Disputes with a monopolist over an unverified gas meter, or When will the Supreme Court have its say?

Individual metering devices have a certain service life, so replacing a gas meter is a necessary procedure. The need to install a new device may also arise due to premature failure of the mechanism.

The replacement procedure has clear rules that must be followed. Any violations of established standards will not allow the new equipment to be put into operation, and therefore the consumer will incur serious costs.

Varieties and features

A gas meter is a metering device whose purpose is to control the amount of gas consumed. There is no single service life for different gas meters. It depends on the operating conditions and the type of metering device. The following varieties can be distinguished:

• According to throughput capacities: household, industrial and municipal.
• According to the operating principle: rotary, diaphragm, turbine and membrane.

In apartments and private houses, ordinary household meters (turbine or rotary) are installed, which have been verified and sealed.

All meters have two main characteristics: throughput and service life. The first characteristic is clearly written on the meter itself and represents the amount of gas that passes through the meter in a certain time (in 1 hour). For example, if the capacity G5 is indicated on it, then 5 cubic meters of gas pass through the device in one hour.

The second characteristic - the maximum permissible service life - is also set by the manufacturer and on average is about 20 years, but depending on the operating conditions, this figure may decrease or increase.

ATTENTION! The service life of a metering device begins to count from the moment of manufacture, not installation.

At whose expense is the gas meter replaced?

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The subscriber is primarily responsible for the following items:

• Contents of gas measuring equipment: Delivery of the device for verification;
• Payment for verification;

The first point is confirmed by a document approved by order of the State Standard of the Russian Federation dated July 18, 1994 No. 125.

Thus, it is the primary responsibility of the owner of gas equipment to send the device for verification on time for reliable readings of gas volumes consumed.

According to reviews, the cost of replacement can cost from 1,000 to 15,000 rubles (depending on the specific city or region). Average prices are from 3 to 4 thousand rubles.

How to use it correctly

To ensure that the gas meter does not fail before the stated period, you need to know the necessary conditions for using the equipment:

1. Entrust the installation of the metering device only to qualified craftsmen and under no circumstances do it yourself.
2. Before installation, make sure that the design has a special dust filter.
3. Select the meter in accordance with the required throughput. This should also be left to a professional.
4. Do not install in rooms with high humidity.
5. If the meter breaks down or if you suspect it is not working correctly, be sure to call a technician.

If the user complies with all stated operating requirements, the device will last the entire period specified by the manufacturer without breakdowns or inaccuracies in readings.

In what cases is it necessary to change the device?

The following situations may be the reason for replacing the gas meter in 2021:

• the service life of the flow meter has expired;
• the verification period has expired;
• meter failure.

If the service life specified by the manufacturer has expired, then such a device is unsuitable for use and is not allowed to be used. This means that the gas meter needs to be changed. Depending on the type of meter used and its manufacturer, the service life ranges from 10 to 25 years.

These numbers must be looked for in the device passport.

If the established calibration interval has expired, then such a meter can either be sent for verification or simply replaced with a new one. The calibration interval for gas meters is usually from 5 to 12 years.

If the gas meter no longer takes into account gas consumption, the display has gone out, or there is a suspicion of incorrect operation, then the device can be either repaired or replaced. If the device was purchased recently, it is recommended to replace the meter under warranty.

The process of replacing the meter and the reasons that determine that the meter is not suitable for use are regulated by the laws of the Russian Federation, namely the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of September 19, 2013 N 824 On making changes.

Service life

The average shelf life of a meter is 20 years, but many metering devices, often installed in a modern apartment in a residential building, have a much shorter lifespan . For example, for the BETAR counter, it is only 12 years.

At the end of the stated service life, the equipment begins to work incorrectly. It may give inaccurate readings, operate intermittently, or be noisy. In order to prevent distortions in the readings, it is necessary to carry out verification in a timely manner.

When installing the device, a passport is always attached to it, which contains all the necessary data. After reviewing all the information provided, the apartment owner will be aware of how many years later the measuring device should be verified and replaced.

