Checking gas meters without removal - rules and procedure

The essence of the procedure

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

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

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

In 2021, due to the coronavirus epidemic, verification of any meters (gas, water, electricity, heat) was cancelled. The rules were in effect from April 2021 until January 1, 2021. In 2021, verification of metering devices became mandatory again, and the moratorium ended.

Checking meters during a pandemic: is it legal?

On April 22, 2021, the press service of the Federal Accreditation Service published news that all household metering devices can be used without regular verification until January 1, 2021 , including those with an expired verification period. Resource supply and management companies are required to take readings from such devices to calculate payments for consumed utilities. No penalty (fine, penalty) will be collected. The measures taken are related to minimizing the risks of contracting coronavirus infection.

Have you ever checked your gas meter? Which company did you choose and why? If you have any questions on the topic, write in the comments: our specialists will try to answer everything.

Types of verification

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

Primary

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

Planned

After several years of operation, the gas meter may show incorrect consumption. The error can be greater or lesser.

According to the order of the State Standard of the Russian Federation dated July 18, 1994, the owner of the meter is obliged to carry out diagnostics in accordance with the established verification periods. The calibration interval depends on the device model. This is usually 8, 10 or 12 years. Each verification provides a guarantee that there will be no error until the next verification.

Unscheduled

This type of diagnosis is carried out if there are suspicions of measurement errors. Gas meters can produce excessive noise, knocking, vibration, and significantly underestimate readings during the peak heating season. In such situations, they need urgent unscheduled diagnostics.

Rules for checking the gas meter

1. The gas verification period is initially set by the manufacturer. If the user discovers that the meter is not working properly, then he must initiate an unscheduled verification of the device.
2. Responsibility for timely delivery of the gas meter for verification falls on the shoulders of the user.
3. Removal of the meter for further verification must be carried out in the presence of a representative of the gas supplier. He is obliged to take readings from the meter and check the integrity of the seals at the time of dismantling.
4. During a scheduled gas check, the supplier must notify the subscriber of the date of his visit.
5. Only service providers or balance holders (managers) have the right to verify metering devices in Russia, if this is provided for in the contract.
6. If an inspector comes to see you, you should definitely ask him to present the direction for verification. If a specialist says that the meter needs to be dismantled, then you should definitely request a written direction from him, which will indicate his last name, first name, patronymic, position, name of the organization, signature of the manager, seal of the service department.

Verifying a gas consumption meter at home will cost more than conducting an on-site verification procedure.

What is the calibration interval and how to find it out

The calibration interval of gas meters is a period of time during which it is necessary to undergo mandatory diagnostics of errors in the operation of the equipment. In accordance with state requirements, verification periods are as follows:

• for devices manufactured before 2005 - every 8 years;
• for equipment manufactured after 2005 - every 10 or 12 years.

Verification times may vary depending on the device model. You can find the individual frequency in the technical data sheet of the device, which comes with the purchase.

Rating of the best gas meters

In our TOP 10 we have collected meter models from the most famous and trusted manufacturers. Our list is not numbered on purpose so as not to create the impression of preference for any one model.

Elehant SGB-1.8

Let's start with the development of Omsk aviation radio engineers.
Elehant household gas meters stand out from competitors with their compact dimensions: 6.6 x 6.6 centimeters! The device is universal, easy to install, supports vertical and horizontal installation. The manufacturer produces 11 colored linings, so the device can fit perfectly into the interior of any kitchen. High accuracy of readings, no need to replace the battery (it is changed after 12 years during verification), economical display backlighting and storage of gas consumption history for a year are advantages that were positively assessed by experts and users.

They also produce modifications with increased throughput (SGB-3.2 and SGB-4.0), thermal correction for outdoor installation (TC) and a remote display (SGBD).

View and select

Counting device SGM-1.6

Jet household gas meter, assembled at the plant in Orel. It is characterized by its small dimensions (length only 11 cm, height - 8), so it is ideal for the kitchen. The model is assembled from simple but high-quality mechanisms for calculating the gas-air mixture.

