Examination of a gas meter: is it possible to order an independent check and challenge the accrued fine

approximate cost

The diagnostic procedure is not free of charge. The prices for checking gas meters in each organization are different. An agreement is concluded with the owners of gas equipment. On its basis, verification of meters will be carried out.

Based on the results of the performed diagnostics, the subscriber is given recommendations on the further possible operation of the equipment, and a receipt is issued for payment for diagnostic work.

If a collective agreement is concluded with an auditing company, then the settlement system is made differently:

• one-time payment;
• distribution of payment for the entire period of service.

The amount of payment for the procedure consists of several stages: dismantling the meter, verification work, installation. The price depends on the design, brand of the device and the complexity of removing it from the inlet pipe. Usually it is 2000-5000 rubles.

Do I need to do verification if restrictions are eased in the region

In the summer of 2020, starting from June, in many cities and regions of Russia, including Moscow and the Moscow Region, the authorities eased restrictions and canceled mandatory self-isolation. Does this mean that you need to believe the counters? Yes and no. If the calibration interval has ended and you are not at risk for coronavirus, then you can invite a metrologist for the verification procedure.

Then the utilities will definitely not have any questions for you, and at the end of the year you will not have to rush to solve the problem of unverified meters. Verification certificates received in 2020 are valid and legal.

But if you decide to postpone the verification, then the public utilities do not have the right not to accept the readings of your metering devices. Recall that the X-hour, when the verification will be considered overdue, and the readings will be accrued “according to the average”, is January 1, 2021.

By the way, if you need a forensic examination, then the best solution would be to turn to specialists. .

If they call and offer to check during quarantine

Based on the foregoing, all utility companies are required to accept meter readings even with an expired verification period. Measures for the replacement of such devices and verification will be fully resumed in 2021.

Verification of water meters and other measuring devices (electricity, gas, heat meters) is not carried out during total self-isolation. If the restrictions are relaxed, then the procedure is allowed, but not required.

However, in connection with this, cases of fraud by unscrupulous organizations have become more frequent. They call consumers and say that urgent verification of devices is needed in 2020, and also threaten with fines.

This information is disseminated in the media, on television, on the Internet. Pensioners are the main target of scammers.

Verification of metering devices was a mandatory procedure, the main purpose of which was to confirm the measuring device of the technical documentation. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, it is possible to check meters (except for the period of self-isolation), but not necessarily. These are temporary measures until 2021 aimed at reducing the spread of the virus. Subscribers whose device verification period expires after 04/06/2020 will transmit its readings, and utility companies are required to charge fees based on these readings.

???? How long does it take to check

The frequency of this procedure depends on the type of device and the requirements of the rules for its operation specified by the manufacturer. Usually it is 5 or 8 (but not more than 12) years.

The duration of the periods, as well as the date of the last procedure, are indicated in the technical passport of the meter.

Extraordinary verification of the gas meter is carried out in the following cases:

• the presence of damage to the device detected during its inspection;
• violation of the integrity of the seal;
• lack of a technical passport of the meter with data on its verification;
• the presence of reasonable suspicions of the unreliability of the instrument readings;
• meter repair.

The need for an independent review

A gas meter, like any other metering device, must periodically undergo a scheduled check. In addition to the current survey, an unscheduled one is also provided, which must be carried out before the commissioning of new gas equipment or after the repair of previously installed equipment.

In the course of checking the operation, the metering device is inspected for external interference and damage, the integrity of the factory and seals installed by the service is analyzed. Additionally, the survey may reveal the facts of the impact of various devices that allow you to adjust the actual indicators of fuel consumption in favor of the subscriber.

In order to confirm the serviceability of the meter and make sure that the gas metering is correct, the device is dismantled by a service representative and sent for an official check, about which an appropriate act is drawn up.

Alas, it is the household meter that may not pass the test without dismantling. And the identification of any other violations during the initial inspection can bring undesirable sanctions even on a conscientious subscriber.

An independent technical and metrological examination helps to defend their rights and challenge the actions of gas workers.

During the survey, the user will be able to prove the most important facts confirming his innocence of the alleged violations:

• the absence of outside interference in the design of the metering device;
• the performance of the counter and the correctness of the data provided by it.

Experts can additionally conduct studies regarding the effect of a magnetic field on the device and determine the level of residual magnetization. A conclusion of this kind can be the main evidence that the subscriber did not try to influence the meter from the outside for selfish purposes.