Instructions for filling out the act

• the name of the company in which the work was carried out. If this is a private person, it is enough to indicate passport details and the address where the home is located;
• information about the organization that replaced the device. Not only specific specialists are noted, but also information about the license is indicated, which gives the company the right to provide these services;
• the essence of the document. So you need to write that a gas meter was installed. The device number is indicated. The place and date of drawing up the act are indicated.

During the process of drawing up a document, the person in charge may accidentally make a mistake, for example, the device number is indicated incorrectly. This is a significant error that must be corrected using a specific algorithm. So, the number in which an error was made must be crossed out with one line. The correct option is indicated above or next to it. Then you need to find a free space in the margins or at the bottom of the document where you need to write “Corrected Believe.” In addition, these corrections must be certified by the signatures of responsible persons. Naturally, corrections are made in the presence of both parties.

Law

Many users are concerned about the question: “When is it necessary to change the gas meter by law?” The procedure is regulated by a separate Federal Law number 102. According to it, all installed metering devices require periodic verification and replacement upon expiration of their service life.

ATTENTION! The frequency of meter verification is indicated in the passport. Typically it is 8-12 years for household measuring instruments.

Replacement and verification are carried out by special services that have appropriate accreditation. These can be both government services and individual entrepreneurs. They must have permission to carry out work.

Trying to replace or repair the measuring device yourself is strictly not recommended. When performing verification, the technician must warn you about the need to replace the device in a timely manner. After the specified period of operation of the meter has expired, it is replaced with another one. This device can no longer be used.

Who should change

The gas service must be notified about changing the gas meter. Replacing an individual metering device is carried out in several cases:

• When the gas meter breaks down and can no longer perform its functions. It is necessary to take into account that you need to be especially careful with gas appliances; mechanical failure or structural damage can lead to gas leakage.
• Meters that are installed at an enterprise or in residential premises have a certain service life. After this period has expired, you need to remove the old one and install a new one. The consumer should not be annoyed by this requirement to change gas meters, since outdated devices do not show consumption accurately.
• The meter changes when the number of gas appliances increases; in this case, a higher throughput of the appliance may be required.

Where can I go about replacing the IPU? It is prohibited to carry out such work on your own; you must contact the gas service, which has permission to carry out such work.

Therefore, with regard to any work related to gas equipment and gas networks, there are strict restrictions on the performers. There are organizations that change meters in every city.

He will check the installation, seal the gas meter, and issue a certificate for putting the device into operation. It is not allowed to use a gas meter without a seal and certificate. You can find out the contacts of the gas service and companies that can install and dismantle the IPU in the management company or in the housing office.

Do I need to pay for the replacement of an appliance in a municipal apartment? Residents of such housing rent under a social tenancy agreement. Therefore, all pipelines and devices in their system do not belong to the residents, and they do not pay for changing the gas meter.

Examination

Whether this test is required depends on the model of the appliance, but is usually done every eight years. It is done this way:

• The owner of the apartment calls a specialist. Information about the need for the next inspection is on the receipts.
• The technician replaces the existing meter with a temporary device from the service company. It is set for the period of verification of the declared device.
• The company is inspecting the removed device.
• The owner is given a conclusion on the possibility of further use of the meter.

If the conclusion indicates that no faults were found during the test, it can be installed back. Otherwise, the meter must be urgently replaced.

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.

Actions in case of breakdown

Meter breakdowns are not a common occurrence, but any equipment tends to break down. Malfunctions may be the following:

1. The numbers on the screen of the electronic device stop being displayed or become partially visible.
2. There is a gas leak at the connection to the pipe.
3. The device stops responding to the gas supply, stands still or works intermittently.

Malfunctions can only be corrected by a gas service employee. Upon arrival, they must draw up a report on the inspection performed and the identified breakdown.

If a malfunction was discovered by chance during a routine inspection, the owner of the apartment undertakes to pay for the use of gas at the recalculated tariff for the last six months. This amount is usually greater than what the owner paid according to indications and is made according to calculations performed for apartments without an installed meter.

In this situation, recalculation is carried out in any case, regardless of the integrity of the seal. The payment indicating the new amount comes to the apartment owner within one month from the date of drawing up the act.

