We are all immigrants from the USSR. The rich heritage of the past still appears everywhere, wherever you turn your gaze and echoes here and there. Therefore, networks and power supply elements are also far from exceptional. Still post-war electrical sockets on round plywood, wiring on rollers outside, disposable, ceramic fuses and huge buzzing electricity meters.
Place where installed old electricity meters, teeming with spiders, bristling with twisted hanging wires, in general, instills fear and despondency in the apartment residents. Sooner or later, the owner will get around to renovating his apartment, which means better times will come for electricians. When reconstructing an apartment's electrical system, replacing the meter is not the last thing. Are you still using a Soviet-era electricity meter? What a resilient device you have! But this is where the reasons for joy end.
Naturally, electricity consumption is uneven throughout the day. Maximum consumption occurs in the morning, when everyone is getting ready for work, and in the evening, when all family members get together. At night, of course, there comes a period of sharp decline or, as it is also called, consumption failure. To equalize these statistical indicators, power supply organizations have come up with a discount on electricity during the period of general peace, thus compensating for the peak of evening overloads.
Now it's not forbidden turn on powerful electrical appliances, for example, washing machines, dishwashers, boilers and other equipment at night, which will only lead to savings in energy consumption. What is the cost of a modern device and its installation?
The installation of electricity meters should only be carried out by highly professional specialists, since the work is not only difficult, but also associated with high risks.
Single-phase multi-tariff meters have the following prices:
Single-phase single-tariff ones are sold at the price:
Cost of services for installation, connection and dismantling:
Workers in this area will certainly determine what kind of electricity meter you need to install, and will certainly comply with all the requirements of existing standards. Then they will select a location and install the device, after which they will ensure a visit from a specialist from Electric Supervision to ensure that the work was done well and to seal the electric meter. Installation will take no more than a day.
These models are used in apartments, private homes, small retail spaces, and offices. At a voltage of 220 V the rated power of such networks is 3-7 kW. How to obtain data regarding the maximum current for which the device is designed? To do this, you need to remember that 1 kW of power is equal to 4.5 A (circuit current). We multiply the indicators and get this data, which is equal to 13-32A.
The front panel of all electric meters indicates the main characteristics of the rated and maximum current, for example, 5-40A. The first number indicates the rated current, which is 5A, the second - the maximum, equal to 40. Thus, choosing a single-phase meter is not at all difficult, you just need to pay attention to some designations.
The installation of these devices is necessary for electricity metering in cottage villages, where wiring to the territory is possible only through a three-phase system. Widely used in public buildings and industrial enterprises. Such a counter is much easier to choose than the one described above, since the required model has already been declared by the relevant services - customers are simply notified.
To have an idea of the quality of the device, you need know the positive characteristics which he must have:
Depending on the manufacturer, tariffs may vary. For example, a counter can count the same, but night indicators are divided in half; the daytime price may be normal or higher than normal, and nighttime consumption will cost 4 times less.
How does the device distinguish the time of day? It has two counting mechanisms that replace each other at a certain time. This tariff is beneficial for people who lead a nocturnal lifestyle. After 11 pm, some people do not sleep, but turn on the washing machine and find this tariff very profitable.
Every apartment, house, and enterprise has this necessary and important item that measures the amount of electricity consumed. A meter is a necessary thing in everyday life; thanks to it, we significantly save electricity costs.
In recent years, more and more often, electric meters are installed on a pole on the street. This is due to the fact that with this method of installing the metering device, it is much easier for employees of energy supply companies to take readings. After all, previously, even in private homes, electricity meters were installed indoors, and in order to gain access to them at the time readings were taken, it was necessary that someone was at home. Otherwise, it was impossible to obtain the data.
When installing meters outside the house, this problem solved itself. Moreover, modern street meters are specifically designed for this, and allow you to monitor the electricity consumed and clarify the readings taken at any time.
It should be noted that installing a metering device (for example, a three-phase meter on the street) requires compliance with certain rules. We will talk about the main ones in this article, and we hope that this information will be useful to you if you decide to install an electricity meter outside your residential premises.
All electricity meters that are installed to consumers are classified according to the following parameters:
In apartments and private households, one of the 2 most popular types of electricity meters is now installed, namely:
Which of the above options is better to install depends both on the characteristics of power consumption by a particular subscriber and on the location of the meter (indoors or outdoors). In this regard, each of the meters has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Electronic meters are becoming increasingly common. The reason for this is their accuracy, as well as ease of use. In addition, if a subscriber wants to take the electricity meter outside, then this can be done with an electronic meter.
When purchasing an electric meter, you should pay attention to the presence of a seal and its integrity (such a seal is installed by the state trustee). Another important point is the timing of the sealing. For a 2-phase meter it should not be more than 2 years, and for a 3-phase meter - 1 year.
Anyone who has such skills can install an electric meter on a street pole, but only an authorized representative of the electricity supplier has the right to directly connect electricity to it. If you plan to install the meter on a street pole, the connection must be made exclusively by a representative of the electrical network.
If the electricity meter is taken out and installed on a street pole by employees of local electrical networks, then no claims should arise against the consumer. Even before the start of work, documents are prepared that indicate the boundary of division of balance sheet ownership, as well as the requirements for installing a specific meter.
In private houses, the balance sheet boundary is not indoors, but outdoors. In this case, the exact location must be determined by the relevant technical documentation. Removal of the electric meter outside is carried out only with the consent of the owner of the metering device.
The current rules stipulate that electricity meters must be installed in dry rooms where the temperature does not fall below zero. This is explained by the fact that exposure of the device to moisture and negative temperatures negatively affects the correct operation of the electric meter. Thus, an electronic meter installed on a street pole in violation of these requirements will begin to work inaccurately over time. But, nevertheless, cases of taking the electric meter outside have become very frequent; in some cases, electric networks even illegally force consumers to do this.
Currently, the user himself determines the location of the electricity meter. This could be a house, a veranda, the facade of a house, or a pillar.
Now energy supply companies require the private sector to install meters on the street on nearby poles. This removal of the metering device outside the house makes it possible to have unhindered access to it at any time. Company employees can go to the electricity meter of any household and take readings even when the owners are not at home. This greatly simplifies the control and accounting procedure, and also allows it to be completed much faster.
It is advisable to install the meter on the border of the balance sheet (determined by mutual agreement of the parties). Such a border can be located either on the facade of the house or on the nearest pole in the yard. In some cases, it is possible to place the meter outside the site (on the street). To do this, you should choose the optimally suitable pole.
It should be noted that the requirements of energy supply companies to move the electricity meter outside in a private house are contrary to the current rules and instructions for installing the meter. Some subscribers defend in court their right to place the meter in the house, while others agree to the transfer.
The installation of an electric meter on a street pole can be done after agreeing on the specific location of its placement (a mandatory condition is that the height from ground level must be in the range of 0.8-1.7 m). Sometimes, to prevent vandalism, meters are mounted at a height of 3 m or more, but such placement is impractical, since taking readings at such a height is extremely inconvenient.
