Is it legal to demand that the electricity meter be taken outside?

Our advantages

Our specialists have extensive experience and professional skills in the field of electrical installation work.
In addition to installing the meter itself, we offer installation of a power limiter, an input circuit breaker, an RCD, and an electrical panel. We carry out the work promptly and efficiently, and provide a 12-month guarantee. The cost of installing an electric meter on a pole depends on several conditions:

• location height;
• meter configuration and type;
• support material;
• fastening method;
• Availability of additional services (laying cables in pipes, activating machines, installing an electrical panel, etc.)

Cost of work

Cost of installing a meter on a pole

The cost of installation is influenced by the experience and qualifications of the technician, the cost of materials, the type and complexity of the work. The price of the work depends on the technical characteristics:

• maximum power value;
• location of the metering station;
• connection type: direct and transformer;
• possibility of multi-tariff accounting;
• Availability of a box and automatic machines.

Some contractors provide discounts, for example, when ordering several services or a large volume of work. You will agree on the final cost of electrical installation work with the specialist.

Electronic counter with remote control

When all apartments had induction electric meters, craftsmen invented various ways to change their readings downwards. With the advent of electronic analogs, this became almost impossible.

But on the Internet you can find a large number of offers for the sale of modified meters with remote control. The basic principle of operation of such a meter is that the electricity consumer can independently turn it on and off. At the same time, electricity enters the house, but remains unaccounted for. With such a remote control you can stop the counter completely or slow it down.

Almost any electronic meter can be modified and equipped with a remote control, but in this case the device case is opened, which means the factory seal and sticker with a digital code are broken. Sellers of meters with remote control claim that they are able to restore all this. New seals and stickers do not differ from the factory ones, and a visual check of the meter body before its installation is not able to detect these changes.

Such proposals are especially appealing to those who have moved their electric meter outside. With such a remote control, you can influence its operation. There is an opinion that it is better to place the device outside and stop it as needed from home.

Interfering with the operation of metering devices is illegal. If uncontrolled use of electricity is detected, the supplier company may impose a large fine on the consumer. Therefore, before purchasing meters with remote control, you need to think carefully about everything.

Rules for installing a metering board

Let us present the standards for installing an electrical panel in accordance with PUE 7. According to Chapter 1.5, clause 1.5.29, the distance from the surface of the earth (floor) to the terminals of the metering device should be within 0.8-1.7 m. The panel itself can be installed as on a support (pole) or on a pipe stand - in this case, everything also depends on the requirements of the supplying organization.

The electric meter must be protected by fuses or circuit breakers. In this case, the distance from the electric meter to the protective devices should not exceed 10 m.

Often consumers do not comply with the requirements regarding the selection of the rating of protective devices, which can lead to damage to the meter. And if the permissible power limit is exceeded by several consumers, it can lead to an unwanted overload on the supply line as a whole, which entails the occurrence of emergency situations in the electrical network.

Therefore, in most cases, the supplying organization installs metering panels with the ability to install a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker, firstly, protects the electric meter itself from overload, and secondly, it limits the load in accordance with the contract for the power supply of the house, which, as a rule, indicates the allocated power. The circuit breaker is installed and connected when connected to the electrical network, and the panel itself is sealed to prevent unauthorized replacement of the circuit breaker, as well as unauthorized interference in the operation of the measuring device.

The metering panel is installed only on a stable and reliable support using a special bracket and other mounting elements that are included with the panel or that need to be purchased additionally.

Also, in order to protect against damage or interference, the supplying organization can install the metering panel on a support (pole) at a height of more than 1.7 m.

Methods for detecting electricity theft

Of course, as soon as it seems to you that your electricity bill is too high, you should not immediately accuse your neighbors of theft, since the reason for the incredibly high costs may not be the theft of electricity at all. Therefore, in order not to quarrel with the residents of your entrance, you should first understand the current situation in detail.

