Application for gas meter replacement
The application submitted by the subscriber must contain the following information:
- name of the service where the request is addressed;
- data from the applicant’s passport;
- date when the old device began to be used;
- flow meter number;
- the type of his model;
- the address at which the subscriber wants to make a replacement;
- available device readings;
- previously established date for verification of the device.
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The gas service must consider the citizen’s application and send him, within a month, a specialist to change the meter. If an organization does not comply with the established deadlines, a citizen can appeal to its management with a complaint. If necessary, you should file a complaint with Rospotrebnadzor. If this body cannot resolve the controversial situation, the subscriber must go to court.
At whose expense is the replacement carried out?
If the service life of the device has expired, or verification has shown that it is unsuitable for further use, then all costs associated with its replacement are borne entirely by the owner of the apartment.
In addition to the cost of the meter itself, its installation will cost from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles. Everything will depend on the complexity of the work performed.
Free replacement is provided only to certain groups of citizens:
WWII veterans; large families; low-income, needy citizens.
If your apartment has a gas meter , then you need to independently monitor the onset of its verification interval.
It is worth considering that the countdown is made from the moment the device is released.
If the verification is not carried out on time, or the gas company is not notified of the malfunction of the device itself, then the apartment owner will be required to pay for the last six months for the use of gas according to established standards, which will be much more expensive.
All costs associated with installation, replacement and verification of the device are borne by the gas user.
Watch a video about the procedure and rules for checking and replacing gas meters:
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Gas meters, like other measuring instruments, have a certain service life.
Compliance with all operating requirements and timely verification is of great importance.
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What to do if the device breaks down
Any mechanical device can fail over time. Gas meters also do not escape this fate.
Breakdowns may vary depending on the type of meter:
- If we talk about electronic means of metering gas consumption, digital values are not reflected on the screen, or they are viewed, but only in fragments;
- for other types - the meter may freeze in place (this is noticeable visually), or there is a slight gas leak in the places where the meter is attached.
If, however, any problems are observed in the operation of the device, they can be eliminated in several ways. Regardless of when the specialist discovered a violation of the sealing of the accounting device, when he is called by the owner of the apartment or during the next medical examination, a report is drawn up.
In it, a representative of the organization indicates the identified fact of violation. When this happens, the owner of the equipment will be required by law to pay the company for the resource consumed, but according to the standards, this is an order of magnitude higher than payment according to indications.
Payment is calculated for the last six months of using the resource. By analogy with this technique, resource consumption is calculated when there is no metering device.
Please note! If the seal remains intact, but the gas engineer, during a routine inspection, discovers that the meter is faulty, you will also have to pay for gas according to the standard for the last 6 months.
It is believed that if the consumer did not report an obvious breakdown, he deliberately concealed the fact of incorrect recording of resource consumption.
A message about recalculation of the amount due to a violation will be sent to the consumer within 30 days. The company is obliged to notify about the recalculation and calculate the amount due.
If a malfunction of the device is discovered by the homeowner, and this is reported to the service company, a specialist arrives on site, determines that the seal is in place, and records the fact of the malfunction.
Here, calculation of consumption, based on approved standards, will be made only from the moment a malfunction is identified until the installation of another serviceable device.
Replacing the device battery
The need to change the battery is usually indicated by a blank screen. In some cases, some of the numbers become difficult to distinguish or “disappear.” Sometimes users notice the screen flickering, which may also be evidence of a faulty battery.
In this case, you will also have to turn to the help of the gas service, since opening the device yourself is prohibited. Moreover, most batteries are sealed.
Algorithm of actions
Important! Pay attention to the order in which the necessary procedures are carried out:
- complete an application and then send it to the gas utility;
- attach the required documents to the application, such as ownership;
- a visit by the foreman to the required premises, later issuing an opinion on the type of measuring equipment that should be installed. Familiarization of the owner with the amount that he will have to pay for the services performed;
- purchase of the device, which should be carried out in a specialized store;
- installation of the device, signing the work acceptance certificate and payment for the activities performed;
- put the equipment into operation using sealing.
