing electric meters on a pole on the street has been very often used. This is especially convenient for employees of the energy supply company when removing indicators. In a private house, if the meter is located inside, it is possible to take readings only if its residents are present. When placing the device on the street, the situation is different.

Smart electricity meters: a useful and convenient device

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Let’s consider some features of the location of the electricity meter on the pole:

Everyone who has skills in working with electricity has the opportunity to install electricity meters on a street pole. However, the right to connect electricity to the device is allowed only to representatives of the electricity supplier.

If the electricity meter is installed outdoors, namely on a street pole, by representatives of the power grid, then there should be no complaints to the consumer. Even before the start of installation work, documents are prepared that specify the requirements for the installation of a certain accounting device and the boundary of the balance sheet.

The installation of an electricity meter on a pole is carried out only with the consent of the owner of the metering device. In private homes, the boundary of the balance sheet does not pass indoors, but on the street. In this case, the exact location must be determined by the appropriate technical documentation.

The installation of the meter on the pole is carried out only if there is the consent of the owner of the meter

Useful advice! Very often, electric meters fail due to burnout of terminals at the wire junctions. It is very important to pay attention to the tightening of the screws on the smoke clips. It is recommended to pull all screw connections again before installing the cover.

Stages of installing counters on a pole: process features

At the first stage of installation, it is necessary to coordinate the specific location of the electric meter on a street pole. The main condition is the optimal location of the device from ground level. According to the norm , it should be at a height of 0.8 m to 1.7 m . In some cases, for example, to eliminate the possibility of vandalism, meters are mounted at a height of more than 2.5 m.

Such their location is not very convenient for the work of employees of the power grid, since it is extremely inconvenient and almost impossible to remove the indicators at the assumed height.

The electric meter must be at a height of 0.8 m to 1.7 m

To install the counter on the pole, you need to perform the following steps:

The input line is necessarily de-energized. The organization that supplies the energy agrees to perform this process.

It is necessary to provide grounding. This condition is aimed at ensuring that all electrical appliances available in the house continue to work safely.

Connecting the wires. The electrical wires are first connected to an automatic protection switch, after which they should be connected to an electric meter.

Wiring is connected. All wiring in the house is carried out at the last stage.

Sealing of the device. After installing the electricity meter on the pole, it is necessary to invite employees of the power grid so that they seal the device and take it into account.

Useful advice! The implementation of each stage must clearly comply with the rules and regulations that are established for work with electrical appliances.

Installing an electricity meter in an apartment: cost of work

Usually, installing a meter for electricity does not cause any special difficulties and it is quite possible to do it yourself. As for the professional connection, the pricing policy is quite diverse. The price of installing an electricity meter in an apartment is influenced by such characteristics as the type of device and its technical parameters.

Before replacing the meter, the specialist must perform preparatory work

To find out how much it costs to install an electric meter, the following criteria must be taken into account:

modification of the device;
type of electrical network;
features of the connection conditions;
the need for additional work;
the number of connected devices.

Before replacing the counter, the master must perform preparatory work.

Useful advice! How much does it cost to install or replace an electricity meter? Most often, the price is equal to 50% of the cost of the device itself. However, the final amount may vary depending on the complexity of the work and the qualifications of the master.

The cost of installing the meter is affected by the number of connected devices

How to connect an electric meter yourself: procedure

The mechanism of installation or replacement of an electrical device for calculating the electricity used differs from other types of installation work primarily by the presence of mandatory legal procedures. The same requirements must be met in the case of installing an electricity meter in a private house.

The whole process can be divided into the following stages:

It is required to obtain permission from the electricity supplier to install or replace the device.

If necessary, the device is checked.

In case of replacement of the device, an employee of the supplier company must take readings from the old meter and create an act of removing the seal.

Disconnecting and removing the old device. Before starting work, it is necessary to make sure that there is no voltage with the help of special devices.

Directly installing or replacing the device.

The final stage. The power supply company draws up an act of putting a new device into operation, installs the necessary seals. The certificate must record the readings of the new meter at the time of installation, as well as indicate the registration number of the seal.

The meter for accounting for the consumed electricity must be installed exclusively in specially designated places. It is not allowed to install the device directly on flammable surfaces, including wooden ones.

To install a new meter, you need to disconnect and remove the old device

Installation of the device in terms of connecting wires does not present significant difficulties. The connection diagram is easy to find on the network, and it is also in the passport of the new device. It is difficult to make a mistake in the order of connection of devices, but you need to be extremely careful and strictly follow the provided scheme.

When installing the device, it is necessary to handle the seals on the device carefully. There are usually two of them: a seal installed at the manufacturer, and a seal of the organization that checks the device. Damage to any of them leads to very serious consequences, up to invoicing for electricity at the highest tariff or collecting the maximum possible fine.

This is important! During the work on the replacement or installation of an electric meter, it is necessary to strictly observe safety precautions. In the event that your own qualifications are not enough, it is better to use the services of a specialist.

Accounting for consumed electricity has recently played an important role, as it allows to significantly simplify the relationship between the consumer and the supplier company. A properly installed metering meter is a reliable device that is able to work smoothly for a long period of time.

To replace the meter, it is better to use the services of a specialist

In addition, the installation of an electric meter on the territory of the Russian Federation is a rather popular procedure. This is due to the large number of facilities that consume electricity. This event requires the call of a specialist. However, considering how much it costs to install an electricity meter, a large number of people install the device themselves. In this case, it is necessary to adhere to safety precautions and strictly follow the wiring diagram of the device, and you should also study in detail the instructions on how to install an electric meter in an apartment.

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