What you need to install an electric meter in the apartment. However, there are certain conditions. At what height you need.

Each house must have an electricity meter. Without it, it is impossible to measure electricity consumption, as well as turn off the power in a particular area of ​​the house. Today many people prefer to replace the old electric meter with their own hands, which saves on the services of an electrician.

Electricity meter

But here you should know that this task involves a certain risk, because you will have to work with the device connected to the network. From this article you will learn how to properly mount an electricity meter in order not to suffer, but to get the desired result.

How to start

At the very beginning, you should not run and take the counter off the wall, but understand what it is. The counter for the account of consumption of the electric power represents a variant of the electric measuring device.   It is used in everyday life to account for the amount of electricity consumed in the home, as well as in industrial plants and other facilities.

Note! The electricity meter provides control over the consumed electricity for a certain period of time.

There are various models that can perform more accurate measurements taking into account additional parameters (for example, day-night).
  To date, having decided to replace the old device with more modern models, you can choose the device you like from a fairly extensive market offer. It is necessary to know that each model has its own characteristics and advantages.
  It is worth noting that all electricity meters can be divided into two large groups:

• old - equipped with a mechanical disk, the rotation of which reflects the amount of energy consumed. These are induction models. Most often in homes use NE-1-44 and SO-И446;

Note! It is these models today that are replaced by more modern products.

Induction electric meter

• modern. They have an electronic working principle. Such devices no longer have a mechanically rotating disc, but are equipped with a liquid crystal display. They have a lot of advantages, as they make it possible to significantly expand the number of parameters to be determined, which reduces the cost of payment utilities. The most popular models to date are electronic power meters CE 102, CE6803B and ESR-55.

Electronic electricity meter

Today, it is possible to install in the house both induction and electronic models of devices. Therefore, to make right choice, you need to know the pros and cons of each principle of work.
  The advantages of induction models include the following:

• affordable cost;
• long service life;
• advantageous period of the intertesting interval.

In turn, electronic products are distinguished by such advantages:

• more perfect working principle. It uses semiconductor chips, which allows you to do without a rotating mechanism. As a result, the signal is fed directly to the voltage sensor;
• a higher accuracy class is characteristic;
• allow you to save more on paying for utilities.

As you can see, modern electronic electricity meters are more profitable in our time.

What other counters are there?

In addition to classification based on the principles of the functioning of devices, electricity meters are divided according to the number of phases:

• single-phase. They are used for single-phase networks;
• three-phase. Such devices should be used if there is, respectively, a three-phase network.

Note! Recently, three-phase electronic counters, which can be connected to single-phase networks.

Three phase electricity meter

In addition, measuring instruments can differ according to the number of tariffs, which can be calculated with their help:

• one-tariff devices;
• two-rate counters;
• multi-tariff meters.

As the name implies, with the help of such meters one can measure one, two or several tariffs. Naturally, multi-tariff devices will allow you to save money on utilities much more efficiently, because in this case each calculated tariff will have its own cost.

Note! The difference between the two tariffs is the cost of electricity consumed. It can differ almost twofold, which makes possible significant savings.

All the above models will differ from each other with different characteristics and parameters. These differences need to be known in order to choose a more suitable option.
  The differences between the electric meters relate to such parameters:

• accuracy class. It can be in the range from 0.2 to 2.5. The accuracy class reflects the degree of error of the measuring device. The counter with accuracy class 2.5 has an error, respectively, 2.5%. To date, this parameter for household appliances should have an error of at least 2%;

Accuracy class of the electricity meter

• class of voltage. Electricity meters are on 100 and 220/380 Volts. It is recommended to use products at 100 volts;
• method of connection. By this criterion, measuring instruments can be connected directly or via current transformers;

Note! Counters with a direct connection type are used for a current not exceeding 100 A. For higher loads, devices connected via current transformers with a secondary current of 5 amperes must be used.

When we understand the types and principles of the operation of various electricity meters, we can proceed with the direct installation. But there are also nuances and subtleties about which you should know.

Where does the installation begin?

The installation of any kind of electric meter always begins with the layout of its main elements. For example, if you plan to install a single-phase electricity meter, then you will need the following components:

• DIN-rail;
• wiring;
• contact plate. It is made of copper and is used to connect ten cables;
• screws made of stainless materials;
• automatic switches;
• the meter itself.

Note! The given set of elements necessary for the installation of an electric meter will depend on its type and may undergo some changes.