Electrical wires leading to the cabinet must be insulated.
An electrician who has an average level of qualifications can carry out the installation of an electricity meter outside without any problems. The work is carried out in stages in the following order:
Stage No. 1. Input line de-energized
This process is carried out with the consent of the electricity supply organization.
Stage No. 2. Electric wires
The electrical wires are first connected to the circuit breaker, and then directly to the electric meter.
Stage No. 3. Grounding arrangement
This measure is aimed at ensuring the safe operation of all electrical appliances in the house.
Stage No. 4. Wiring connection
At this stage, all wiring to the house is connected to the output of the electric meter.
Each of the stages performed must be carried out in strict accordance with the current norms and rules that apply for carrying out work of this kind.
After the meter is installed on the pole, employees of the energy sales company are invited to seal the electricity meter and register it.
As a protective measure, if an electronic electric meter was installed on a pole, a special metal box is installed for it. Such a box is installed before installing the meter and has a special viewing window (for unhindered readings).
The metal box performs several functions at once, namely:
The wires from the electric meter are hidden in a special protective metal pipe. It is advisable to leave the distribution panel with circuit breakers in the house, and place one circuit breaker on a pole.
In conclusion, it should be noted that installing and connecting an electric meter is not a very complicated procedure, however, without experience in carrying out such work, you should not perform it yourself.
It is better to contact specialists, since the power supply of the entire house, as well as the operation of all electrical appliances in it, depends on how correctly the meter is installed. In addition, we should not forget about our own safety when installing an electric meter on a street pole.
In addition to the above, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the video instructions, which will help in assembling the control panel for installing an electric meter on the street on a pole.
How to install an electric meter on a pole: installation rules on the street
The chairman of our dacha cooperative demands that the electricity meter be removed from the house and installed on a street pole. This allegedly makes it more convenient for him to check electricity consumption indicators and control unauthorized selection. Is this requirement legal?
The rules for the use of electrical energy for the population, approved by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated July 26, 1999 No. 1357 (hereinafter referred to as the Rules), do not establish such an obligation. Clause 21 of the Rules determines that meter readings are taken by the consumer, and the energy supplier has the right to control the correctness of meter readings and the execution of payment documents by the consumer. The energy supplier also has the right to independently take readings from the consumer’s metering devices. At the same time, the energy supplier can check the serviceability of metering devices and take readings only in the manner specified in the contract for the supply of electricity (clause 37 of the Rules).
The optionality of installing a meter on the street (or in another place of free access) is evidenced by the fact that the Rules provide for the possibility of installing meters, for example, in apartments, and also by the fact that if there is no access to the meter, a representative of the energy supplier must issue a payment document based on data on actual electricity consumption for the previous period (clause 30 of the Rules).
By the way, it should be noted that according to the Rules, an energy supplier is a participant in the wholesale electricity market of Ukraine, purchasing electricity on this market for the purpose of selling it to consumers, and therefore no garden cooperative can be considered an energy supplier. Accordingly, all the powers of the energy supplier indicated above do not apply to garden cooperatives.
Thus, providing the chairman of the cooperative (or another person) with information about consumed electricity and paying for its consumption through them is a voluntary matter for each member of the cooperative.
In addition, the procedure for installing electricity meters presupposes certain technical conditions. According to clause 10 of the Rules, metering devices must be installed in accordance with the requirements of the rules for the arrangement of electrical installations. The energy supply companies themselves also emphasize this in their recommendations on installing meters outside the place of direct electricity consumption.
Please note that not a single energy supply company has developed a single mandatory act (but only recommendations) on the installation of meters in places where controllers have free access (in particular, on street poles).
Thus, according to clause 1.5.27 of the Rules for the Arrangement of Electrical Installations, meters must be placed in dry rooms that are easily accessible for maintenance (note - not on the street), in a place sufficiently free for work with a temperature in winter not lower than 00 C. The rules allow placement meters in unheated rooms, corridors, external cabinets (read - on the street), but on the condition that their permanent insulation is provided for the winter period (insulating cabinets, hoods with heated air inside to ensure positive temperatures, but not higher than +200 C ). It is not easy to comply with these restrictions in garden cooperatives. By the way, according to experts, an induction electric meter at negative temperatures inevitably begins, simply put, to “lie.” Moreover, “lying” is not in favor of the subscriber, so the energy company is of little concern about this circumstance, but for the subscriber this is a significant disadvantage.
It is not necessary to install an electricity meter on the street - Voice of Ukraine
Preface. Today we decided to consider the issue of correct installation of an electricity meter and will pay attention to this problem in this article. Let's take a closer look at the rules for installing an electric meter in an apartment, in a private house and in a country house in 2015-2016, since the installation of an energy meter is necessary wherever residential real estate is connected to central power grids.
Every country house, dacha and apartment requires open access to all sources of electricity. However, technical difficulties do not always allow this to be done, and many homeowners are concerned about the question of where to install electricity meters in a private home. So that the property owner does not have any future claims from the energy sales company of the city or region.
Based on the principle of operation, meters are divided into electronic and induction. Induction energy metering devices are less accurate and are being widely replaced with electronic ones. Before purchasing, it is necessary to inspect the integrity of the government seal and specify the deadline for installing the seal on the device. If the meter is three-phase, then the installation of a seal on the electric meter must be done no later than 1 year, for a single-phase device - no more than 2 years.
Any electrician can install the meter, but before work it is necessary to request from the energy sales company a standard contract for the performance of work with a statement of division of balance sheet attached to it. The documents will contain all the requirements for installing an electricity meter, and will describe the boundaries of responsibility of the electricity supplier and the owner of the property.
Connecting the input machine in the panel
It is best to install the meter in a warm room in a distribution panel. The best option for a private home is an insulated dressing room, veranda or hallway. This method will protect the device from humidity and precipitation, on the other hand, it will not complicate access to the energy metering device during inspection or maintenance.
The installation height of the meter varies from 0.8 to 1.7 meters from the floor level. The input circuit must be connected to the input machine, and only after that to your meter. A protective ground is connected to the shield, which will protect the electronics and equipment in the house in the event of a short circuit. The common wiring with the machines is connected to the meter output.
Many owners of private houses and garden plots are forced by energy network workers to voluntarily and compulsorily move the electricity meter to the facade of the house, citing various orders from their energy sales company. On the issue of the legality and legality of this requirement, read the article further in the chapter “Is it legal to install an electric meter on the street?”
Electronic counter with machines in the panel
The installation of an electric meter in apartments is carried out mainly by representatives of the network company, following the rules of the PUE. In old high-rise buildings, meters are installed on apartment platforms in distribution panels. In new buildings, meters are installed directly in the apartment in a closed panel in the hallways, where there is also a group of machines for the entire apartment.
