The procedure for sealing a gas meter
Before carrying out work, the subscriber needs to prepare a manufacturer’s passport for the gas meter.
The passport contains information about the device’s compliance with state regulations and certification (for a gas meter manufactured in Russia). If manufactured abroad, this information is contained in the appendix to the metering device passport. Next, you should provide information about the subscriber. Sealing a gas meter is permitted only if the requirements of all regulatory and technical documentation are met. The process itself includes work at 3 points: the inlet pipe, the outlet pipe and the counter cover.
If it is necessary to turn off the gas, for example, in order to move gas equipment, then the following measures are implemented for the subsequent start-up of the gas supply system:
- checking the integrity of gas supply pipes within 5 minutes;
- purging of gas supply pipes;
- examination of a gas sample after purging;
- sealing the metering device by drawing up a report; The meter readings must be included in the report.
During purging of gas supply pipes, a certain amount of a mixture of gas and air will pass through the meter. Because of this, the readings on the meter will no longer be zero. To relieve yourself of the obligation to pay for such a resource, these values must be reflected in the act.
Only certified specialists have access to gas start-up work. These specialists bear liability, even criminal liability, for improper performance of their duties. The gas pipeline is an object of increased danger, so you should not carry out any dismantling work on it yourself. To determine the location of the leak, you need to have special equipment, which not everyone has.
Household gas meters
Counters vary in design, operating principles, and sizes. The best option for use in your own apartment is the membrane type. Positive aspects: savings, long service life, durability. Disadvantages include low throughput and large size.
The control device consists of compartments separated by doors, the opening of which occurs alternately. All elements are connected together by a special mechanism in the shape of a cross. Gas passes sequentially through the compartments. The movement of the valves leads to the formation of a mechanical impulse that sets the cruciform mechanism in motion. The consumed gas flow is calculated using an asterisk.
Installation cost
In principle, any metering device is the property of the person who owns the apartment. Accordingly, the customer must reimburse not only the cost of the meter, but also the installation work.
There are a number of factors that can affect the overall cost. Let's look at them:
- For whose money will the device be purchased?
- The need for welding work or its absence.
- The length of communications for the output of the metering device.
- The number of devices in the apartment that consume gas (boiler, gas stove, water heater).
If we talk about the specific cost, then installing a gas meter with one gas stove will cost on average 4000-5000 rubles.
Types of seals on a gas meter
Depending on who installs the seal, they can be divided into two groups:
- Seals installed by the meter manufacturer. This is the manufacturer’s guarantee that the device is designed, technically sound, has passed all tests and tests and complies with all the data specified in the accompanying documentation.
- Seal of the company supplying the resource. This type is installed to monitor the operation of the measuring device, as well as to record the fact of interference in its operation. It is placed in places where it is attached to the gas pipeline.
Based on the material, seals on a gas meter are divided into the following types:
- Made of lead. This type is the most widely used. A lead seal looks like a small metal pendant through which a wire is threaded and pressed with a special number seal. Information about the indicator number is written down in the accompanying documentation; it is checked for compliance during inspection.
- Anti-magnetic sticker. This is also a popular type of indicator. If you try to tear off, damage or peel off the sticker, the message “opened” will appear. It is not possible to return the sticker back.
- The lock seal looks like a lock made from a plastic case with a clip. These indicators contain a special license plate with which you can track the history of its installation.
- The rotary plastic seal is the most reliable. Any physical impact on it will cause it to break.
Types of gas meter seals
The effectiveness of gas consumption control largely depends on what seals are placed on gas meters.
Lead
The lead seal is universal, as various options for its execution are possible. It is quite reliable due to its metal composition. The installation is carried out using sealers, so it is disposable.
It is easy to apply special unique prints to lead, which are difficult to counterfeit. Lead nail seals for gas meters are used by manufacturers of control and measuring instruments.
Paper stickers
The paper seal on the gas meter pipe is attached temporarily, since the material wears out quickly and is quite easily damaged.
Sticker seals are used in hard-to-reach places and where other types of sealing are not acceptable.
Plastic clamps
Plastic clamps are easy to install and affordable, so their scope of application is quite wide. To seal a gas meter with such a seal, no special equipment is required; it is enough to insert a narrow pointed edge into the hole at the opposite end and tighten it well.
