How to check the electricity meter for correct operation: frequency of checks

Who should implement the event?

One side of the verification procedure is obvious - this is the owner (or responsible tenant) of the electricity consuming facility. The other side of the procedure is qualified persons who in one way or another represent the interests of the electricity supply company. It can be:

organizations accredited by the power distribution network to carry out the verification procedure (in particular, the “Center for Standardization and Metrology”);
employees of the energy supply company itself.

Regular inspection of the electricity meter at each calibration interval is the responsibility of the owner (or lessee) of the consumer facility. Therefore, this responsible entity can bring the meter to an accredited standardization center.

If this center does not have a technology for verifying a measuring device of a particular model, then an appeal is generated to the manufacturer, who, upon request, is obliged to provide information about the verification method. The initiator can also be the energy sales company itself (if doubts arise about the correctness of the transmitted meter data).

Reconciliation of meter readings with the standard is carried out for a fee (according to the current tariffs of the organization performing the verification). Payment is made by the owner or responsible tenant of the electricity consuming facility.

Checking electric meter readings by controllers

The high-quality operation of metering devices that determine the volume of use of electricity, water and gas services affects the final monthly amount paid in accordance with the tariff. Sometimes the correct functioning of the device raises doubts - with the same type of consumption, the bill presented to pay for utilities is clearly inflated. The consumer is obliged to monitor the serviceability of metering devices, so the question of how to check the electric meter at home always remains relevant. Below we will discuss the nuances of independently checking the device. There are two defining types of testing of electricity metering devices: primary is carried out at the factory and periodic is carried out during operation according to the verification interval.

Each owner of electrical energy metering devices is required to carry out their verification. The frequency of verification is set by the meter manufacturer, and you can find out about its timing in the technical passport that is attached to this device. An electrical energy meter purchased from a retail chain does not require additional verification before you install it and put it into operation. This is explained by the fact that after production, it went through all the necessary procedures at the manufacturer, which is indicated in its technical passport.

Checking the correct connection

When taking readings from an electric meter in order to clarify the issue of their adequacy, it should be remembered that the procedure is only appropriate if the device is correctly connected. Correct installation is the key to accurate readings in the absence of other problems. For those who live in urban apartment buildings, electricity consumption is provided by single-phase meters, so you should first consider the correct installation method for this type of device.

Electrical wiring is connected using four terminals on the device body. The phase is launched from the power line to the leftmost terminal, from the next terminal it goes into the apartment. The neutral wire from the common line will go to the third terminal and from the far right one will also go into the apartment.

If we are talking about private country houses, then three-phase meters are installed to provide them with electricity. The number of terminals and wires in this case affects the correct connection. The phases from the center line are connected to the first, third and fifth terminals, and the wiring goes to the distribution panel from the second, fourth and sixth terminals. The neutral wire uses the seventh and eighth terminals according to the same principle.

How to check the meter at home

A person who does not have special knowledge of electrical engineering can independently check the meter. By carrying out simple measurements and calculations, you can find out whether the metering device is working correctly. Does it overestimate (or underestimate) the amount of electricity consumed?

Correct connection

The first thing you need to do is check that the electricity meter is connected correctly. Usually the connection diagram is printed on the metering device. Otherwise, you can find it in your passport or by looking on the Internet.

An electric meter can be three-phase or single-phase. This makes some differences, but it is not difficult to understand the correct installation of phase and neutral wires.

If the wire connection is incorrect, it must be corrected. Remember that illegal connection is fraught with high fines! As well as unauthorized breaking of seals. Therefore, we carry out all work in the presence of an inspector with the execution of a report.

Is there a self-propelled gun?

The next step in putting your electricity bills in order is checking your self-propelled electricity meter. We de-energize all operating equipment by turning the circuit breakers to the “Off” position. We watch the meter for a quarter of an hour. Allowed:

One-time revolution of a disk of a mechanical device.
The light next to the meter indicator flashes once.

If this does not happen (rotation or blinking continues), that is, there is a malfunction in the operation of the metering equipment, contact the service organization.

Measurement error

To make sure that the electricity meter is working correctly, you need to: check the actual load for a certain period of time with the change in readings, taking into account the error. This simple rule, performed several times (high accuracy), using proven tools, will protect you from unnecessary expenses.

How to check if your electric meter readings are correct

Checking the electricity meter readings

The electricity consumed by all appliances and lamps in the apartment is metered using electric meters. Based on their electricity meter readings, the payment for the use of electricity is calculated. If there are any doubts about the correctness of the meter readings. it can be easily checked.

For this it is necessary. First of all, disconnect all lamps, appliances, and radios in the apartment from the network and make sure that the meter disk, which is visible in the viewing window, does not rotate. If the disk continues to rotate, this means that somewhere there is a device that is not turned off. It must be turned off, otherwise you will not be able to check the meter.

There are different types of counters. Some of them take into account electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh), others in hectowatt-hours (gWh). The panel of each meter indicates how many disk revolutions correspond to the consumption of one kilowatt-hour and hectowatt-hour of electricity.

For example, on the meter panel it may be written: “1 GWh = 300 disk revolutions” or “I kWh = 5,000 disk revolutions.”

To check the meter, you need to know how much energy one revolution of the disk corresponds to. This value is designated Ssch. Obviously, if it is indicated on the meter. 1 kWh = 5,000 disk revolutions, then it

Count = 1/5000 kWh.

