Which electricity meter is better to put in the apartment: choose the device

Which electricity meter is better to put in the apartment: choose the device

This article will help you decide which electricity meter is better to put in an apartment. Here is a complete classification of existing devices by design type and energy, number of phases, billing of these devices, as well as all data on their selection and correct installation. The article discusses the most popular models and current prices for them.

Device for measuring electrical energy

Which electricity meter is better to put in the apartment: classification of devices

When looking for where to buy an electricity meter, it is important not to forget that the choice and purchase of the device should be carried out taking into account all factors. The device is not subject to return and exchange if there are reasons preventing its installation, because the registration of the sale is accompanied by the entry of appropriate marks in the passport. This document contains the serial number, as well as the seal issued by the state verifier.

Electric energy meter

Replacement of the old electricity meter with a new device is performed in the following cases:

• non-compliance of the device with the requirements put forward by the power company;
• device failure;
• settling into a new living space.

Pay attention! There is only one reason for the return of the electric energy meter – the presence of a factory defect.

Devices for calculating electrical energy are classified according to the following criteria:

Which electricity meter is better for an apartment: prices, advantages and disadvantages of appliances

Now such a problem as the replacement of electric meters is especially relevant, at whose expense many citizens are concerned about installing the device. From a theoretical point of view, measuring devices are included in the area of responsibility of the electricity supplier company., but in fact, the solution of the issue falls on the shoulders of residents living in an apartment or in a private house, who are required by law to have a device available to account for the consumed electricity, as well as to replace it in a timely manner in case of non-compliance or serious breakdown.

Currently, the market is overflowing with electric energy meters of various types

There are more than 400 items of measuring equipment for electricity on the market. When the task is to buy electricity meters for an apartment, the price in this case is of secondary importance.

Advantages and disadvantages of installing an electronic electricity meter

Electronic designs are complex devices whose main task is to convert the incoming signal into a digital data format. The result is reflected by a mechanical dial or screen.

Advantages of constructions:

• the error in the readings is very small;
• the functionality allows you to keep records within several tariffs;
• the percentage of theft of electrical energy is very small.

Pay attention! Electronic designs have additional functionality that allows you to buy an electricity meter with a remote control, increased memory or a built-in clock.

Mercury 230 electric meter with remote control

Disadvantages of electronic devices:

• high sensitivity to sudden voltage fluctuations in the network;
• high price;
• the designs are not particularly reliable in terms of operation;
• repairs are very expensive.

The average price of electric meters in this category is in the range of 900-3100 rubles. The cost depends on the design features of the device and the availability of additional functions, as well as on the manufacturer. Before deciding to buy electric meters with a remote control, it is worth considering that the cost of remote-controlled devices is three times more than that of standard devices.

Prices for meters with remote control (remote control):

Why it is profitable to buy an induction electricity meter: strengths and weaknesses

Electromechanical devices are still found in old buildings of Soviet times. The new generation devices are significantly modified, however, they use a similar principle of operation. The design looks like a plastic box equipped with an observation window. Through the glass, you can see the rotational movements of the disk and the accounting data on electricity consumption.

The meter is equipped with 2 coils that create electromagnetic fields due to the passing voltage. Thanks to these magnetic currents, an aluminum disk is driven, which affects the wheels that display the numbers. The rotational speed of the disk in old electricity meters, as in new ones, depends on the volume of electricity consumption. This is also displayed on the device indicators.

Pay attention! Outdated induction devices are gradually going out of circulation, although they are not without certain advantages.

Induction Electricity meter

Advantages of induction devices:

• reliability in terms of operation, low percentage of breakdowns;
• unlimited service life of electric meters;
• sudden voltage fluctuations in the electrical network do not have a negative effect on the device;
• affordable price.

This version of the designs has drawbacks:

• there are often significant errors in the readings;
• the devices are absolutely not insured against theft of electricity;
• the device performs independent transmission of electricity readings (self-propelled accounting without the participation of consumers).

The cost of induction-type electric meters varies between 750-3300 rubles.

Prices for induction accounting equipment:

Electricity meters: types of structures by number of phases

There are devices with one or three phases on sale. You need to buy a single-phase electric meter if the apartment is powered by a single-phase network consisting of 2 wires with a voltage level of 220 V. At the same time, the maximum permissible network load is 10 kW. This type of accounting equipment is most often used in private homes and city apartments.

Pay attention! It is allowed to connect the device to a three–phase power grid, however, this will require 3 devices – a single-phase electric meter for each phase.

The price of single-phase electricity meters averages 870-2700 rubles.

If the power supply of the house is carried out at the expense of a network with 3 phases and a voltage of 380 V, it would be more expedient to buy a three-phase electric meter. The need to use such powerful equipment is caused by high energy consumption.

Single-phase and three-phase electric meters

Most often , such networks are powered by:

• apartment buildings;
• small production facilities and factories;
• workshops;
• general purpose panel panels.

