Gas meter in an apartment: modern models and installation rules

Gas is a source of thermal energy, which is generously provided by the bowels of the Earth. Only stocks are inexhaustible, replenished with the same intensity with which they are spent. Gas is not one of those. Therefore, in recent years, the accounting of blue fuel has become more and more stringent. Doubts about whether to install a gas meter in an apartment are gradually being replaced by rational calculations and legislation.

Installing a gas meter makes it possible to pay for the actually consumed resources

Gas meter in the apartment: to put or not to put

The answer to the question of whether it is necessary to install a gas meter in an apartment can be found in Federal Law No. 261-FZ "On Energy Saving and on Increasing Energy Efficiency and on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation" dated 23.11.2009.

For those who have autonomous gas heating, installing a meter gives many advantages

The document states that by 01/01/2019, meters must be installed at all consumers, with the exception of those who live in houses intended for demolition or major repairs. It is also allowed not to install the meter for those who consume gas up to 2 m³ per hour. Then the term was extended for another 2 years.

From the point of view of consumers, taking into account the gas price, the meter must be installed under the following conditions:

• if the apartment has 2 or more people. Gas consumption rates in apartments without meters significantly exceed the actual fuel consumption;
• when installing individual gas heating. It is possible to regulate the amount of gas consumed, and therefore save.

Apartments with gas boilers are automatically subject to the law. Metering devices must be installed by organizations that supply fuel to consumers. If the apartment has only a gas stove and a water heater (that is, consumption is up to 2 m³), ​​the installation of the meter is carried out at the expense of the tenant (or owner) who has declared a desire to use it.

Gas metering equipment is diverse

Procedure for installing a gas meter in an apartment

If a decision is made to install a gas meter in an apartment, you need to be patient and carefully study the list of necessary documentation. Situations when individual incorrect phrases or lack of documents become the reason for a return, an additional trip to the appropriate authority, are quite common. The main stages of the sequential collection of materials:

1. Obtaining permission to install GBS. To do this, you should contact the local government organization (it may have different names), which issues technical specifications for the installation of certain gas equipment. You must have the following documents with you:

• certificate of ownership of the apartment (original and copy);
• technical passport (original and copy);
• home owner's passport (original and copy).

2. Then an application for the issuance of technical conditions for the installation of a gas meter is filled out. It has been reviewed for some time (differently in each organization). As a result, the document "Technical conditions for the installation of a gas meter" is issued.
3. This document should be applied to a design organization licensed to carry out such activities. Specialists will develop and execute in an appropriate manner "Project for the installation of a gas meter".
4. With the "Project" you should contact the organization that is engaged in the installation of gas equipment.

The cost of purchasing, preparing documentation and installing a meter are borne by the owner of the apartment

 Important! On the "Project" there must be a mark (seal) on the agreement with the organization engaged in the operation of gas networks. This will eliminate problems during device installation.

The price of a gas meter depends on the chosen model. The financial costs for the purchase of the device, preparation of documentation and its installation are borne by the owner of the living quarters.

Transferring a gas meter in an apartment: price and scope of work

In apartments, meters are most often installed in the kitchen. According to technical conditions, the meter must be located at a height of at least 150 cm from the floor level. That is, it is either an open position or a wall cabinet area. That is why, during the repair, it becomes necessary to transfer the meter.

Despite the fact that the device is not gas-powered, you cannot move it yourself. This can only be done by a qualified technician. The procedure for carrying the instrument can be as follows:

• write an application to a company that supplies gas to a consumer;

It won't take long to transfer the gas meter if professionals take care of it

• contact the organization performing the design work to make changes, where the specialists will first assess whether it is possible to transfer the gas meter;
• after the changes are made, the project should be transferred to the company that controls the operation of the gas networks.

To carry out the work, a team of three people usually leaves: a worker, a welder and a manager. The worker shuts off the gas supply, the welder performs a direct transfer, the foreman conducts control and draws up a report on the results of the work.