IMPORTANT! If the seal was not broken, and the owner of the apartment promptly contacted the service company and reported the detected defects, no recalculation is made.

What to do with the old meter

The display of this dismantled meter contains information about the latest readings, so experts do not advise getting rid of the item until the entire process is completed.

In case of loss of recorded figures or incorrect calculations, the consumer will be able to request a repeat inspection, which will lead to a recalculation of the fee for a month or several days.

In some situations, such excesses can affect the savings of the family budget, but having a device with actual readings available, excesses can be avoided.

When the new unit is installed in the system and sealed, followed by commissioning, you can get rid of the old unit.

Such things are no longer valuable; some owners rent out devices to repairmen for a nominal fee.

If replacing the gas meter was not associated with a leak, it can be used as an insert, which will be required for continuous use of blue fuel when the battery is forced to be changed.

Expired meter

Failure to promptly replace a metering device is a violation. Despite the fact that representatives of the gas company are required to inspect the gas equipment in each apartment twice a year, all responsibility for the meter rests with the owner.

If service employees discover an expired device during an inspection, the owner will be required to pay the recalculated amount for the use of gas for the last 6 months. There is no separate fine for such a violation.

If you contact the special service in a timely manner about the expiration of the operational period, the owner will not pay an additional amount due to recalculation.

The procedure for contacting a gas office, checking and installing a gas appliance is similar for owners living in apartments and private houses.

Requirements and reasons for change

Since 2013, when Resolution No. 824, enshrined by the government on September 19, came into force. This law made adjustments to the rules for conducting public services. For the most part, this affected the requirements and algorithm for replacing devices for monitoring gas consumption in an apartment or enterprise. Referring to the law, it is required to dismantle the old meter in the following cases:

• End of the operating period, which is specified in the documents for the device; • After negative conclusions during a specialist check.

The latter includes:

physical and mechanical damage, documented errors in readings, displacement of seals, inability to read and remove meter readings. If the seals are damaged, the owner may be fined, so their integrity should be checked periodically.

Installation

The installation of a new measuring device, as well as the dismantling of an existing one, can only be carried out by a gas service employee who has a license to carry out such work. The owner of the apartment/house must perform the following actions:

• Submit an application for replacement or verification of equipment to the appropriate service (for example, Gorgaz).
• After registering the application, specialists are sent to the specified address. They check the condition of the meter and gas pipes. After the inspection, an invoice is issued for the installation services of the device.
• The meter itself is purchased by the apartment owner. As an exception, payment is not charged only to certain categories of citizens.
• Gas workers install equipment in a place specified by the owner, or dismantle an existing device.
• When installing the meter for the first time, you must adhere to certain placement rules: the measuring device is not placed near the gas stove. The distance to it should be at least 80 cm, and to the floor - about 120 cm.
• Upon completion, the craftsmen draw up a certificate of completion of work.
• An application is sent for sealing the device, which is done within three to five days after installation.

Operation stages

To pay for gas using a meter, it is necessary to seal the meter. The following describes how the procedure goes and what to do if after its completion the seal is torn or broken.

When should it be done?

The gas supplier, in accordance with clause 22 of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 21, 2008 N 549 “On the procedure for supplying gas to meet the household needs of citizens,” is obliged to seal the meter at the point of connection to the gas within 5 working days from the date of receipt of the application.

Who has the right to perform the operation?

Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated July 21, 2008 N 549 “On the procedure for supplying gas to meet the household needs of citizens” grants the right to install a seal exclusively to the gas supply service.

Is it paid or free?

The sealing of the meter in accordance with clause 22 of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 21, 2008 N 549 “On the procedure for supplying gas to meet the household needs of citizens” during initial installation is carried out at the expense of the gas supply company, in other cases (verification, replacement, repair or reinstallation, etc. .) at the expense of the owner of the premises.

Fines for broken or damaged seals

If the seal is broken accidentally, conscientious payers usually reimburse the cost of resealing. Also, Art. 19.2 of the Administrative Code (fine amount from 100 rubles to 300 rubles). If it is proven that the violation was intentional, then the fine under Art. 7.19 of the Administrative Code will be from 10 thousand rubles. up to 15 thousand rubles.

