There is a lot of controversy regarding the installation of such meters. Most of the problems such a question delivers to the owners of private buildings. The fact is that energy-saving organizations usually require that the installation of electric meters be carried out on the street. Nevertheless, the owners are worried about the safety of the device, which is a completely reasonable argument justifying the need for an internal location.
Choosing a location
The Accounting Rules speak of the so-called balance sheet. This means that the device should be located at the edge of the network. However, there is Government Decree number 530, which indicates that the homeowner undertakes to provide full unhindered access to specialists from the resource supply company. At the same time, this order says absolutely nothing about the choice of specific places for accommodation.
Employees of responsible enterprises assurethat the electric meter is intended for installation on the street, but not indoors. This fact is explained by the need for constant checks of the technical condition of the equipment, as well as the presence of a special protective seal. In addition, experts regularly take readings from the device. The situation may be quite different if we are talking about any private enterprise, industrial or economic facility, which is guarded around the clock. In this case, a specialist from the company can simply be carried out to examine the electricity meter.
Other regulations
The same Electrical Installation Rules prescribe the need to place electricity meters in dry rooms with a temperature not lower than zero Celsius. This is mentioned in paragraph 1.5.27. Also in the Civil Code there is an article at number 210 that the owner bears full responsibility for the safety of his own property. This fact directly contradicts the desire of resource companies to install meters somewhere outside the buildings: on the facade of the building or on a pole.
In addition, these devices may vary in design features. For example, inductive electricity meters can start counting somewhat faster at low air temperatures. Experts have calculated that under certain conditions, these devices charge an additional 10% to the real figure.
Most often, company representatives advise the owner, who is afraid for his property, to hang up the devicehigher. It is worth considering that the monthly removal of readings from such a meter will be somewhat difficult. The Electrical Installation Rules say that a distance of no more than 170 cm is allowed from the floor to the product. At the same time, the minimum value is set at around 80 cm.
Installation features
With all of the above, placement inside the building itself is still allowed. Even the operating conditions of some models imply such a solution. It is recommended to choose any heated room. A warm hay, loggia or corridor can be excellent options for accommodation.
At the same time, the norms for installing an electric meter in a private house advise, under any circumstances, to prevent moisture from entering the device. It is best to connect a safety earth to the shield. Thanks to such preventive measures, the device will not receive an excessive discharge of voltage and will not fail. For the rest, you need to follow the installation rules specified in the instructions for the product.
In dachas, meters are often installed outside buildings. This is very convenient for taking readings, but in bad weather and low temperatures, a variety of negative consequences are possible. In fact, moving the appliance to a warm, heated room is not prohibited by law, so each homeowner can independently choose a suitable place.
Installation rules in a private home
To perform work, you caninvolve any electrician with an average level of qualification. It will not be difficult for him to install an electric meter. The specialist's procedure is described below.
- Choose a suitable place like a dressing room or hallway.
- The input line is de-energized. This point can be resolved by calling a representative of the network provider or electrical company.
- Placement is made at a height of 80 to 170 cm. The counter is located horizontally to the surface.
- The input line is connected first to the safety switch, and only then to the device itself.
- Grounding is being made to ensure the safety of all powered electrical appliances in the house.
- A shield with machine guns is connected to the output connector of the device.
- If the integrity of the seal is broken during installation, you should immediately notify the network provider.
- The last step is a power-on test.
Installation rules in the apartment
The device is mounted either in the access switchboard or in its own switchboard in the apartment. The process as a whole does not differ from the above, however, the installation of electric meters in an apartment has its own nuances. For example, before installation, it is better to familiarize yourself in advance with the period of state verification, the date of which is indicated on the seal of the product. This value may differ for different devices. So, for three-phase meters after the last check, nomore than one year must pass, and for single-phase - more than two years.
It is worth noting that most people prefer to install the device in switchboards at apartment sites. Installation of the product directly in the apartment itself requires preliminary preparation. To begin with, in the hallway there must be a closed shield in which the input is located. There, as a rule, a group of machines for the whole apartment is also placed.
Outdoor Installation Rules
If you follow generally accepted recommendations, then installation should be done on the facade of the house. It is also allowed to place the device on a concrete pillar, which stands on the site. It is also necessary to install a circuit breaker there, and it is better to leave other machines indoors.
Before carrying out work, the power line should be de-energized. If the electrical panel is not heated, then at temperatures from 5 degrees Celsius and below, the readings may wind up in excess of the norm. Otherwise, the installation procedure is no different from that in an apartment or a private house.
Cost of device and installation
Electricity meter prices may vary depending on the company that supplies it. The simplest single-phase models cost from 800 rubles. The price of more expensive products with three phases can reach 6-8 thousand rubles. On average, experts are ready to replace a single-phase meter for 1800 rubles, and a three-phase one -for 3-4 thousand rubles. Programming the product can cost one thousand rubles, and simple dismantling will cost about 500 rubles.
To the question of at whose expense the electricity meters are changed, you can answer that it all depends on the location of the device. For example, if it is located in an apartment or a private house, then the responsibility for its safety and performance lies entirely with the owner of the property. If the device is located on the landing, then the management company must replace the broken meter for free.
Replacement for Mosenergosbyt customers
Representatives of the company declare that when the device is replaced by qualified specialists, the owner will be issued a guarantee for the meter itself and for its performance. The homeowner will first need to leave an application on the official website, by phone or at the nearest office. Employees will also dismantle the old device immediately before replacing the electricity meter. In Mosenergosbyt, to control the accounting of indicators, they will carry out a preliminary sealing and register the device.