The average price of three-phase electric meters is in the range of 2800-3300 rubles.

Connection diagram of a three-phase electric meter

This type of equipment is also used in the private sector, if devices with high energy consumption are used:

• three-phase electric motors;
• electric boilers for heating;
• welding machines and other specialized tools.

The price of three-phase electricity meters:

What are the best electric meters to put in the apartment according to the accuracy class

The operation of any accounting equipment is accompanied by some errors in relation to the readings. The differences in its indicators depend on which class the counter belongs to. A deviation of only a few percent from the actual volume of consumption is allowed.

Household devices for apartments have an average deviation of 2%. In practice, this manifests itself as follows: if the consumer has spent 100 kW of electricity, then the data displayed by the meter will be in the range of 98-102 kW.

Pay attention! The lower the accuracy value (class) in the technical data sheet of the device, the fewer errors occur when accounting for electricity. Such counters are much more expensive than others.

The accuracy class of the electric meter is the maximum permissible error when measuring electricity

If you determine which electric meters are better, starting from the error indicator, you should give preference to the 2nd class of devices. On sale there are devices of several varieties with different percentages of error:

• 0,2-05%;
• 2,5%;
• 1-2%.

Features of the choice of devices by accuracy class

Single-tariff and multi-tariff electricity meters: price and features

With the advent of electronic devices on the market, the system of accounting for data on spent energy has changed significantly. Having installed the electric meter in the apartment, it is now possible to carry out accounting within several tariffs. Modern devices are able to support 2-3 tariffs, and some models – even more.

How much electricity meters cost: prices of four-tariff devices:

The operation of a multi-tariff counter is based on the breakdown of accounting by time. For example, the calculation of energy consumption according to the daily tariff starts at 7.00 and stops at 23.00. The countdown of the night billing mode starts at 23.00 and ends at 7.00.

Useful advice! The cost of electrical energy consumed during the day is significantly higher than at night. All energy-intensive costs, for example, washing can be scheduled at night to save money.

The price of electricity meters day/night is much higher than conventional single-tariff ones. But not all apartments have a significant difference between the cost of electricity during the day and at night, so the cost of buying multi-tariff equipment may not pay off. Before buying, it is necessary to make cost calculations broken down by day / night and compare them with the results for a single tariff.

If the savings reach 35-50%, you can safely replace the electric meter in the apartment with a multi-tariff one, if the difference is only 100-200 rubles, then such an acquisition will be impractical.

How much do electric meters cost for an apartment: prices of single-tariff devices:

How to properly replace the electricity meter in the apartment

The devices of the modern generation are more advanced than the old models, because they work through a sufficiently large amount of electrical energy, excluding the appearance of serious problems:

• differences;
• crashes;
• short circuits and fires.

Requirements of Resolution 442 on the replacement of electricity meters

According to the updated Resolution No. 442, the rules for controlling the market with the retail sale of electric energy have been changed. The document prescribes that the transmission of readings of electricity meters used by citizens of the Russian Federation should be carried out using exclusively electrical devices, and the minimum permissible accuracy class of devices is 2.0.

Modern devices have a fairly high accuracy class

Pay attention! If the accuracy class of the device is less than the permissible value, the electricity meter should be replaced. Such a device can be used for the duration of its declared service life or until a serious breakdown.

After Resolution No. 442 was issued, the service life of electric meters corresponds to the duration of the inter–verification interval – 6 years. This means that an inappropriate device can be used until the first inspection by the authorities, then it must be replaced. To date, the production of devices with an accuracy class below 2.0 stops. Repairs are also not allowed.

On the one hand, the procedure for changing accounting equipment is designed to improve the safety of electricity operation, on the other hand, the question arises at whose expense the electric meters are replaced. Taking into account article 221, the replacement payment is made by the owner of the residential premises.

Payment for the replacement of the electric meter is made by the owner of the apartment

There are circumstances in which payment is made by the municipal service. This applies to those contracts received when installing electricity meters in an apartment where there is a corresponding mark, otherwise the owner covers all costs independently.

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Terms of operation of the electric meter in the apartment

The operational life of any device is prescribed in the technical data sheet. During this period, provided that the settings are correct and there are no violations of the operating rules, the device keeps records of the consumed energy as accurately as possible. Therefore, all the data obtained during this period can be considered reliable.

To check the service life of the device, it is enough to look at the technical data sheet. There is a note showing the time of the first check of the meter performed on the territory of the manufacturer. Most often, the equipment is considered suitable for 25-30 years, after which it is necessary to replace the device.

The meter must correspond in power to the current that passes in the power grid

The timing of the replacement of electricity meters in apartments is set after a scheduled inspection of the device:

Pay attention! The law adopted in 2012 prescribes that all accounting devices of Class 2.5 should be replaced with devices marked 2.0 or 1.0.