The most obvious signs that your electricity is being stolen are:

The presence of third-party wires at your meter - the connection of the electric meter has an established circuit, and the number of wires supplied to it is determined by the specified circuit of the manufacturer. An example of such a connection is shown in the figure below:

Electric meter connection diagram If, when examining your meter, you identify any third-party wires that fit in addition to the normal circuit, then this indicates that your neighbors are stealing electricity, taking it away from your meter. The direction of these additional conductors should then be found.

Presence of load in the electrical network when electrical appliances are turned off. The problem with many houses with old wiring is that there are adjacent sockets, when neighbors can easily connect to the terminals of someone else's socket. If you disconnect the load from the sockets located on such walls adjacent to neighbors and check the load in the line approaching it, then the presence of electric current will indicate that the neighbors are stealing electricity.

Checking the current load This method of theft is quite difficult to track down, unless you deliberately set such a goal, it can also be realized from distribution boxes, but this happens much less often.

The presence of potential on heating radiators, taps or other structures that have a common ground. Such a problem actually does not in any way affect the readings of your meter, electricity thieves simply bypass their own electricity metering and you are in no way in danger of losing electricity. But you face the threat of electric shock from touching batteries or taps, so it’s also worth fighting against such manifestations.

Wire tampering is popular in the private sector, but it will be easy to see if someone has illegally tapped into your line.

Therefore, for those living in the private sector, it is important to be especially vigilant in order to protect themselves from cunning neighbors.

Throw on the line

Inflating meter readings when all devices and loads in the network are turned off. If you have turned off everything that consumed electrical energy, and your meter continues to show electricity consumption, the fact of theft is obvious. This method of theft can be carried out by particularly experienced attackers who know how to hide connection points well, so you need to turn to highly qualified specialists for help.

To combat the above methods, no measures in the form of automatic electricity metering systems or meters with magnetic seals will help, since power will be taken directly from your line.

Moving meters outside in dacha cooperatives and gardening associations

Often, owners of private buildings complain that the chairman of a gardening non-profit partnership is forcing them to install an electric meter outside the house. He explains this requirement by the fact that the location of devices on the street will make it possible to keep track of electricity and fight against those who decide to deceive the state. It is important to take into account that such demands cannot be presented simply.

Law of April 15, 1998 No. 66-FZ as amended. dated 07/03/2016 “On horticultural, gardening and dacha non-profit partnerships”, such decisions must be made exclusively after a general meeting and a unanimous decision.

If this issue has not previously been raised and no vote was taken, the requirement can be ignored. If most of your neighbors are not against such innovations, you will also have to come to terms with them.

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Refusal to place the meter outdoors

Owners of private houses can provide the service company with access to the meter on the premises. In such a case, installation on the street does not make sense.

If the electricians insist otherwise, the owner can specify an installation location different from the one proposed. Compliance with the PUEs that are emphasized is mandatory. Installation of an electricity meter is permitted only with the written consent of the owner of the site. Two documents must be signed: consent to installation and the act of determining the installation location. To verify legality, the presence of a disinterested legal entity is desirable.

The electricity supplier does not have the right to violate or force an individual to violate the law. If any illegal actions occur, you should contact the prosecutor's office.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=G_209-2YWhw

Rules for choosing a machine

The machines are selected taking into account the load parameters and characteristics of the wire. The main indicators of the circuit breaker are displayed on the front of the case in the form of markings.

Deciphering inscriptions on the machine

Depending on the voltage value and the number of poles, the following types of products are produced:

• single-pole - 220 V (for one phase wire);
• bipolar - with a similar voltage value (for 2 wires - phase and neutral);
• three-pole - 380 V (for three phase wires);
• four-pole - the same voltage (with three phase and one neutral wire).

When choosing a machine, you need to take into account the characteristics of the network and the number of wires involved. If the installed devices constantly work for no apparent reason, it makes sense to select products of higher power and install them to replace the ones in use.

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The device is selected based on the wire cross-section, current and power characteristics indicated in the table:

The operation of the electrical network is organized in such a way that the weak link is played by a circuit breaker that turns off when the indicators are less than critical. The devices are formed into groups, depending on the categories of consumers according to power characteristics, with the corresponding selection of device power.

One of the characteristics of the machine is time-current, the essence of which is determined by the formula:

K = I/In

wherein:

• K – multiplicity value;
• In – rated current;
• I – value of current in the network.