If the meter indicates that 1 GWh = 300 disk revolutions, then this meter

Ssch = 1/3 00 gWh.

When checking such a meter, the value of Tsch must be expressed in kilowatt-hours. Since 1 kWh = 10 GWh, then Ssch = 1. 3000 kWh. Having found out all this data, you can start checking the meter.

It is best to use electric light bulbs to check. You need to turn on one or two lamps with a total power of 75-100 watts (W) and within 5 minutes (5.0, 6-hours) count the number of revolutions of the disk along the red line.

Energy consumption of lamps is determined by the formula A 1 = 5. 60 x P

where A 1 is the actual electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours; P is the power of the switched on lamps in kilowatts (kW >.

Usually the power of lamps is indicated on their bases in watts, so it must be converted into kilowatts, based on the fact that 1 kW = 1,000 watts.

For example, 75 W = 0.075 kW, 25 W = 0.025 kW.

The energy consumption shown by the meter is determined as follows:

where A 2 is electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours; Ssch—electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours during one revolution of the meter disk;

N is the number of disk revolutions in 5 minutes.

If A 1 = A 2. then the counter works correctly. However, for household meters the permissible error is not exceeding 4%. If the difference between the calculated values of A 1 and A 2 is more than 4%, then the meter readings can be considered incorrect.

The network includes two lamps with a power of 55 and 75 watts. During the control measurement, the counter disk made 60 revolutions in 5 minutes. The meter panel indicates that 1 GWh = 558 disk revolutions, i.e. Count = 1.558 GWh, or 1.5580 kWh. Let's determine the actual consumption of electricity used to burn the lamps.

The power of the lamps is: 55 W +75 W = 130 W = 0.13 kW. Within 5 minutes, these two lamps should consume electricity:

A 1 = 5. 60 x 0.13 = 0.01 kWh.

Energy consumption shown at the same time by the meter.

Therefore, the meter shows correctly. Installation of control counter. To account for electricity consumption, only one meter is installed in each apartment, which is under the control of Energosbyt. However, in cases where several residents live in an apartment and each of them uses different household electrical appliances, paying for the use of electricity sometimes causes difficulties. Therefore, many residents install so-called control meters in their rooms. Such meters are not controlled by Energosbyt organizations, but serve to account for the electricity consumed by individual residents and ensure correct calculations between them.

Control meters are sold in retail chains either separately or mounted on a panel together with plug fuses. The meters are designed for a certain voltage (127 or 220 V) and a certain electric current (5 or 10 A). If you have household electrical appliances, you should purchase a meter for 10 A and for the voltage that is available in the apartment.

Metrological requirements for meters

The accuracy class of the meter is defined as a number equal to the limit of the main permissible error, expressed in the form of a relative error δop in percent, for certain values of load current In in the range from 0.1Ib to Imax or from 0.05Inom to Imax - the established measurement range - with a coefficient power equal to 1 (including in the case of multiphase meters - with symmetrical loads), when testing the meter under normal conditions (taking into account permissible deviations from the nominal values) established in the standards defining particular requirements. In this definition, Ib is the base current (the current value that is the initial value for establishing the requirements for a meter with direct connection), Inom is the rated current (the current value that is the initial value for establishing the requirements for the meter operating from a transformer) and Imax is the maximum current (the highest current value at which the meter satisfies the established accuracy requirements).

Particular requirements for electronic active energy meters of accuracy classes 1 and 2 are established in [3], and accuracy classes 0.2S and 0.5S in [4].

The letter S means that the accuracy class of the meter is normalized, starting from the lower limit not at 5% Inom (as for meters without a letter, for example, classes 0.2 and 0.5), but at 1% Inom (below this limit the error is not standardized , although the meter measures electricity, the power of which exceeds the sensitivity of the meter). The upper limit of the established measurement range is determined by the value Imax, which for transformer connection meters must be selected by the manufacturer from a set of values {1,2; 1.5; 2.0 or 6.0}I nom. In turn, I nom for such meters should have a value of 1 or 2 or 5 A (for directly connected meters, the choice of standard values of base currents is made from a wider range of values {5;...;100}A, and, in particular, for single-phase the meter must be at least 30 A).

Standard NU accuracy checks for meters of classes 0.2S, 0.5S, 1 and 2 are given below in Table 1 [3, 4]. In addition to the indicated NUs for multiphase meters, voltages and currents must be practically symmetrical (deviations from the average values should not exceed 1-2%).

The boundaries or limits δop of the main meter error δop caused by changes in the current In and the type of load (active with KM = 1, reactive - capacitive E or inductive I with the corresponding values of KM) at NU, should not exceed the limits for the corresponding accuracy class of single-phase and multi-phase meters with symmetrical loads [3, 4] (Table 2). From the table 2 it follows that even in NU, but with a change in current and type of load, the limit δop of the main permissible error δop of the meter increases relative to the nominal accuracy class by 2-2.5 times.

In particular, for transformer switching meters of classes 0.2S and 0.5S this occurs, firstly, in the current range up to 5% Inom with a resistive load, and, secondly, in the current range up to 10% Inom with a reactive load. load (in the range up to I max, the error limit increases by 1.5 times). In Fig. 1 shows a graph of the limits of the main error of a class 0.2S meter, corresponding to table. 2 (the permissible error area is shaded, the boundaries of the area with an active load are indicated by a solid line, and with a reactive load - with a dash-dotted line; I h is the sensitivity current of the meter, at which the error is not defined, but is large).