Replacement of electric power monitoring devices is carried out by specialists

How much does it cost to replace electricity meters in apartments

All procedures for the installation of accounting equipment should be carried out by highly professional specialists. Working with electricity is extremely difficult and dangerous. The electrician must have the right to perform the sealing and sealing of the meter. It is not prohibited to use the services of private companies, however, you should find out in advance whether the master has the appropriate permission. Otherwise, such actions may be illegal.

The cost of single–phase multi-tariff electric meters Mercury – 1280-1400 rubles. The price of similar single-tariff devices is in the range of 670-700 rubles. To this is added the cost of maintenance for dismantling the old device, installing new equipment and connecting it.

Installation of electric meters in the apartment: service prices:

How to change electricity meters in an apartment: features of the procedure

Replacement of accounting equipment, as well as its maintenance, is among the responsibilities of the owner of the premises where the meter is located:

Pay attention! If the contract with the apartment tenant states that the installation of accounting equipment is assigned to the energy supply company, the latter performs the procedure for a fee or allocates the amount from the funds already deposited (depending on the contract).

It is forbidden to independently carry out work on replacing the electric meter

How to replace electricity meters in an apartment: list of documentation

For residents of apartment buildings, there is a certain procedure for replacing electric meters:

All documents are drawn up in accordance with the norms prescribed for them by law.

You should carefully fill out all the necessary documents

Information that is displayed in the application:

To submit an application, you will need a standard package of documents provided for by the procedure:

The counters are replaced after the decision of the authorized bodies

Pay attention! After reviewing the listed documents, the authorized bodies decide whether to replace the equipment. As a result, an act of replacement is signed between the contractor and the applicant.

Data recorded in the act:

After repairing, checking or replacing the old meter, an energy sales representative is invited

The specialist fills in all the fields of the document in two copies, one of which is given to the applicant.

Mercury electricity meters: prices and reviews

Incotex is the most popular manufacturer of accounting equipment for electricity on the market. Mercury 201 electricity meters are the most popular and optimal single–phase devices. This category of devices is aimed at accounting for active energy.

The price of single-phase electric meters Mercury 201 (single-tariff devices):

Pay attention! The prices for Mercury 201 and 200 electric meters indicated in the table may differ from the actual data. The exact cost depends on the company that sells accounting equipment.

Below are the reviews left by buyers of Mercury 201 electric meters reviews from forums:

“I have a counter in the entrance. The device worked properly, did not cause problems until receipts with large amounts began to arrive. It turns out that the device needed to be replaced a long time ago. As I was told, the readings of outdated equipment are calculated according to the standards of electricity consumption per person without a meter. Most of the neighbors had Incotex devices, and I decided to stop at the Mercury counter. Upon closer examination, it turned out that the case is made entirely of plastic. This means that the device is completely safe. The numerical data on the dial is clearly visible. In general, I am happy with my purchase, although the old meter was quite satisfactory to me.”

Victoria Bendas, Moscow

Mercury Electricity Meters

“When it came time to change the meter, on the advice of experts, I bought a single–phase Mercury 201. The device is safe and reliable. For six months of operation, I have not identified any shortcomings.”

Evgeny Doroshenko, Yekaterinburg

Features of connecting a single-phase electricity meter

For most models of devices, the connection scheme of single-phase electric meters is directly the same. Single-phase equipment is equipped with 4 terminals, which is typical for devices of this category. Electric cables are connected to them.

Rules for the installation of single-phase electric meters:

Connection diagram of a single-phase electric meter

If you study in detail the scheme explaining how to connect single-phase electric meters, even the owner of the apartment can cope with this procedure. Most often, device manufacturers place instructions on the inside of the box.

Pay attention! When connecting independently, it is necessary to contact the energy company to remove the seal and install it on a new device. Non-sealed devices are not allowed to operate, therefore, the installation of the seal should be carried out as soon as possible after the meter is checked and connected.

To securely fix the electrical wires on the terminals of the device, it is recommended to use a screw fastening method. Terminals that serve as outputs transmit current to distributors and protective elements. The general-purpose terminal for the zero wire supplies the “phase” to the RCD (protective elements) and fuses. For this reason, it would be more rational to install all the devices used in one panel.

Special protective shields increase the reliability of fixing the device and additional devices. The optimal level of installation of the shield is 170 cm from the floor. To make the meter convenient to use, this indicator is calculated based on the growth of the apartment owner.

After studying the instructions, the electricity meter can be connected independently

Recommendations for the installation of accounting equipment

In order to install electric meters without problems, experts recommend using the appropriate tool:

• forceps;
• pliers;
• pliers for removing the insulating protective coating from the wires.

Before performing the work, you need to make sure that the input wire is available. It needs to be turned off for the period when all the work will be done, so this operation should be safe and painless.

Be sure to adhere to all safety rules, isolate all wire sections qualitatively and be extremely attentive to the performance of each action. You also need to take care of obtaining the appropriate permission from the control authorities and have the necessary documents available.