Who pays for the replacement?
After the service life of the metering equipment has expired or when a malfunction is confirmed, the device must be replaced. This condition must be observed. Paying for the replacement of the meter is the owner's concern, since it is in his interests to complete the replacement as quickly as possible.
The owner will have to take care not only of purchasing a new device (the cost here is quite different and depends on the chosen model, manufacturer, and throughput - from 1.5 to 15 thousand rubles), but also pay for the installation of the purchased device by specialists.
Features of gas meter verification
Verification of a gas meter can be either on-site (the meter is removed and taken to the laboratory) or local (a specialist comes with the equipment to the applicant and carries out verification on site).
How is the meter checked at home?
Gas consumers can buy gas meters, which can be verified at home. That is, the device for reading the amount of gas consumed will not need to be dismantled.
It is enough to call a specialist who will check the device using special diagnostic tools. You can also check the meter at home by contacting a specialized company that has mobile equipment for checking meters at home.
The procedure for checking gas meters at home without removal is as follows:
- The trustee comes to the apartment and asks to be taken to the place where the gas meter is installed.
- Having gone to the installation site of the meter, the specialist asks to remove all things from the stove.
- Then he inspects the meter and checks the integrity of the seal.
- If there are no complaints regarding the appearance of the device, then it begins verification - it cleans the connections, connects a special installation.
- At the end of the verification procedure, the equipment is turned off, and the specialist installs the connections. The connections are re-washed and inspected for leaks.
- The trustee fills out a certificate for the client. He also fills out his gas appliance logbook and issues a receipt for payment.
- The consumer makes a settlement with the gas service employee.
Method for checking a gas meter outside the home
If a gas consumer, when installing a gas meter, entered into an agreement with a specialized company for further maintenance, then the agreement usually states that this citizen must initiate the meter verification procedure, call a company specialist to come, dismantle the meter and take it for diagnostics.
Also, an interested person can contact the gas service of the region where he lives and write an application for dismantling the meter and its further verification. Along with the application, the citizen must provide his civil passport, as well as a passport for the gas meter.
If the application is accepted and submitted for execution, then a team of specialists comes to the applicant on the appointed day, removes the gas meter, installs a bracket (a pipe of the required diameter, bent with an arc), issues a certificate, after which the applicant independently takes the meter for verification to the Standardization Center of his area .
If, after the test results, it is determined that the meter is suitable for further use, then a special stamp and signature of the verifier are placed in the device passport, confirming that the meter has passed verification.
While the meter is being calibrated, gas consumption will be calculated based on the monthly average, provided that the consumer has been using the gas meter for at least 1 year.
After checking the meter, a person must send an application to the department to install a seal. And within 5 working days from the date of registration of this application, the gas supplier is obliged to seal the meter.
Unscheduled gas meter verification
The gas meter sometimes requires an unscheduled check:
- if any damage was found on the meter, for example, the seal was broken;
- if the consumer has doubts regarding the correct operation of the device;
- if the consumer has lost the results of the last verification.
Life time
The inspection interval and expiration date of the gas meter are different concepts. The calibration interval is specified in the technical documentation, and the service life is counted from the moment of manufacture. Instructions for determining the service life are given in the document PR 50.2.006 - 1994 “GSI. Rules for verification of measuring instruments." Measuring instruments checked by metrological state control are tested by the relevant authorities upon release or repair.
In the apartment
The meter is mounted in its original position after a positive test conclusion. Otherwise, the owner receives a defective report and purchases a new device, and also pays for its installation for further registration of gas consumption.
The general metering unit in the multi-apartment sector can be changed by representatives of the municipal formation if it is installed in the basement of the house. The relevant services are responsible for the process; the procedure is free for residents.