Limits δdp additional error δdp caused by influencing quantities (relative to NU), for meters of accuracy classes 0.2S; 0.5S and 1; 2 are given in table respectively. 3 and 4 [3, 4]. Analysis of the total maximum errors of meters If each meter were operated in a NU (see Table 1), then it would only have a basic error (sign OP), which would not exceed the limits specified in Table. 2

The limit values δop (In, KM) depend on the operating mode of the load (the load current value In and KM) and are regulated in its specific range. Outside this range (for example, with a KM other than 1, 0.5I or 0.8E), the limit is not defined and there is nothing to say about its values.

Let us ask ourselves the question: what types of errors does the main error of the meter belong to? Is it systematic or random? A systematic measurement error is a component of a measurement result that remains constant or changes naturally during repeated measurements of the same physical quantity (a distinction is made between constant, progressive, periodic and complexly changing systematic errors). Its opposite is random error - a component of the error of a measurement result that changes randomly (in sign and value) during repeated measurements, carried out with the same care, of the same physical quantity.

Let us note two more types of errors: the instrumental component of the measurement error, due to the error of the measuring instrument used, and the method error - the component of the systematic measurement error, due to the imperfection of the adopted measurement method.

It is obvious that the main error of an electronic meter is a systematic error, which is based on the irremovable errors of the measurement method and the instrumental error of the meter itself (errors in the manufacture and adjustment of its technological elements). But at the same time, in the passport from any manufacturer for a meter of a specific type and accuracy class, in accordance with the requirements of the standards, not specific systematic errors of the meter are indicated, but their limits, and with plus minus signs, which should indicate the equal probability of their mutual occurrence during the measurement process ( see table 2).

This setting of the limiting error of the meter implies the possibility of deviation of the measured value from its actual (true) value, both in the direction of its overestimation (with a positive error) and, conversely, in the direction of underestimation (with a negative error).

A priori, the subject of accounting, as a rule, knows nothing about the signs of the real main error and its real limits. There have been cases when some buyers of large batches of meters, taking advantage of the uncertainty in setting the limits of permissible main errors of meters, entered into an unscrupulous agreement with the meter manufacturer to correct the errors of a batch of meters within their accuracy class towards the same sign (in the process of adjusting and configuring meters, this is easy to do ).

If the buyer represented the interests of an electricity consumer, then he asked the manufacturer to set the meter error to a minus, and if the buyer represented the electricity seller, then, on the contrary, to a plus (often, as will be shown below, such a tilt in the error sign occurs involuntarily during the factory production of meters) . Thus, the systematic nature of the main error of the meter received its consumer embodiment in these transactions.

In the general case, when meters of different types and accuracy classes from different manufacturers are used in electricity metering, metering subjects do not have any data on the errors of the meters, except for their limits, taken with equally probable plus or minus signs. Only these data can, as a rule, be used as the basis for estimating errors in electricity measurements. Since the error limits are related to the operating modes of the load, in cases where these modes are known and stable over time, to evaluate the measurement results, you can select the appropriate limit values from Table. 2.

In most cases, when both the load current and its active-reactive nature change significantly over time (for example, due to the consumer turning on or off certain electrical installations), to evaluate the measurement results at low voltage, the maximum possible limits should be selected, that is, carry out calculations for the worst case.

For meters of accuracy classes 0.2S, 0.5S, 1 and 2, these limits have values of ±0.5, ±1.0, ±2.0 and ±3.0, respectively, that is, 1.5-2.5 times higher than the nominal accuracy class of the meter.

If in the process of electricity metering there are any statistical indications of the predominance of certain load modes during the calculation period, then these data can be taken into account by lowering the indicated maximum limits of the main error accordingly.

Checking the correct connection

Counter error formula

It is better to check the connection diagram of the electric meter when the power is turned off, so as not to receive an electric shock when disassembling and inspecting the device. Home meters are connected to the network using four terminals located on their housing. The connection must be carried out in a strictly defined order.

The correct diagram for connecting wires to terminals:

phase - leftmost;
phase entrance to the apartment is second from the left;
zero - third from the left;
zero to the apartment - the far right.

A working device with such a connection produces the correct signal, regardless of the influence of external factors.

Devices and instruments for testing work

Clamp meter

The examination is carried out under voltage, and therefore falls into the category of dangerous work. They should be carried out in an adequate state, without being under the influence of alcohol, psychotropic drugs or fatigue.

To work you will need:

current clamps;
indicator;
tester;
incandescent lamp 100 W;
wire sections;
rubber mat.

Self-propelled test

Self-propelled testing is carried out after disconnecting all consumers in the apartment

A self-propelled gun is a manufacturing defect or a defect acquired during the operation of the product. It represents an increase in readings in the absence of connected consumers.

To check for this phenomenon, you need to disconnect all electricity consumers in the house from the network. An accurate result can only be obtained with the plugs removed from the sockets. Then you need to count how many disk revolutions or pulses there will be on the electronic device indicator in 5 minutes. If this number is 2 or more, there is a fact of self-propelled traffic and a reason to call the controller.

Using a Current Clamp Meter

This product is an expensive professional equipment that is not practical to purchase for one-time use. It’s easier to rent or invite an electrician based on an ad.