Useful advice! Any organization licensed for this type of work can transfer the meter. It is still better if it is a company that provides gas supply and is responsible for the operation of networks - it is easier to put the device into operation.

Payment for work is carried out in advance - in accordance with the tariffs approved in the organization and according to the volume (use of additional pipes, number of joints, etc.)

Although the device is not gas-powered, you cannot move it yourself

How to correctly take readings of a gas meter

After installing the gas meter, the consumer must monitor the amount of fuel consumed, submit information on a monthly basis to the organization that controls the gas supply, pay for the fuel used.

The algorithm of actions when taking readings from a gas consumption meter is as follows:

• fix the final readings of the counter;
• subtract from them the previous readings, that is, for the last month. The difference will be the number of cubes to be paid;
• then you need to multiply the number of cubes by the tariff - you get the amount of payment for the past period (month).

If the installed gas meter does not automatically take into account the temperature coefficient, that is, the excessive influence of temperature and pressure on the gas supply, then it must be used independently. First, it is necessary to multiply the difference between the readings (between the final and the previous ones) by the coefficient (it is different for the regions), and then by the cost of gas.

All the first digits to the point are taken into account when taking readings of gas household meters

Difficulties in calculating the total amount may arise even if the limit is set. Payment for gas up to its mark will be charged at one tariff - the lower one. Cubes exceeding the limit must be multiplied by another, higher price. The sum of the two calculations will reflect the full cost for the gas used.

Useful advice! For areas with significant temperature fluctuations, it is better to install meters with a compensation function. They make it easier to monitor gas consumption and provide more accurate indicators.

On the need to periodically check the gas meter

Any metering device should be periodically checked for defects. This can be a visual inspection by the user. The following detected symptoms can be considered a malfunction:

• the integrity of the control seals is broken;
• the device does not show the results of counting cubes;
• displays indicators with a large error;
• there are traces of mechanical damage to the device.

Verification involves removing the meter, carrying out diagnostics and issuing an appropriate act

Having discovered one of the defects, the user must as soon as possible contact the organization that controls the supply of gas to the consumer and ensure the elimination of the malfunction within 30 calendar days.

In addition to the owner, the meter must be checked by employees of the gas organization with which the owner has entered into an agreement on the maintenance of gas equipment. Regardless of the manufacturer and the cost of the gas meter, the level of its improvement, each device has a passport, which specifies the frequency of its verification. It involves removing the counter, carrying out diagnostics and issuing an act allowing or prohibiting further operation of the device.

Important! In the absence of the results of a timely calibration of the meter, the device is considered unsuitable for operation, and the readings are invalid.

In addition to verification, employees of the organization controlling the operation of gas equipment are required to check once every six months without removing the device. Based on its results, an appropriate act should be drawn up.

Periodic verification of the gas meter is carried out to determine the suitability of the meter for reliable gas metering

High precision and safety: smart gas meters

The topic of "smart" meters is actively discussed both in government structures and among users. The advantages of this type of metering devices are obvious:

• there is no need to transfer evidence;
• accounting accuracy;
• failure signal transmission;
• stimulating consumers to use gas efficiently.

The question largely rests on money: at whose expense should the meters be installed? Today, such a device can be purchased for 4000-5000 rubles. The opinions of the owners also appeared.Most (according to reviews on the Internet, about 3/4 of users) are satisfied with the efficiency of the meters. Those who are dissatisfied with the operation of such devices complain about their "incorrect" operation, that is, rough accounting.

For the operation of "smart" gas meters, certain conditions are required - the presence of Wi-Fi. Information on the amount of gas used is transmitted to the server using wireless mobile communication. To control the payment, you need to go to your personal account, track the movement of funds and familiarize yourself with other information.

In order for a smart gas meter to work, certain conditions are needed - the presence of Wi-Fi

These conditions exist in most apartments where blue fuel is used, but not in all. Therefore, the total and obligatory replacement of gas meters with "smart" ones is impossible today.