To remove this seal from the gas meter, you will have to cut the clamp.
Plastic number seals
The numbered plastic seal for the gas meter is a rotary type device. It is fastened with a safety wire by screwing a rotor rod placed in the middle onto the thread. It must be turned only clockwise. The special flag placed on the seal is broken off after fixation.
On its body there is a special insert with a unique number. As a rule, seals with numbers on the gas meter are attached to the area where it is connected to the pipe during commissioning or after scheduled verification.
It is possible to remove the seal from the meter only after cutting the wire.
Anti-magnetic fillings
An anti-magnetic seal on a gas meter is used to prevent illegal tampering using a magnet that slows down the operation of the control and measuring device.
The principle of operation of an antimagnetic filling is that even with short-term exposure to a magnet, the structure in the capsule is destroyed. This reaction indicates outside interference.
To seal control and measuring devices, magnetic seals with one or two elements are used:
- Under the influence of a magnetic field on single-element fillings, the antimagnetic element disintegrates and the readings of the control and measuring device are recorded.
- A two-element antimagnetic seal for gas works in such a way that the element turns black after the influence of the magnet.
What to do
Operation of the equipment implies, in addition to personal control, providing access to the equipment to representatives of the service organization. If the owner creates obstacles for service personnel (after they have demonstrated documents), this may serve as a reason for terminating the service contract.
There are several options for checking the mechanism yourself:
- Monitor whether the device values change when all fuel consumers are completely turned off.
- Comparison of charges during maximum fuel consumption of a gas stove (4 burners and oven) with similar passport data.
- If the unit contains an electronic dial that changes numbers when the gas pipeline is closed, we can talk about the presence of stray currents in the system.
If it's broken
After detecting a malfunction during verification, the specialist draws up a report on the presence of a breakdown, and the owner of the measuring device will need to pay the recalculated amount of energy resources for the last six months.
If the owner independently discovers a malfunction, it is necessary to urgently notify the service organization. The technician will inspect the unit, followed by repair or full replacement. If the meter is transferred for examination to the inspection center, a temporary recorder is installed on the gas pipeline, which will work until a permanent meter is installed.
If expired
Gas equipment should be checked regularly, even if the gas meter has not yet passed its expiration date. The owner of the premises is responsible for periodic inspections. Gas service employees carry out scheduled meter checks every 6 months.
If, during the inspection of the device, the technicians detect a case of delay, a recalculation of the gas used for the last 6 months is made. An interested person can contact the consumer rights protection center if he notices violations on the part of the gas organization.
The need for filling
Without a seal, gas is paid at the average rate. Often the amount for consumption turns out to be much higher than using meter readings. This forces users to seal the gas meter immediately after installation. Even if installing a filling is not cheap, its installation will pay for itself in a short period of time.
Paying for gas consumption according to meter readings helps you save a lot; you pay only for the resources actually used.
Each gas meter model looks different, although all modern devices have a similar appearance. New equipment for calculating the volume of gas used has the following features:
- accuracy of readings without error;
- long service life;
- antimagnetic protection and other barriers to unauthorized access;
- safety of use;
- ability to work with large volumes of gas;
- protection against sparks;
- no need for maintenance.
Filling specialists are accredited to perform these actions. The procedure looks quite simple: gas service employees check the operation of the meter, verify the readings and issue a report. How much this service costs depends on the service company; by law, the fee is borne by the consumer. When submitting an application, the client will be informed what documents are needed to pass the inspection and apply the seal. Do not try to interfere with the operation of the gas meter, the anti-magnetic one will not allow this, and all illegal actions lead to punishment.
At whose expense is the replacement carried out?
If the service life of the device has expired, or verification has shown that it is unsuitable for further use, then all costs associated with its replacement are borne entirely by the owner of the apartment.
In addition to the cost of the meter itself, its installation will cost from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles. Everything will depend on the complexity of the work performed.
Free replacement is provided only to certain groups of citizens:
- WWII veterans;
- large families;
- low-income, needy citizens.
If your apartment has a gas meter installed, then you need to independently monitor the onset of its verification interval.
It is worth considering that the countdown is made from the moment the device is released.
