All electrical equipment breaks down at some point. Electricity meters are no exception. The difference is that this is a metering device on which your relationship with the energy supply or service organization depends. And if other equipment can wait, then the meter needs to be diagnosed, repaired or replaced as soon as possible. The cost of paying for electricity depends on the speed of decision-making. Because it is cheaper to pay according to the meter than according to average standards.
Content
Types of malfunctions of electricity meters
Malfunctions occur in all, without exception, electricity metering devices. Household electricity meters are of three types:
- Induction - these are devices with a mechanical metering unit and an electromechanical mechanism for measuring and driving.
- Electronic - meters with a liquid crystal (electronic) display and an electronic power measurement unit.
- Hybrid - a symbiosis of the first two types, with a mechanical metering unit and an electronic unit for measuring electricity.
Each type of counters also has its characteristic breakdowns and malfunctions.
Self-propelled induction meters
The generally accepted opinion that induction meters “wind up” less electricity is actually a delusion. The most common malfunction of induction devices is the spontaneous rotation of the disc. In this case, nothing in the house is connected to the mains, but the disk is spinning and readings are accumulating. It is the design of the counter that is to blame.
It consists of two coils, a disk, a worm and a counting mechanism, and a magnet to slow down the disk. The disc is driven by the electromagnetic force of two coils: voltage and current. The turnover rate is proportional to the strength of the current flowing through the current winding. The greater the load, the greater the electromagnetic force - the disk rotates faster.
In good condition, after turning off the consuming devices, the current coil ceases to influence the disk, only the electromagnetic force of the voltage coil remains. But its effect is leveled by a magnet. Everything is turned off, the current in the counter is zero - the disk does not rotate.
A malfunction occurs if the adjustment of the disk shaft, the position of the magnet, or a combination of these problems is violated. Even without load, the disk spins, winds up readings and the owner pays for the energy not consumed. It is very easy to identify the self-propelled counter.It is necessary to turn off all electrical appliances without exception and observe the meter. Stopping the disk after a few seconds means that there is no self-propelled. But this does not mean that the counter is working correctly.
All induction devices are outdated morally and physically. The adjustments may be slightly violated, and the electric meter will not work properly under load. You can determine the accuracy in the laboratory or with current clamps and a stopwatch.
The counter is not spinning
This and other malfunctions are typical for all electric meters. Occurs for the following reasons:
- jamming of the disk shaft;
- jamming of the mechanical counting unit;
- burnout of contacts;
- electronics breakdowns;
- burnout of the coil windings;
- complex of problems.
As a rule, a breakdown becomes known at the next reading. It would seem a pleasant surprise - a decrease in consumed electricity can result in a malfunction of the metering device.
To check the performance, you need to turn off a small load (for example, lighting in one room) and briefly monitor the device. It doesn’t spin and the readings don’t change, which means it’s time for the device to be scrapped. If the readings change, you will have to wait and compare with the average monthly. Failure (lack of readings) of the display is equivalent to stopping at the electronic meter.
Mechanical damage to the case and seals
Oddly enough, but with these malfunctions, the meter can work and correctly account for electricity. But damage to metering devices and seals is considered unacceptable for the correct recording of readings.In these cases, when checked by the controller, the device will be recognized as inoperative since the last check. You will be suspected of intentional damage and the energy consumption will be calculated according to the standards.
Attention! As soon as mechanical damage or a violation of the sealing of the device is discovered, it is necessary to immediately inform the energy supply or management company.
In the absence of a seal, be prepared to check the meter in a certified laboratory. Those with mechanical damage will have to be replaced.
Error in indications
The error of indications is a disease not only of induction, but, oddly enough, of electronic devices. The owner should be suspicious if the readings of the electric meter fluctuate greatly from month to month, have been overestimated or underestimated recently. However, there is no reason for changes, such as connecting additional equipment or disconnecting commonly used equipment for a long time. Those. the load remained the same, but the amount for electricity changed.
So you need to think about whether the power engineers or your own counter are deceiving you. It is much more difficult for an ordinary consumer to identify such a breakdown. An experienced electrician or a special laboratory can handle this.
Important! The electrician will do this without touching the seals, and without removing the meter.