The following categories of multiplicity are distinguished, depending on the value of K:

• B – from 3 to 5;
• C – from 5 to 10;
• D – from 10 to 20.

As the magnification increases, the response speed of the device increases.

In addition to the multiplicity, the response speed varies depending on the ambient temperature. As it increases, a smaller current value will be required to turn off the machine.

There are 3 classes of current limitation, indicating the operating time of the device:

• third – up to 3 ms;
• second – 5 – 6 ms;
• the first is about 10 ms.

As the class increases, the cost increases and the quality of the device improves. Most household products are manufactured in the third class.

Each element is made in the form of a separate module mounted on a DIN rail. The width of one module is 17.5 mm.

What do you need to connect?

First, you will need to decide on the location where the introductory electrical panel will be installed. If we are talking about a country cottage, then it is determined on the street, for this a wall cabinet will be used. However, most often it is mounted inside the apartment in order to ensure the safety of the equipment from strangers. The best choice would be a corridor closer to the front door. This location will save on the length of the power cable.

According to the standards, it must be installed on a flat surface about 1.5 m from the floor, away from pipelines, water and gas.

When connecting the electrical panel, you need to follow the following algorithm:

• prepare the wires;
• install a box;
• secure DIN rails;
• arrangement of modular devices and terminal blocks;
• switching is the process of connecting wires to modular devices. To complete this stage, first strip the conic wires and, if necessary, put lugs on them. Then they are inserted into the terminals of the machines and screwed tightly;
• connect the input cable, neutral phase and grounding;
• carrying out test switching on of machines. In this case, you need to wear rubber gloves and stand on a rubber mat.

Types and types of devices

Electric energy meters are divided into types and types according to different criteria. Among them: design, number of phases and tariffs.

Induction and electronic

Induction meters are familiar to everyone. Previously, they were everywhere; this type of device was developed a long time ago. It looks like a disk drive. Electricity passes through such a counter, a magnetic field is formed, and because of this, the disk produces revolutions. Each rotation of the disk is equal to a certain amount of electricity consumed. The main advantage of such a device is its reliability - they can work properly for up to thirty years! But there is also a big drawback: the measurement error is very high.

Electronic meters have appeared quite recently. They measure electricity consumption directly and can store or transmit data. Such devices are many times more accurate than induction devices and take into account the minimum load.

Single-tariff and multi-tariff

An induction meter can only operate on one tariff. But when purchasing an electronic meter, you can choose a multi-tariff device. In this case, the recorder will count electricity depending on the time: at a day or night tariff.

This is convenient because the cost of electricity varies during the day and at night. Therefore, a consumer with a two-tariff meter can turn on the heater at night and pay less for electricity.

By number of phases - single-phase and three-phase

The electric meter can be suitable for single-phase 220 V or three-phase 380 V networks. Before purchasing, be sure to check which network is used in your home.

Which electric meter should I choose for outdoor installation?

There are household electricity designed for installation outside the home. They are able to withstand fluctuations in air temperature while maintaining accurate readings.

The devices are single- and multi-tariff, single- or three-phase.

Street meters come in different capacities .

To determine it, you need to calculate the total power of all electrical appliances in the room. If it is below 10 kW, then a 60 A meter is suitable, if more - 100 A. The accuracy class must be at least 2.0.

Devices are now being produced .

When purchasing an installation box, you need to pay special attention to its tightness. Heating is not required.

The moisture-resistant box must have a degree of protection of at least IP53-IP54.

The box should be selected taking into account the design of the meter.

It is necessary to have a window on the door to take readings.

As an outdoor option, a single-phase electric meter - for a small house and cottage, or a three-phase one - for a multi-storey cottage with a swimming pool, sauna, etc.

In the latter case, the main thing is to correctly connect the device and evenly distribute the load on the network circuits.

Electric meters have a higher accuracy class than induction meters. The readings remain stable despite temperature changes throughout the entire service life.

When selecting the type of device mounting, it is better to give preference to a DIN rail. It is universal.

