Today, many Russian apartments have a gas meter installed. Thanks to the metering device, thrifty owners do not pay for gas according to an inflated standard, but only for the volume of gas actually used.
After the adoption of new laws, it was the owners who became responsible for all gas equipment installed in the apartment. Therefore, it is very important to know what the service life of your gas meter is, whether there is a warranty period and what to do if the device is expired.
This article will also be useful to those who are just choosing a metering device for themselves. We will tell you about the most popular models of household gas meters on the market and indicate the service life for each of them. All this will help you monitor the condition of your equipment and help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
What is the legal service life of a gas meter?
Article 13 of Federal Law No. 102 “On Ensuring the Uniformity of Measurements” will help us answer this question. It states that any metering devices must be subjected to initial and periodic verification. This is due to the fact that over time the accuracy of any meter readings decreases. This is influenced by many factors: the type of meter, the quality of its assembly and compliance with all installation standards. You should not think that the readings will only decrease - the meter may, on the contrary, show increased gas consumption. In this case, there can be no talk of any savings.
The manufacturer sets its own service life for each metering device. This data must be indicated in the technical passport of the device: usually it is 20 years or more. Please note that the service life of the device is calculated from the moment of its manufacture , not installation.
The initial verification takes place in the laboratory at the factory, after the meter has been assembled. However, after 8-12 years it must be verified to ensure the accuracy of the instrument readings. This information is also indicated in its registration certificate.
Especially for you, we have compiled the service life of the most popular models of gas meters into one table.
| Gas meter model | Life time | Guarantee period | Calibration interval |
| Elehant | 24 | 6 | 12 |
| Accounting device SGMB | 24 | 6 | 12 |
| Accounting device SRS | 20 | 3 | 10 |
| Grandee | 24 | 12 | 12 |
| Diaphragm VC | 24 | 3 | 10 |
| Betar | 12 | 6 | 12 |
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?
Replacement or verification?
If the service life of the device is coming to an end, then two scenarios are possible: annual verification of the old meter or its replacement with a new device.
Meter verification
Yes, it turns out that you can trust the meter even after the end of its service life, which was indicated by the manufacturer. If the verification shows high accuracy of the readings, as well as the absence of any other violations in the operation of the device, then it can be installed back and used for another year. After which you will have to check the meter every year.
Our company offers verification of meters in a certified laboratory. We will carry out turnkey dismantling and installation, and will also remove and deliver your devices free of charge. You can place a call to a specialist using the link or by calling the toll-free hotline.
Replacing the meter
Most owners choose to replace the gas meter. This is due to the fact that the verification procedure itself is very expensive; it is impossible to carry it out at home, unlike water meters. Therefore, it is necessary to dismantle the device, deliver it to the laboratory, check it, bring it back and install it. And this is only if the meter turns out to be working properly. Otherwise, you will have to buy and install a new gas meter.
Of course, all this work will have to be paid for by the owner himself. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary costs, at the end of its service life, a new device is simply purchased and the old one is disposed of.
Our company offers official replacement of gas meters. We will dismantle and install turnkey equipment in a short time. You can place a call to a specialist using the link or by calling the toll-free hotline.
Where to check the gas meter
In accordance with the regulatory framework of Russia (Federal Laws No. 102-FZ, No. 160-FZ and No. 254-FZ), requirements are determined for structures that can perform diagnostics on a household meter.
Based on the current rules, the examination is carried out by individual entrepreneurs and legal entities who, in accordance with the law on accreditation with the NSA, have received supporting documents for the right to conduct activities.
A limited list of organizations can check the gas meter. In 2019, the list consists of the following items:
- Federal state metrological services operating in a specific territory.
- Gas supply organization. This is often the most convenient option, taking into account a number of factors. The sales company not only provides a full range of services (dismantling, installation, examination), but also commissions the meter and seals it.
- Companies that manufactured a specific model. If you need to obtain an independent and reliable assessment of the performance of the mechanism, especially in disputes with the utility service provider, contacting the manufacturer will be the most correct decision.
- Independent commercial firms (individual entrepreneurs or legal entities) that have passed the appropriate accreditation. It is important to pay attention to the period of issue of the license, because the document has a limited validity period.
When choosing a company to verify a gas meter, it is necessary to check the availability of permits, otherwise the documents issued by the organization will be invalid
Attention! The consumer is obliged to check the technical condition of the gas meter. The procedure allows you to promptly identify problems due to which the device may be considered out of order. You cannot carry out diagnostics yourself.
If the meter is expired
Although gas utilities remind you of the date of verification of the meter or its replacement in receipts for gas, the entire responsibility for monitoring the condition of gas equipment lies solely with its owner. Thus, if the meter was not replaced in a timely manner, this is a violation, although without a separate fine.
But don't think that everything is so simple. If during a gas equipment inspection it is discovered that the meter is expired, then the appliance will be considered to have been faulty since the date of its last successful inspection. The law says six months because gas workers are required to inspect gas equipment at least twice a year.
In this case, gas bills will be recalculated for the last six months according to the standards, and the owner will be forced to pay them. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary expenses, it is necessary to contact the gas company in a timely manner with an application about the expiration of the operating life. Then you will be exempt from paying additional amounts.
Removing the seal from the gas meter
Violation of the sealing structure of the metering device by the owner of the apartment premises can lead to very serious consequences. If such a need arises, it is recommended to contact the employees of the gas company, which has a contractual relationship with the owner regarding service issues, and then wait for the day when specialized workers from the company will visit you.
During inspection work, a member of the management organization can easily discover that the normal condition of the seal, which is fixed in the meter area, has been broken. In this case, the employee will decide that the owner of the apartment took the initiative to “rewind” the readings given by the device.