What to do if the seal is broken: step-by-step instructions

If the seal on the gas meter is broken, do not panic. Quick and consistent actions will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and fines.

Where to contact?

If you discover a broken seal, you should immediately notify the management company or gas service. If a telephone call was made, you need to record who exactly accepted the application. A more reliable way is to submit a written statement to prevent subsequent sanctions.

Required documents

To seal the meter you must provide:

• documents on the last meter verification;
• passport for the metering device;
• meter maintenance agreement;
• homeowner's passport;
• statement.

Application Form

When drawing up an application for re-sealing of the meter, you must indicate:

• passport details;
• subscriber's personal account number;
• address;
• phone number.

In addition to this information, you must indicate:

• the reason for replacing the filling;
• data on the metering device;
• meter readings and the date of its next verification (what are the timing for verification of gas meters?).

applications for gas meter sealing We do not recommend completing the documents yourself. Save time - contact our lawyers by phone: 8

Filling out the act

The act of removing the seal is drawn up by the gas service controller in two copies. The document states:

• parties present;
• reason for withdrawal;
• seal number (if available);
• meter readings at the time the seal was removed.

On our portal you will find materials about the service life of a gas meter, as well as what servicing gas equipment is and whether it is necessary to enter into an agreement with the company.

What is given upon completion?

Upon completion of the sealing, the specialist issues a certificate of work performed, which indicates the date and meter readings at the time the seal was installed.

Installing a gas meter is not an easy or cheap task, but it is often mandatory. If it is not possible to take advantage of a subsidy from local authorities, then there is an option to pay in installments. The paperwork for this procedure is not too complicated. The most important thing is that after installing the meter, make it a rule to check the integrity of the seal at least once a month. This way you can avoid unnecessary expenses and problems.

To resolve your issue, seek help from a lawyer. We will select a specialist for you. Call

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Payment procedures

In most cases, the owner of the property pays for all work performed and equipment installed. Free provision of services is possible only:

1. war veterans;
2. large families;
3. needy, low-income citizens.

Responsibility for timely verification and replacement also lies with the apartment owner. Actions in a private house to replace a metering device are no different from replacing indoor equipment. In both cases, all services are paid by the owner.

The cost of installation directly depends on the meter purchased and the complexity of further work. It is better to purchase a meter of the same model, since it will be easier to install. If the exact same device was not found in stores, you can contact the gas service with which the contract has been concluded.

ATTENTION! If it is necessary to replace the meter, which is located in the basement of the building, the owners of the house are not responsible for carrying out the work and purchasing equipment.

If a situation arises where the gas company does not replace the equipment in a timely manner, the owner has every right to file a complaint. Treat any equipment responsibly and always pay attention to its possible service life. This can save you from unnecessary problems and financial investments.

Installation and replacement fees

Order No. 1815 of the Ministry of Industry, effective July 2, 2015, states that all financial costs that arise when replacing or installing a gas meter are borne by the owner of the heated premises. This could be: a legal entity, an individual, a private entrepreneur or a state in public institutions. There are some exceptions, namely:

1. Municipal houses.

Housing is provided temporarily.
If a breakdown occurs, residents themselves must write a statement about the malfunction of this device, and the municipality must pay for repairs. 2. Free work is provided to war participants
(veterans and rear service personnel), large families (number of children from 3), and non-working pensioners.

All possible benefits for different segments of the population should be checked with the city gas company or contacted by local authorities.

Popular models

In order to choose a gas meter, you need to navigate the models offered by leading Russian manufacturers. The most popular companies that have received expert approval and many positive reviews are:

• Betar. According to sales specialists, it is the most popular company for the production of ultrasonic and diaphragm gas meters.
• Gazdevice is a manufacturer of well-known brands of diaphragm and ultrasonic models of metering devices.
• Gastroineft - the company produces jet equipment with thermal correction.
• Signal – diaphragm counters.
• Typepit – diaphragm and jet metering devices for natural gas.

Popular mechanical counters:

1. Household meters VK-G1.6 (ELSTER Gaselectronics LLC, Arzamas), produced under a German license, are intended for measuring butane, propane, and natural gas. They are installed in private residential buildings, apartments, and public utility buildings.