When moving the electricity meter from the entrance to the apartment, you should know where to install the electricity meter in the apartment. To do this, you need to prepare a place in the hallway for installing an electrical panel. The height for mounting the meter on the wall should be in the range from 0.8 to 1.7 meters from the floor level. A height of less than 0.8 meters from the floor level is allowed, but not less than 0.4 m.
Following the Electrical Installation Rules (ELI), the input circuit is de-energized and connected to the input circuit breaker. From the machine, the circuit goes to the electricity meter itself, and from it to the wiring with the machines. Grounding is connected to the shield, which in the event of a short circuit will protect household appliances and electronics in the apartment from a power surge.
The meter should be installed in gardening or at the dacha on the facade of the house at a height of 0.8 - 1.7 meters, which will provide access to the device to representatives of the network company. At temperatures below 0°C, meters will not account for consumption correctly. For this reason, you should think about an insulated electrical panel or installing an energy meter inside the heated room of the garden house.
When placing a meter on the facade of a building, the consumer is deprived of the opportunity to safely maintain his property, since not only the organization’s employees, but also anyone will have access to the meter in the building. If you do not interfere with access to inspectors and representatives of the sales company to check and take readings of the electric meter, then there is no reason to oblige you to install the device on the street.
Installing a meter on the facade of the house
The rules for installing an electric meter on the street are also regulated by the PUE. However, it is up to you to decide whether to install a meter on the street. Often, energy supply companies simply want to solve problems with checking meter readings at the expense of the consumer. However, you should be aware that installing electricity meters on the street will expose the device to the negative effects of atmospheric phenomena.
Humidity and cold will have a negative impact on the service life of the device; in addition, at negative temperatures, the induction meter will not accurately calculate electricity consumption, and in favor of the energy-saving company in 2015-2016. The demands of organizations to install an electricity meter in residential buildings and in private houses on the street are illegal and are to the detriment of homeowners.
Installing an electric meter on poles or on the facade of a house on the street violates the requirements of the PUE, where it is written in black and white that the electric meter must be installed in dry rooms with a temperature not lower than 0°C. If the above arguments do not work, then you can use a little trick and install an electric meter on the facade of the house, where it is planned to build an insulated veranda in the future.
Clause 1.5.27
Meters must be located in dry rooms that are easily accessible for maintenance, in a place that is sufficiently free and not cramped for work, with a temperature in winter not lower than 0 ° C.
It is allowed to install an electricity meter in unheated rooms and corridors of switchgears of power plants and substations, as well as in outdoor cabinets. In this case, provision should be made for their stationary insulation for the winter through insulating cabinets, hoods with heating of the air inside them with an electric lamp or heating element to ensure a positive temperature inside the hood, but not higher than +20 ° C.
Clause 1.5.29
Meters must be installed in cabinets, chambers of complete switchgears (KRU, KRUN), on panels, switchboards, in niches, on walls with a rigid structure. It is allowed to mount meters on wooden, plastic or metal panels.
The height from the floor to the meter terminal box must be within 0.8 - 1.7 m. A height of less than 0.8 m is allowed, but not less than 0.4 m.
Where to install an electric meter in an apartment, house, country house, Do-it-yourself insulation
Often, owners of plots in horticultural non-profit partnerships (SNT) require the installation of an electricity meter on a pole. In this case, they take the necessary equipment outside not only the house, but also the yard itself. However, these manipulations must be performed in compliance with technical standards and existing legislation.
Thus, it is possible to join an electrical network installed in a specific area only at the border of the so-called balance sheet. This means that both the installation and the installation of an electrical energy meter can be carried out strictly on the dividing line of energy sections. This is determined by federal law. Responsibility for operation is divided between the direct consumer of electricity and its network supplier. Compliance with this condition is recorded in a formal contract regarding the provision of high-quality and timely energy supply services.
The meter is placed on a pole if we are talking about a private house, a country cottage, or a country mansion. In most cases, the boundary of the above-mentioned balance sheet is marked along the fence line: directly along the perimeter of the site. Of course, they won’t attach the meter to the fence itself, but to the nearest post they will. A concrete power line pole is a fairly fundamental structure that can support an electrical panel.
But you need to take into account one nuance: if the pole belongs to a certain network energy organization, then you need to obtain permission to attach a cabinet with equipment. In some cases, you have to install a pole nearby and at your own expense if an agreement cannot be reached. But this is also fraught with clarification of economic relations: if even a centimeter of someone else’s land is occupied by a pole, permission will have to be corrected for this too.
When all administrative barriers have been overcome, the necessary materials and equipment can be purchased. In addition to the counter you will need:
At the installation stage, it is worth considering protection against vandals. If the pole is buried in an unguarded area, the shield may become the target of street hooliganism.
Initially, it was assumed that meters belonged only in dry and well-heated rooms. However, the installation of an electricity meter on a pole made some adjustments to this process. It is advisable that if the locker is located in the open air all year round, it should be made of reliable materials. Otherwise, you will have to be prepared for additional expenses:
Of course, manufacturers have taken these points into account and the new models have significantly expanded the operating temperature range that does not harm the meter. In addition, in a number of regions, pole meters began to be equipped with heating systems for the winter:
However, even the most advanced developments must be protected from moisture. You should also rationally approach the installation site of the pole. It’s a shame if in winter you can’t go to the meter and take readings due to a high snowdrift. And in the fall - because of a deep puddle or impassable mud.
Rules and regulations for installing electricity meters on poles
In every home, access to sources of electricity is a top priority. However, this is often hampered by various organizational and technical difficulties. One of the most important tasks for every homeowner is installing an electric meter. Since without taking into account the electricity consumed, not a single energy saving company will enter into an agreement. It is for this reason that it is worth paying special attention to installing an electric meter in the house.
Important technical aspects
According to the functional principle, electronic and induction meters are divided. Today, most meters are being replaced with electronic ones, since induction ones are less accurate and their use is strictly limited.
Also, meters can be of different accuracy classes and rated current. Accordingly, the smaller the error, the more accurate the measurement. For private homes without powerful equipment in the form of crushers, carpentry, etc. It is most rational to use meters taking into account the rated voltage of 0.4 kilovolts.
If the calculated current exceeds 100 amperes, then in this case the electric meter will have to be installed directly through the transformer circuit.
Before purchasing a device, it is necessary to clarify the period for installation of the seal by the state trustee and its integrity. If the network is three-phase, then the inspection sign should not be older than 1 year, and for a single-phase network - 2 years.
How to install an electric meter and important organizational aspects
A semi-skilled electrician can install the electric meter. However, before this, it is necessary to request from the network provider a standard contract, an assignment for performing work with an act of division of balance sheet ownership.
These documents contain a set of requirements, the fulfillment of which is mandatory for consumers to connect private homes to the electrical network. It also describes the boundaries of responsibility between the electricity supplier and the homeowner. It is for this reason that it is best to install an electric meter on the territory of the house in a heated distribution panel inside the building.