There is one more indicator that does not testify in favor of these high-precision devices: the replacement of the "smart" meter should be done once every 10 years, which is much more frequent in comparison with conventional models.

Related article:

Gas meter for a private house: an overview of models and placement methods

Principle of operation, technical conditions, installation. Membrane meters, electronic, "smart". Popular models, price. Checking devices.

Overview of Russian manufacturers of gas meters

The domestic market of gas metering devices is represented by a number of companies that have a fairly high level of production. Let's take a closer look at the main ones.

CJSC Gazdevice. The company was founded in 1997 in the Moscow region. It specializes in the manufacture of meters for private consumers and utilities. This is a plant with a large capacity, annually produces more than 1 million devices, many of which are exported. Has its own proprietary production system that meets international quality standards.

LLC "ELSTER Gazelectronica" is distinguished by a wide range of gas meters

State Enterprise "Tochmash", located in the city of Vladimir. The plant has been producing high-precision equipment for more than 80 years, including gas meters. Products of a high quality level, the cost of gas meters is 10-12% less than analogs from other manufacturers.

LLC ELSTER Gazelectronica. This is a joint Russian-German production, which is a combination of several companies. The strict level of control and the use of high-precision technologies made the company's products one of the leaders. The manufacturer is distinguished by a wide range, including household gas appliances. Electronic gas meters of this manufacturer are especially popular.

LLC Production and Commercial Firm "Betar", Tatarstan. The company was founded on the basis of a watch factory. It is mainly engaged in the production of household gas meters. The parity of price and quality makes the products quite popular in the domestic market.

The list of enterprises successfully working in this direction is far from limited to the above.

The domestic market of gas metering devices is represented by a number of manufacturers

The most popular models of household gas meters

The demand and popularity of any device is ensured primarily by its high performance. Their assessment is based on certain indicators, which should include:

• margin of error indicator;
• calibration interval;
• sensitivity threshold;
• working temperature;
• dimensions.

The average user is concerned about the price of household gas meters. It, depending on the type of device and manufacturer, ranges from 2000 to 6000 rubles.

Understanding the principle of the counter at first glance seems inaccessible, many rely on the opinions of others when choosing. Although, if desired, it is quite possible to understand the mechanism.It was then, having additionally read the reviews, that you can make your own informed choice.

High performance are the main criteria for choosing a gas meter

Useful advice! When accessing the Internet for information about a particular type of meter, it is imperative to compare the information with the passport data of the model intended for installation.

Household meters are devices that have a throughput of up to 10 m³ / h. By the principle of action, the most used are:

1. Rotary. Inexpensive and compact devices. They have a high error, are sensitive to dirt, and must be verified frequently.
2. Membrane. Inexpensive, reliable (service life - on average 30 years), safe, easy to operate. They are large and noisy.
3. Electronic. Compact, quiet, easy setup, accurate readings. High price.

It makes sense to fully inform the readers to dwell in more detail on the description of specific models that arouse the greatest interest.

According to the principle of operation, the most commonly used: rotary, electronic and membrane counters

Main characteristics of the gas meter СГБМ-1,6

This gas measuring device is manufactured by Betar. It has a fairly compact size, designed for use in a domestic environment. The temperature range at which the manufacturer guarantees uninterrupted operation of the device is -10 - +50 ° C.

The gas meter can be installed both horizontally and vertically. The device is equipped with a convenient display from which it is easy to read the readings.

This gas meter has the following technical characteristics:

• official name - СГБМ-1,6;
• the maximum metering limit is 1.6 m³ / h;
• allowable pressure - 5 kPa (kilopascal);
• weight - 700 g;
• price - from 1900 rubles.

The battery of this Betar gas meter is a lithium battery. It is she who provides information on the amount of consumed gas on the display. Battery life is rated for 12 years. The battery must be replaced by a specialist. The device has a "Calendar" function that records cases of power failure. The information marked with this function can be read only with a special device.