If the verification is not carried out on time, or the gas company is not notified of the malfunction of the device itself, then the apartment owner will be required to pay for the last six months for the use of gas according to established standards, which will be much more expensive.
All costs associated with installation, replacement and verification of the device are borne by the gas user.
Gas meters, like other measuring instruments, have a certain service life.
Compliance with all operating requirements and timely verification is of great importance.
Procedure for detecting a damaged seal
If the subscriber notices that the seal is damaged, you should immediately contact the gas supplier's customer service with a corresponding statement. In this case, an unscheduled inspection of the home will be carried out by an inspector who will check the functionality of the metering device, find out the reasons for the broken seal and install another one (if there was accidental damage).
The owner of the gas meter will have to pay for the work done again. Payment for gas will be calculated according to the current tariff, from the moment the citizen applies until the moment of sealing.
The GORGAZ Service Service carries out work on installation, replacement and verification of gas meters in Moscow and the Moscow region. Departure upon request is carried out in specially equipped vehicles with a full set of tools and spare parts necessary to perform the work.
Based on the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation N 354, paragraph 81, the installed metering device, including after verification, is sealed by the contractor without charging a fee to the consumer, except for cases when the sealing of the corresponding metering devices is carried out by the contractor again due to violation of the seal or verification marks by the consumer or a third party.
VERIFICATION
On-site gas meter verification
- Certificate of verification
- sealing
- commissioning certificate
- data transfer to RSO
REPLACEMENT
Replacing a gas meter with sealing
- dismantling/installation
- sealing
- commissioning certificate
- data transfer to RSO
INSTALLATION
Initial installation and commissioning
- installation design sketch
- installation
- commissioning certificate
- data transfer to RSO
sealing
Installation of seal and commissioning
- installation of a seal
- commissioning certificate
- data transfer to RSO and EIR
Cost of installation services
Since the gas flow controller device is considered the property of the apartment owner, he is obliged to purchase it at his own expense, as well as reimburse the costs of its installation.
Consumer experience shows that installing a gas meter can reduce monthly gas payments by 30-50%. It is especially beneficial to use the device if more than 4-5 people live in the apartment
The cost of installation may vary, since this value is influenced by a number of factors, namely:
- the presence of household appliances and devices that require blue fuel to function. These include a gas water heater, water heater, gas stove, boiler;
- carrying out welding work or lack thereof;
- the length of the pipes on which the meter is mounted;
- payment for materials and equipment (hoses, fittings).
At the moment, connecting the device in a room where there is only a gas stove costs on average 3000-5000 rubles, but if the apartment is equipped with a gas water heater or other equipment, the price approximately doubles.
As practice shows, the funds spent on purchasing the device and its installation pay off within one year. But it’s still better to make an initial calculation, especially if 1-2 people live in the apartment, and the only appliances are a hob.
At whose expense is the filling installed?
The “stamp” on the IPU is installed in the interests of the supplier, that is, the resource supplying organization. On the other hand, companies are not required to put seals on consumer meters, and their presence is legally required.
Initially, when putting the device into operation, the organization installs them free of charge to its subscribers, but subsequent sealings are paid by the client according to a separately concluded agreement. This point is also noted in Government Decree No. 549, paragraph 22 “b”.
The cost of sealing after repair, reinstallation or replacement of a gas meter is set by the supplier, and there are no uniform prices. It may vary depending on the consumables used, the controller’s transportation costs and other nuances, but usually does not exceed 300-400 rubles.
Legislation
Please note that the Rules for the supply of gas to meet the household needs of citizens, approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated July 21, 2008 No. 549, prohibit the supply of natural gas if the subscriber does not have an agreement on the maintenance and repair of in-house gas equipment (hereinafter referred to as VDGO) and gas equipment (hereinafter referred to as VKGO).
The lack of timely maintenance of VDGO and VKGO creates a security threat to the vital interests of the individual, society and the state, since the occurrence of an emergency in the system of intra-house and intra-apartment gas equipment can entail human casualties, damage to human health, and significant material losses.
How much is it?
