Installation of electricity meters: installation features

The main devices for taking indicators of used electricity, water and gas are meters. The installation of electricity meters can be done by hand, but it is better to entrust this task to electricians who have the necessary skills and knowledge. If necessary, installation of the accounting device on a pole is possible. This publication will discuss the types of devices, preparatory work before installation and the connection of the device.

It is possible to install electricity 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 cost savings. Not the last place in the issue of savings is occupied by payments 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 of the inhabitants of our country, after performing elementary calculations, concluded that the installation of electricity meters is a very profitable way to save money, since the meter provides great opportunities (in comparison with the traditional method of tariffication). First of all, payment according to the indications of this device allows you to give money only for actually used raw materials, and also helps to fully control your costs. Even if you go on vacation, you don't have to worry that a huge electricity bill will come.

Helpful advice! A counter for fixing the consumed electricity is an essential device in every apartment and house. In addition, according to Russian law, premises in which no electricity meters are installed must be disconnected from the electricity supply.

Electricity meter selection: device classification

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

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

The 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 the following types of electricity meters:

1. Mechanical devices are the most common option. The mechanical parts of the device move due to the electric current that flows through the meter. The number of rotations indicates the electricity consumed. These devices are cheap, but they have significant operating errors.
2. Electronic designs are more modern devices. The amount of electricity used is recorded using a special microcircuit 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 meters are connected to a single-phase power grid. If there is 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, which are able to record the electricity used at several rates. So there are:

• one-rate devices that count only at one rate;
• two-tariff devices - meters 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 is interesting! This division of the day occurred due to uneven loads at the substations. Electricity is generated around the clock, and sudden surges in electricity consumption negatively affect the operation of substation equipment. The maximum loads occur from 7 to 9 am and from 18 to 23 pm. 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 meters occurs as a result of the following reasons:

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

In most apartments, the installed electric meters are old models, 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 the counters, the consequence of which can be their fire. The situation is further aggravated by the old wiring, which is also fire hazardous, which entails a danger for the tenants of the apartment.

In addition, the places where the old electricity meters are located are often covered with cobwebs and covered with a lot of dust. Old fixtures and dangling wires often dishearten apartment tenants. Therefore, the owners sooner or later decide to immediately repair and update the house. Since the old meter does not fit into the new interior, there is a desire to install the electric meter.

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

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

Helpful advice! The replacement or installation of the electricity meter must be carried out during the repair or modernization of the power supply system in the house. Typically, these instruments have a service life of about 16 years, and a technical check should be carried out once every 24 months. After the expiration of the specified term, it is necessary to replace the device.

Connection of electricity meters: features of work

Many 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 install and configure devices. The cost 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 electricity meters, it can lead to an accident.

To do this, you must comply with safety requirements when working with electricity and know the rules for installing an electricity meter. With this in mind, you can avoid the occurrence of problems such as accidents, fires in a house or substation, electric shock.

Since an electric meter is a difficult and complex device, therefore, external factors such as high humidity, temperature, and aggressive chemicals can affect its operation. Usually, all installation requirements are met when placing the device in an apartment. In the case of installation on a staircase, you will need a special box for an electric meter.

Helpful advice! It is not recommended to engage in the installation process without the necessary qualifications and knowledge of the legislation. Failure to install electricity meters can lead to an accident.

How to install an electricity meter: mounting location

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

The installation height of the meter above the floor should be between 0.8 and 1.7 meters

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

Particular attention must be paid to the installation site of the device if the electricity meter is 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 are also useful for summer cottages or houses that are not constantly heated in winter.

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

Who should install electricity meters: we understand the situation

All issues related to metering 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.

Having installed a new meter, you need to submit an application for sealing to the power supply company

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

• the passport;
• document confirming ownership.

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

It is very important to apply for a seal to the power supply company after installing a new apparatus. An authorized person draws up an acceptance certificate for the meter and seals the device.

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

The meter must be installed by a qualified technician.