The results of the examination can be used both in pre-trial and litigation disputes. In some situations, the conclusion of a specialist helps not to start a lawsuit at all and immediately challenge the actions of the gas distribution organization. So, for example, if the user has a suspicion that the meter winds a lot, it fixes an unreasonably large amount of consumed cubic meters of gas. This may be the reason for an independent examination, the results of which will help to immediately challenge the unreasonably large amount of accruals.

Acts provided by an expert organization are weighty evidence in court and can be considered by regulatory or law enforcement agencies in the process of resolving disputes between a service organization or service provider and the end user.

The need for an independent review

A gas meter, like any other metering device, must periodically undergo a scheduled check.In addition to the current survey, an unscheduled one is also provided, which must be carried out before the commissioning of new gas equipment or after the repair of previously installed equipment.

In the course of checking the operation, the metering device is inspected for external interference and damage, the integrity of the factory and seals installed by the service is analyzed. Additionally, the survey may reveal the facts of the impact of various devices that allow you to adjust the actual indicators of fuel consumption in favor of the subscriber.

In order to confirm the serviceability of the meter and make sure that the gas metering is correct, the device is dismantled by a service representative and sent for an official check, about which an appropriate act is drawn up.

Alas, it is the household meter that may not pass the test without dismantling. And the identification of any other violations during the initial inspection can bring undesirable sanctions even on a conscientious subscriber.

An independent technical and metrological examination helps to defend their rights and challenge the actions of gas workers.

During the survey, the user will be able to prove the most important facts confirming his innocence of the alleged violations:

• the absence of outside interference in the design of the metering device;
• the performance of the counter and the correctness of the data provided by it.

Experts can additionally conduct studies regarding the effect of a magnetic field on the device and determine the level of residual magnetization. A conclusion of this kind can be the main evidence that the subscriber did not try to influence the meter from the outside for selfish purposes.

The results of the examination can be used both in pre-trial and litigation disputes.In some situations, the conclusion of a specialist helps not to start a lawsuit at all and immediately challenge the actions of the gas distribution organization. So, for example, if the user has a suspicion that the meter winds a lot, it fixes an unreasonably large amount of consumed cubic meters of gas. This may be the reason for an independent examination, the results of which will help to immediately challenge the unreasonably large amount of accruals.

Acts provided by an expert organization are weighty evidence in court and can be considered by regulatory or law enforcement agencies in the process of resolving disputes between a service organization or service provider and the end user.

Who has the right to carry out the procedure

The easiest way is to call your gas supplier, sometimes suppliers carry out the procedure themselves or they have trusted organizations attached.

A more difficult option is to find a commercial verification company.

Such an organization must have an accreditation certificate in the field of ensuring the uniformity of measurements issued by the Federal Accreditation Service. The register of organizations accredited in the field of ensuring the uniformity of measurements can be viewed here.

Also, specialists carry out dismantling and installation of equipment, and for the period of diagnostics (if verification is carried out in the laboratory) they install a temporary safety device.

The essence of the procedure

Checking the gas meter is a study of the accuracy of the working mechanism. Based on the results of the diagnostics, it is determined whether the device can be operated further.

Metrological diagnostics of meters is carried out in the bodies of the State Standard or at home, if the company that will carry out the procedure has mobile equipment.The procedure is performed by professionals, so the risk of harm to the device is equal to zero.

In accordance with the Federal Law "On Ensuring the Uniformity of Measurements" No. 102 FZ of June 26, 2008, all gas meters must be checked for the correctness of calculations before commissioning.

What is the service life of a gas meter? What is the danger of using a device with an expired shelf life?

According to the amendments to Federal Law No. 261 “On Energy Saving and Increasing Energy Efficiency”, owners of apartments and residential buildings must install meters to measure gas consumption by January 1, 2020, or the device will be installed by force by a special service.

The law does not apply to emergency dwellings and facilities that are subject to demolition or are awaiting major repairs. Also, meters will not need to be installed in apartments where the maximum volume of gas consumption does not exceed 2 cubic meters per hour, for example, when only the stove runs on gas in the house. We will find out what the validity period of the device is, after what time the counter changes.

What does the expiration date for a gas meter mean?

The service life of a gas meter is its maximum possible service life; after this time, the device needs to be replaced. Any meter is sold complete with a technical passport, which contains:

• all characteristics of the device;
• the frequency of the need to perform verification;
• service life set by the manufacturer.

