General information
With the meter removed, it is easy to identify an illegal connection to the electrical network for the purpose of stealing electricity. And also power engineers are guided by a document that describes the conditions for where to install them.
The conditions were approved by Government Decree No. 442 of May 4, 2012. The document clearly defines the installation location of the electricity meter. It must be installed at the border between the balance sheet of electrical networks and the consumer. There is a note that if it is not possible to install devices at the border of the balance sheet, then the devices are installed in close proximity to the border.
Such places could be:
- external wall or façade of a house;
- site fence post;
- specially mounted support for mounting a box with machines and a counter;
- the nearest power pole;
- staircase of an apartment building.
However, the PUE contains recommendations under which electricity meters should be used. Where it is said that meters must be located in dry rooms with a temperature not lower than zero degrees (clause 1.5.27, chapter 1.5).
When moving the electric meter to the border, it is impossible to comply with the temperature conditions. These contradictions in documents are easily resolved.
The industry produces devices that can be operated at outdoor temperatures down to -30 °C. And only in exceptional cases can power engineers meet consumers halfway and allow installation of devices from other places.
Who should change the electric meter and at whose expense should he pay?
The issue is resolved depending on the location of the shields. Electricity meters can be located both at the entrance and inside the home. Depending on where the device is supposed to be placed, the person who should install the electricity meter is determined.
On the landing and in other common areas
Electrical panels on the floors belong to the common property of the house. This is evidenced by the 7th paragraph of Resolution No. 491. In this regard, the replacement of shields in the areas between staircases is the responsibility of management companies.
An agreement is concluded between the residents and the management unit of the building. The document is signed by all apartment owners. They need to familiarize themselves with its terms and conditions in advance. In this case, you need to gather residents.
Since electrical panels in entrances are used for domestic purposes, they must be monitored by the energy supply company. She is also tasked with changing the electricity meters in the stairwells. This prescription is contained in Article 543 of the Civil Code. When the contract specifically states that the residents themselves will pay for the replacement of electrical panels, then they are the ones who bear the corresponding costs.
Privatized apartment
If a citizen is the owner of a home, then he himself is responsible for the safety of the electrical panels inside it. Such devices are the property of the owner. It is also spent on their maintenance. The owner must replace outdated or broken electricity meters at his own expense. This general rule is contained in Article 210 of the Civil Code. It indicates who is burdened with the responsibility of maintaining the property. This person is the owner of the home himself.
Electrical panels inside privatized dwellings must be checked. This responsibility lies with energy supply organizations. According to the law, property owners have the right to personally choose the appropriate time to check the shields.
The supplier intending to carry out maintenance on a home must inform the occupants in advance. This is done in formal written form.
When an agreement is reached, electricians from the supplier come to the apartment on the appointed day to check the condition of the equipment.
A private house
If a citizen owns a separate house, then electrical panels must be installed inside it. Any electric meter is replaced using the owner's own funds. He, like the one who owns privatized housing, is responsible for maintaining electrical panels with his own finances.
Energy supply organizations also undertake to periodically check shields in the private sector. They must notify the property owner in advance in writing about checking electrical panels and send specialists to him.
Municipal housing
Citizens are not owners of municipal housing. They rent them for social rent. The owner of such living spaces is the municipality. He himself enters into contracts with energy supply organizations. The organization responsible for maintaining municipal housing is entrusted with changing electricity meters.
The requirements of the Criminal Code for employers to replace shields at their expense are illegal. Residents can complain to the housing inspectorate.
Reasons and procedure
Typically, the requirement to remove the meter arises in the case of connecting a house or cottage under construction or, if necessary, to verify or replace the meter. The service life of most of them does not exceed 16 years.
When taking the device outside, installation costs will not be so significant and will consist of purchasing a box with machines and a meter. Additionally, you will have to purchase wires to connect the box to the input into the house.
Electrical networks agree on the installation location of the device and develop a project according to which all connections must be made. The electric meter is being installed. For example, as shown in the figure, its placement on the facade of the house.
After fulfilling the conditions described in the technical specifications, the electrical networks connect the electricity.
In a similar way, the electricity meter is removed from the site. Installation is carried out on the nearest power pole. As shown in the below picture.