Rules for calculating the error of an electric meter:

The current and voltage readings are measured at the second terminal, from which the wire goes to the apartment. By multiplying them, the power consumption is obtained.
The time required for 10 disk revolutions or indicator flashes is determined. The resulting number is multiplied by the power, the result is divided by 3600. This is real work in kW.
Both indicators are compared, on the basis of which a conclusion is made about the correct operation of the device.

Installing an electric meter in an apartment: procedure, standards and cost

Each device is accompanied by a passport, which describes the main parameters and characteristics of the device. They must coincide with those indicated in the certificate of the energy sales organization. The device passport must be kept permanently, since data on inspections by controllers of the service company are subsequently entered into it.

The easiest way is when residents have their own individual appliances and pay only for electricity for their needs. If the meter is common, then consumption is divided by the number of residents. It is possible that one of the residents does not pay the bills, as a result of which a debt accumulates, which all residents of the apartment will have to pay off.

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What verification procedure is established?

The main body entrusted with the functions of consumption accounting and verification of measuring equipment is the Metrology Standardization Center. Each region has its own branch of the Center.

The owner is responsible for performing the procedure if the verification takes place in the laboratory. The owner is obliged to deliver the measuring device to the department or branch of the Metrology Standardization Center and agree on when the verification will be carried out. On the part of Energosbyt there must be control over the timing of verification of devices, and when the date approaches, the owner of the equipment must be informed that an audit is necessary.

If the user has doubts about the reliability of the meter readings, he has the right to contact the organization performing the verification before the expiration of the previous audit.

Regulations for consumer actions to check the electric meter at home without removing it:

Make a call to the company that deals with verifications. By telephone, leave a request for an inspection of the measuring device, without removing the latter.
After the metrologist carries out the verification, the user is given a package of documents, which includes a meter verification report. The received papers must be taken to the energy supply company operating in the consumer’s area of residence.
After the specialists of the energy supply organization check all the documents for correctness and accuracy of the data, a Distribution Zone employee comes to the address where the electricity meter is installed and seals the meter. As soon as the seal is installed, the electrician must rewrite the readings of the device.

Verification is carried out using special tools and equipment. If there are minor deviations, the technician can perform calibration on site and restore operation. If everything works correctly, there are no deviations or violations, then the meter is sealed again and a certificate is issued.

Unscheduled inspection

Unscheduled checks of meters are carried out when energy theft is suspected or when installing new equipment

An unscheduled check of the correct connection of electricity meters, the correctness and correctness of their operation can be carried out at the initiative of the management company or residents.

The reasons for finding out the degree of operability of the device may be the following:

excessively large bills with a minimum number of consumers,
suspicion of theft of electricity when its consumption is suspiciously low,
reconciliation of the readings that citizens transmit with the real ones on the device,
if a previously issued device inspection certificate is lost,
when installing and registering new equipment.

Only inspectors who have the appropriate certificates and regulations can check the correct connection and take readings.

Where to go to check the meter

Mosenergosbyt does not verify the electric meter. To carry out the procedure, you must contact the Center for Standardization, Metrology and Certification. Depending on the enterprise, the consumer himself delivers the meter to the laboratory or uses the service of simplified verification of the meter without removal.

So, when contacting the Federal Budgetary Institution "Rostest-Moscow", you must deliver the meter to the address Nakhimovsky Prospekt, building 31. Meters are accepted from 8.30 to 17.30 (Monday to Thursday) and from 8.30 to 15.00 (Friday). Individuals must have a passport, legal entities must have a letter of guarantee.

The meter verification period is up to 15 working days from the date of payment for the work.

Step-by-step check of the electricity meter at home

You can independently check the operation of the electricity meter in several ways, but it is better to go through all the points listed.

1. Self-propelled testing

First, unplug all electrical appliances that are connected in your house or apartment. Look at the meter: if it is an old model, then the disk should stop, and for new meters the “load” light should stop blinking.

Observe the device for about 15 minutes. During this time, the disk can make a maximum of 1 revolution, and the indicator light will light up 1 time. A longer run time indicates that the meter is drawing up excess electricity.

Not all devices can be disconnected, because some of them can be connected directly. Therefore, self-propelled testing is not suitable in such cases.

To get objective results, you can do another test

Turn off the fuses or circuit breakers on the meter and observe the meter display/dial. If after such actions it continues to turn on the electricity, then this indicates a clear problem that must be solved in the electrical network.

Checking the electricity meter connection

The electrical meter connection diagram can be checked by comparing it with the standard diagram.

Inspect the connected wires of your device

Pay attention to the connection sequence and the presence of third-party connections

Be sure to inspect the seals to ensure they are intact. Usually there are 2 of them: on the housing mount and on the clamping cover.

Meter error determination

Turn off all appliances and record meter readings. Choose an appliance that uses a lot of electricity, such as a heater. Look in the instructions for it or on the packaging for the power ratings of the device. Turn it on and leave it running for an hour. In less time it will be more difficult to determine the error. Recheck your electricity meter readings. The difference between the two readings should correspond to the power of your device ± 5%.

You can make such a test even more accurately using a wattmeter. To do this, connect the electrical appliance through a wattmeter for a while, then compare the readings of this device with the meter readings.

The meter error is determined by the formula:

P is the calculated lamp power, t is the time from 1 pulse to the second (in seconds), and n is the gear ratio. If the calculation results in a negative number, then the counter runs faster than it should, and if it is positive, it runs slower. The error should not exceed 10%. It is recommended to repeat the test several times.

Is it possible to steal electricity?