How much is?

Let's find out how long the device lasts, for how many years it is installed.Despite the fact that the state has set the validity period of a gas meter in an apartment or a private house for 20 years, it is better to follow the recommendations from the manufacturer prescribed in the technical passport of the equipment. Models of counters and terms of their operation:

• SGK - 20 years;
• NPM G4 - 20 years;
• SGMN 1 g6 - 20 years;
• Betar - 12 years;
• 161722 Grand - 12 years old.

From which date is it counted: from the date of installation or release?

It doesn’t matter how long after the purchase you installed the meter, the life of the gas meter is counted from the date of manufacture of the device in accordance with the Procedure for verifying measuring instruments, the requirements for the verification mark and the content of the verification certificate (approved by order of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation of July 2, 2020 G

No. 1815).

Consider how often you need to change the device, after how many years it must be replaced. According to the standard, if the meter passed all the verifications and worked properly, then it is replaced at the end of the service life (from 8 to 20 years) indicated in the technical passport. But there are cases when the device needs to be changed ahead of the regulated period:

• Seals broken.
• Numbers are not displayed on the instrument panel.
• The presence of damage incompatible with the operation of the device.
• The meter did not pass the verification, or during its implementation, violations were revealed in which further operation is not possible.

Violation of the life of the meter can be the following factors:

• Low throughput.
• Increased indoor humidity.
• Incorrect counter setting.
• There are no dust filters.
• The installed cells do not meet the technical requirements.

How does operation affect the period of use?

The operation of a gas meter, like any other measuring device, affects its operation. This may manifest itself in:

• the occurrence of interruptions that affect the accounting of readings;
• the appearance of noise;
• constant interruptions;
• frequent mistakes when accounting for the consumed resource.

That is why any meter must be constantly checked and, if necessary, repaired or replaced. You can find out about the timing of inspections of gas meters separately.

The device may fail if the user violates the operating conditions specified in the passport. If all the necessary requirements are met and ensured, the meter's useful life will be as long as possible.

At the moment, penalties for an expired gas meter in an apartment or on the street in a private house are not yet provided for by the Legislation, but the owner will in any case receive a blow to the wallet, since the use of a meter whose use has expired is equated to its absence, which means that you will have to pay according to the current regulations and tariffs.

If it is necessary to replace the meter, it is better to notify in advance the authorized person who will perform the replacement services, the presence of an inspector is also necessary, who will write off the readings of the removed device, and, in case of questions, confirm the integrity of the seals at the time of removal of the device and its serviceability. The device must be sealed either immediately or within 5 working days.

What is this expertise and when is it needed?

An independent examination of a gas meter is understood as an objective analysis and assessment of the operability of the device, its compliance with safety standards and metrological requirements.

An independent examination of a gas meter is required when disagreements arise between the gas service and the consumer. For example, during the inspection, service workers made a claim that the seal was broken and a complete replacement of the device was needed. In this case, a recalculation will be made and the consumer will be billed a round sum. If the tenant of the house is not to blame, then he should order an independent examination.

During the procedure, the specialist determines:

1. Preservation of factory seals, KZN.
2. Making changes to the design.
3. The presence of mechanical damage.
4. The reliability of the elements.
5. The presence of defects made during installation.
6. Manufacturing defects.
7. Compliance with metrological parameters.
8. Influence of ionizing, electric and magnetic fields on the accuracy of instrument readings.

At the end, an act is drawn up on the identified violations, recommendations are made for their elimination.

It is worth ordering a gas meter check in such situations:

• The seal is deformed, faded, and the gas service workers claim that it has been torn off.
• The counter winds up a lot and proof is needed for recalculation.
• The device broke down, it is necessary to determine the culprit of the malfunction.
• The gas consumption control device is installed in the yard of a private building. gas workers claim that in autumn and winter the device does not work correctly and recalculation is needed.

The verification process takes no more than 40 minutes.

Legislative grounds for verification

The need for verification of measuring instruments is established by Article 13 of the Law of the Russian Federation of June 26, 2008 No. 102-FZ. This is done to ensure the uniformity of measurements in the field of state control.According to paragraph 1 of article 13, an initial verification is established when the device is put into operation and after its repair, as well as periodic verification during operation with a set frequency.