Meter installation process
Often, electricity meter installation in apartments is carried out by representatives of the network company. First of all, in the process of installing and connecting the meter, follow the rules of the Electrical Installation Regulations, which describe all the main aspects.
Important nuances
First of all, before installing the meter, you need to check the state inspection period. The seal must bear the date of inspection. The statute of limitations for state verification should not be higher than 1 year for 3-phase meters, 2 years for single-phase meters.
As a rule, meters are mostly installed in distribution panels on apartment sites. If the meter is installed directly in the apartment itself, where the input is located, then it is best to mount it in the hallway in a special closed panel. In this panel you can also place a group of machines for the entire apartment.
Meter installation process
Installation of an electric meter outdoors outside the premises must be carried out in accordance with a number of technical and operational requirements.
It is best to install the meter on the front side of the house at a height of 0.8-1.7 meters, which will provide easy access to it for representatives of the network company and technical service.
The meter can be mounted directly on the support of a concrete pillar if it is located on the premises of the house. Also, a circuit breaker should be installed in the electrical panel, and it is better to install a group of circuit breakers for all consumers in the house indoors.
Meter installation process
Recently, questions about moving the meter outside have become more frequent. People ask whether such demands are legitimate. A few days ago, this useful comment appeared in this article.
Good afternoon, dear guests and regular readers of the Electrician's Notes website.
Today I will tell you how to properly install and install an electric meter.
The installation of an electric meter is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory document, in accordance with the section on electricity metering.
1. Room
Electric energy meters must be installed in dry rooms and they must be located in convenient and accessible places for their maintenance. The temperature in such rooms should not be below 0°C and above 40°C.
If the temperature regime is difficult to organize, then it is necessary to provide insulation during the winter period, for example, install it in an insulated cabinet with the possibility of heating.
2. Installation location
Electricity meters are allowed to be installed in the following places:
3. Fastening
Electricity meters can be mounted:
4. Height
Installation and installation of electricity meters is carried out at a height of 800-1700 mm from the floor level, and also preferably at human eye level - for ease of maintenance and taking readings. This is strong evidence that we are at an unattainable height. Read more about this here.
5. Tilt angle
Induction electricity meters must be installed with an inclination angle of no more than 1°C. If this condition is not met, an additional error will occur.
6. Overall dimensions of cabinets, niches and panels
The most important condition for the overall dimensions of cabinets, niches and panels for installing electricity meters:
7. Connecting wires to the electric meter
When connecting wires to the electricity meter, the following conditions must be observed:
8. Switching devices
To quickly and safely replace electric meters with voltages up to 0.4 (kV), it is necessary to install a switching device (circuit breaker, fuses) in front of them at a distance of no more than 10 meters. More details about this.
Most often, the energy supply organization sees a method of theft or deception in installing a circuit breaker in front of the meter. Therefore, I recommend placing the circuit breaker in advance in a special plastic box that has an “eye” for sealing it.
P.S. Be sure to read my article about problems with the energy supply organization -
Now I will know how to install and install an electric meter. Thank you for the useful and detailed information.
Your site is a must-read for every man.
Ha ha ha funny video
The site is just a godsend for men
Regarding the eighth point, I would also like to add that this is a requirement of the PUE, which the power supply organization does not want to comply with in most cases, you wrote about the reason correctly.
Is it possible to cover a counter mounted on a metal panel on the wall with a chipboard cabinet with an MDF door? Will this be a violation?
Can. But why don’t you put it in a plastic box, it will be aesthetically pleasing.
The meter is not installed correctly; according to the PUE, it is necessary to install test blocks or boxes of the KIU3 type to allow safe servicing, because CT secondary circuits cannot be opened; in this case, the package circuit breaker does not provide safety (the box will cost less and the “electricians” will not find fault, there are requirements for the need to seal the metering circuits)! Also, according to the PUE, the installation height of the meter is from 0.8 to 1.7 meters, but is allowed from 0.4 m. When connecting 3-phase meters, it is necessary to observe the phase rotation, as well as the polarity of the secondary winding of current transformers (CTs), it is necessary to leave a reserve wires at least 5 cm. Stripping of the conductor should be carried out depending on the size of the terminal block of the meter, so that the insulation does not get under the clamps and the bare wire does not come out from under the terminal block cover. Modern microprocessor meters display the correctness of phase rotation and, moreover, practically do not change their error when it changes, but legally the energy supply organization will be right if it indicates an incorrect connection diagram. There are also bags with special caps that allow you to seal contacts. Installing the meter is easy, but you need to carefully study all the nuances.
Andrey, you probably haven’t read my articles: and about .
In this article, the counter is installed correctly. The inspector checked everything and put seals on it. Have you ever seen that in a residential private house the meter was installed through a terminal block?
Help me decide the “correct” height for installing a matrix meter on a street pole. The meter is installed outside normal reach, and the power grid obliges!!! use a stepladder to take readings. Requests and complaints about reinstalling the meter below are not responded to.
thank you, the article is useful. The question is that the meter is already installed at a height of 2.2 meters and they refuse to transfer it, what should I do?
Everything is fine, understandable, but the question is a little off topic. LENELEKTRO meter - what kind of alarm is in it, a red diode blinks under load, next to the arrow there is something like a diode. What is their role and what are they “talking about”?
Sergey, a red LED indicates the presence of current in the circuit, i.e. The greater the load consumed, the more frequently it blinks.
My store had a counter installed in the toilet. During the repair, I completely replaced the wiring and after re-sealing, the electrical network workers gave me an act to move the meter to another location. I refused the transfer. This room is not particularly damp. And before I purchased this store, the counter was there and no one cared about it. Are the actions of power grid workers correct?
Sergey, what is written in the act - what is the reason for the transfer.
Hello! Extremely useful site, thank you very much to the admin!!! Actually, my question is, does an energy-saving company have the right (legally) to refuse to commission the meter for me? (I’m going to install the meter myself). I don’t have permission. The building is an apartment building. P.S. I have been working in construction for 20 years, during which time I have mastered several related professions. I always do electrical work, plumbing, and much more at my sites, but I have never been refused commissioning. Thank you.
Tell me, the technical specifications were issued for 10 kW (but this is not enough for the present time), the system is three-phase, connect 4 4x16 SIPs. I want to install the meter immediately at 100A (so that there is a reserve), which machine before the meter and after (so that there is a reserve, because there is no power limiter. What if the real consumption will be more than 10 kW). The energy supply organization may prohibit installing the meter and machines at higher power. what is written in the technical specifications for joining.
Thank you
Vladimir, the nominal value of the input machine must be indicated in the technical specifications. For a 10 (kW) three-phase load this is 16 (A). The meter can be set to 100 (A) - there are no restrictions on this.
Dmitry, tell me this. As a supervisory organization, it will be able to control me if I install an electricity meter in my apartment, even though the input cable from the landing will run in my apartment at least 4 meters to the meter being installed. In other words, can I hide this cable in the wall or should it be visible along its entire length (to control unauthorized connections)?