Replacing the meter in an apartment begins with the owner contacting the gas service to call an installer and adjust the timing of replacement of the device. If the corresponding model is not on sale, Gorgaz employees will select a new unit taking into account the required characteristics.
In a private house
If the meter is installed on the street, a protective box is installed for it.
Sometimes home owners refuse to voluntarily install a gas meter. The gas distribution company can carry out forced installation, but the owner’s consent is not required. The owner of the house is obliged to let the gas engineer through to install the device, and if he resists, he will be fined. Further evasion will be considered in court, which will oblige you to provide access to the place of work.
The installation site is selected by the owner on the advice of specialists. The meter is mounted inside the house or on an external wall so that it is not exposed to precipitation or sun.
The owner of a private building provides access to specialists for regular inspection and maintenance. Refusal to allow such a visit will result in an administrative fine in the amount of 10–20 thousand rubles.
Who should do this?
Only an organization that has a permit for this type of work has the right to carry out work on installing a gas meter. The owner of the premises is required to purchase the meter and pay for its installation. If the owner refuses to install the meter, then the burden of installing the device falls on the gas service. In this case, the company obtains access to the installation site through the court.
The property owner is required to provide access to the place where the meter needs to be installed. If a meter is forced to be installed, the gas service will charge the owner of the premises all costs for the purchase and installation of a gas appliance.
What is the service life and calibration interval according to the law?
Article 13 of Federal Law No. 102 “On Ensuring the Uniformity of Measurements” states the need for initial and periodic verification of all measuring instruments, this also applies to gas meters.
For timely periodic verification, it is important to understand that the time count starts from the date of production, not installation of the device. The technical certificate for the meter contains data on its characteristics, including service life and frequency of verification.
The technical certificate for the meter contains data on its characteristics, including service life and frequency of verification.
These specifications may vary depending on the model and brand of the measuring instrument.
In apartment buildings, the household appliances listed in the table below are most often installed.
| Brand | Service life (years) | Verification interval (years) |
| NPM g4 | 20 | 10 |
| SGMN-1 g6 | 20 | 8 |
| SGB g4 | 20 | 10 |
| SGK 4 | 20 | 10 |
| Betar | 12 | 12 |
The cost of the meter is determined taking into account its throughput, what country it is produced in, and what interval it has between verifications.
The presence of a seal on the body indicates successful verification and readiness for operation.
Check interval
The service life and testing interval are specified in the technical data sheet of the device.
The period is the period of time during which the manufacturer guarantees error-free operation. Usually the interval is indicated in the range of 8 – 12 years and is recorded in the technical passport. If the inspection is not carried out on time or there is no new seal, the unit’s indicators are considered implausible and are not used when calculating payment.
If it is determined that the metering device is unsuitable for subsequent operation, a report on the impossibility of further use is drawn up for the unit and the owner is informed about this. The frequency of verification depends on the specific model. After the company notifies you that the inspection period is due, a specialist arrives. After testing, a conclusion is issued.
How to replace a gas meter
The procedure for replacing a gas meter consists of several points.
Initially you need to buy a new flow meter. If the meter is replaced in an apartment, then you will need to purchase exactly the same meter, both in terms of characteristics, design and size. If the replacement takes place in a private home, then you should think in advance about whether you plan to install any additional gas appliances in addition to those already installed. If a private house already has a gas boiler and stove, then you may need a water heater in the future. Then the capacity of the existing meter will be insufficient
It is also important to determine whether you need a left or right gas meter. And in this case, it is better to install a meter with a higher throughput in advance
If, when replacing the meter with a new one, it is necessary to make changes to the design of the gas pipeline, then a new project will be needed, which will reflect all the changes. Also, in addition to the meter, you will need to purchase a set of new gaskets and replace the old flexible hose with a new one. Then you need to take a pre-prepared package of documents and take it to the Gorgaz department. There you need to write an application to replace the gas meter. The procedure for replacing the flow meter, according to Russian Government Decree No. 354 of 05/06/2011, should take no more than 30 days. On the specified date, company employees will come to the address, dismantle the old meter and install a new one along with related components. Then they will make sure that it is working properly and that there are no gas leaks. And if everything complies with the standards, a certificate of completion of work will be drawn up.