Before purchasing, you need to pay attention to the seal and the date of the last verification. Its age should not exceed two years for single-phase devices and 1 year for three-phase devices.

Leading manufacturers, popular meter models and analysis of their prices

Metering devices, regardless of water or electricity, are installed for more than one year, so you need to purchase only high-quality and reliable equipment. It is best to buy devices only from trusted manufacturers, such as:

• Inotex;
• Energy meter;
• Typeit.

The use of multi-tariff meters provides great benefits.
The Inotex company is a well-known Russian brand with a 15-year history. It produces electronic electricity meters, which occupy a leading position in sales in the Russian Federation.

Energomera is the largest manufacturer of electricity metering devices. The company entered the electrical appliances market in 2010.

Taypit is a company from St. Petersburg, founded in 1999. The company is engaged in the production of measuring equipment, including electricity meters.

Judging from the information above, electricity meters with automatic transmission of readings are suitable for:

• Neva 103 1SO – for ordinary apartments;
• Mercury 200.02 – for municipal premises;
• Energy meter CE300 R31 043-J – for a small residential building;
• Mercury 231 AT-01 is the best option for a large cottage.

It is best to install multi-tariff electricity meters. They allow you to more effectively plan your electricity consumption and payment.

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Remote meter design

The operating principle of new electricity meters with remote data collection is based on converting analog signals into pulses, on the basis of which the amount of energy consumed is calculated. The main difference between electronic devices and induction devices is the absence of driven mechanical parts and wider functionality:

• A well-organized electricity consumption metering system.
• Increased input voltage interval.
• Saving and providing data for previous accounting periods.
• Connection to systems for collecting and sending information to the supplier.
• Power consumption measurement.

The design of a remote electricity meter is represented by the required details:

• Liquid crystal display.
• Timer with actual time display.
• Transformer.
• Connectors for connecting telemetry.
• Control and monitoring elements.
• Supervisor.
• Power supply.
• An optical port can be installed optionally.

The liquid crystal display of the electric meter with remote readings displays information about the amount of energy consumed, the actual date and time, the operating mode of the device and the tariff.

An independent power source ensures the operation of the meter's electronic circuit. A supervisor is connected to it, which creates a reset signal for the microcontroller, which occurs when the electric meter is turned on or off remotely. With the help of the supervisor, changes in the input voltage are monitored.

The clock function in some models is performed by a microcontroller. The part is equipped with a separate microcircuit that reduces the load and power consumption, which allows you to redirect energy to solve other problems.

You can connect an electric meter with a remote control to a personal computer or data transmission system using a telemetry output. Information is collected from the metering device via the optical port.

Metal cabinet for electric meter

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:

• Protection against vandalism and theft. In order for the box to perform this function, it is securely fixed to a pole and equipped with a locking mechanism;
• Protection from moisture, which allows you to significantly increase the operational period of the electricity meter;
• Protection against hypothermia. If the ambient temperature drops below zero, the meter may begin to work incorrectly. The measurement error can be significant, which will affect the amounts of payments for electricity supplied to the consumer. It follows from this that good thermal insulation of the electric meter cabinet is a measure aimed at ensuring the correct operation of the meter.

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.

Where can electronic electricity meters be installed?

The current regulations state that electronic electricity metering devices must be installed in dry rooms where the temperature does not fall below 0°C. This is due to the fact that exposure to moisture and low temperatures negatively affects the operation of the device. An electronic meter installed on the street in violation of these requirements begins to work incorrectly.

Today, meters are installed in the house, on the veranda, on the front side of the house and on poles. The consumer decides for himself which method to choose.

Recently, energy sales companies in different regions have required owners of private houses to install meters on the street on nearby poles. Removing metering devices outside the house allows for unhindered inspection by company employees. When the meter is installed on a pole, you can approach it at any convenient time, even if the electricity consumer is not at home.

The electric meter is installed at the balance sheet boundary. As a rule, this place is determined by mutual agreement of the parties. Such a border can be on the facade of the house or on the nearest pole, which is located on the territory of the site. In some cases, it is possible to place the meter outside it, on the street. To carry it out, it is necessary to explore all available placement possibilities; street poles may be the most suitable place.