Automatic switches

You will also need a plastic or wooden box. All components of the electrical system will be placed in it. In addition, you will need a three-core cable that has a cross-sectional diameter of at least three millimeters.
It is worth noting, electrical panels with single-phase electricity meters, as well as automatic switches are now sold in an already completed form. But they can always be collected by themselves, if there is such a need or desire. If you do not have extensive knowledge in assembling the devices of their parts with your own hands, it is better to purchase a ready-made set. Otherwise, the risk is great, then you will do something wrong, which will lead either to the incorrect operation of the meter itself, or to the risk of a fire.
  When you purchase all the necessary components for the installation, you need to additionally purchase a ready-made shield and circuit breakers for the purchased counter model in the store.
  With this set, you can completely complete the installation of an electric meter yourself.

Direct mounting

As well as the installation of any electrical appliances, the installation of an electric meter by one's own hands occurs in several stages. Step-by-step instruction   has the following algorithm of operation:

• firstly, it is necessary to distribute the electricity meter, automatic switches and contact plates evenly in the shield;

Note! After a uniform distribution in the shield, there must be room to install a shield on the wall using special fasteners. In addition, free space will allow you to conveniently distribute and connect wires.

Wiring diagram of the electricity meter

• after this, the counter should be fixed, as well as the plate and the din-rail;
• then you need to snap the circuit breakers on the din-rail;
• only after this the wiring is followed.

Note! The phase from the meter is immediately displayed on the "automatic machine", intended for the plate. If it is not, then the conclusion is made on any other "machine".

To ensure that everything went as it should, be sure to read the instructions to the electricity meter before starting the installation yourself.
  The wiring is done as follows:

• from the wire we remove the brown or red veins;
• then gently cut off the shell from it;

Stripped wire

• then in the meter itself it is necessary to clean the wire by about two centimeters;
• then insert it into the desired terminal and tighten the bolts;
• for the "machine" the wire is cleaned by 1 cm and inserted without clamps;

Connect the "machine"

• after that, from the wires it is necessary to make U-shaped jumpers, we clear their ends by 1 cm and connect them;
• then tighten the contacts on all the circuit breakers.

Note! Wires on the "machines" during clamping should lie flat. It is necessary to avoid their overlapping with each other. Otherwise, the connection with time will relax and begin to warm up. After a while they burn out and go out of order.

When connecting an electricity meter, you must always output "zero". For this, a white wire is used to create contrast with other wires. We measure it from the counter and bring it to the contact plate. Remember that the wire itself should be placed horizontally or vertically. Usually, according to the rules for setting the meter, the role of the zero circuit is the very first right or the fourth terminal on the left.

Ready result

As you can see, the installation of an electric meter by oneself, if you comply with all the rules and recommendations, can pass quickly and efficiently, even without the involvement of experienced specialists.

Conclusion

In the installation of any types of electricity meters, it is absolutely necessary to first read the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to the device. In the installation of the meter, you must follow the sequence of actions and carefully check all the connections. Only in this way the electricity meter will last you long.

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Measuring instruments for electrical energy   - a basic necessity. In addition to the main function - the calculation for the electricity used, electricity meters help apartment owners maintain a strict accounting for costs.

A large number of modern household electrical appliances - energy-intensive, and with an inattentive attitude to the consumption of electricity, its expenditure reaches enormous proportions.

Under the new standards and requirements of the PUE, the old measuring instruments need a replacement in the cases listed below:

1. The apartment has an old counter   with a low accuracy class of 2.5. There is a mandatory replacement for the device with an accuracy of 2.0.
2. Installation of new electrical appliances in the apartment, in the total amount exceeding the allocated capacity for housing. The normal meter is designed for a current of no more than 60 A. To prevent fires and damage to electrical appliances, the meter must be replaced. In this case, the consumer receives permission to use a larger load with the replacement of measuring devices and circuit breakers.
3. Expiration at the counter of the reconnaissance period.   If the electricity meter does not meet the new requirement, then it must be replaced. The usual verification in this case is illegal.
4. Malfunction of the old meter. In this situation, the actions are similar to the previous case with verification.
5. Planned replacement.   Subject to mandatory implementation.

The cost of replacing the electricity meter consists of the cost of the meter itself and the price of replacement work (replacement in Moscow costs about 800 rubles.) Prices vary in different cities in different ways, but more than 500 rubles.