To do this, you need to turn on a constant load, measure the current strength and determine the number of disk revolutions or LED flashes at a certain point in time. Then make simple calculations, as a result of which it will become clear whether the device is lying or working normally.
If you have not found such a specialist, then your way to the energy sales company. They can remove and check the counter themselves, or remove the seal and allow them to hand it over to the laboratory for verification.
What to do if the electricity meter is broken
A breakdown of the meter should not cause panic and, in general, some kind of concern. Of course, there will be chores that will take time and money. We'll have to turn to the power engineers and most likely buy a new metering device. It's okay, for controllers this is a common occurrence. The main thing is not to do anything yourself.
Important! Do not touch and, moreover, do not remove the seals, do not try to repair and remove the meter yourself. There is no need to irritate the employees of the energy supply organization, and they, in turn, will treat you with understanding.
If the electric meter, in your opinion, is dangerous, be sure to turn off the power at the input before it. And contact the management company or directly to the local power grid.
Where to go to apply
As soon as it is discovered that the meter is faulty, call the power engineers and report a breakdown or your suspicions. After that, you will need to independently contact the power supply. They will ask you to write applications. After that, they will inform you about the date of the proposed visit. It remains only to wait for the employees and together determine the next steps.
Important! On the spot, the controller with the fitter will inspect the meter and draw up an act. In it, they should reflect the condition of the device, the integrity of the seals, the indications and the date of compilation. Carefully observe the actions of employees and at the slightest doubt do not hesitate to ask questions. Read it carefully and sign the agreement if you agree.
Based on the results of the check, you will be offered to check the device or replace it with a new one.
How to pay for electricity consumption
If you report a failure to the power supply company in time, the electricity consumed will be calculated based on the monthly average for the last 12 months. Within three months it will be necessary to repair (buy a new one) and install an electricity meter in place.
Important! Accruals on the average will be carried out only 3 months after the meter is decommissioned. After this period, invoices are issued based on consumption standards.
Standards are calculated separately for each region of the country.
What Not to Do
Do not interfere with the operation of metering devices. Beat, tap, remove seals and covers, try to repair the meter yourself. Entrust inspection, dismantling and installation to specialists. Do not do anything without the permission of the power supply company. This will save your nerves and money.
Who is allowed to change the meter?
Energy supply organizations are not related to the electrical networks of residential buildings. Controllers have the right only to periodically take readings, inspect devices, remove and put seals. All repair and installation work must be carried out by management companies or organizations attracted by the owners united in the HOA. Replacing metering devices is no exception.
But the dismantling and installation of metering devices is not always discussed in the service contract between residents and the management company. Usually only emergency works are included.Therefore, the service company will issue and ask you to pay a separate invoice for the dismantling and installation of the meter.
Reference! RES (district electric networks) and their controllers do not care who replaces the device. As long as the installation and connection are done correctly. Therefore, if you have the knowledge and skills, you can replace the meter, call a familiar electrician or call a paid specialist.
After replacement, call the controller, he will seal and draw up an act of putting the electric meter into operation. It is necessary to keep the certificate and passport. Despite the fact that online records of readings and the devices themselves are kept, paper documents should be for safety net. They contain data on periodic verification and service life.
Who pays for the replacement of the meter in the event of a breakdown
The owner of the apartment will most likely have to buy a new electricity meter. There are only two cases when others pay for the consumer:
- Energy supply - if the meter is out of order due to the fault of the supplying organization (burned out from power surges). But this is a difficult assertion to prove.
- If the apartment belongs to the municipality, and you live under a social lease agreement. Then the replacement of the electric meter is paid by the owner.
In other cases, replacement and repairs are paid by the owner of the apartment, i.е. you. Regardless of where the meter is installed - in the apartment, entrance or on the landing. The obligation to install, verify and replace at one's own expense is established by Federal Law No. 261-FZ of November 23, 2009, as amended on July 29, 2017.
Now you know what to do if the electric meter stops or breaks, and who should change it. As you can see, there is nothing scary about it.You will need to devote a little time and spend money for the purchase and replacement of the meter. The main thing is not to do anything without the permission of your energy supply organization.
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