Gas meter СГБМ -10.6 is equipped with a convenient display

Gas meter G4: price, features of operation

Gasmashprom BK-G4 meters were highly appreciated by both private users and employees of organizations servicing gas supply systems. The operation of the device is based on the movement of partitions located in the chambers. Oscillations of incoming and outgoing gas flows are transmitted to them. The partitions are connected to a reducer, which calculates the gas cubes used.

The main technical characteristics are as follows:

• small construction sizes and modern design;
• temperature range is -30 - +50 С °;
• maximum flow rate - 6 m³ / h;
• low margin of error;
• working pressure - 50 kPa (with a sheet steel meter body);
• weight - 1900 g.

This device can have both left and right connections, but is installed only in a vertical position. The price of a household gas meter is 1900 rubles. The meter should be verified every 10 years. When the IN-Z61 impulse transmitter is connected to the device, remote data transmission will be carried out.

Gas meter G4 is installed only in vertical position

Useful advice! When buying this meter, you should pay attention to the presence of covers on the nozzles. If they are missing, the device must be returned, since the counter mechanism is not properly protected.

Electronic gas meter Grand-4: price, advantages and disadvantages

A convenient option for an apartment is Grand-4 meters.These devices have a small round body made of plastic. The color of the body can be gray, white and even orange, which is quite often important when creating a certain interior. To install such a model of meters, you do not need to use welding, which greatly simplifies the installation.

This device is electronic, the kit includes:

• generator,
• pieza;
• block with numbers designations;
• body of various diameters with threaded nipples;
• power source - battery.

Gas meter Grand-4 is an acceptable option for installation in an apartment

It is impossible to answer unequivocally how much the Grand-4 gas meter costs. Depending on the trading organization and some technical features, the price ranges from 2800 to 4800 rubles. This device is intended for a gas water heater and a 4-burner stove. The main advantages of Grand devices can be considered:

• small size;
• display with large numbers;
• the ability to rotate the case;
• long calibration period (12 years).

Among the disadvantages is the high cost. In comparison with competing products (with Betar gas meters), the price is one and a half to two times higher.

Useful advice! Any electronic device does not tolerate mechanical stress. When determining a place for a gas meter of this type in an apartment, this must be taken into account.

The price of the Grand gas meter ranges from 2800 to 4800 rubles

Gas meter in the apartment: the most optimal characteristics

There is no doubt that a gas meter is necessary. It allows you to pay objective amounts corresponding to the cubes spent. It also makes it possible and even stimulates to save, rationally use this type of natural fuel.

When choosing a device, you should definitely take into account many technical indicators:

1. The total number of gas appliances in the apartment and the amount of gas consumed per hour. To do this, you need to know the consumption of each unit:

• for the functioning of a 4-comfortable gas stove, 1 m³ / h of gas is required;
• the gas water heater consumes about 1.5 m³ / h.

By summing up the consumption, you can pick up the counter. Its permeability is always indicated in the passport of the device.

2. Accommodation conditions. Many meter models have only a right-hand or left-hand connection. It is worth choosing the appropriate option depending on the layout of the gas pipes in the room. The optimal solution is to purchase a meter with a two-way connection.
3. Equipped with an additional function - thermal correction. The price of gas meters with such capabilities increases significantly.

When choosing a gas appliance, you should definitely take into account many technical indicators.

This device is worth mentioning separately. There are optimal conditions for each gas appliance, under which it functions as correctly as possible. Even if the meter is in constant permissible temperature conditions, it must be borne in mind that in winter the gas comes cold and dense, in summer it is warm and liquefied. The readings of the device can fluctuate in the direction of both increasing and decreasing.

The presence of an automatic heat correction system in the meter relieves the user of the need to multiply the consumed cubes by an additional factor.

Everyone benefits from having a used gas meter. The consumer can calculate the budget, independently choose the degree of heating. Organizations have the ability to plan and track the consumption of a given fossil fuel. And the bowels of the Earth, which give us this priceless source of heat, contemplate a prudent attitude towards them.