Algorithm of actions

Starting from the reason for the replacement, a sequence of actions is worked out:

1. Ensure that the meter is functioning properly.   Frequent cases when representatives of the energy company announced a malfunction of the device and the need for additional costs with the acquisition of new devices. In this case, everything is paid by the consumer.
2. Understand who is the owner of the electricity meter.   Measuring instruments installed long ago, according to balance sheet belong exactly to consumers. So, the question of installing a new device is decided solely by you.
3. Check the date of the last check, an indication in the contract of the installation site and send a letter to the power supply organization. Perhaps, by the conclusion of the power supply, you do not need a new device at all.
4. Re-read the documentation for your region.   Find out when planned activities occur and which areas are included first. It is not necessary to be led by employees of energy sales.

It is strongly recommended that you do not install yourself.   If there is no proper preparation, then there is a possibility of instant failure of the equipment. In addition, an employee of an energy sales company can present claims, the decision of which will be several times more expensive than the total cost of the event.

Who should pay for the service?

Disputes on the topic of payment for works and the cost of the meter itself are endless.

Starting from the legislation and statutory documents, we get the following:

1. The owner is fully responsible for the maintenance of his property.   Those. repair, dismantling and installation, as well as verification takes place at your expense.
2. If the meter is installed inside the housing, then in this case, financial hardship remains on the shoulders of the consumer.

These rules apply exclusively to privatized housing. Relatively municipal apartments, everything is different.

The material costs for maintenance of the meter are borne by the municipality, for which housing is fixed. Also, the consumer is not liable for financial responsibility if the metering device under the service contract is on the balance of the HBC, for example.

To counters which are taken out on the staircases, apply other standards. According to them, the maintenance and financial responsibility lies with the management company, which takes care of the property of the house, and not of the individual apartment.

In the event of damage to the electricity meter through the fault of the consumer, all material losses and consequences are compensated for specifically.

Planned replacement of measuring devices is paid by the energy transfer organization, as the initiator of actions. In such cases, if it is taken on the balance sheet electric networks, the owner is only informed of the upcoming works.

The procedure for performing assembly works by own strength and representatives of electrical networks

Regardless of who will perform the dismantling work, there are general rules for their implementation:

1. Representatives of energy sales   remove seals from the old electrical appliance and record the control readings (the owner of the apartment is also strongly recommended to record the testimony). There are cases of discrepancy between the figures, and as a consequence, judicial proceedings.
2. Installer, making sure that there is no current in the network, turns off the machines and removes them.
3. After disconnecting the wires   and cables to the insulating base is installed new counter   with reconnection of all loads and power line.
4. Performed quality checksand wire connections on the terminals to eliminate their sparking. Further, voltage is applied to the electricity meter and all automata, fuses and RCDs are turned on.
5. After a thorough check the correct operation of the electrical measuring instrument, it is sealed and entered into the State Register of Attorneys.

Owners of communal and municipal apartments

All work on the installation and maintenance of appliances in a non-privatized apartment is paid by the municipality. With the consumer, only the most convenient time for the installation works is agreed upon.

Some difficulties arise in tenants of communal apartments. Here the account is maintained by a common electric meter. Even if you are the owner of one of the rooms and you have a counting account, then questions about the material costs for replacing the total counter are solved with all tenants.

  It should be based on the contract, which was signed by the owner of the apartment accounting.   In the event of failure of an electricity meter due to the fault of one of the tenants, it is he who is responsible for this, if his fault in the damage to property is proved. Otherwise, the expenses are paid by all residents.

You can find out in our next article.

Normative documents

Installation work on the installation of electricity meters and their operation are regulated by a number of laws, regulations and regulations.

All accounting requirements electric power   laid out in the rules for the operation of electrical installations (Chapter 1.5). Also, the requirements are normalized by the rules of technical operation of electrical installations of consumers (Chapter 2.11).

The legal side of the work and the use of electricity meters is described:

• paragraph 6 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation;
• cabinet of Ministers decrees (Nos. 442, 306, 307, 861);
• the law of the federation on energy saving and energy efficiency No. 2612-F3 of November 23, 2009;
• order of the Ministry of Energy on the operation of electrical appliances No. 149 dated April 7, 2010.

Usually consumers turn to electricity suppliers. About what kind of electricity meter is necessary to purchase, the information will be provided by the energy supply. The type can be different, but the accuracy class can not be less than 2.0.

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Good afternoon, dear guests and regular readers of the site "Notes electrician."

Today I will tell you how to properly install and install an electricity meter.

The electricity meter is installed according to the requirements of the normative document, according to the section on electricity accounting.

1. The premise

Electricity meters must be installed in dry rooms and they should be located in convenient and accessible places for their maintenance. The temperature in such rooms should not be below 0 ° C and above 40 ° C.