After checking for self-propelled energy, if energy flows in an unknown direction, the question arises: how to check the electric meter for theft?

It is necessary to compare the power of operating devices with the power shown by the meter.

For all operating appliances in the house, calculate the total power and convert the resulting amount to kW. The resulting figure is the power required to operate your equipment.

Using a device (multimeter, tester or clamp meter), measure the voltage in phase. Then measure the current. Make the calculation using the formula: I(current) * U(voltage) / 1000.

Compare the resulting powers. The power calculated by phase should not exceed the total power of the devices that consumed energy at the time of measurements; if this is not the case, someone is stealing electricity from you.

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Try to find out if it is stealing electricity. To do this, you need to turn off the power to your apartment and track who comes out onto the landing in order to figure out why his devices are not working.

Algorithm of legal actions during the verification process

Very often, energy sales employees exceed their authority. By doing this they are trying to impose a number of expensive conditions on the consumer. Therefore, in order to know how to check the meter, you should study in detail the algorithm for going through such a process in order to determine which step of the inspector will go beyond the legal field.

The table shows an example of how meters are checked using specialized equipment.

According to the algorithm described in the table, a metering device called “Mercury” is checked. Electrical energy is not turned off with this testing technology. The result of the check must be recorded on a special form. It will confirm that the meter is in working condition and is giving correct readings.

As a result, it can be noted that checking electricity meters is a mandatory procedure that will help you spend less money on paying for electrical energy.

Why do electricity meters lie?

What a working meter looks like
All metering devices, regardless of their design, have a limited resource and this should be taken into account. Over time, the accuracy of the products begins to deteriorate, causing them to give incorrect readings.

This happens for the following reasons:

manufacturing defects;
oxidation of contacts;
wire burning;
abrasion of hinges;
incorrect connection;
end of service life of parts;
failure due to voltage drop.

Before checking the electricity meter for correct operation, it is necessary to count the number of consumers and the total power they consume per day. This will serve as the initial data in subsequent measurements.

Indicators of the conditionality of the inspection period

Connecting an electricity consumption meter to the electrical network circuit is often carried out without the participation of specialized workers. Any person who understands electrics can perform this action at home. But, checking meters is never carried out without specialists from the electricity supply organization.

During the examination, they check that the device is connected correctly and that there are no foreign means aimed at distorting the readings. If the check of the electric meter is completed and all the comments have been eliminated, then a corresponding document is drawn up, giving the consumer the right to use electrical energy until the next check of the meter is required.

Many consumers ask the question, how to check the electric meter, when is the time for checking, and who has the legal authority to do this? It is worth immediately noting that no energy sales organization has the right to check the functionality of electricity meters. Therefore, in practice, consumers must adhere to certain rules:

There is no need to take any action until the power engineers inform you that the meter needs to be verified. The electricity supply contract rarely specifies the periods when meters are required to be tested;
The verification period for electricity meters begins to be calculated not from the date of production by the manufacturer, but from the moment of inclusion in the electrical network;
If you receive a request to urgently verify the metering device, then you should not rush to use the services of an electricity supply organization. Setup and examination by a third-party certified laboratory may cost slightly less.

It is important to remember that the demands of power engineers to dismantle the meter and disconnect the consumer from the electrical network for testing is an illegal action. There are many technologies to perform such a procedure on site

Otherwise, they are required to install another device for the duration of the inspection, and after completing the relevant documents, put it into operation.

In what cases are metering devices verified?

Induction and electronic devices have an operating life that is set by the manufacturer. For metering devices with a magnetic disk it is 8-10 years. Electricity meters: “Energomera”, “Niva”, etc. are verified every 16 years. Technical measures can be carried out earlier if there is reason to doubt that the metering device is damaged.

The timing of verification of electricity meters is indicated in the technical documents attached to the device. The initial work is carried out by the manufacturer. Based on the results of the procedure, the metrologist draws up a report on the suitability of the electric meter for use or the need for replacement (indicating its shortcomings). It must be checked at your place of residence and not necessarily at the company recommended by utility services. To install an electricity meter, you need to use the help of an electrician.

Frequency of verification according to law

There is no single set deadline for the verification period of electric meters. It must be looked at in the technical passport. Federal Law No. 102, the law on energy saving, does not prohibit the purchase of a new device during the calibration interval, without conducting metrological tests of the old one. The homeowner must focus on the technical documentation and promptly invite a specialist from the supplier company to draw up a report. The verification period for electric meters is usually at least 8 years.

Unscheduled inspection

You will need to check the electricity consumption meter if there is reason to doubt the correct operation of the electricity meter.

For this you will need:

make sure that the wiring is connected correctly;
invite a specialist to draw up a certificate of removal of the electric meter and send it for metrological tests. The exact verification period must be found in the device passport;
submit payment receipts.

Unscheduled measures will be needed when documents confirming a previous inspection are lost, or when it is necessary to set up and adjust the electric meter.

The corresponding activities are carried out by inspectors who compare the readings with the information specified in the calculation databases. It is necessary to check the electric meter if the device fails.

Accuracy of accounting

Correct metering of electricity consumption on each individual line is important in terms of its overall metering and proper operation of the entire system. Therefore, violations are unacceptable here. Various tricks that some unscrupulous consumers resort to are revealed during verification. A discrepancy between supply and consumption will certainly be detected.