Let's find out how long the device lasts, how many years it is installed. Despite the fact that the state has established the validity period of a gas meter in an apartment or private house for 20 years, it is better to follow the recommendations from the manufacturer specified in the technical data sheet of the equipment. Models of meters and their service life:
- SGK - 20 years;
- NPM G4 – 20 years;
- SGMN 1 g6 – 20 years;
- Betar - 12 years old;
- 161722 Grand - 12 years old.
From what date is it counted: from the date of installation or release?
It doesn’t matter how long after purchase you installed the metering device, the service life of the gas meter is counted from the moment the device was manufactured according to
How to choose a gas meter
Despite the fact that in order to approve the project for installing a metering device, it is necessary to provide a data sheet for the flow meter, the choice of equipment should be made only after consultation with specialists. You should definitely inquire about the list of approved devices, since unlicensed devices will not be put into operation.
In order to select a flow meter, you should take into account its technical characteristics, especially paying attention to two criteria: throughput and type of device
The first criterion depends on the number and power of gas appliances installed in the house. For one slab, for example, a throughput of 1.6 m3/hour is sufficient. This parameter is indicated on the front panel and can be found out by looking at the value indicated after the letter “G”, that is, in this case you need a device marked G1.6.
The choice of meter depends on the throughput of gas appliances. For example, if for a gas stove it ranges from 0.015 to 1.2 m3/hour, then a meter with parameters of 1.6 m3/hour is optimal. In the event that several devices are installed and operated, then the minimum values of the least powerful and the maximum data of the highest consumption should be taken into account.
But you need to take into account that choosing an ideal flow meter for such a requirement is often an impossible task, so maximum values are taken into account. For example, if the minimum consumption of the stove is 0.015 m3/hour, and the maximum throughput of the boiler is 3.6 m3/hour, then you should purchase a meter marked G4
However, it is imperative to take into account the fact that the meter will be allowed to be installed if the deviation in the minimum value does not exceed 0.005 m3/hour. Otherwise, it may be necessary to install separate metering devices and, as a result, maintain two separate personal accounts
Main types of household gas meters
When choosing a meter, you should definitely take into account its type, which determines the principle of its operation, as well as the accuracy of the data obtained. Based on this criterion, individual consumers can choose devices:
- membrane These gas meters are distinguished by their low price, high reliability and completely reliable values. But they are very noisy devices;
- rotary devices. These devices are popular because of their compact size and fairly low price, but they have a short service life and are not highly accurate in the measurements obtained;
- ultrasonic devices. These meters are electronic devices and have high measurement accuracy. They are quite compact, silent and can be integrated into an overall system for remote data transfer.
Also, when choosing a gas meter, you should take into account its installation location, since these devices are right- and left-handed
It is also necessary to take into account what section of the pipe the installation will be carried out on: horizontal or vertical. You also need to decide on the location of the gas meter: in the house, in a warm, heated room, or on the street
In the latter case, you should buy a device with thermal correction, as evidenced by the letter “T” on the front panel of the device, indicated next to the throughput of the device.
Particular attention should be paid to the date of manufacture of the meter, since it is the starting point for determining the verification interval, which is individual and ranges from 3 to 15 years
What does the law say?
According to Federal Law No. 261 “On energy saving and increasing energy efficiency and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation,” owners of private houses and apartment owners who use gas are required to install meters for gas consumption.
As an exception, all residents of the house who use gas only for cooking may not install an expensive meter. In other words, owners of private housing or apartments who do not use gas equipment to heat their premises are exempt from complying with the law.
If a gas stove and a water heater are installed indoors, then you cannot do without installing a gas meter
In this case, payment for gas is made in accordance with the standards, and the amount to be paid is calculated based on the number of persons living in the apartment. The law also does not apply to residents of apartments and houses where the consumption of gas used for heating does not exceed 2 cubic meters per hour.
In addition to these cases, all residents of the country who own real estate were required to install a gas meter before January 1, 2021. Before refusing to install a gas meter, you should understand that the device will be forcibly installed by utility workers in any case.
Refusal to install a meter
If the owner refuses to voluntarily install a meter, then employees of the gas distribution company have the right to force it. In this case, the owner is obliged to provide the opportunity for specialists to install a gas flow meter in the apartment.
Regardless of whether the meter is installed with the consent of the owner or not, all costs of its installation will be collected from the consumer.