Passport details:

• Weight: 1.9 kg.
• Dimensions, mm: 195×212×155.
• Service life: 24 years.
• Interval between verifications: 10 years.
• Warranty: 3 years.

Advantages:

• Compactness.
• There are left and right counters.
• High measurement accuracy.
• Low noise level.
• Performance under high levels of pollution.
• Corrosion resistance.
• Reverse blocking.
• Temperature compensation.
• Reliability in operation.

1. SGK-G4 Signal (EPO SIGNAL LLC, Engels). The meter is intended for installation in private houses, apartments, public institutions, workshops and on the territory of industrial enterprises.

Technical characteristics of the device:

• Weight: no more than 2.5 kg.
• Dimensions, mm: 220×173×193.
• Service life: 20 years.
• Interval between verifications: 10 years.
• Warranty: 2 years.

Advantages:

• Aesthetic performance.
• Small error.
• No noise.
• Low pneumatic resistance.
• The presence of a lock that blocks the reverse rotation of the counter.
• Anti-vandal protection.

1. Household meter of membrane type SGD-3T-G6 for household, municipal or industrial purposes.

Technical data:

• Weight: 3.8 kg with a center distance of 200 mm; 4.3 kg at a center distance of 250 mm.
• Dimensions, mm: 265×185×250 (200 mm); 310×185×245 (250 mm).
• Standard service life: 20 years.
• Interval between verifications: 8 years.
• Warranty period: 2 years from the date of installation.

Advantages:

• Simplicity and reliability.
• Quiet operation.
• Protection from external unauthorized interventions and harmful environmental influences.
• Temperature compensation.
• Easy to take readings.

1. The gas meter for private houses NPM (NPM) is most effective in the case of simultaneous operation of a gas boiler and stove. At lower loads, its operation is unstable.

Main characteristics:

• Weight: no more than 1.8 kg.
• Dimensions, mm: 188×163×218.
• Service life: 20 years.
• Interval between verifications: 10 years.
• Warranty period: 2 years.

Device features:

• Possibility of outdoor installation.
• Durable housing.
• Resistant to pressure changes.
• Anti-corrosion protection.
• Reverse blocking.
• Modified model with pulse sensor.

1. The industrial gas meter SG 16 (MT)-100 is a fairly reliable device used in industry and utilities for commercial metering.

Passport characteristics:

• Weight: no more than 5 kg.
• Conditional diameter – 50 mm; length – 240 mm; height – 255 mm.
• Service life: 10 years.
• Interval between verifications: 3 years.
• Warranty period: 2 years from the start of operation.

Advantages of the meter:

• Set of standard sizes.
• Easy to install and operate.
• Unpretentiousness at work.
• Wide operating temperature range.

Among the disadvantages are: heavy weight, unattractive appearance, short time interval between verifications.

1. Mechanical flow meter SGMN-1-1-1 G4 is a membrane device made in Belarus, well proven in municipal and industrial enterprises.

Passport details:

• Weight: 3.8 kg.
• Dimensions (length-height-width), mm, no more: 307×165×223.
• Meter service life: 20 years.
• Verification interval: 8 years.
• Warranty period: 24 months.

Pros:

• High accuracy of readings.
• Simplicity and reliability of the design.
• Price.
• Anti-corrosion protection and ability to withstand a wide temperature range: from – 400 C to + 600 C.
• Easy to take readings

When purchasing a mechanical gas meter, you must take into account that the device itself does not save fuel. Its installation allows you to keep accurate records of consumed gas without averaged indicators. Therefore, it will pay off only within a few years of economical operation.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

We present to your attention a video that details the procedure for installing a gas meter with the help of gas service specialists.

A correctly selected and correctly installed gas meter will bring great benefits to apartment owners. It will show the exact consumption of a natural resource, which will help you monitor its consumption.

A reasonable attitude towards the use of gas, in turn, will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses and significantly reduce the cost of paying for blue fuel.

Do you have questions that we did not cover in this material? Ask them in the comments block - our experts will try to clarify all the points.