Such requirements from energy companies do not comply with current instructions and rules for installing electricity meters. Some citizens argue and defend their right to place the meter inside the house. Others prefer to agree to the requirements and take the meter outside.

It is possible to circumvent the requirements of representatives of electrical companies. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the current regulations. And if necessary, feel free to go to court.

Purpose

Remote transmission of electricity meter readings is carried out via the Internet. Special software reads and sends the necessary information to the servers of the energy supplier. Such systems are fully automated and do not require human intervention in the work process.

Electricity meters with remote readings and transmission are used to automate the processes of collecting and sending information and analyzing energy consumption. Energy supply companies that use information and measurement systems in their work receive not only data on the electricity consumed by customers, but also a number of opportunities that are not available when using standard metering devices. These include:

• Several tariff modes of operation.
• Remote connection and disconnection of the consumer to the power supply system.
• Effective and close cooperation with the client based on the terms of the drawn up contract.
• Guaranteed delivery of notifications to the consumer.
• Analysis of collected information for more efficient operation of the device.

Work order

Installation must be carried out by a specialized specialist representing the supplier's company. It is possible to perform the procedure independently if the safety regulations are observed and there is written permission from the service company.

The first step is submitting an application

The company providing the light prepares a list of documents, a user agreement, and an installation certificate. The supply service transfers the papers to the end user.

The documents must indicate:

1. Type of device, number of phases and tariffs.
2. Input protection device.
3. Cross-sectional area and length of wiring.
4. Name of the panel (box).

Second step - installation

Installation is possible only after the owner receives the technical documentation. For manual installation, you must purchase the components specified in the papers.

When manually installing the device, the following factors should be observed:

1. Installation of new equipment is carried out in the absence of electricity in the network.
2. The device is mounted to a height of at least 800 mm (400 is allowed), no more than 1700 mm.
3. To protect the device during low outside temperatures, use a heating box. For proper operation, the temperature must be between 0-20 degrees Celsius.
4. The input circuit is connected to the circuit breaker, then to the device.
5. Metal enclosures must be grounded.
6. The output circuit is connected to the input circuit breaker.
7. A distance of one meter must be maintained between power, water and gas lines.
8. Before turning on the electrical network for consumption, a test run is performed.

The third step is an application to use the device

Upon completion of installation, you must obtain a document authorizing the use of the electricity meter. The application is drawn up by the consumer. The document must be delivered to the supplier's office in person or by registered mail with notification.

The application must indicate:

1. Last name, first name and patronymic of the applicant.
2. Contract number.
3. Address of the building and contact telephone number of the person.
4. At the bottom of the sheet the date of registration and the signature of the applicant with a transcript are indicated.

Step-by-step instructions for installing an electric meter

First of all, to successfully place a metering device, you need to call a qualified specialist.

Step 1. Submitting an application to the energy company

There, the necessary documentation and agreements are prepared, and an account for energy expenses is assigned. After this, the client receives a package of technical documents.

Attention! Their contents should include:

• counter type;
• input protection circuit breaker;
• wire cross-section and footage;
• name of the installation panel (box).

Step 2. Installation of the meter

After completing the documentation procedure, the consumer can begin installing the equipment. It is recommended to stock up on the necessary materials and auxiliary tools in advance.

You need to take an external distribution box and secure it to a street pole or other support; in it you can find everything you need for successful installation of the meter.

Notice! Independent mounting of the reading device requires compliance with the following rules:

• de-energizing before starting the work process;
• The height of the counter should vary from 0.8 m to 1.7 m;
• if at a temperature below 5 degrees the meter readings do not correspond to reality, the client is recommended to purchase a special shield to protect against temperature fluctuations;
• the input electrical circuit is connected to the line circuit breaker, and then to the meter;
• Protective grounding is required for installation. In case of phase imbalance or short circuit, the electronics in the house are not affected negatively;
• connection is made to the input device;
• the meter must be located at a distance of at least a meter from the gas pipeline and water supply line;
• perform a test run.

