The essence of the procedure
Checking the gas meter is a study of the accuracy of the working mechanism. Based on the diagnostic results, it is determined whether the device can be used further.
Metrological diagnostics of meters is carried out in Gosstandart authorities 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 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.
However, in 2020, due to the coronavirus epidemic, verification of any meters (gas, water, electricity, heat) has been cancelled. The new rules are valid from April 2020 until January 1, 2021. Read the article about canceling meter verification.
What is verification, who carries it out and what is its duration?
In accordance with Federal Law No. 102-FZ dated June 26, 2008, the owner of measuring instruments, including a gas meter, must undergo initial verification during installation and periodically check the device during use. But one should take into account the fact that the verification period begins not from the moment of operation of the device, but as soon as it was manufactured, since it was then that the measuring device passed the first verification. When purchasing a gas meter, you must be given its passport, which indicates the date of the first verification and other nuances. This document also indicates the period between verifications of the device, that is, after what time the next verification should be carried out.
The verification must be carried out by a company or organization with which the owner has an agreement to service the meter. Owners often wonder who pays for checking or replacing the meter? Therefore, as for payment, it falls on the shoulders of the owner of the measuring device, since it is the accuracy of gas consumption that is in the interests of the consumer. Expenses upon expiration of the verification period will also be borne by the owner, so verification is carried out in his interests. To avoid unpleasant situations, you should immediately remember the next verification date or record it on the device.
The verification period for each other gas meter model is different, so it is better to keep the documentation about the device intact to avoid unnecessary expenses.
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 passed diagnostics before operation. Usually, at the time of purchase of equipment, the technical passport contains a note stating that verification was carried out immediately after production at the factory. These results are valid until the specified period (found in the registration form).
Planned
After several years of operation, the gas meter may show incorrect consumption. The error can be greater or lesser.
According to the order of the State Standard of the Russian Federation dated July 18, 1994, the owner of the meter is obliged to carry out diagnostics in accordance with the established verification periods. The calibration interval depends on the device model. This is usually 8, 10 or 12 years. Each verification provides a guarantee that there will be no error until the next verification.
Unscheduled
This type of diagnosis is carried out if there are suspicions of measurement errors. Gas meters can produce excessive noise, knocking, vibration, and significantly underestimate readings during the peak heating season. In such situations, they need urgent unscheduled diagnostics.
What is the period for checking a gas meter?
The timing of verification of gas meters in Russia is indicated by the manufacturer in its passport; for convenience, we have collected all the data on the timing of verification of meters in a summary table (see above). In addition, the passport must indicate that the manufactured device is indeed suitable for carrying out measurements, which is confirmed by the stamp, the date of verification and the signature of the person who carried out the verification. After the interval during which the device is permissible to be used, it must be periodically checked. This is because the meter may, over time, begin to make errors that lead to incorrect flow measurements. In this case, the error can work both smaller and larger. Thus, it is not profitable for the subscriber to delay checking the meter.
There is no penalty for late verification of the device. However, if an expired device is used for a long time, all readings will be recalculated according to the standard, and an invoice will be issued that is an order of magnitude higher than the actual one.
What is the calibration interval and how to find it out
The calibration interval of gas meters is a period of time during which it is necessary to undergo mandatory diagnostics of errors in the operation of the equipment. In accordance with state requirements, verification periods are as follows:
- for devices manufactured before 2005 - every 8 years;
- for equipment manufactured after 2005 - every 10 or 12 years.
Verification times may vary depending on the device model. You can find the individual frequency in the technical data sheet of the device, which comes with the purchase.
Verification interval dates
The period between verifications may differ depending on the gas meter model. This is also affected by the cost of the measuring device, since if the interval is longer, it means that the device can operate for a long time without failures or breakdowns, and accordingly, the materials for its manufacture are stronger and of better quality. But it is not always necessary to carry out verification after the expiration of the period; if the interval is 12 years, and the condition of the device has deteriorated over 5 years, it is worth contacting the gas service earlier. Also, if the gas meter has a calibration interval of 8 years, and after working for 5 years the device began to incorrectly calculate gas consumption, it should also be checked or replaced.
The most popular are devices whose verification interval is 12, 10 and 8 years, since they are more durable and of higher quality. Manufacturers guarantee operation throughout the entire time, which means that the quality of the device is high. Devices with a calibration interval of 6 or 5 years are less durable, but they do not go out of production due to their affordable price. It is advisable not to test the device until the last minute, so as not to incur a loss. After a while, an employee should be called to avoid unpleasant moments, so the deadlines can be guaranteed, and the owners should check.