If you want to share your personal experience in obtaining the necessary documents and installing the meter, including further design of the device and putting it into operation, please tell us about it under our article. Add a photo of your meter, indicate how quickly in your case the investment in installing the device paid off and whether you are satisfied with the result.

How to check a gas meter?

If you have to undergo a scheduled gas meter check, here's how to proceed:

1. Contact the organization with which you have an agreement and submit a request for verification.
2. Take the application to the gas company or other service organization.
3. Wait for the call and agree on the date and time of your visit to the specialist.
4. Upon arrival of the specialist, check his documents to make sure that he is qualified to work with such equipment.
5. Give a specialist the opportunity to examine the metering device.
6. Decide whether you are ready to pay for the work to check the gas meter at home, or whether it needs to be removed and taken to a laboratory.
7. Wait for the result and the drawing up of an inspection report.
8. Based on the results obtained, make a decision about replacing the gas meter or leaving the old device in operation. From a separate article you will learn all the features of the procedure for replacing or repairing a gas meter.
9. Pay for the services of a specialist.

Where to contact?

In order to carry out a scheduled or extraordinary check of the gas meter, you must contact your regional gas service or other service organization with which you have an agreement.

What documents are needed in 2021?

In order for the regional gas service to carry out an inspection, you must submit an application.

For verification, you will need a passport of the owner of the premises or the person living in it

The passport data will be recorded in the verification report. Also, you will need a passport for the gas meter so that the specialist can pay attention to the characteristics of the device, as well as identify when the last check took place. If an apartment building or you personally have entered into an agreement for the maintenance of a metering device with a specific service organization, then in this case, when a specialist appears, you are required to provide a service agreement drawn up in your name.

Drawing up an application

The application is drawn up in free form. But often, gas company employees offer their own ready-made samples, based on which this document can be drawn up. It is drawn up on an A4 sheet.

1. The header indicates where this document is sent. The name and address of the gas service, as well as the applicant’s full name, passport details and registration address.
2. In the middle of the line the name “application” is indicated; the date of the gas meter inspection is indicated.
3. Below you need to indicate a request to consider the application for an inspection of the metering device.
4. Date and signature are added.

If you have entered into an agreement with a service company, then writing an application is an unnecessary procedure.

You will need to submit your application in person or by phone. A specialist will arrive at the appointed time and will conduct research and diagnostic work using special instruments.

Deadlines

Gas meters are checked within the time limits established by law. Government Decree No. 549, namely clause 22 (g), states that the gas supplier is obliged to respond to the consumer’s application within 5 working days.

• If the removal of the meter and subsequent procedures are carried out by an organization that once entered into a maintenance agreement with a citizen, then all procedures will take from 15 to 30 days.
• If a citizen asked for an inspection without removing the meter, and a special company is doing this, then in this case the examination will go much faster. Just a few days.

Payment for work and their cost

Payment for work related to installation, removal, and transportation of a gas appliance is borne by the owner of the premises.

On average, checking the meter will cost from 1,500 to 2,500 rubles, depending on the city of your residence. If the meter has a magnetic card, the check amount will be slightly more expensive.

If the device does not pass the test, then replacing it will cost from 3,000 to 4,000 rubles.

results

A specialist must confirm the suitability of the equipment for use. Or, it recognizes it as unsuitable for further use. If the measuring device is in good condition, the specialist issues a certificate, and a seal with a special verification mark is installed on the meter.

Information about the inspection is entered into the technical passport of the device, certified by a signature and an image of the assigned mark.

Rules for placing household gas meters

The issue of placement of household meters is especially relevant at this time due to the fact that standards for the installation of gas meters create a lot of problems when planning a kitchen. According to SNiP SP 42-101-2003: The distance from the installation sites of meters to gas equipment is taken in accordance with the requirements and recommendations of manufacturers set out in the meter passports.

If there is no such data in the passport, then the distance to the slab is at least 0.8 m. Vertical - 1.6 m from the floor. This requirement spoils the entire interior of the kitchen. Many modern counters have placement requirements specified in their passports, because... for example, to install a Grand-4 meter, it is enough to step back only 5 cm from the stove. In cases where the distance from the installation sites of meters to gas equipment is not stated in the meter passports, then you will have to comply with the requirements of SNiP. Let's look at the rules for placing household meters.