Step 3. Submitting an application to put the device into operation

The documentation is drawn up with the direct participation of the client at the office of the energy company. An option is to send a registered letter with appropriate notification.

This should include the following information:

• consumer's passport data;
• account (agreement) number;
• consumer contact details;
• client signature and date of registration.

Step 4. Recording the fact of checking the device and its subsequent sealing

The company agent is responsible for completing the documentation. The contents of the act reflect information about the service for placement and technical processing of the device to the client. The date entered in the protocol is considered the starting point for subsequent payment.

Please note that when installing the device for the first time, the sealing process is free of charge.

ATTENTION! Look at the completed application form for commissioning an electric meter:

Disadvantages of remote meters

For all their advantages, smart meters have a number of disadvantages. They are more expensive than conventional metering devices and require more attention from the owner. You can find fakes on the market, the installation of which is illegal.

Due to the complexity of the design, they must be treated with great care. If, in the case of repairs or installation of any furniture near the unit, it is accidentally touched or even knocked, it may break or begin to show erroneous values ​​(not always in favor of the subscriber). At the same time, meters with remote control are dependent on communication (Internet, radio module, etc.).

If you choose an electric meter with remote information transmission that is too cheap, then there is a high risk of it breaking even at the installation stage

It will also be easier for the company to control the subscriber. If the homeowner makes several delays in paying for electricity, the supplier will be able to cut off the debtor’s access to electricity without visiting his apartment.

Before turning off, the electric meter will emit a certain signal, notifying the homeowner of the debt. If a person cannot deposit the specified amount, the light will go out automatically.

“Smart” electric meters are modern devices that will allow electricity suppliers to optimize costs and quickly disconnect defaulters from the network

Another disadvantage of smart meters: their information is very easy to intercept. Because of this, scammers can see the time of lowest electricity consumption, hack accounts, and so on. This way you can calculate when there is no one in the apartment. And for this you don’t need special devices, it’s enough to have access to the Internet and know that a smart meter is used in a particular apartment.

Today, metering device manufacturers are actively working to protect them, but so far the quality of data encryption remains at the same level. Because of this, almost any hacker, if desired, will be able to cut off power to all apartments in the city that use “smart” electricity meters.

Types of meters that can work on the street and the principle of operation

The requirements for outdoor devices are higher than for home ones. External grades are mounted on the supports. When choosing, it is important to consider weather conditions. According to GOST R 53320-2005, electronics must work properly with temperature fluctuations from -25°C to 55°C. Extreme values ​​are -40°С and 70°С. Relative humidity – 95%. Degree of protection – IP54. The characteristics are indicated in the technical data sheet.

The design consists of a housing with a terminal box, transformers or sensors, electronic microcircuits, conversion and transmission units.

Information about current and voltage is sent to the board. The values ​​are transformed into digital codes. Pulse signals are generated at the output with a frequency proportional to the power consumption. Signals are output to the counting mechanism, control LED, transmission device, converter. The result is displayed on the screen.

The following models are installed externally:

• single-phase, three-phase;
• single-tariff, multi-tariff;
• with remote display;
• with sensors or transformers;
• with modem;
• with connection to ASKUE;
• direct, indirect connection.

Scientists have developed a modernized version of pole meters - with a control panel. The calculated measurements are displayed on the display of the remote device.

New counters solve intellectual problems:

• transmission of measurements;
• power limitation;
• event logging;
• setting up a schedule by day of the week;
• tariffication;
• AC sine wave recording;
• disconnecting the load according to specified parameters;
• consumption reading with archiving;
• dispatcher control;
• regulation of display modes.

Each product is assigned an ID number. The indicators are transmitted to the collection center via a cellular communication channel. To work you need WI-FI, SIM card, mobile application. The invoice for payment is automatically sent to your personal account. With regular debt, energy supply is limited.

Types of devices with remote control:

• with or without software;
• with partial or complete shutdown;
• with infrared control or radio control.

By 2023, it is planned to completely replace old equipment with remote-controlled electricity meters.

There is another type of electricity meters with remote control. Their sale and use is illegal.