After the inspection, a representative of the gas company must put a mark and stamp in the passport, and also write that the device is in working order and can perform its functions in the future. If the device, on the contrary, is unsuitable, the representative gives the owner a document that confirms its unsuitability and also recommends installing a new gas meter in the near future.
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 attached verified organizations.
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 found here.
Specialists also dismantle and install the equipment, and during the diagnostic period (if verification is carried out in the laboratory) they install a temporary safety device.
Is it possible to do it at home without removing it?
In most cases, checking a gas meter without removing it is technically impossible, since without dismantling the inspector will not be able to set different gas flow rates.
Most household gas meters must be verified according to GOST 8.324-2002 “GSI. Gas meters. Verification method”, and this method involves dismantling.
However, if employees of Gosstandart (or another accredited company) have a mobile verification station on hand, then they can verify the meter at home.
The metering device is dismantled and tested on site, in the client’s apartment, without delivery to the laboratory. This verification is carried out within an hour. The owner of the counting device will be required to organize a verification event, pay for services in advance or on the spot.
Standard device life
Depending on where exactly the measuring device will be installed, the following types of gas meters are distinguished: household, industrial, municipal. The main difference between them is the volume of gas that is passed through over a certain period of time. The service life also varies.
Over time, the functionality of the device decreases. This can lead to unnecessary noise, interruptions in operation, and incorrect accounting of gas consumption. In this regard, gas meters need to be periodically checked and replaced. The nominal service life of such a device is 20 years.
Reference! The countdown begins from the moment the device is released, not installed.
However, each product comes with a passport for it. This document always indicates both the service life and the frequency with which inspections must be carried out. The SGK 4 meter, for example, according to the instructions, can operate for no more than 20 years, while the Betar device has a service life of 12 years. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to focus on the data specified in the passport.
approximate cost
The diagnostic procedure is not carried out free of charge. Each organization has its own prices for checking gas meters. An agreement is concluded with the owners of gas equipment. On its basis, the meters will be verified.
Based on the results of the diagnostics performed, the subscriber is given recommendations regarding further possible operation of the equipment, and a receipt is issued for payment for the diagnostic work.
If a collective agreement is concluded with an inspection company, then the settlement system is carried out 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, calibration work, installation. The price depends on the design, brand of the device and the complexity of its removal from the inlet pipe. Usually it is 2000-5000 rubles.
Important! If the equipment is many years old and there are problems with its operation, it is better to immediately purchase a new meter. Most likely, it will not pass verification. As a result, the owner will need to spend money not only on diagnostics, but also on the purchase of new equipment, as well as dismantling and installation. In order to save money, it is better to immediately buy a new device.
How long will a G6 gas meter last?
The two-chamber meter has increased throughput and can be used in both domestic and industrial applications. This metering device is installed in administrative institutions, in a private house or apartment with several devices that consume natural gas.
Several devices can be connected to the SGMN-1M G6 meter simultaneously, for example a gas stove, boiler and water heater.
The main advantages of this metering device:
- high sensitivity – measurement begins even at minimal flow;
- silent operation - the device does not make noise or crackle, so it will be appropriate in any living space;
- small dimensions;
- when gas passes through the device, the pressure in the line does not change;
- the operation of the device is practically independent of temperature changes - outdoor installation is acceptable;
- the meter is able to work even with a contaminated gas environment;
- a reliable flow meter does not require frequent verification.
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The minimum service life of SGMN-1 G6 is 20 years, the interval between verifications is 8 years. A verified meter is considered to be working, so if the service life of the current meter has expired, it must be sent for verification. The owner of the gas equipment is responsible for the timely completion of this operation, and the use of an appliance with an expired verification period is tantamount to its absence.
Where to contact
First you need to contact the gas supplier. You can call the person on duty at the phone number (for each company indicated on the subscriber book or official website) and leave a request for verification or inform that you will contact a commercial verification service.
Some companies require that the subscriber personally bring the application to the gas service and attach a package of documents (sometimes copies are enough).
If you decide to call your gas service employees, then you need to leave a request for verification and agree on the time of the metrologists’ visit.
If you call a commercial company, then contact them (after you have notified your gas service).
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.
What documents will you be given and what should you do with them?
When verification is completed, the subscriber will be given the following package of documents:
- Certificate of work performed with a full transcript, signature and seal;
- Gas meter maintenance agreement;
- Certificate of verification (this form is issued if during the diagnostics the identified error does not exceed the normal limits).
The technician also enters the date of the test into the technical passport of the device. Information on the new gas meter must be submitted to the EIRC.