In this case, it is necessary to comply with the following condition: nothing should interfere with the electrical network worker during repair work on the line. Those. The shield is mounted at a distance that allows the electrician to freely climb the pole with the help of crampons.
The optimal solution for removing the device is to use a free-standing support designed for mounting a special box for installing the meter. It should be borne in mind that different technical conditions are issued for connecting a single-phase line and a three-phase line.
To connect three phases, it is necessary to install a grounding loop and carry out its verification. And install a lightning protection device in the shield. Without these measures, the power grid will not connect.
These are the basic provisions that apply to all consumers. However, there are some differences.
Device selection
Many complainants have to buy the meter themselves. It must meet safety and quality requirements, because only then will it last for a long period. Electricity meters come in different types and they need to be replaced with the one that was installed previously.
The equipment is electronic and induction. The second devices have 2 voltage and current coils. There is a magnetic field between them, due to which the disk rotates.
The meter is quite reliable and lasts a long time. But it does not have high accuracy and errors are possible.
Electronic devices have a different operating principle, which shows all measurements on an indicator. They have microcircuits and no rotating elements. The equipment has a high accuracy class and can be configured to work with different tariffs.
When purchasing a device, you must consider the following characteristics:
- Accuracy class. The level of error depends on it. Usually this information is indicated on the scoreboard. Previously, the margin of error was 2.5, but for many years this level has been reduced to 2.0. Therefore, induction meters are more suitable, although many electronic models have an error of 0.5-1;
- Multiple tariffs. It involves several operating modes, taking into account the time of year and day. This policy allows you to save or pay for electricity at low prices. Electronic meters are endowed with this characteristic;
- Intervalidation interval. Sets the period of time after which the device must be checked. This characteristic is indicated in the passport. In this regard, it is better to purchase induction equipment.
Meters are made from different materials and components. For electronic parts, Asian-made parts are used that do not comply with domestic standards. In this case, there is no guarantee of a long service life.
When purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with the conditions of use, because each equipment can only operate normally at a certain temperature. Some devices are designed to work outdoors, while others are designed to work indoors.
Which device to choose depends on the residents. It is advisable to install the one that was before. The main thing is that it works clearly and correctly. And you shouldn’t overpay for other functions, especially since they may not be useful.
It is important that it meets all the criteria so that there are no claims from the energy saving company.
For your entrance and apartment you need to choose only a meter that has been certified. It must be approved for use in Russia. After this, it must be registered so that new readings can be written off from it.
Use of the equipment is permitted only after inspection. It should be installed approximately 170 cm from the floor. Regular testing of the device is necessary to identify malfunctions. A device delivered on time will clearly show the resources spent.
Removal of metering devices to SNT
SNT members are also concerned about the installation of electricity meters outside the home. In his demands, the chairman is trying to reduce the theft of electricity by moving the meter from the house to the street. But members of society do not want to do this. Because the majority live in SNT only in the warm season. The rest of the time no one guarantees the safety of the equipment. If the meter is removed from a country house, it may be stolen in winter.
Therefore, the question arises whether this demand of the chairman is legal. Lawyers say unequivocally that such a requirement is illegal. But if the general meeting made a resolution and more than 50% of the members voted, then such a requirement is justified. And it will have to be done.
Housing Code
Electric meters of a residential building are maintained by the management company and the organization that supplies electricity. This rule is regulated by the law of the Russian Federation in accordance with the requirements of the Housing Code. Replacement of electricity consumption metering equipment is regulated at the legislative level by regulatory documents:
- Housing and Civil Code.
- Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 530 of August 31, 2006
- Federal Law of the Russian Federation No. 261 of November 23, 2009
- Decree of the Government of Russia No. 491 of August 13, 2006
According to the documents listed above, the management company and energy supply organizations are obliged to constantly monitor the current state of electricity meters in the house entrusted to them . Also, the company that installs the electricity and the management company must carry out inspection and maintenance of the equipment in due time.
ATTENTION! If a planned replacement of the meter in an apartment is required, the owner of the property must be notified about this.
Removal to the border of the site
When starting the construction of a cottage or private house, the owner needs electricity. In this case, a metal pole or, as it is also called, a pipe stand, is mounted on the border of the site, on which a sealed box is attached.