Oryol engineers thought about the users and moved the battery to the outside of the case in the SGMB modification. This way, it can be easily changed without opening the case or sending the meter back to the factory.

They also produce modifications with increased capacity, with a built-in thermal corrector (TC) or the possibility of remote data transmission using a radio module.

View and select

Grand-1.6

Manufacturer: Turbulence-DON, Rostov-on-Don. Although larger in size than the previous two, it is still compact: length 14.5 cm with a height of 8 cm. The models are highly reliable due to the absence of moving mechanical parts. Installation of the meter is simple, no gas welding is required, it can be installed in any convenient position.

Various modifications are available: from increased capacity to different body colors (white, gray or orange).

View and select

OMEGA RL G2.5

Rotary gas meters with small dimensions, high reliability and the ability to withstand temporary overloads.
Easy to use and maintain, ensure easy and reliable installation. Unfortunately, it is a bit heavy (the weight of the device is 1.8 kg), and all gas providers offer installation exclusively in a vertical position. View and select

Betar SGBM-1.6

The Betar inkjet small-sized gas meter is distinguished by universal and simple installation using a union nut. In addition, the kit includes a tee, so you can use gas even if the meter is being calibrated or repaired.

Temperature correction, remote readings, built-in “Calendar” function (protection against unauthorized shutdown), lack of noise, interference and vibration - this is why many choose meters from this particular manufacturer.

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Equatel SGBM 1.8

Completely domestic device, high-quality assembly, high reliability and accuracy of readings.
With a compact size, the meter has a built-in enlarged display and large numbers that are convenient to control. Among the advantages are also a built-in thermal corrector, protection against stray currents, universal installation and rotation of the counting mechanism by 358 degrees.

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DIO TECH DTSG-1.6

The Russian company specializes in the production of premium class gas meters. Thanks to modern equipment, high quality of products is ensured.

The meters from this company have an attractive design, small dimensions and a large LCD display, the numbers on which can be easily read even at a distance of 2.5 meters. The device can be installed in any convenient position using the rotating housing. And the presence of a union nut allows installation without gas welding. You can connect a modem to the meter and set up automatic transmission of readings.

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Gasdevice NPM-G4

The Gazdevice company was founded in 1997 and is equipped with high-tech production equipment. The company produces membrane meters with different capacities, for installation outdoors and indoors. There are left- and right-handed models. Street meters are marked OMEGA and are equipped with a built-in thermal corrector. The device body is covered with a special anti-corrosion coating, which significantly increases its service life.

Light weight, European quality, high accuracy, built-in pressure stabilizer, mesh filter at the inlet and low price - this is what you can learn from user reviews of this model.

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Elster VK-G4

The group included the German one, which released its first gas meter in 1865!
The Russian branch of ELSTER Gaselectronics is located in the city of Arzamas and produces diaphragm gas meters, adapted to our conditions and maintaining European quality. The dimensions of the device are larger than jet ones, but it is still quite compact and quiet in operation: noise is heard only when using a gas water heater. High reliability, long service life, complete energy independence. Mechanical meters are chosen using the “buy, install and forget” method. Gas meters from the Elster company fully satisfy this condition.

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Counter SGD-4

Diaphragm gas meter, Orel city. Buyers note the build quality, trouble-free operation of the device, and high accuracy of readings. Disadvantages include large size and nondescript appearance.

View and select

Who has the right to carry out the procedure

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

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

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

Specialists also dismantle and install the equipment, and during the diagnostic period (if verification is carried out in the laboratory) they install a temporary safety device.

Is it possible to do it at home without removing it?

In most cases, checking a gas meter without removing it is technically impossible, since without dismantling the inspector will not be able to set different gas flow rates.

Most household gas meters must be verified according to GOST 8.324-2002 “GSI. Gas meters. Verification method”, and this method involves dismantling.

However, if employees of Gosstandart (or another accredited company) have a mobile verification station on hand, then they can verify the meter at home.