In order to protect assemblies from theft of electricity, it is not necessary to install circuit breakers in boxes; it is enough to install plug seals on the screws of circuit breakers; fortunately, they are now available for all types of modern machines.
Alas, as the Consultant says, Resolution 530 has lost its force.
And the question is interesting. The meter is located on the staircase; I have not registered ownership of it in any way, but, according to the electric company, I am obliged to replace it at my own expense. There are a number of vague “legal acts”. Here, for example, are a couple. Civil Code, Article 543 clause 2: 2. In the case where the subscriber under an energy supply contract is a citizen who uses energy for domestic consumption, the obligation to ensure the proper technical condition and safety of energy networks, as well as energy consumption metering devices, rests with the energy supply organization....
Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of August 13, 2006 N 491, appendix, clause 7: “The composition of the common property includes an intra-house power supply system, consisting of ... to individual, common (apartment) electricity meters, as well as other electrical equipment located on these networks."
From the latter it follows that the meter installed on the stairs is a consumer
In November 2014 I decided to change the wiring in a private house. At the same time, I replaced the electric meter. On November 26, 2014, I wrote an application to have the seal removed. On November 27, 2014, he removed the old one and installed a new meter in the same place, and immediately reported this. Then I went three more times and demanded that they put a seal and register the meter. On December 26, 2014 (a month later) they finally came to put a filling. They immediately stated that they refused to seal it because the meter was located at a height of more than 170 cm from the floor and drove away. I tried it on. Yes, height 195cm. But the old meter stood at the same height for about 15 years and there were no complaints. It suits me, it’s convenient for me. Am I going to have to redo everything?
Apparently it will have to be installed no more than 1.7 m
Good article
Why does MESK require the installation of Matrix meters, but I want to install Mercury, it is cheaper, and they threaten not to issue a certificate of restrictions?!!!
Hello, are there any regulations for installing a meter on the street if there is a gas pipe nearby? There is no way to put it on a wall where there is no pipe! Thank you in advance!
Victor, good afternoon. According to the PUE, clause 7.1.50, the minimum distance from switches, plug sockets and electrical installation elements (this includes the electric meter) to gas pipelines must be at least 0.5 (m). Thus, it is allowed to install a meter on this wall, where your pipe runs, but only on the condition that there is at least half a meter from the pipe to the meter.
Hello! Our company is engaged in the installation and sealing of meters for the population in apartment buildings. Now the question has arisen again about allowing our electricians to carry out work.
On the one hand, these are networks that are serviced by REU, and we need to write them a letter to gain access to our people. But on the other hand, there is paragraph 7 of Resolution 491 which states: “The composition of the common property includes the in-house power supply system up to individual, common (apartment) electrical energy metering devices.” That is, it turns out that the meter is no longer a property serviced by the REU and you can use it without permission from them.
Please tell me which way to go? Or are there any other regulatory documents on this issue?
Good afternoon I want to install a counter in the toilet. Is it possible or not?
Maria, you can, but if the relative humidity in the toilet is no more than 60%.
PUE, clause 1.5.27. Meters should be located in dry rooms that are easily accessible for maintenance, in a place that is sufficiently free and not cramped for work...
Please help. Now an electrician from the management company came to seal my meter at my request. On October 19, I submitted another application on my own along with the claim, and so they spent 4 days thinking about what to do and decided to start a war with me. The electrician measured at what height the meter hangs and issued an order to hang it low, they indicated in the order based on Chapter 1.5 of PUE-7, the order indicated that an unsealed meter gives them the right to disconnect me from the network. I don’t find such a chapter, because I have some kind of incomplete version of PUE-7, but as far as I know that height is recommended and not a strictly mandatory requirement, I can see the readings even without a chair. The electrician says that since I am so competent and the first to start, they will also resist. They just resist strangely, I immediately told him that where my meter hangs, that’s where it will hang and I won’t change anything. I submitted my application on the 19th, they were supposed to arrive within 3 days, I didn’t sign anything, so legally no one came to me if anything. If anyone knows, please provide a link to the rules to clarify whether I have to redo the meter or is it recommended there? And in general, as you would advise, my corridor is narrow and if I hang the meter at eye height, it will interfere purely physically, even furniture cannot be brought in.
Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 04.05.2012 N 442
(as amended on 09/04/2015)
144. Metering devices must be installed at the boundaries of the balance sheet of electric power facilities (power receiving devices) of adjacent entities of the retail market - consumers, producers of electrical energy (power) in retail markets, grid organizations that have a common boundary of balance sheet (hereinafter referred to as adjacent entities of the retail market), as well as in other places determined in accordance with this section in compliance with the requirements established by the legislation of the Russian Federation for the installation sites of metering devices. If there is no technical possibility of installing a metering device at the border of the balance sheet of electric power facilities (power receiving devices) of adjacent entities of the retail market, the meter must be installed in a place as close as possible to the border of the balance sheet where it is technically possible to install it. At the same time, by agreement between adjacent entities of the retail market, a metering device to be used to determine the volume of consumption (production, transmission) of electrical energy of one entity can be installed within the boundaries of electric power facilities (power receiving devices) of another adjacent entity.
Hello!
I ask for help, I am completely confused in the mutually exclusive recommendations of “experts”.
I have a double entrance to the house:
first: 3-phase and 4 wires of 25 sq. mm (SIP); second: 1-ph and 2 wires of 10 sq. mm (copper).
Inputs from different substations. Separate grounding has been performed.
I am concerned about the correct installation of a metering unit, consisting of two electricity meters: 1- and 3-phase. Where to combine zeros: before or after counters? How to eliminate double counting or, conversely, its absence? Will RCDs work on each of the four available phases? And what to do with grounding to make it the most reliable?
After the metering unit, it is planned to install an automatic transfer switch based on PF-60A for each phase - this seems to be the simplest option.
How can you avoid messing up with all this?
Sincerely, Vladimir.
But what should I do if I have a soldering box in front of the electrical cabinet with packets and a meter, and there are input wires on nuts, how can I seal it all?
Igor, this is not your problem, but a problem of the power grids. And it is easy to seal - the whole box as a whole, for example, using the same paper seals.
single-phase metering for a private house, which machine should be installed before the metering device - one- or two-pole, is there any technical regulation for this? I would like to know the section and paragraph of the PUE to tell the controller
When installing an electric meter on a private house, should the meter be immediately sealed or what?
When should the filling be placed? when installing the meter?
Darima, after installing the meter, invite an inspector. He will check the connection diagram, draw up a report () and install a seal.
I changed the electric meter in a private house. The electricians don’t want to seal it until I put the meter in a box. The electric meter is located indoors. Are there any instructions on this matter?
Yuri.