Legality of the event

Service companies can force the home owner to install a meter on the street. Companies justify this by the possibility of unhindered maintenance of the device. In this way, the supplier is trying to combat the theft of electricity.

In this case, two options are possible:

1. The owner refuses. In this case, the company is obliged to install (or leave) the meter indoors. Regardless of the user's response, the company can install an independent monitoring device on the pole at its own expense. This will result in two meters - a calculation one in the house, and a control one on the street. The latter is located on the border of the balance sheet - between the user and the supplier.
2. The owner agrees. In this case, an electricity consumption meter is installed (or removed from the premises). The owner of the house is provided with the original contract for signature.

Both options are legal as long as the supplier follows the rules. The street meter must comply with clauses 1.5.27 and 1.5.29 of the PUE:

In SNT, users are often forced to agree to installation: the readings are read by company employees, which protects against theft of electricity.

They are forced to take the electricity meter outside: is this legal?

Placing electricity meters on street poles is the main solution of some energy companies, whose representatives motivate it with more convenient conditions for checking them and taking readings.

Among other things, this is explained by the desire of organizations to make money on the error of meters (sometimes reaching 10 percent), which fail faster at temperatures below 0 degrees than ordinary household ones. This decision also plays into the hands of sales companies, whose services citizens are forced to turn to for repair, installation, resealing and reinstallation of equipment.

Against this background, residents are increasingly asking the question: are actions of this kind on the part of energy supply companies legal?

The answer is no, by law organizations are prohibited from forcing their clients to install meters outside their homes.

Attention! This measure contradicts the contents of the following legal acts:

• clause 1.5.27 PUE (electrical installation rules). This act contains information that meters must be installed exclusively in premises suitable for maintenance with extremely low humidity levels and temperatures in winter not lower than zero degrees. Placing the meter outside the house is fraught with detrimental consequences for the device due to the impact of climatic conditions on it;
• clause 1.5.27 PUE (electrical installation rules). This act establishes a kind of ceiling above which the meter cannot be installed: the acceptable level varies from 0.4 m to 1.7 m. Advice from energy company employees to place electricity meters at a higher level not only contradicts the contents of this regulatory act , but also causes enormous harm to individuals who, as a result, are unable to properly take readings from the device;
• clause 1.5.27 PUE (electrical installation rules). Each owner is responsible for the safety and normal functionality of his property, however, in the context of the company’s requirements for placing meters on the street, this responsibility is impossible. Any random passer-by can affect the performance of a street meter, even to the point of completely destroying it, which is often used by vandals and hooligans.

The company's clients have the right to write an official refusal and demand the right to place an electricity meter at home. However, this right can be revoked if the decision to install the device outside the home was made at a general meeting of the SNT.

Legality of the event

Service companies can force the home owner to install a meter on the street. Companies justify this by the possibility of unhindered maintenance of the device. In this way, the supplier is trying to combat the theft of electricity.

1. The owner refuses. In this case, the company is obliged to install (or leave) the meter indoors. Regardless of the user's response, the company can install an independent monitoring device on the pole at its own expense. This will result in two meters - a calculation one in the house, and a control one on the street. The latter is located on the border of the balance sheet - between the user and the supplier.
2. The owner agrees. In this case, an electricity consumption meter is installed (or removed from the premises). The owner of the house is provided with the original contract for signature.

Both options are legal as long as the supplier follows the rules.
The street meter must comply with clauses 1.5.27 and 1.5.29 of the PUE: In SNT, users are often forced to agree to installation: the readings are read by company employees, which protects against the theft of electricity.

Who can install the meter

Theoretically, anyone with the appropriate skills can install an electric meter. But only those who have appropriate access from the electricity supplier can connect electricity. When installing the meter on poles, the meter connection is carried out only by a representative of the electrical network.

If the removal of the meter and the installation process is carried out by an employee of the local power grid, then there should be no complaints against you. Before carrying out such work, documents are requested that indicate the boundary of division of balance sheet ownership and the requirements for installing the meter.

The balance sheet boundary in private residential buildings is not indoors, but outdoors. The exact location is determined by the relevant technical documentation. Removing meters to the street is possible only with the consent of its owner.