In fact, the meter can be removed or checked on the spot. At the same time, its serviceability and the presence of interference in its functioning are determined. There are more options to influence the operation of a disk counter than the operation of a modern electronic one. Drilling thin holes to insert a needle, breaking glass to insert photographic film are long-known methods designed to slow down the disk, reduce the number of its revolutions and thereby reduce the amount of kW consumed. It is also possible to connect the “left” disguised wiring, loosen the voltage screw and other methods of theft. All this will be revealed even after the fact, when it is no longer used. And then comes the electrical check.

Check for theft

What damage indicates unaccounted for use of electricity?
It can be:

Drilled hole in the body. It is done to slow down the rotation of the disk using a needle or other thin object.
Extruded glass on an electric meter. Usually it is squeezed out to insert photographic film, which will slow down the disk. Photographic film leaves behind traces of emulsion, which are always detected later in the laboratory.
Connecting the “left” wiring to the meter, as a result of which part of the energy is not recorded by the meter. Such wiring is often hidden behind plaster or baseboards, but can be easily found with a careful check with detectors.
Loosening the tension screw. This method is used if the device does not have a company seal or protective terminal.

When to pay attention to the electric meter

Sometimes you notice an increased utility bill on your pay stubs. A possible reason for this is a malfunction of the electricity measuring device. The reasons for an unscheduled inspection include the following situations:

A sharp increase in electricity consumption. Despite the fact that the amount of equipment and the frequency of its operation are the same.
Despite the reduction in the time of use of household appliances, the readings on the meter increase by the same amount as before.
Electricity consumption is much higher than it actually is.

Self-checks have no legal force. But in these ways they detect whether the meter is over-reading

They inspect everything carefully, in no case open the seal and do not violate the integrity of the device. If, during the inspection, a malfunction of the meter is discovered, then a specialist is called to officially confirm the malfunction

How to check if connected correctly

First, pay attention to how the electric meter is connected. The test is carried out only with the power off

Otherwise, when inspecting the device there is a risk of receiving an electric shock. Electricity meters in apartments are connected to the network with four terminals located on the device body. The connection is made in accordance with the diagram.

The order of connecting wires to the four terminals:

phase - leftmost;
phase input directed into the room - second from the left;
zero is the second pair;
zero going into the apartment is the far right.

Working meters with this connection show the correct signal.

Self-propelled vehicle calculation and payment

Self-driving is a malfunction of the electricity metering device when an increase in traffic is observed in the absence of consumption. That is, if the equipment in the house is turned off, and the numbers on the meter display continue to count. Therefore, the operation of the measuring device is periodically checked. To identify a self-propelled gun, turn off all the equipment in the apartment and the machines located behind the electric meter in the switchboard. The device is faulty if, during testing, non-stop rotation of the disk or blinking of the LED for electronic models is observed more than once per minute. In this situation, a specialist is called to determine the presence of extraneous connections.

If a malfunction of the device is detected, consumption costs are paid according to the readings obtained before signing the technical inspection report. Before installing a new meter, electricity costs are calculated according to the accepted standard.

Periodically checking that the device is working correctly will help you avoid increased utility costs. To do this, use the methods mentioned above. Since ordering verification by specialists is not free, it is usually resorted to only if they are first convinced that the electric meter is faulty.

When to check the accuracy of your electric meter readings?

You can check the operation of the electric meter at any time. But there are cases when this is necessary:

Energy consumption has increased sharply. But you did not purchase new electrical appliances, and the same number of people live in the apartment. Pay attention to seasonal features: in summer you can use the air conditioner for a long time, and in winter you can use the heater (they can increase electricity costs);
Consumption did not decrease during your long absence (you went on vacation for 3-4 weeks) or decreased only slightly;
You don't have many powerful home appliances that can use so much energy.

Attention! If you do the check yourself at home, it will not have legal force. It can only show whether the counter is overinflating. And if the check shows that this is the case, then an official verification will be required at a special institution, which will give an opinion on the accuracy of the readings of the counting device.

What equipment to use to check an electric meter?

As can be seen from the above, there is nothing difficult in testing an electric meter. To check its performance, the following tools are sufficient:

multimeter;
a needle or other thin, lightweight metal object;
incandescent lamp, wires;
demagnetizer.

Types of equipment for measuring electricity meter readings

For specialists, special portable complexes for checking metering devices of the “Neva” type, or energy monitors of the T1 type have been developed.

These are professional instruments and the accuracy of their measurements is irrefutable. The cost of such devices is high and starts from 100,000 rubles.

Thus, it is better to check the performance of the described device more often and not become a victim of penalties from the housing office.

Considering the complexity of the relationship between management companies and the consumer, who clearly wants to reduce the cost of paying utility bills, it is worth checking all metering devices twice a year and officially drawing up an equipment verification report.

Sometimes, due to a negligent neighbor, his debt can be distributed among the entire entrance, and this is unpleasant.