According to GOST R 51732-2001 “Input and distribution devices for residential and public buildings. General technical conditions"
- concept of ASU: Low voltage electrical device containing equipment that provides the ability to input, distribute and account for electricity, as well as control and protect outgoing distribution and group electrical circuits in residential and public buildings, which is located in the form of appropriate functional blocks in one or more connected between each other (mechanically and electrically) panels or in one cabinet, depending on the type of building according to 3.2
And according to the PUE, if the input distribution device is not located in a separate electrical room, then it must have protection not lower than IP31, that is, the equipment must be covered on all sides with a casing, and the casing should not be made of wood, but should ensure that fire does not spread through to the same GOST - either from steel or from special plastic with an appropriate certificate for fire resistance.
So at the electricity input there must be a box or panel installed in which the input and distribution switches, an electric meter and something else like a 300 mA RCD (mandatory according to fire safety regulations) and a surge suppressor (required for air input according to the norms) are installed together. PUE).
Thus, although the electrical network specialist was unable to substantiate his demands, he is right... It seems so to me.
Another thing is whether replacing the electric meter is the basis for changing third-party equipment.
There are no strict requirements and phrases in regulatory documents or in the same PUE that the meter must be in a closed casing when replacing it or even installing it. This is the situation today.
Good afternoon.
I have a couple of questions.
1. It's time to change the old meter in the apartment. The house is old, with high ceilings. Elektposhit stands under the ceiling. Previously, we entered the readings ourselves and climbed there ourselves using an existing stepladder. Then energy sales workers began to climb. They had no complaints about installing the old meter. And now it needs to be changed and, according to the rules, set much lower. But it doesn’t work lower; there’s a closet underneath. And on the side of the closet there are doorways. That is, it is impossible to lower the counter there. And moving it to the side turns out to be too far. Is it possible for me, in principle, to install a new meter in the old place, if there is a stepladder in the apartment to access it?
2. Along with the meter, I will also install a new electrical panel. In a small box, under sealing, there will be an input machine. And in a large plastic box there will be a counter and machines. Meter on DIN rail Neva 103/5. Will there be any quibbles in the sense that the meter seals (after sealing) will be covered by the front panel of the box and are inaccessible for control when readings are taken by energy sales employees? Maybe it's worth making holes in the box panel so that the seals are visible?
Hello!
In the question dated 07/01/15: “Hello, are there standards for installing a meter on the street if there is a gas pipe nearby? There is no way to put it on a wall where there is no pipe! Thank you in advance!"
You answered: “According to the PUE, clause 7.1.50, the minimum distance from switches, plug sockets and electrical installation elements (this includes the electric meter) to gas pipelines must be at least 0.5 (m). Thus, it is allowed to install a meter on this wall, where your pipe runs, but only on the condition that there is at least half a meter from the pipe to the meter.”
I am interested in the following: a gas meter is installed on the street wall of a private house (on the corner of the house). But there is already an electrical supply to the house (an electrical meter and a 2-phase circuit breaker are installed on the wall and all this is in a special plastic box) from the corner of the house to the electrical structure 80 cm.
When installing a gas meter, Gorgaz says “you can’t get too close, the electricians will scold you”...
There is a point: “7.1.28. VU, ASU, main switchboard, as a rule, should be installed in electrical switchboard rooms accessible only to maintenance personnel. In areas prone to flooding, they should be installed above the flood level.
……
When placing VU, ASU, main switchboards, distribution points and group panels outside electrical switchboard rooms, they must be installed in places convenient and accessible for maintenance, in cabinets with a shell protection degree of at least IP31.
The distance from pipelines (water supply, heating, sewerage, internal drains), gas pipelines and gas meters to the installation site must be at least 1 m.” the same document.
So which point should I focus on??????
I want both meters to be on the same wall, starting from the street of the house.
Good afternoon
I agreed with the RES to leave my meter in the house, but now they require VISIBLE wires to be installed to the meter, so that, according to them, I would not be able to steal electricity. In response to my question about the legality of this requirement, they sent me to read the PUE. I’m reading the PUE... If there are such requirements?
Thanks in advance!
Valery, since the times of the USSR, the same letters have always been read differently, but with different sides. Especially officials. Obviously, they already have the PUE not of the 7th, but of the 17th edition.
One of these days I will go to the chief engineer of the RES again. I’ll ask a question: on the basis of what specific clause of the PUE do they require the installation of OPEN wiring to the meter. I'll write about the results.
We were transferred to another energy company and they gave us an order to replace the meter, it is located on the street, but they refused to replace it themselves! As a result, the meter is hanging on the wires in the box, it was sealed! Now he produces 1000 square meters per month more than he already has, but I can’t achieve anything! Previously I paid for 300 kW, but now for 1300-1500, although energy consumption is maximum 250-300 kW. I don’t know what to do next and how to deal with it!
Hello. I live in a five-story apartment building. I want to change the input to the apartment (from the switchboard, I live on the 1st floor), install three phases and install a three-phase meter. Will they take him into account? or do you need to fulfill some additional requirements?
nia?
Sergey, in order to switch from single-phase input to three-phase, and accordingly, register three-phase metering in the apartment, you first need to submit an application and obtain permission. The fact is that the house power supply project does not provide for powering the apartments from a three-phase 380 (V) network, with the exception of residential buildings with luxury apartments. But if internal networks allow you to increase power consumption, then you will be given permission without any problems and will be given specifications that must be fulfilled. But the question is different?! Why do you need three-phase input in your apartment? Is there not enough power from one phase or are there three-phase consumers?!
Good afternoon, we bought a house in the village (the electric meter is old inside the house) and began to re-register the documents in our name, and Energosbyt set a condition: to place the meter on a street lighting pole in the yard. Is it possible for us to simply replace the old meter with a new one, but without taking it outside. Energosbyt engineers claim that without this we will not be able to re-issue the documents. Thanks in advance.
Good afternoon, I’m dealing with the redevelopment of an apartment here, I talked with the PIB engineer, and among other things, she gave the following: your meter is not installed correctly, it is on the outside wall of the bathroom, in an iron cabinet..
You write that it cannot be installed in wet rooms, but she claims that it can also be installed on the outer walls of these rooms. Tell me, is this true, and where is it written in the regulations?
Ilya, there are no prohibitions on installing meters on the outer wall of a bathroom in the Rules. It is only prohibited to install switchgear and control devices (PUE, clause 7.1.52), distribution boxes, as well as sockets and switches (PUE, clause 7.1.48) in the bathroom itself at a distance closer than 60 (cm) from the door opening of a shower stall or faucet. There are no prohibitions on the outer wall, especially if the meter is installed in a panel. By the way, what is the level of protection of the shield? What kind of design, external or internal? Next time, don’t get lost and ask the engineer which point of the Rules she refers to, let him indicate a specific point.
the cheapest metal hanging box, screwed with self-tapping screws to the wall through the holes inside without any gaskets, in theory, if water runs along the wall, it may well get into the shield.
The engineer is somehow having a hard time with specific documents...