Veronika Astakhova

Legal consultant

Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of May 6, 2011 No. 354 established verification rules utility meters. According to p.p. "d" and "e" of the Decree, consumers of services are obliged to comply with Law No. 102-FZ and ensure the verification of general house and individual appliances (including room ones) in time according to the technical documentation for the meters.

The verification methodology and requirements for control meters are regulated by GOST 8.156-83 and MI 1592-99. Regardless of the accuracy of measuring the water flow, the devices must be tested after a certain calibration interval. The readings of an unverified meter cannot be taken into account.

Why change counters?

During operation, situations arise when water meters need to be replaced. Their failure can be caused by natural wear and tear and peculiarities of operation. The main causes of damage are: mechanical wear of the impeller and counting device; poor water quality caused by a high content of salts, solid impurities and other aggressive components (especially in hot water); blocking passages with sand and mud; mechanical damage due to external influences; the presence of a hidden factory defect.

These circumstances may cause damage to meters that cannot be repaired. It is possible that the repair is too expensive and only solves the problem for a short time.In such situations, replacing a device that has failed with a new one becomes a necessity.

It is important to understand that the operation of a damaged meter is unacceptable, its readings will not be taken into account, and the water consumption will be recalculated according to the standards for the number of residents

When is it legal to replace meters?

Mandatory replacement of the water meter is necessary in the following cases:

1. The end of the service life of the device specified in the technical documentation.
2. Mechanical damage and breakage of the device.
3. The presence of critical deviations in the readings caused by reasons that cannot be eliminated by repair.
4. Loss of a passport for the device and the impossibility of restoring it.

A malfunction of the device can be established by the following signs:

• Obvious mechanical damage.
• Pronounced differences in daily meter readings with equal consumption.
• Visible violation of the movement indication: complete or intermittent stop with the tap open, uneven movement with a uniform flow of water, excessively slow or too fast rotation compared to the previous period of operation.

If there are clear signs of a device failure, penalties may be imposed on the consumer. He is obliged, upon detection of defects, to immediately notify the water supply organization.

The replacement of the meter can be carried out at the initiative of the consumer upon detection of obvious signs of a breakdown or at the end of the instrument's service life; as prescribed by the controlling organization (based on the results of an unscheduled inspection or at the end of the device’s service life); according to the conclusion based on the results of the planned verification (if the device malfunctions).To carry out the replacement, the consumer of the service must submit an application, and the procedure itself is carried out by a specialist of the water supply company (Mosvodokanal). Pulling with the replacement of the counter is not recommended.

Types of verification

There are several types of verification of gas meters: without removal, with removal, primary, scheduled and unscheduled. Each procedure has its own characteristics.

Primary

Before installing a gas meter in an apartment, the owner must make sure that the device is operational and has been diagnosed before operation. Usually, at the time of purchase of the equipment, the technical passport contains a note that the verification was carried out immediately after production at the factory. These results are valid until the specified date (find in the form of the technical passport).

Planned

After several years of operation, the gas meter may show an incorrect flow rate. The error can be up or down.

According to the order of the State Standard of the Russian Federation of July 18, 1994, the meter owner is obliged to carry out diagnostics in accordance with the established verification deadlines. The calibration interval depends on the instrument model. Usually it is 8, 10 or 12 years old. Each verification gives a guarantee for the absence of errors until the next verification.

unscheduled

This type of diagnosis is carried out if there are suspicions of measurement errors. Gas metering devices can make excessive noise, knock, vibration, significantly underestimate the readings at the peak of the heating season. In such situations, they need urgent unscheduled diagnostics.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

In the video below, a representative of an organization providing services for the examination of metering devices examines in detail a real and fairly common situation in which an independent assessment of the condition and operation of a gas meter may be required:

The author of the following video shares his opinion on the advisability of buying a new meter or checking an old device:

A detailed disassembly of a gas meter that did not pass the scheduled verification is shown by the master. The specialist considers the ways that unscrupulous inspectors can use to render the metering unit unusable:

A competent approach and legal knowledge help the subscriber in most disputable situations. Having the results of an independent examination in hand, the consumer can boldly defend his interests and hope for a fair court decision.

But it is important for each owner of metering devices to personally monitor the progress of the inspection of the meter and not sign acts of dubious content. Perseverance, knowledge and understanding of the law will protect the supplier from arbitrariness and will allow you not to receive a potential fine

Do you still have questions about conducting an independent examination or want to supplement the above information with useful information and facts? You can ask questions to our experts and express your opinion in the comments section below this article.