If the owner refuses to purchase and, accordingly, install the system, he will have to pay for gas based on the area of the entire premises.
Who maintains gas meters?
According to the law, only specialized organizations that can document permission to carry out gas-hazardous work can install gas meters and replace them. Employees of such organizations must have clearances and undergo annual re-certification and advanced training courses.
IMPORTANT!
Self-service of gas meters is PROHIBITED! Such actions are subject to administrative and criminal liability. In addition, you can endanger not only your life, but also the health of your loved ones and neighbors. Contact only professionals.
What did you do with the expired meter: did you check it or replace it? Do you monitor the condition of your gas equipment? Have your gas bills been recalculated? Answer in the comments!
Legislation
- Civil Code No. 51-FZ of November 30, 1994, in Article 210, talks about the obligation of meter owners to pay for verification.
- Government Decree No. 549 of July 21, 2008 sets out the procedure for supplying gas to homes, and in paragraph 21 it lists the obligations of the subscriber.
- Government Decree No. 250 of April 20, 2010 defines measuring instruments that can only be verified by accredited regional metrological centers.
- Government Decree No. 1057 of December 22, 2009 lists the rules for calculating the cost of verification for state-owned enterprises.
- Order of the Ministry of Industry and Trade No. 1815 dated July 2, 2015 describes the procedure for checking meters, information that must be contained in the sign and verification certificate.
Diagnostic rules
You should think about a scheduled verification approximately a month and a half before the expiration date. In other cases - immediately after detection of a breakdown. First you need to call an employee of a resource supplying organization, for example Mezhregiongaz, to draw up a report on removing the seal. The document must contain information about the date, time and place of work carried out, and meter readings. The paper is drawn up in two copies. One remains with the apartment owner, the other is transferred to Regiongaz.
The equipment must be dismantled by a specialist from the service company - Gorgaz, a contracting company. During the absence of the device, a jumper is placed in the pipe.
A convenient time is agreed upon with the owner of the apartment.
The owner is obliged to hand over the device to the verifier.
During the inspection, fuel charges are calculated based on average indicators. They are calculated based on information for the past year. The volume of gas consumed is taken from the supply contract.
3 months are given for research. After the end of this period, you will have to pay for gas according to the standards.
The work is carried out using special equipment. The meters are placed in installations that calculate the amount of gas passing through the meter and the accuracy of the readings. Sometimes during inspection, flow meters are disassembled and cleaned of dirt and dust. A technician can replace broken parts. The activities carried out are recorded in the passport and verification certificate.
Often, calibration companies repair devices. Many brands of household meters cannot be repaired: manufacturers make them non-removable.
In a private house
Dismantling equipment in a private house is complicated by the peculiarities of the construction. Here gas is used for cooking and heating. The device must be removed and replaced by specialists.
The first sealing is free of charge. You will also need to draw up a report on the latest readings of the device, new values after testing. Upon return of the device, the connection points with the pipe are sealed by an Mezhregiongaz employee.
In the apartment
Only a specialist can remove the meter and reinstall the device. In this case, reports on the latest data are also drawn up, and new indications are taken into account. Replacing equipment requires turning off the gas supply. It should stand on a common pipe.
How to do it without removing
The legislator allows testing equipment at home. New models of meters allow diagnostics to be carried out without removing them from the pipe. In this case, special equipment is required - portable units. Sensors are connected to the pipe to evaluate the operation of the meter.
Some conditions will have to be met: the specialist will need free access to the gas riser and electrical network. The procedure takes a little time, but will require financial costs. You will have to pay much more than with regular verification. Where to conduct research is decided by the owner of the device.
This method is not suitable for all devices, since the study is carried out superficially. The meter cannot be removed from the pipe and the seals are not removed. The specialist will not see worn out, damaged parts and will not be able to clean them. He is obliged to make notes in the meter’s passport or issue a verification certificate.
The verifier must have the necessary forms, seals, seals, and stamps. Payment for work is confirmed by a check or receipt. A report of unsuitability is drawn up for a faulty meter.
Offers to issue a certificate without examining the equipment are illegal and should not be accepted. Employees of inspection agencies will immediately detect incorrect documents. The readings of such a device will not be taken into account.
Important: issuing verification certificates without examining the meter is illegal.
Who should film
Work with gas equipment is carried out by contracting and service companies. Their employees, after appropriate training, receive clearance. The devices should also be installed by professionals. The owner of the apartment calls them.
Attempts to independently remove the meter and put it back in place will lead to problems with supervisory authorities. Double sealing prevents interference with the operation of the device.
Broken seals are considered a malfunction of the equipment and are equivalent to its absence. Payments in such situations are calculated according to the norms; recalculation for the past six months is possible. Meter readings will not be taken into account.
Where is the frequency of the device indicated?
This is written in the device passport, calibration certificate and depends on the type of device and year of manufacture. You can find the information of interest in the register of metering devices. Timing control is carried out by service organizations. Subscribers are required to track the date of the next check. The inter-verification period begins with the last verification procedure.
What is the price
The price of verification depends on the type of device, work performed, and region. The law provides rules for calculating the cost of research for metrology centers.
Private companies set prices at their own discretion. They are prescribed in contracts. How much the services cost and the company’s address can be found on its website.
Attention! Prices in regions may vary, but as a rule, it is 1,500 rubles. You need to add another 1000 rubles. for a device with a magnetic card.
Who should pay
The owner signs a contract to confirm the serviceability of the equipment. There are no exceptions to this rule. Services are provided for a fee.