If you decide to check the meter, then you also need to go to the nearest Gorgaz branch and fill out an application to dismantle the meter. After dismantling the meter, it must be handed over to the company for verification.
If the meter has successfully passed all tests, a confirmation document is issued with it, which indicates the date of the next verification. With the verification certificate and the previously prepared package of documents, you should again go to the Gorgaz branch and write an application with a request to install the verified device in place.
Verification period for the VK-G4 gas meter
Thus, for the household meter VK-G4, the manufacturer’s passport specifies the equipment verification period for 10 years.
Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated July 21, 2008 No. 549, approved clause 25 of the Rules for the supply of gas to meet the household needs of citizens, that the determination of the amount of fuel used is calculated according to the data of the reading device, verified on time according to the passport data. That is, the readings are not taken into account for presentation for payment if the verification actions are not completed on time.
Important! The suitability examination is established by the Federal Agency for Metrology.
The customer department of the gas supply organization records data on the installation and suitability of measuring equipment. And it is mandatory to inform subscribers with a personal notification about the verification period, even if the device is working properly. The information is sent along with the payment receipt, which indicates the contact details of the metrological and gas services.
The suitability of a gas meter in an apartment or private house also depends on the location of the equipment. Initially, the gas meter package includes a passport, which lists data about the device design and installation and operation requirements. When the rules for installing devices that affect the service life of the meter are not specified in the manufacturers' instructions, then we use the rules for placing gas appliances in an apartment or in a private house, prescribed in the standards for the design of gas equipment (SP 42-101-2003 General provisions for design and construction gas distribution systems):
- height from the floor to the measuring device – 1.6 m.
- The radial distance from the gas meter to the heating appliance and to the kitchen stove is also set at 0.8 m.
It is not permissible to install above a kitchen stove, sink or in areas with a lot of excess heat and excess moisture.
A gas meter is a complex device and during installation certain conditions specified in the rules for installing gas equipment must be observed. It is prohibited to install a meter or install gas pipes yourself. Installation actions are carried out by specialists certified to carry out work on replacing gas measuring instruments. If the customer wishes, a meter is also installed from the street side on the wall of a residential building. In this case, the gas measuring device is protected from exposure to direct sunlight, strong temperature changes, and moisture. Such influences shorten the service life of the device.
Important! According to Federal Law No. 102-FZ “On Ensuring the Uniformity of Measurements”, measuring equipment is verified before sale, otherwise sale is not allowed. The verifying organization is obliged to put a stamp with the signature of the verifying organization and the date of inspection in the certification document.
The calibration interval of the measuring instrument is determined by the manufacturer and is prescribed in the established document for the device. The interval between verifications is determined from the date of issue, but not from the installation of the meter.
When the time comes for verification, the meter is verified or replaced with new equipment. The client chooses to verify or replace the gas meter himself. If the subscriber refuses to follow the established procedure, then the department of the gas supply organization recalculates the payment for gas according to consumption standards from the end of the verification period in accordance with current legislation. There is no provision for payment of fines for late verification of metering devices.
What to do
Operation of the equipment implies, in addition to personal control, providing access to the equipment to representatives of the service organization. If the owner creates obstacles for service personnel (after they have demonstrated documents), this may serve as a reason for terminating the service contract.
There are several options for checking the mechanism yourself:
- Monitor whether the device values change when all fuel consumers are completely turned off.
- Comparison of charges during maximum fuel consumption of a gas stove (4 burners and oven) with similar passport data.
- If the unit contains an electronic dial that changes numbers when the gas pipeline is closed, we can talk about the presence of stray currents in the system.
If it's broken
After detecting a malfunction during verification, the specialist draws up a report on the presence of a breakdown, and the owner of the measuring device will need to pay the recalculated amount of energy resources for the last six months.