The total cost of installation work is divided into several months, and the monthly payment will indicate an additional amount for installing the meter
At the moment, the gas distribution company has not established any fines for failure to comply with the law on installing a gas meter.
If the owner is in no hurry to submit an application for the need to install a parting to the territorial office of the gas service, he will not bear any responsibility for ignoring the law, which cannot be said about obstructing installation work by gas service specialists.
There are also preferential categories of the population for which free installation of gas meters is provided. Read more in this material.
Fine for obstructing the installation of a meter
If the owner does not agree with the need to install a gas meter, he will have to allow gas company employees into his home and not interfere with the installation work.
If the owner of the property refuses to carry out the above actions, service specialists have the right to file a lawsuit for obstruction of mandatory maintenance.
The cost of legal expenses in the amount of established fines will significantly exceed the initial cost of payment for the installation of a gas meter
The homeowner is obliged to provide gas workers with access to maintain gas equipment. It is during the process of carrying out scheduled work that the absence of a gas meter is discovered.
It is for refusing to let gas service workers in to carry out maintenance that the homeowner is subject to a fine of up to 2,000 rubles.
Who is obliged to bet, according to what law?
According to Federal Law No. 416, which regulates the field of water supply and sanitation, sealing of meters is carried out, first of all, by organizations that provide water supply in accordance with subscription agreements.
Such structures usually actively cooperate with:
- managers,
- housing maintenance companies,
- HOA.
Any contractor legally carries out work with metering devices only if he has a license for the specified type of activity.
Primary
The management company, housing office or homeowners' association, within the framework of contractual relations with the water supplier, perform the first sealing for subscribers based on received applications. Utility companies provide the service free of charge.
Based on the results of installing the seal, a special clamp with a unique imprint, the device is considered put into operation. From the date of fixation of the fasteners at the place where the meter is connected to the water supply system, the period for calculating actual water consumption is started.
Contacting third-party companies will lead to additional costs and the risk of receiving low-quality work. The resource supply company may not take into account meter readings for calculations if the seal is placed incorrectly.
Repeatedly
The disruption of a protective element by the owner or an unauthorized person, the replacement of parts of the water supply network, or an accident entail the procedure for re-installing the seal.
After promptly contacting your management company or HOA, in the event of unintentional damage, a free seal replacement service can be provided. But such a response cannot be guaranteed.
As a result of a late application for the service, the homeowner will have to not only pay for re-sealing the device, but also pay for the period of water supply without a meter at the regional tariff.
If the meter stops working correctly, the consumer must notify the service provider within two days of the need to replace the measuring device and re-seal it. The company name can be easily found on receipts received previously.
Timely troubleshooting eliminates additional costs if the work is performed not by a third-party organization, but by a resource supply company under a service contract.
Operation stages
To pay for gas using a meter, it is necessary to seal the meter. The following describes how the procedure goes and what to do if after its completion the seal is torn or broken.
When should it be done?
The gas supplier, in accordance with clause 22 of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 21, 2008 N 549 “On the procedure for supplying gas to meet the household needs of citizens,” is obliged to seal the meter at the point of connection to the gas within 5 working days from the date of receipt of the application.
Who has the right to perform the operation?
Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated July 21, 2008 N 549 “On the procedure for supplying gas to meet the household needs of citizens” grants the right to install a seal exclusively to the gas supply service.
Is it paid or free?
The sealing of the meter in accordance with clause 22 of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 21, 2008 N 549 “On the procedure for supplying gas to meet the household needs of citizens” during initial installation is carried out at the expense of the gas supply company, in other cases (verification, replacement, repair or reinstallation, etc. .) at the expense of the owner of the premises.
Fines for broken or damaged seals
If the seal is broken accidentally, conscientious payers usually reimburse the cost of resealing. Also, Art. 19.2 of the Administrative Code (fine amount from 100 rubles to 300 rubles). If it is proven that the violation was intentional, then the fine under Art. 7.19 of the Administrative Code will be from 10 thousand rubles. up to 15 thousand rubles.
What to do if the seal is broken: step-by-step instructions
If the seal on the gas meter is broken, do not panic. Quick and consistent actions will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and fines.
Where to contact?
If you discover a broken seal, you should immediately notify the management company or gas service. If a telephone call was made, you need to record who exactly accepted the application. A more reliable way is to submit a written statement to prevent subsequent sanctions.