To quantitatively record the gas mixture passing through a certain section of the pipeline per unit of time, special gas metering devices are used at the household level - gas meters. Installation of meters is provided based on the conditions of ease of installation, maintenance and repair. The installation height of meters, as a rule, should be 1.6 m from the floor level of the room or ground.

In order to avoid corrosion damage to the meter's coating, when installing it, a gap (2 - 5 cm) should be provided between the meter and the structure of the building (structure) or support.

Installation of the meter indoors is provided outside the zone of heat and moisture release (from a stove, sink, etc.) in naturally ventilated places. It is not recommended to install meters in stagnant areas of the room (areas of the room fenced off from the ventilation duct or window, niches, etc.).

In the absence of the above requirements in the passports, the placement of meters should, as a rule, be provided at a distance (radius) of at least:

– 0.8 m from a household gas stove and gas-using heating equipment (capacitive and instantaneous water heaters, boilers, heat generators);

– 1.0 m from a restaurant stove, cooking boiler, heating and heating-cooking oven.

External (outside the building) installation of the meter is provided under a canopy, in cabinets or other structures that protect the meter from external influences. Open installation of the meter is allowed.

The placement of the meter includes:

– on a separate support on the territory of the gas consumer;

– on the wall of a building being gasified at a horizontal distance of at least 0.5 m from door and window openings.

Placing meters under openings in walls is not recommended.

The design of the cabinet for placing the meter must provide natural ventilation. Cabinet doors must have locks.

Complaint about the actions of gas service employees

If a citizen is faced with the fact that the company servicing his apartment is not going to change the meter, it is necessary to file a claim addressed to the head of this organization (or its branch in the region).
Often this measure is enough to get results. If the complaint does not help, you can contact:

1. Ministry of Energy. This department has a special department that considers citizens' complaints.
2. "Rospotrebnadzor". Meter replacement is a paid service. This organization oversees the legality of providing such services.
3. The prosecutor's office. As in the previous case, the prosecutor’s office is a supervisory body; accordingly, department employees can conduct an investigation into the fact of violation of a citizen’s rights.

Important! If contacting these organizations does not yield results, legal proceedings can be initiated.

Is it necessary to install a gas meter?

The transition of the Russian utility system to full accounting of consumed resources began about ten years ago as a result of the need to restore order in this area. Federal Law No. 261-FZ dated November 23, 2009 was developed and adopted, requiring owners of residential and commercial premises to equip their facilities with individual meters for metering resource consumption. The requirement also applied to household gas supply systems.

According to Federal Law 261, a deadline was set - January 1, 2021, after which all apartments and houses must be equipped with an IPU. Due to the occurrence of delays and various problems that increased the excitement around the installation of gas meters, Federal Law No. 269-FZ dated December 25, 2012 was adopted: the period for installing flow meters was extended for owners of residential premises. Each owner of a real estate property is required to equip the utility supply system with a metering mechanism before January 1, 2021.

There have also been innovations in other parts of the legislation. Starting in 2021, organizations involved in supplying gas to consumers have the right to compulsorily install meters in houses and apartments. Expenses are gradually recovered from the owner of the residential premises. The owner may interfere with installation or refuse to pay for the work, so sales companies are allowed to go to court.

Additionally, Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated May 6, 2011 No. 354 was adopted, which regulated and clarified the procedure for providing utility services to owners of private and apartment buildings. The PP justified the procedure for calculating payment, verification and the reasons why the gas flow meter may be declared unfit for use. We consolidated the installation and sealing process.

The responsibility for installing and maintaining the meter in operation lies with the owner of the residential premises, but in 2015, amendments to the legislation identified a category of citizens exempt from installing a gas meter. These are consumers in whose houses or apartments the maximum power consumption of the resource does not exceed 2 cubic meters per hour.

The rules most often apply to objects equipped only with a stove or when a stove is combined with a modern low-power column. The owners of these premises are not forced to switch to meters. Amendments do not apply if a gas boiler is installed.