You can find out how to check whether the electric meter is working correctly by watching the video:

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Discussion:

Eliza says: 07/03/2017 at 14:23
We consume the most electricity, so I try to save more on it, and I check the meter myself every month. It’s no secret that quite often meters fail and need to be replaced. And their incorrect work will immediately affect the budget.
Answer
Anna says:
07/13/2017 at 22:25
How many years have I had an electricity meter and we have not checked it even once? I will definitely contact the relevant authorities and try to check it myself using calculations.
Answer
Irina says:
08/03/2017 at 00:43
The electric meter is checked by the utility provider at least once a year, but no more than once every three months. There is no charge for this. They simply check whether the seals are intact, whether the device itself is working, and take its readings.
Answer
Ekaterina says:
10.10.2017 at 13:57
I can say with confidence that checking the electric meter is in the interests of not only the energy sales company, but also the owner himself. My colleague’s meter didn’t work at all for two years and she was happy about it, because she didn’t have to pay. If they don't check, then it's their own fault. Only when it turned out that the metering device was faulty, not only was she charged the maximum for these two years, she was also given a fine.
Answer
Sergey Zudin says:
25.11.2019 at 19:18
Well I do not know. We have electric meters on the landings in the entrance. And that now I have to monitor its serviceability and the like. I think this is wrong. Now, if it was standing inside my apartment, then it would be a different matter.
Answer

Anna says:

02/07/2018 at 04:02

We had our electric meter replaced once, but we never submitted it for inspection. I will find out about this procedure from the relevant services. If it's supposed to be done, then it needs to be done. Any device does not last forever.

Answer

Procedure for checking an electric meter by a controller

demand payment for consumed utility services, as well as in cases established by federal laws and the agreement containing provisions on the provision of utility services - payment of penalties (fines, penalties); b) require admission, at a time previously agreed upon with the consumer, but not more than once every 3 months, into the residential or non-residential premises occupied by the consumer for representatives of the contractor (including emergency services workers) to inspect the technical and sanitary condition of the indoor equipment, to carry out the necessary repairs works and verification of elimination of deficiencies in the provision of public services - as necessary, and to eliminate accidents - at any time; 31.

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Therefore, when a request is received from an electrical supplying organization to remove a given household appliance for inspection, it causes indignation among consumers. Here it is necessary to understand that for a device that controls electrical energy, made from the most expensive materials, a calibration interval is assigned.

Actions when checking the meter

What devices will be used for the audit depends on the type of measuring device installed.

The process can be divided into stages:

Visual inspection. The specialist carefully inspects the meter for mechanical damage, deformation of the housing or additional elements. The device number, compliance with state standards of configuration and labeling are also checked.
Strength test. At the same time, the insulating elements are checked. This stage of the audit is not carried out for the following devices: only purchased equipment, meters after repair (since the insulating elements were already checked during the process), devices with unbroken sealing.
It is checked how correctly the counting mechanism functions. The device is connected to the power supply network for a while, and the equipment is warmed up for 15 minutes. At the same time, the specialist controls the energy supply mode and voltage so that the data is within normal limits. During the specified time, the frequency indicator of disk rotation is measured.
It is necessary to confirm that there is no self-propelled device in the meter. To do this, the device is connected to electricity via a parallel circuit. The voltage in the circuit is 115% of the nominal value. In this case, no voltage is supplied to the series circuit. The study lasts 10 minutes. If the design of the measuring instrument does not allow for self-propelling, then this item is skipped.
Checking the sensitivity threshold. The study lasts 10 minutes, during which the device is supplied with rated voltage through a parallel circuit.

At the same time, actions are taken to monitor the error in the device (relative and basic). They must correspond to the values indicated by the developers of this equipment. Based on the data obtained, the deviation is calculated. During error studies, a stopwatch and a current and voltage meter are used.

The verification process ends with sealing of the measuring equipment. To do this, a stamp imprint is left on the seal being installed.

It is worth mentioning the features of checking different types of electricity meters in an apartment:

simple devices are controlled by checking electronic accuracy;
More complex equipment, such as three-phase equipment, requires more time and step-by-step inspection, during which electronic accuracy is determined and additional capabilities are analyzed.

If during verification by metrological organizations it was determined that the meter does not meet the requirements, or its malfunctions do not allow further use of the device, then the measuring equipment is replaced with new one. Such a solution will be in the interests of the user himself, since when installing a new meter, the amount of electricity consumed will correspond to reality.

Incandescent lamps for checking the electric meter

Current clamps are not always and not everyone can have on hand. In such cases, when deciding how to check the accuracy of the electric meter readings, the best way out would be to use incandescent lamps with a previously known power. As an example, five light bulbs of 100 watts each are taken. That is, their total power is 500 watts.

The verification procedure consists of the following steps:

First of all, all electrical appliances are turned off without exception.

Particular attention should be paid to energy-saving lamps, which are strictly prohibited from being used during the test. Before checking the operation of the electric meter, all circuit breakers in the electrical panel must be turned off. After this, 5 incandescent lamps are connected to the meter in the circuit. Next, time t is recorded, during which the induction device makes 10 revolutions, and the pulse device makes 10 flashes. During the test, a result of 20 seconds was obtained. Then the time T is calculated during which one full revolution or the interval between flashes is completed

For this purpose, t needs to be divided by 10 and you get 2 seconds. With a larger number of revolutions taken, the calculations are more accurate. When checking an electricity meter, you need to set the value of the gear ratio indicated on the meter as A or r. In the example given, it is 3200. The lamp power is converted from kilowatts to watts: 500 W = 0.5 kW.

The final calculation of the measurement error is performed using the formula: E = (PTr/3600) x 100. The error E is measured as a percentage. Substituting the available values, we get the following result: (0.5 x 2 x 3200/3600) x 100 = 11.1%. Based on the results, we can conclude that the electric meter is not operating correctly, since its maximum permissible error of 10% has been exceeded. The data obtained should be confirmed by an official audit, the results of which will have legal force.