A metering device is installed in it. The figure below shows a variant of such a connection.
If it is necessary to connect a constructed building or replace a failed device, then installation can be carried out directly on the fence of a private house. The main condition must be a reliable fence design.
The figure presented above shows an option for placing the box on the fence.
At the same time, the energy sales inspector has the opportunity not only to verify the readings, but also to check the absence of additional connections. If electricity theft is discovered, the owner will face heavy fines.
Peculiarities
According to the Civil Code, the responsibility for installing and replacing electricity meters in residential apartments rests with the owners of the property. If the apartment is privatized and privately owned, the equipment can be changed by the owner or tenant under the supervision of a professional specialist - an electrician.
In the case of municipal housing, the actual owner (proprietor) of the residential premises is the municipality. Naturally, the costs of installing and replacing the metering device are borne by municipal authorities . Authority employees must ensure that their property is in working order at all times.
Representatives of management companies often demand that payments be made by tenants living under a social tenancy agreement in non-privatized (corporate) housing.
In their opinion, payment should come from the subscriber consuming electricity. This is a violation of the actual norms of the Russian Federation, Article 539 of the Civil Code, which are based on the postulate that the subscriber is a management company. To resolve this issue, you need to file a complaint with the Criminal Code.
The current provisions of the Housing Code establish the obligation of owners of privatized real estate to ensure the safety and integrity of their own property. Therefore, if it is necessary to replace an outdated or faulty electric meter, carrying out this process and paying all expenses is the responsibility of the apartment owner.
Transfer to the staircase
This problem affects a small number of people.
Because In most apartment buildings, meters are mounted in electrical panels on the sites. The law states that if it is not possible to install devices on the border of the balance sheet, then they can be installed in close proximity to the border.
Therefore, removing the device from the apartment to the entrance does not contradict the law. And the power grids give their consent to this.
If there is a need to remove the device, then technically this is not difficult. Electrical panels have enough space to accommodate electricity meters.
Free replacement
Costs related to installation and replacement of the meter are borne by the homeowners or local management company. In some cases, the electric meter is changed free of charge:
- If a special state program is being implemented to install new models of meters with improved operational parameters.
- In case the state makes a transition to a multi-tariff or differentiated payment regime for electricity.
- Installation or replacement of a failed residential building in a multi-storey building that is municipal property.
Electric meter replacement notice: law
A notice to replace the electric meter will be sent to the owner if the initiative belongs to the management company or representatives of the electrical resource supplier. As a rule, specialists monitor the maximum permissible service life of equipment, and as soon as the period comes to an end, they send notifications to the owners about the upcoming replacement.
The document indicates the reason why a replacement is needed, and also instructs the owner (tenant) to purchase a new metering device and pay for the services of an electrician to install it. As soon as the owner buys a meter, he is obliged to write an application for installation to the management company or to the supplier, or to install it himself.
Please note that in the first two cases, a specialist will come within 10 days and make a replacement. If you are installing electrical equipment yourself, a professional electrician will be needed to draw up a report, seal the meter and connect it to the network.
Who should maintain technical electricity meters?
The right to install and replace electrical equipment belongs exclusively to accredited specialists of management companies, as well as the organization of the electricity supplier. They have special permission to carry out any work related to the operation of the electric meter.
Even if the owner intends to replace the meter himself, he cannot do it without a professional electrician. Only an authorized specialist is involved in operations such as putting the device into operation and connecting to the network. The specialist’s responsibilities will also include checking the correctness and safety of the installation and sealing the device.
When replacing old equipment with new one, a special report is drawn up, which will indicate the data of the metering device. This is necessary in order to determine the exact readings of resource consumption at the time the new meter is launched.
Replacing electricity meters is a standard procedure in Russia. It should be carried out regularly. But many people have a question: “At whose expense is the installation carried out: the management company or the residents?” Now we will look at this problem in detail and try to find an answer.
What documents are issued?
Documents are issued after the meter is installed and sealed. First of all, we are talking about a special act in which the data of the metering device is indicated. This document must be taken to the management company so that the cost of electricity can be recalculated. A passport is attached to the new meter. This is also an important document. It indicates the date of initial verification of the device. And the technical passport indicates the frequency of meter checks.