If the temperature regime is difficult to organize, then it is necessary to provide insulation in the winter, for example, install it in a warmed cabinet with the possibility of heating.

2. Installation location

Electric meters can be installed in the following places:

• on the wall
• on panels and billboards
• in the cabinets
• in relay compartments of switchgear (complete switchgear)

3. Mounting

Electricity meters are allowed to mount:

• on metal shields
• in plastic flaps and boxes (example of installing a counter in the apartment)
• on wooden shields

4. Height

Installation and installation of electricity meters is carried out at an altitude of 800-1700 mm from the floor level, and preferably at the level of the human eye - for easy maintenance and removal of its readings. This is a weighty proof of that at an unattainable height. Read more about this here.

5. Inclination angle

Induction electricity meters must be installed with an angle of inclination of no more than 1 ° C. If this condition is not met, then there will be an additional error

Accounting devices are firmly integrated into everyday life, demonstrating the consumption and allowing to optimize expenses. For Residents apartment buildings   it's rare to buy electricity meters, and it's not easy to sort out an absolutely unfamiliar industry. Let's talk about which electricity meter is better to put in the apartment, figuring out their varieties, functional parameters and additional options.

How to choose an electric meter in an apartment

Without having to dig into the characteristics and features of the meter, many prefer to trust the seller's recommendations. After all, for most people, the requirement for such devices is the same - they think, and yes. Such a frivolous approach may entail additional expenses, since the interests of the buyer are not in the first place in the list of priorities of the seller. His advice can be dictated by a large percentage of the sale of a certain brand, available in stock a significant lot or an appropriate period of verification of goods.

Trust is only due to your own knowledge and self-extracted information, however, as in many other issues. To begin with, it should be understood that for installation in apartment buildings   choice between single-phase and three-phase devices   is irrelevant, since single-phase modifications are intended for 220 V voltage, and this article is devoted to their parameters.

The installation of a three-phase modification in a 220 V network is technologically possible, and the recorded readings will be correct. But the company that provides power supply services has the right to refuse to seal the device, despite the fact that it considers it right.

To select the optimal device allows for the evaluation of the following key points:

• Single multi-tariff;
• Operating principle;
• Method of installation;
• Release date;
• Official standardization;
• Maximum permissible current;
• Rated current;
• Accuracy class.

At first glance, the list seems impressive, but to protect yourself from surprises when communicating with representatives of a network company, it is not worth releasing individual items from attention.

Which electricity meters are better for an apartment - single or multi-tariff

In an effort to get smaller bills for electricity, many are thinking about installing a multi-tariff electricity meter. Is the replacement feasible, and in which cases the transition to a differentiated charging system will bring economic benefit, let's try to understand this section.

The charge for energy consumption in Russia can be calculated at the following rates:

• One-tariff accounting, in which all consumed kWh have the same value;
• Two-rate accounting implies a division of cost into the night and day zone;
• Multi-tariff accounting separately estimates kWh at night, peak and semi- peak time.

The night zone for two- and multi-tariff accounting has equal boundaries, but the daily expenditure in the second case is divided into peak (in the morning and evening hours) and semi-peak (in the daytime and in the late evening).

The price of kilowatt-hours in the night zone will always be less, while in the daytime and peak zones it will be more than if the tariff is equal 24 hours a day. Half-peak prices can be either lower or on a par with one-tariff rates depending on the region.

Obviously, to optimize costs, you need to use the maximum number of devices at night. If the apartment is able to carry a significant part of the load for a while from 23.00 to 7.00, then the differentiation of value makes sense. In the off-peak period, heating appliances and household appliances with a start delay, such as a washing machine or dishwasher, a bread maker, can work.

What kind of electric meter is better to put in an apartment based on the accounting mechanism

The principle of operation of devices can be induction or electronic. The induction mechanism is based on the use of magnetic field, which is created by the coils of current and voltage and drives a disk that transmits the rotation to the counting mechanism. The speed of rotation is directly proportional to the current strength and the current voltage in the network.

This type of device is characterized by high reliability and long service life, on average more than 15 years. The main problem in the production of induction mechanisms is the complexity and high cost of providing an accuracy class that complies with state standards.

Electronic meters automatically record the current and voltage, digitize the data and transfer them to the indicator and into the device's memory, giving consumers the following benefits:

• Compact size;
• Ease of reading;
• Possibility of multi-tariff accounting;
• The possibility of accounting for unauthorized access;
• Integration into automated reading systems;
• High accuracy class under variable load conditions.