Required documents
To seal the meter you must provide:
- documents on the last meter verification;
- passport for the metering device;
- meter maintenance agreement;
- homeowner's passport;
- statement.
Application Form
When drawing up an application for re-sealing of the meter, you must indicate:
- passport details;
- subscriber's personal account number;
- address;
- phone number.
In addition to this information, you must indicate:
- the reason for replacing the filling;
- data on the metering device;
- meter readings and the date of its next verification (what are the timing for verification of gas meters?).
applications for gas meter sealing We do not recommend completing the documents yourself. Save time - contact our lawyers by phone: 8
Filling out the act
The act of removing the seal is drawn up by the gas service controller in two copies. The document states:
- parties present;
- reason for withdrawal;
- seal number (if available);
- meter readings at the time the seal was removed.
On our portal you will find materials about the service life of a gas meter, as well as what servicing gas equipment is and whether it is necessary to enter into an agreement with the company.
What is given upon completion?
Upon completion of the sealing, the specialist issues a certificate of work performed, which indicates the date and meter readings at the time the seal was installed.
Installing a gas meter is not an easy or cheap task, but it is often mandatory. If it is not possible to take advantage of a subsidy from local authorities, then there is an option to pay in installments. The paperwork for this procedure is not too complicated. The most important thing is that after installing the meter, make it a rule to check the integrity of the seal at least once a month. This way you can avoid unnecessary expenses and problems.
To resolve your issue, seek help from a lawyer. We will select a specialist for you. Call
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Violation of the gas seal
Broken gas seal: general information
The use of gas meters began relatively recently. While electricity and water meters have been widely used for a long time, gas meters are not yet so popular.
However, some unscrupulous consumers are trying to resort to various tricks to reduce readings and pay less for gas. Unfortunately, in an effort to save money, not everyone understands what their manipulations will ultimately lead to. All sorts of tricks and tricks can damage the device, and this will lead to a gas leak or more serious consequences.
Specialists from the gas supply company consider the seal to be broken if:
- a violation of the integrity of the device is visually visible;
- the magnetic sticker has changed color or a different inscription has appeared on it;
- the device itself is damaged.
If the consumer discovers a violation of the gas meter seal during the inspector’s visit, he should immediately report this in order to avoid sanctions. In the future, it will be extremely difficult to prove your non-involvement in damaging the seal.
Procedure for detecting a damaged seal
If the consumer notices that the protective device is damaged, he should immediately contact the gas service. The size of the penalty that gas workers will impose depends on the speed of action. There are three options for the development of events:
- If the inspector has recently visited and the seal has not been damaged intentionally, there is a chance to get away with a minimal fine. Its size can vary from 100 to 1,000 rubles or amount to the cost of re-sealing. Usually, the gas service is loyal to conscientious payers who maintain gas appliances in good condition and comply with all the rules for their operation. However, the meter will be taken away for examination at the client’s expense and if there is no damage to the meter.
- If the anti-magnetic seal is broken. This is considered a serious violation, since the use of special magnets is prohibited by law. Sometimes such punishments are imposed by the court, but most often the gas service imposes a fine of 3,000 rubles plus payment of losses incurred by the enterprise. Damage is calculated depending on the type and power of gas appliances and other factors affecting consumption. Sometimes these amounts turn out to be colossal.
- Representatives of the gas service recorded not only a violation of the gas meter seal, but also an unauthorized connection or connection of an unregistered device. Since such consumer behavior entails a danger to the life and health of others, the violator risks ending up in prison. As a rule, gas workers in such situations prefer to refer cases to the courts.
In what case is a fine charged?
In order not to receive a fine for breaking the seal on the gas meter, you should under no circumstances interfere with its operation. If there are suspicions that the meter is operating incorrectly, it is recommended to report this to the gas service. Unauthorized intervention, even with an intact filling, can result in serious punishment. If the housing is damaged, it may begin to leak gas, which will lead to poisoning of residents. In addition, gas leaks often cause fires.
Ensuring the safety of the protective device on the gas meter will help not only avoid penalties, but also preserve the health and lives of others. Therefore, it is better to entrust all questions regarding resources and metering devices to specialists.