Admission is confirmed by an act of acceptance for operation. It is issued in two copies: for the electricity supplier and the owner.
- What to do if a fluorescent lamp does not turn on - causes of malfunction
- How to repair an LED chandelier yourself
- How to install track lights with your own hands: mounting features
Apparently the author of the publication is strongly affiliated with the housing and communal services sector. Writes: “The determining indicator is the balance sheet ownership of the entire residential building or part of it: owned by which organization or person.” I agree... Author, why do you identify residential premises and the electrical network? For example, a pipeline and an electrical network pass through my land plot... But this does not mean that I, as the balance holder of the plot, its owner, bear the costs of their maintenance. This does not mean that I can use what flows into them... Electricity networks, telephone networks, Internet networks, cable TV, etc. passing inside the house and having auxiliary equipment in it (for example, electricity meters, servers, modems, fire detectors, etc. - this does not mean that the owners of residential premises are responsible for these “goodies” .. For what is in it indoors - perhaps yes.. And then - the question! For example. In our house, on the top floor, in a private apartment there is communication equipment.. under an agreement with the signalmen.. So, the owner of the apartment is not responsible for it... although this equipment is hanging on the wall in his hallway.. This equipment is on the balance sheet of the signalmen... It was not given to him.. He does not trust it...))), and also receives some deviants... Another example.. You are not responsible for the server through which Internet is supplied to your apartment.. you pay for the Internet... Pay for electricity.. Here in the tariff for electricity... Everything is contained there.. You open the tariff.. Open your eyes... And look.. There, in the tariff, delivery and accounting, The content of the networks is included in its price. This is also included in the price of a product in a store - the costs of verification and maintenance of such measuring instruments as the scales on which the goods are weighed for you... Included in the price of a product purchased in a store are store electricity meters and the cost of their verification And also for scales and weights in the store and for their verification (these are measuring instruments) and for utilities to the store and for staff salaries. Does the buyer pay for everything? You want the property owners to pay for the meters twice! They are on the landings... Provide physical protection for these counters. The same as it would be if they stood in an apartment.. Transfer it to the balance sheet of the owner of the residential premises, remove this amount from the electricity tariff... And then open your mouth wide... And if you declare this or that thesis in an article or in video content , which you then develop, bending it in the direction you need, then you say specifically, the Federal Law is such and such a number, from such and such a date, the article is such and such... And not in general.. Like that lady from the video... Let her name the law number , chapter and article number.. And don’t open your mouth like a crow... cawing who knows what... And filter.. Read the laws correctly.. If electricity meters were in residential premises, like water meters, for example, then it would still make sense this is your conversation.. And not in an affirmative form.. But in the form of a discussion.. After all, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, D.A. Medvedev, has already expressed more than once that checking meters is the concern of the supplying organization... And another remark.. You share Who will be responsible for the meters between the housing and communal services organization and the Energy Sales Organization, which owns the networks..
Smart meter for automation of housing and communal services
Meter readings are the basis for payment for consumed electricity. And it is very important that the device is in good working order. If we receive detailed and accurate information about electricity consumption and its tariffs, we will be able to use this resource more rationally.
Previously, the industry actively produced induction-type meters, which still serve their owners faithfully. They were installed in an apartment, in a house and at various objects. Today there are a huge number of different electronic models on the market. Moreover, they are intended for different electrical networks (single-phase and three-phase networks). Moreover, such counters have additional functions in the form of displaying information data on the display. They can store readings for three months and this type of meter can be read remotely.
The latest versions of the models have been improved. They can be used with power from 5 to 100 amperes, taking into account the total load throughout the room. They can also calculate electricity consumption throughout the day. The fact is that recently quite energy-intensive devices and equipment have appeared and, in connection with this, the power of electricity consumed has sharply increased. When installing such meters, the devices must be entered into the measurement register.
Who owns the electricity meter and pipes in the apartment
“My question is: who is responsible for the cold and hot water supply risers, as well as heating, located in the apartment, and who bears the costs of repairing them in the event of a leak? Sincerely, E.I. Andreeva.”
According to the law, maintaining the cold and hot water supply risers, as well as the sewer system risers located in the apartment, in good condition is the responsibility of the management company servicing the house.
Residents should contact their service organization if leaks or other malfunctions are detected.