I saw somewhere on the Internet that you can’t install it in rooms located under bathrooms and toilet units, maybe this plays a role, the neighbors have the same toilet unit, and if mine doesn’t leak, then their water flows just like this the wall might go
Ilya, here is the excerpt you mean. PUE, clause 7.1.29. Electrical switchboard rooms, as well as VU, ASU, main switchboards, are not allowed to be located under toilets, bathrooms, showers, kitchens (except for apartment kitchens), sinks, washing and steam rooms of bathhouses and other rooms associated with wet technological processes, except in cases where Special measures have been taken for reliable waterproofing to prevent moisture from entering the premises where the switchgear is installed.
Here we are talking about electrical switchboard rooms, input switchboards (IDUs) and main distribution boards (MSB), and not about distribution and group switchboards. And if we judge this way, then flooding may occur not only along the adjacent wall of the bathroom. In general, of course, it’s up to you to decide, but I answered your question. There is no explicit prohibition on installing an apartment panel on the bathroom wall. I’ll also add from my practice, in many new buildings where we carried out commissioning, apartment panels were installed precisely on the wall with the bathroom, and this was officially approved by the project and the relevant regulatory authorities.
Good afternoon 1.5 years ago, the Energy Management Company installed an electric meter at its own expense and assured that it was a 1-tariff meter, without providing the meter’s passport. When submitting an application for the installation of a 2-tariff meter / purchased by me /, the company notifies me that the meter, The one they previously installed is a 2-tariff one and they are ready to transfer it to 2 tariffs. Can I insist on installing my new meter and how to do it, because... I incurred certain costs for the purchase of a meter and there is a suspicion that the meter is not working correctly / after installing their meter, large bills come /
How and with what did you establish that the SE is not working correctly? BEFORE this, what kind of SE did you have, with a wheel?
Good day!
They ordered me to change the electric meter (it worked for 15 years), with mandatory installation on the street.
I purchased the meter in a store with a passport, which has a factory verification stamp.
It was confiscated from me, supposedly for additional verification.
A week passed and the meter was returned.
I installed the meter myself, since I have some knowledge in electrical engineering.
The old meter has not been removed, it is sealed and is in the house.
I wrote an application to seal a new meter and received an answer that checking the correct installation of a new electric meter is a paid service and only after payment they will come, check and seal it.
Is this legal?
By the way, since I now have both electric meters working, I recorded the readings of both and came to the conclusion that the new meter counts 1 kW more in 24 hours. It turns out that 365 kW per year will have to be paid extra....
If only you could write at least a word about the full name of the new and old SE.
You never know what and where you purchased, what is the MPI of this SE? Guess?
Hello. Please explain about mounting electric meters on wooden panels. Does this mean that meters can be installed on removable chipboard panels that cover the electrical shaft in an apartment building on the staircase.
Vitaly, according to the PUE, it is possible. But, according to common sense, I would not recommend it! It is better to use plastic, metal or other non-flammable materials.
This fluff is chipboard, not for such use. If that’s what you want, then I’d take bakelite plywood - it’s durable, doesn’t rot, isn’t afraid of moisture, absorbs very little of it, and doesn’t just burn. And the view is decent.
Thanks for the answer about removable panels. But this means that the rules allow meters to be mounted on doors.
Well, why distort? Removable does not mean anything except that they are not a monolithic fragment of a wall, but a kind of built-in/removable/replaceable structural element.
Any wall-mounted or built-in wall panel/box/cabinet is also replaceable/replaceable, or is it comparable to a window?
I'm talking about the cover that covers the electric riser. shaft, and not just about some decorative/built-in/removable/replaceable structural element.” This cover, along the edges, is attached to the wall. Unscrew the fasteners and take the meter away.
And yet, I have never seen a meter on the electric cover. panel or cabinet with el. equipment.
This is your first message about the lid, you should have written like that right away.
Dear Admin! Today a conflict arose with local distribution zones - they were replacing a PU in a 0.4 kV cell of a Soviet-era street transformer 10/0.4 kV - 400 kVA. The metering inspector arrived and stated that the control panel needed to be taken outside, saying that the transformer substation was a 10 kV electrical installation and should not have meters in it. Frankly speaking, I sent him to hell...!
...retraining. After all, nowhere, as far as I remember, does it say that it is impossible to install PUs in cells of 0.4 kV transformer substations. I'm right?
Hello, can you tell me about an old private house and a meter on the wall inside, the wires to the meter are laid in the wall, is it necessary to lay the wires to the meter openly (like it’s clear that we’re not stealing) and are there pue points about this?
What do they demand?
Hello. We live in SNT. We recently completely changed the wiring in the house to hidden, and installed a new meter in the old place. The main cable runs, as before the replacement, from the attic through a hole in the ceiling via the shortest route directly into a box no more than 3 meters long. Our local electrician refused to seal the meter, arguing that the cable should go outside around the perimeter of the house and enter through a hole in the street wall, openly going down to the box. Taking into account these requirements, this means that instead of 3 meters, it will be necessary to pull all 10, and drill a wall at least 40 cm thick. The electrician himself admits that most of the houses are sealed without taking these requirements into account. Are his claims legitimate or can they be challenged?
Argue if it helps. SNT has its own rules, with whom will you argue?
To begin with, I would like to ask you to familiarize yourself with the official decision of SNT on the standards for installing electricity, if there is one. When they came to remove the old meter, they verbally warned that there were restrictions of 20 amperes, not a word about the cable on the street. This issue was not raised at the meetings either. The meter at my parents’ house was sealed a year ago, no problem. Now the electrician has changed, and with him new rules. It’s true that it’s not yet clear who wrote them...
Oh, mom, it seems you don’t understand the difference between the terms OFFICIAL and SNT DECISION. Well, it turned out that we agreed, decided and bypassed your notorious “official” decision, it happens.
And in conclusion - if it’s OFFICIAL, then... It’s true that it’s not yet clear who wrote it... how to understand it?
All these local issues are decided according to the place where they appear; what kind of officialdom are we talking about? Even the court will not consider this. Believe me.
Yes, you are right, I don’t understand either the difference or the logic. There is a solution to why they weren’t familiarized with it; there’s no such thing, which means they have to seal it.
Thanks for the advice.
Sorry, but your questions go beyond electrics! Well, who is to blame that you were not allowed to read the decision of the meeting, the SNT council, against receipt, why didn’t you ask? Why your neighbor has this, but they demand something different from you, also does not apply to electricians.
The time has come to replace the MPI meter in a private house in a village in the Moscow region. I calculated the maximum load with all devices turned on, it is 7.2 kW. I want to install a 32 A input machine to the meter, since the village is not gasified and I cook food on an electric stove. But the Mosenergosbyt electrician wants to install a machine with only 25 A, that is, a total power of 5 kW. In the village, the power lines and general equipment have been modernized and new ones have been installed. There is no contract for the maximum power supply to my house, since the old meter is 40 years old.