The metering device is dismantled and tested on site, in the client’s apartment, without delivery to the laboratory. This verification is carried out within an hour. The owner of the counting device will be required to organize a verification event, pay for services in advance or on the spot.

Responsibility for late verification

If the period for checking the equipment has come to an end or the owner of the apartment simply avoided carrying out this procedure, then no fine is imposed for this. However, such a gas meter will be considered unregistered, so payments for gas will be charged at the established tariffs.

So it is in the owner’s interests to regularly check the meters. Otherwise, there is a risk of overpaying several times. In addition, such a gas meter can create a gas hazard.

approximate cost

The diagnostic procedure is not carried out free of charge. Each organization has its own prices for checking gas meters. An agreement is concluded with the owners of gas equipment. On its basis, the meters will be verified.

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

If a collective agreement is concluded with an inspection company, then the settlement system is carried out differently:

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

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

Important! If the equipment is many years old and there are problems with its operation, it is better to immediately purchase a new meter. Most likely, it will not pass verification. As a result, the owner will need to spend money not only on diagnostics, but also on the purchase of new equipment, as well as dismantling and installation. In order to save money, it is better to immediately buy a new device.

Where to contact

First you need to contact the gas supplier. You can call the person on duty at the phone number (for each company indicated on the subscriber book or official website) and leave a request for verification or inform that you will contact a commercial verification service.

Some companies require that the subscriber personally bring the application to the gas service and attach a package of documents (sometimes copies are enough).

If you decide to call your gas service employees, then you need to leave a request for verification and agree on the time of the metrologists’ visit.

If you call a commercial company, then contact them (after you have notified your gas service).

How is the verification carried out?

Employees of the gas service, contracting company or commercial organization come to the apartment or house at the appointed time.

If it is technically possible to carry out verification without removal or the inspectors have a mobile station, then the whole procedure will take about an hour.

If this is not possible, then the device is dismantled and taken with you, and another temporary meter is installed in its place.

After removal, the owner will be given a document confirming the dismantling work has been completed. It is immediately issued in two carbon copies. One form remains with the subscriber, and the other is taken by the VET staff. The act is signed by the workers and the owner of the gas meter. This document must be kept until the installation of an authorized or new metering device (if it is not subject to verification). Before starting installation work, this certificate will need to be provided to the workers.

What is gas meter verification and why is it needed?

Verification is a set of operations that are designed to determine whether a given device meets the established requirements. In other words, is it usable? This is both the essence and the need for verification.

Responsibility for the safety of the device lies with its owner, which means the owner of the premises, residential or non-residential, it does not matter.

Types of verifications and deadlines

The device can be checked both on site and in a specialized laboratory. In other words, there are two types of verification:

• with removal;
• without removal, in place.

In addition, the device is checked:

1. After its production by the manufacturer. A corresponding entry is made about this in the device data sheet and the device is sealed by the manufacturer to confirm this.
2. After the verification interval has expired. It is installed by the device manufacturer and is indicated in the documents accompanying the device.
3. When installing and putting the meter into operation. In this case, the device itself is sealed by the person installing the meter, and the fact that the meter has been checked is reflected in the work acceptance certificate. However, the interval is calculated not from the moment of entry, but according to the date specified by the manufacturer in the device data sheet.
4. In case of unforeseen circumstances: distortion of information, failure of one of the seals, etc.

Let's celebrate! As mentioned above, you can check the meter either in a specialized laboratory of Rosstandart and Metrology, or at home. In the first case, the device will have to be dismantled and delivered to specialists. In the second, the check is carried out without removal. Right on the spot, which you will agree is much more convenient, less expensive and causes less inconvenience.

What documents will you be given and what should you do with them?

When verification is completed, the subscriber will be given the following package of documents:

• Certificate of work performed with a full transcript, signature and seal;
• Gas meter maintenance agreement;
• Certificate of verification (this form is issued if during the diagnostics the identified error does not exceed the normal limits). From September 2021, all verification data is entered into the Arshin register (read the details at the link).

The technician also enters the date of the test into the technical passport of the device. Information on the new gas meter must be submitted to the EIRC.