If expired
Gas equipment should be checked regularly, even if the gas meter has not yet passed its expiration date. The owner of the premises is responsible for periodic inspections. Gas service employees carry out scheduled meter checks every 6 months.
If, during the inspection of the device, the technicians detect a case of delay, a recalculation of the gas used for the last 6 months is made. An interested person can contact the consumer rights protection center if he notices violations on the part of the gas organization.
Over time, devices may fail; improper operation also leads to malfunctions that affect the operation of the meter. A timely check can establish the correct operation of the system for monitoring gas consumption in domestic conditions. You can read separately about the service life of a gas meter and how operation affects the period of use.
State verification is carried out by a qualified specialist. He can detect various defects even before they render the device unusable, and can eliminate them in a timely manner.
Tags: apartment, verification, deadline, counter
Terms of Use
If the user violates the operating conditions specified by the manufacturer, the device will most likely fail before the specified maximum period.
To avoid any future problems with the device during its operation, be sure to follow the following points:
- installation of the device must be carried out by qualified specialists;
- be sure to provide a dust filter;
- throughput must correspond to the overall performance of the system;
- The air in the room where the product is installed should not be too humid.
If all specified optimal requirements are met and the device is properly operated in accordance with the established instructions, its service life will be as long as possible, and there will be no interruptions to the meter during this period.
Watch the video. Should I change or check my gas meter?
How is the verification carried out?
Employees of the gas service, contracting company or commercial organization come to the apartment or house at the appointed time.
If it is technically possible to carry out verification without removal or the inspectors have a mobile station, then the whole procedure will take about an hour.
If this is not possible, then the device is dismantled and taken with you, and another temporary meter is installed in its place.
After removal, the owner will be given a document confirming the dismantling work has been completed. It is immediately issued in two carbon copies. One form remains with the subscriber, and the other is taken by the VET staff. The act is signed by the workers and the owner of the gas meter. This document must be kept until the installation of an authorized or new metering device (if it is not subject to verification). Before starting installation work, this certificate will need to be provided to the workers.
How to remove a seal from a gas meter
If the owner of the apartment removed the seal from the device himself, then unpleasant consequences await him after such a violation. When there is an urgent need for such actions, it is better to act through the gas company and let these actions be carried out by their specialists.
Attention! Any citizen enters into an agreement with a supplier to consume a resource; look at his contacts in the document and report the problem. Wait for the master to arrive.
If a company representative, upon arrival at the installation site of the device, finds traces of a violation of the integrity of the seal on it, there will be every reason to believe that the owner tried to act unlawfully in order to influence the meter readings.
If external signs of interference with the proper operation of the meter in the form of a broken seal are detected, the representative of the service company has the right to immediately remove the meter. He records all actions in a report, removes the counter and sends it for examination.
If the fact of a seal violation was revealed and the device was removed from the gas supply system for examination, it is the owner who will pay for the examination, and subsequently for the installation of another device.
The fact of violating the seal of an accounting device is an administrative offense that provides for punishment of the appropriate type.
If the owner refuses to install a new metering device at his expense, payment for resource consumption will no longer occur according to indications, but based on the total area of the premises.
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???? Why do you need regular checks?
The importance of regular inspection of gas equipment is due to the following reasons:
- Over time, gas equipment may develop malfunctions, or leaks may occur at threaded connections (in places where the stove is connected by taps). Technicians can quickly detect the leak and fix the problem.
- The craftsmen tell residents about the rules for using gas equipment, as well as points that should be wary when using the stove.
As part of the maintenance, gas specialists carry out:
- inspection of indoor equipment for integrity and compliance with regulatory requirements;
- visual inspection for free access to gas appliances;
- inspection of the gas pipeline for the condition of its painting and fastenings;
- checking the tightness of connections and disconnecting devices;
- dismantling taps of household gas equipment;
- checking gas pressure while the burners are running and after the gas supply is stopped;
- checking devices for automatic gas shut-off;
- regulation of the gas combustion process;
- checking draft in ventilation ducts;
- instructing consumers on the safe use of gas.