Please tell me which document describes these norms. I want to install a single-phase multi-tariff meter.
This is all up to local service providers. They give you 25 - take it, they often limit it to 16 amperes.
Just because you counted 7 kW does not mean that all of this is turned on at the same time.
Considering the look of your ancient wiring in the photo, it’s not worth talking about 25 amperes.
The main purpose of the electric meter is to measure the level of electricity consumption. Typically, the installation of such equipment is carried out by specialized employees, but if you wish, you can handle the installation of the electric meter yourself. The main thing is to carefully prepare for the upcoming event and do everything in accordance with the instructions, because if you install it yourself, all responsibility for the actions performed and possible consequences will rest solely with you.
Depending on the mechanism of action, electricity meters are divided into electronic and induction. Induction equipment is gradually being forced out of the market, mainly on the initiative of the government - such meters are very easy to “deceive”.
Electronic electricity meters are characterized by higher accuracy, smaller dimensions and excellent versatility. For example, modern electricity meters support operation in multi-tariff mode. This advantage is relevant for regions where electricity tariffs vary depending on the time of day. Therefore, when choosing between induction and electronic equipment, preference should definitely be given to the latter.
Electricity meters are classified according to the rated current value and accuracy indicators (class). The lower the class number of your meter, the less deviation it will work with.
To determine the approximate required rated current, divide the permissible value of active power provided by the network organization per consumer by the voltage of your network, i.e. 220V or 380V.
Typically, a higher power is allocated for a three-phase connection, however, the use of single-phase networks in domestic conditions is more appropriate and preferable.
Difficulties with connecting the meter arise in situations in which the owner needs to power a building with a design current above 100 A. In such conditions, direct “insertion” of the meter is not feasible. To install metering equipment, you will need to additionally connect current transformers.
The use of any intermediate components leads to an increase in the error in metering electricity consumption, so the transformer circuit must be properly planned. This task must be solved by a qualified specialist.
When choosing a meter, pay attention to the age of installation of the seal and the integrity of this element.
The state verifier's seal is attached to the screws of the casing of the metering device. The meter seal for a single-phase electrical network must be no older than 1 year. In the case of meters for three-phase networks, the maximum permissible period increases to 2 years.
You can handle the installation of an electric meter yourself without any problems. However, before you decide to “uncover” the pliers, obtain the necessary permits and other documents. To do this, contact your local network provider office with a request to issue technical specifications for the work. There you can conclude the necessary agreement.
The mentioned documents list a number of requirements that the user must fulfill before connecting the building to the power grid. The documentation also clearly delineates the responsibility between the electricity supplier and its consumer.
In accordance with current legislation, the homeowner must install a meter within his consumption networks. The best place to install the meter is a heated distribution panel in the house. However, recently, regulatory organizations have required that accounting equipment be installed strictly outside the residential premises and be freely accessible to inspection organizations.
For example, a representative of the network company may require that you install an electric meter on the facade of your house or even on a nearby power pole. All these points are discussed individually. Apartment owners are usually required to place the equipment in question in a common panel on the site.
According to official statements, electricity suppliers are forcing owners to install meters on the street to ensure accessibility to the device for the purpose of taking readings and performing maintenance. According to unofficial data, suppliers are trying to prevent the possibility of unauthorized access to metering equipment in order to steal electricity.
It is not necessary for a home master to understand any complex wiring diagrams for accounting devices. Therefore, we bring to your attention the most popular and basic options for connecting an electric meter.
The simplest option is a single-phase connection. To install such a network, you will need no more than 6 electrical wires without taking into account the load. The working “zero”, phase and ground cables are connected to the device input. Similar cables are placed at the output of the metering device.
For greater convenience and safety, it is recommended to install a circuit breaker in front of the meter. This device will automatically turn off the power supply in the event of an emergency.
Energy sales services do not have a very favorable attitude towards the mentioned switches. To avoid unnecessary problems and disputes, the switch should be sealed using a special plastic box, a DIN rail and the seal itself. All these additional devices cost little, take up virtually no space, and are very easy to install, so take a little time and save yourself from unnecessary headaches.
The design of the accounting installation contains special terminal blocks, also known as buses. This device is a copper strip fixed using special dielectric clamps. There are several holes in the bar through which wires are connected using screw terminals. This connection option is suitable for situations where there is a need to connect several separate wires into a single whole.
There are a number of important requirements that you will have to strictly comply with when installing an electric meter. First, review the safety regulations that apply to any electrical equipment.
It is not recommended to install an electric meter at sub-zero temperatures. Electronics do not tolerate cold very well - under its influence, the accuracy of measurements decreases.
For most household models of electric meters, the minimum permissible installation temperature is +5 degrees. Therefore, if the metering device is installed outdoors, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of installing it in a special heated and hermetically sealed cabinet.
The mounting height of the unit is 80-170 cm above the ground. If you install the counter lower or higher, it will simply be inconvenient for you to take numerical readings from the screen.
Self-installation of an electric meter is carried out in a few simple steps.
First step. Prepare the necessary equipment for installation, namely:
Second step. Find out how many phases (1 or 3) your electrical network has. Calculate the required number of circuit breakers.
Third step. Install the meter into the panel housing. To fix the product, use the fasteners included in the kit.
Fourth step. Install circuit breakers. These devices are fixed to the DIN rail. The rail is pre-attached to the support insulators using screws. The machine itself is fixed on the DIN rail using a spring-loaded latch.
Fifth step. Install the protective and ground bus on insulators inside the panel body or on a special DIN rail. Use nuts and mounting screws to secure the elements. Place the busbars at a distance to prevent cable short-circuits.
Start installation by connecting the load to the machines, then connect the machines to the electric meter and only then connect the meter directly.
Sixth step. Connect all loads. The phase will go to the lower terminals of the machines, connect the “zero” to the “zero” bus, run the grounding cable to the corresponding ground bus.
Seventh step. Connect the upper terminals of the circuit breakers with jumpers. You can buy ready-made jumpers at a specialized store.
Eighth step. Connect the meter to the load. To do this, connect the “phase” output (represented by the third terminal of the electric meter) to the upper terminals of the circuit breakers, and connect the “zero” output (the fourth terminal of the electric meter) to the corresponding zero bus.
Ninth step. Attach the electrical panel housing to a wall or other flat surface at the optimal height for you.
Tenth step. Find the neutral, phase and ground wires. In the absence of grounding, the work will be extremely simple: you check each core using the indicator pointer, and it itself indicates the phase. If there is grounding, its core is usually placed in green.
Eleventh step. Turn off the power at home.
Twelfth step. Connect the “phase” wire to the first terminal of the electric meter, and the “zero” wire to the third terminal.
At this point, the independent connection of the electric meter is considered complete. Check the device at idle and begin to gradually apply the load. After the preliminary check, contact the energy sales office with a request for additional checking and sealing of the meter.
Good luck!