The list of advantages is somewhat skimped by the high cost and relatively low lifespan. When the purchase is to be paid independently, it is worth considering whether you will use the capabilities of the electronic device and are ready to overpay for them. If there is no differentiated charging system in the region, or its structure is unprofitable for your consumption regime, induction devices will perform all the necessary functions and will last longer with more democratic pricing.

It is the unreliability of electronic devices that has become the determining factor in the return to the European market of induction devices. After the appearance of the electronic technology of electricity metering in the 1970s, more than 90% of counters in Europe were replaced. However, when supplier companies faced the need for frequent service of this type of device, trends have changed, and to date the ratio of induction and electronic mechanisms is 2: 3.

What else to look for when buying

After you have decided on the principles of accounting and the mechanism of the electricity meter, it's not time to go to the store yet. Regardless of the type of device chosen, a number of indicators that should not be neglected are of no small importance.

It is necessary to establish the method of mounting the meter, proceeding from the design of the electrical board. If the design parameters of the electrical panel allow, it makes sense to purchase a device mounted on a DIN rail. In the second form of electrical panels, a mounting panel is provided for the installation.

Significant moment is the date of manufacture or calibration of the electricity meter. According to the established electricity metering rules, the grid company does not have the right to mount a meter that was released more than 2 years ago. Such a device will have to be sent immediately to the test, and patiently wait until the company-supplier of electricity conducts it. If the deadline does not allow you to wait until this procedure is carried out, you will have to buy another device.

Therefore, in the store, be sure to personally look at the date of issue or verification, because the seller can admit such a mistake as deliberately, selling stale goods, and involuntarily. To specify this information it is possible in the attached passport (form) or on the case. This standard is also valid for used meters, and when transferring the meter from other objects, the terms of state verification must be observed.

The legislative norms of the Russian Federation prohibit the connection to power supply without the installation of meters. Therefore, its purchase should be taken care of in advance, so as not to violate the connection plans.

The value of the maximum current is calculated based on the existing power supply project, in which this parameter is registered. The maximum current determines what total power of electrical appliances you can afford. If the apartment is replaced, then this figure can be found on the front panel (unit A), and buy an instrument of similar characteristics. It is important that the current of the input machine is lower than the counter - for example, if the machine is rated at 32A, then this meter should be at least 40A.

The rated current is indicated on the housing in the form of a range of values, for example, 5-60A, the second of which corresponds to the maximum current. This means that within these limits electricity metering will be performed in accordance with the declared accuracy class. In case of exceeding this range, if the introductory machine does not work, the device is likely to burn. In case of a deviation to a smaller side, the error of fixing the indications increases, while the fluctuations can be either in the direction of minimizing real consumption, or vice versa.

A common misconception is that electronic devices   accounting are more accurate than induction, has no basis. In fact, the percentage of error in the data obtained depends on the accuracy class reflected in the passport. Accordingly, the smaller the accuracy class, the more reliable the fixed readings will be.

State accounting requirements determine for the population an admissible accuracy class of 2 or less. Manufacturers offer devices with accuracy class of 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2, but according to this indicator, the cost also grows. Each consumer himself determines when choosing electricity meters, which is better for an apartment, the price does not serve as a significant factor for all. But it is still worthwhile weighing whether the costs will justify the possible savings on the errors of the readings. The GOST standards require manufacturers to specify the accuracy class in a circle on the front surface of the casing.

State standardization and additional options

In Russia, there is a State Register of Measuring Instruments, where mandatory electricity meters are introduced, which confirms their compliance with the standards of metrology of the Russian Federation. When entering the State Register each device is assigned a unique number, the presence of which must be clarified from the seller.

Companies that occupy leading positions in the relevant market segment, equip their products with many additional options. The LCD display can display information about the current date and time, the power parameters and the power value are dynamically displayed. It is possible to store recorded data for several months, set a password, remotely connect and read, and much more.

It is quite logical that each functional capability is part of the pricing structure, negatively affecting the value for the end user. Before you choose an electricity meter for an apartment, think about whether you are willing to pay for them. After all, the convenience of reading is important for electric companies, and its financing will fall on your shoulders.

Despite the voluminous nature of the information, it was worthwhile to study, because the choice of an electric meter is a rare event, and the uninterrupted and qualitative fixation of energy consumption is a daily necessity. Having understood all the characteristics and parameters, and having made a decision, you can safely go to the store and not be afraid of hasty unweighted solutions.