Electricity meter on a pole: placement and connection features

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 taking readings. In a private house, if the meter is located inside, it is possible to take readings only if its residents are present. The situation is different when placing the device outdoors.

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Consider some of the features of the location of the electricity meter on the pole:

1. Everyone who has the skills to work with electricity has the opportunity to install electricity meters on a street pole. However, the right to connect electricity to the device is only allowed for representatives of the electricity supplier.
2. If the electricity meter outside the room, namely on a street pole, is installed by representatives of the power grid, then there should be no complaints about the consumer. Even before the start of installation work, documents are being prepared, which indicate the requirements for the installation of a certain metering device and the boundary of the balance sheet.
3. Installation of an electricity meter on a pole is carried out only with the consent of the owner of the meter. In private houses, the balance sheet boundary does not go inside the premises, but outside. In this case, the exact place must be determined by the corresponding technical documentation.

Installation of the meter on a pole is carried out only if there is the consent of the owner of the meter

Helpful advice! Very often, electric meters fail due to burnout of the terminals at the wire connections. It is very important to pay attention to the tightening of the screws on the clamps. It is recommended to re-thread all screw connections before installing the cover.

Stages of installing meters on a pole: process features

At the first stage of installation, it is necessary to agree on the specific location of the electric meter on the street pole. The main condition is the optimal position of the device from the 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 likelihood of vandalism, the meters are mounted at a height of more than 2.5 m.

Such an arrangement is not very convenient for the work of power grid employees, since it is extremely inconvenient and almost unrealistic to take readings at the expected height.

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

To install the counter on a pole, you must perform the following steps:

1. The input line must be de-energized.The organization that supplies the energy agrees to carry out this process.
2. It is necessary to provide grounding. This condition is aimed at ensuring that all electrical appliances in the house continue to work safely.
3. Connecting wires. The electrical wires are first connected to the circuit breaker, after which they must be connected to the electricity meter.
4. Wiring is connected. All wiring in the house is done at the last stage.
5. Sealing the device. After installing the electricity meter on the pole, you need to invite the workers of the power grid so that they seal the device and take it into account.

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

Installing an electricity meter in an apartment: cost works

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

Before replacing the meter, a specialist must perform preparatory work

To find out how much the installation of an electric meter costs, the following criteria must be taken into account:

• device modification;
• type of power supply;
• peculiarities of connection conditions;
• the need for additional work;
• number of connected devices.

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

Helpful 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 by yourself: procedure

The mechanism for installing or replacing an electrical device for calculating used electricity differs from other types of installation work primarily in 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:

1. Requires approval from your electricity supplier to install or replace a device.
2. If necessary, the device is checked.
3. If the device is replaced, an employee of the supplying company must take readings from the old meter and create an act of removing the seal.
4. Disconnecting and removing the old device. Before starting work, it is imperative to make sure that there is no voltage using special devices.
5. Directly installing or replacing the device.
6. The final stage. The power supply company draws up an act of putting a new device into operation, installs the necessary seals. The act must record the readings of the new meter at the time of installation, and also indicate the registration number of the seal.

The meter for metering the consumed electricity must be installed exclusively in specially designated places. Installation of the device directly on flammable surfaces, including wooden ones, is not allowed.

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

Installation of the device in terms of connecting the 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 connecting devices, but you need to be extremely careful and strictly follow the provided diagram.

When installing the device, care must be taken with the seals on the device.There are usually two of them: the seal installed at the factory and the seal of the organization testing the device. Damage to any of them leads to very serious consequences, including billing for electricity at the highest tariff or collecting the highest possible fine.

It is important! During work on replacing or installing 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.

Metering of the consumed electricity has recently played an important role, since it can significantly simplify the relationship between the consumer and the supplier company. A properly installed meter is a reliable device that can operate smoothly over 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 a call of a specialist. However, given how much it costs to install an electricity meter, a large number of people install the device on their own. In this case, it is necessary to adhere to safety measures 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.