A complete list of works must be contained in the contract for maintenance and repair of gas equipment.
How do you feel about the new rules for checking gas equipment, when gas service employees can be turned off for not allowing gas service employees into the apartment?
Positive, this is very important for the safety of the entire house. It’s not clear why they can turn off the entire entrance if someone didn’t let employees in. Negative – I follow the rules and don’t want to be responsible for others. I don’t know, it’s hard to say.
Household gas meters
There are many models of gas meters that differ in their dimensions, operating principle, design, purpose and other criteria.
In everyday life, membrane-type devices, also called diaphragm or chamber devices, are most often used. This type of meter was invented in Great Britain at the end of the 19th century and has been successfully used since then.
Schematic design of a membrane gas meter. The main internal mechanisms are made of modern polymers that are highly resistant to gas flow
Such devices are characterized by low cost, sufficient strength and durability. The disadvantages include low throughput, but still sufficient for domestic purposes, and a rather large size.
Such natural gas meters consist of several compartments, which are separated from each other by alternately opening doors. Moreover, each element is connected to a special cross-shaped mechanism.
From a special pipe, gas enters the device, where, under the influence of displacement force, it moves from one compartment to another. The process occurs cyclically, constantly repeating itself
Briefly, the functioning process can be schematically represented as follows:
- Initially, gas enters the first compartment: its overflow causes deformation of the diaphragm.
- The latter sets the device’s doors in motion, which begin to open slightly in turn, allowing a certain volume of gas to penetrate into the next chamber. Immediately after the previous compartment is released, the sash closes tightly.
- The movement of the valves, allowing the next portion of gaseous fuel to pass through, gives a mechanical impulse, which sets the cross mechanism itself in motion.
- Under its influence, a special “star” device begins to rotate, which allows one to calculate how much gas flow has passed through the system.
The readings of such a counter are quite accurate.
Possible fines
the amount of penalties that are applied for improper consumption of energy resources is approved in the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences. In Art. 103-1 of the Code states that the consumer will be fined in the amount of 170 to 850 UAH (from 10 to 50 non-taxable minimum income of citizens) in the following cases:
- unauthorized consumption for personal gain of heat, electricity, hot and cold water without meters, the readings of which are used for commercial calculations;
- intentional damage to energy metering devices;
- unauthorized use of gas for personal gain, violation of the rules for using gas at home, which did not cause significant damage.
The document provides for punishment in the form of a warning or a fine for the violator.
How can you tell if the meter is lying?
There are often situations when you can control the operation of the device yourself. To do this, just know a few simple rules:
- You need to make sure that there are no gas leaks in the system. To do this, you need to record the meter readings when the gas is turned off, and check them after some time (for example, at night) when no one used the gas. If the readings remain unchanged, then there is no leak, but if they change even a little, this is an alarm bell that indicates that a leak did occur. And this is very dangerous for the health and even the lives of people who live indoors.
- You can try to correlate the actual meter readings with the gas consumption that is included in the devices. To do this, write down all the appliances in the house that consume gas (stove, water heater, boiler). First, write down the meter readings (all numbers). Turn on the device at full power for 5 minutes. For example, if you want to check the stove, then turn on all the burners to maximum, then calculate the difference in the readings. Multiply the difference by 12 and get the consumption for 1 hour of work. After this, read in the technical data sheet of the devices how much natural gas they should consume. If there is no passport for the stove, then you can take the average standard readings of 0.8 cubic meters per hour.
If the obtained values are 20% or more higher than normal, then the problem is not in the meter itself, but in the gas pipeline from the stove to the appliance or in the stove itself. You can check all devices in the same way. As is clear from the article, the gas meter can be verified without removal, but it must be done on time and without delay. The homeowner is responsible for this, and he also pays for the diagnostics of the device.