In some cases, the cause of excessive energy consumption is simple theft from neighbors. There are different ways to identify a thief. The most effective one involves unscrewing the plugs from the panel on the landing and observing it through the door peephole. Sooner or later, left without electricity, a thief will appear to find out what's going on. The only drawback of this method is that it cuts off power to your own apartment for an indefinite period of time.

Checking the electric meter is carried out independently or with the help of a specialist. In the first case, it has no legal significance, since a fitter who has Group 3 clearance can draw up an act. Planned activities are carried out by standardization and metrology centers. The readings are provided to electricity supply companies.

Pincer check

The method is good because of its measurement accuracy, but it is bad because current clamp meters are a professional tool. It’s expensive to buy just for one check, and it’s difficult to get it for a while.

The current that powers the appliances in the apartment does work. To find out whether an electric meter accurately counts energy, you need to compare two works: real (which is actually performed) and calculated (which is shown by the counting device). All measurements are compared in watt hours.

Calculation of actual work

For a single-phase meter:

With electrical appliances running, measure the current on the phase wire coming from the second terminal;
Additionally measure the voltage;
Multiply the current by the voltage. Let's get the power in watts;
Use a stopwatch to record the time during which 10 flashes occur on an electronic counter or 10 revolutions on an induction counter;
Multiply the power by this time in seconds to get the work measurement in Joules;
Divide the resulting value by 3600. And get the actual power consumption in Wh.

Example. Phase measurements: 20A and 220V, then the power is 4400 W. 10 revolutions were completed in 20 seconds. Then the work is 88,000 Joules. In Wh it is 24.

The formula works here: A1=UIt/3600 .

Where U is the measured voltage in volts, I is the measured current in amperes, t is the time of 10 revolutions (flashes) in seconds. A1 – the required real work in W*h.

Attention! If the meter is three-phase, then you need to take measurements on each phase, then calculate the power from them. And then - the total power. Example: phase 1 – 5A and 220V, phase 2 – 9A and 210V, phase 3 – 10A and 230V. Then for phase 1 we get 1100 W, 2 – 1890 W, 3 – 2300 W. Total – 5290 W. After this, follow steps 4-6.

Definition of calculation work

Let's start with a description of the gear ratio. It is designated on each meter by the letters r or A and shows how many revolutions or pulses are made each time you consume 1 kWh of energy. There is no need for special measurements here. Immediately the formula: A2=1000n/r .

A2 is the calculated work, n is the number of revolutions, the time of which was measured when determining the actual work. r – gear ratio (see on the meter).

Example: The gear ratio is 1400. A2=3600*10/1400. We get about 25.7 Wh. It’s the same with a three-phase meter.

Comparison of works

Compare works A1 and A2. The meter is considered to be in good working order if the calculated performance does not differ from the actual performance by more than 10%. How to calculate how much it differs?

Formula: |A2-A1|*100/A1 (answer in percentage).

Attention! The straight lines around the work difference are the modulus. It is necessary if A2 is less than A1. Then we take the modulus of a negative number, which is always positive (the minus is removed in front of the number).

Example. Let's take our values and calculate: (25.7-24)*100/24=7.08%.

Result: in our example the counter is working. If you get more than 10%, then do an official check so that the meter is changed for you.

Checking for the presence of self-propelled guns (without load current)

Self-propelled is a phenomenon in which the metering device is working, but there is no load on the network. After detecting deviations, you must contact the service company with a request to check for the absence of foreign connections.

If their presence is not confirmed, you need to make a request to the company supplying electrical energy and ask for a technical inspection of the meter.

What you need to do to identify a self-propelled gun:

de-energize the apartment by turning off the circuit breakers;
look carefully at the meter. If the disk is spinning or the indicator is blinking, self-propelling is taking place. The device must be replaced.

Self-propelling can also be caused by increased voltage in the network, which increases to 240 V after 22-00 hours.

Procedure for checking an electric meter by a controller

All To help the consumer Power Subcategory of power Electricity metering New large under the category heading Subheading of electricity metering Prices August 13, 2021 Electric power industry entities that ensure the supply of electrical energy to consumers, including suppliers of last resort (energy sales, energy supply organizations) and network organizations, check compliance with consumers ( producers of electrical energy (power) in retail markets) requirements defining the procedure for accounting for electrical energy, the terms of concluded energy supply contracts (purchase and sale (supply) of electrical energy (power)), contracts for the provision of services for the transmission of electrical energy, contracts for the provision of operational dispatch services management, and also conduct checks to identify facts of unaccounted and non-contractual consumption of electrical energy.
Since there are now constant disagreements between them in the accounting of electricity transmitted through electrical networks and consumed, they are forced to create their own inspection services for mutual cross-checking of each other.

Checking electric meters with current clamps

In order to find out what the load is on the network, it is best to use clamps to measure current. Such pliers do not require heavy mathematical calculations in their use. Instrumental testing gives us the opportunity to check in the fastest way and get accurate results, but not every person has such a tool at home.

Network load measurements should be carried out in the following order:

On the current measuring device, set the switch to the ACA 200 mark;
We open the clamps of the device and fix it on each phase of the network, which is connected to the meter or on an insulated wire at the entrance to the apartment, while summing up the readings of each of the phases;
The load value that we received in amperes must be multiplied by the network voltage, the cosine is equal to 1.

In modern such equipment, current clamp meters are equipped with a special button; it records the readings. This function is used in hard-to-reach places to measure current using such a device.