Installing a gas meter in an apartment: step-by-step installation instructions

If quite recently gas meters were found only in rare apartments, now installing a gas meter has become a frequently performed procedure.This is due both to the mass gasification of apartments and private households, and to the increase in tariffs for this type of natural resource, because it is the controller that allows you to keep accurate records of the consumed blue fuel and use it economically.

Due to the relevance of such equipment, in this article we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the features of household meters, the subtleties of selection and installation rules, including the process of obtaining permits and step-by-step instructions for installing a gas meter.

Construction of a household gas meter

There are many models of gas meters that differ in their dimensions, operating principle, design, purpose and other criteria.

In everyday life, membrane-type devices, also called diaphragm or chamber devices, are most often used. This type of meter was invented in Great Britain at the end of the 19th century and has been successfully used since then.

Schematic design of a membrane gas meter. The main internal mechanisms are made of modern polymers that are highly resistant to gas flow

Such devices are characterized by low cost, sufficient strength and durability.The disadvantages include low throughput, but still sufficient for domestic purposes, and a rather large size.

Such natural gas meters consist of several compartments, which are separated from each other by alternately opening doors. Moreover, each element is connected to a special cross-shaped mechanism.

From a special pipe, gas enters the device, where, under the influence of displacement force, it moves from one compartment to another. The process occurs cyclically, constantly repeating itself

Briefly, the functioning process can be schematically represented as follows:

• Initially, gas enters the first compartment: its overflow causes deformation of the diaphragm.
• The latter sets the device’s doors in motion, which begin to open slightly in turn, allowing a certain volume of gas to penetrate into the next chamber. Immediately after the previous compartment is released, the sash closes tightly.
• The movement of the valves, allowing the next portion of gaseous fuel to pass through, gives a mechanical impulse, which sets the cross mechanism itself in motion.
• Under its influence, a special “star” device begins to rotate, which allows one to calculate how much gas flow has passed through the system.

The readings of such a counter are quite accurate.

How to choose a suitable counter?

What should you pay attention to if you decide to install a device in your house or apartment? The main criterion for choosing a device is its ability to pass a certain amount of gas through it per hour. This value can be determined independently by studying the technical parameters of all blue fuel appliances located in the apartment.

On average, a standard four-burner stove consumes 1.56 cubic meters of gas in one hour, while a gas water heater consumes 2.5 cubic meters. If both units are located in the apartment, you need to add these numbers.

When choosing a gas meter model, you should pay attention to the fact that gas can be supplied to the device both on the right and on the left

It is worth paying attention to the markings on the gasometers: it will help you understand what parameters the device is designed for.

The letters and numbers printed on the model indicate:

• G1.6 indicates that the device passes 1.6-2.5 cubic meters of gas per hour;
• G2.5 – from 2.5 to 4 cubic meters;
• G4 – from 4 to 6 cubic meters.

There are also more powerful controller options (G10 or G16), the characteristics of which are calculated according to the same principle.

When choosing a device, you should also consider the following factors:

• number of people living in the house;
• the ambient temperature at which the meter will operate - if the device is planned to be used outdoors, it is advisable to purchase devices with temperature compensators that can be used even in cold weather;
• diameter of the thread provided at the gasometer outlets;
• distance between the centers of the controller outputs.

Gas pipes come in 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch sizes. The first option is accepted in apartments, but can also be used in private houses, where other elements are also used.

The purchase of a gas meter must be agreed upon with the specialists who will install the device. To do this, you should contact the selected company for consultation, having previously determined the approximate power and sketched out a floor plan.

We have provided detailed recommendations for choosing the best gas meter in the next article.

Household gas fuel metering devices can be installed on a gas pipeline in both vertical and horizontal positions

When purchasing, you should pay attention to the exact manufacturing time of the purchased meter, since the period for checking the device is determined not by the day of purchase or installation, but by the date of release.

Features of installation of a gas meter

Since gas controllers belong to the category of high-risk devices, they should only be installed by specialists who have passed the appropriate certification.

Stage #1 - choosing a service provider

In the Government Decree RF No. 410 dated 05/14/13 a circle of organizations has been determined that are allowed to carry out work with gas equipment (installation, repair, replacement). These include companies that transport fossil fuels to the network interconnection point.

Before contacting a specialized organization, try to find out the following information:

• Does the installation company have permission to carry out work related to gas networks?
• What experience does the organization have in this area? How long has she been doing this kind of work?
• What guarantees apply to the installation of gas equipment?

When choosing a contractor, you should not focus only on the low cost of the work. You should be wary of low prices for services: this may indicate insufficient qualifications of employees or the use of cheap materials of poor quality.

Stage #2 - submitting an application for installation of a gas meter

Information about the gas service can be easily found by using the gas payment receipt, on the back of which there is usually the telephone number of the relevant organization. By calling the specified number, you can consult with a specialist, find out from him the address of the gas supply service, as well as the work schedule.

After this, you should visit the selected company to submit an application for installation of a gas meter in an apartment or house.

In this case, you need to take with you the following documents:

• Russian passport;
• a certificate of ownership of housing or a rental agreement;
• a paid receipt for gas, certifying the absence of debts.

Since service employees may ask you to attach copies of documents to your application, it is better to make them in advance.

Stage #3 - installation of a gas meter and payment for work

The company's employees will explain in detail how you can install a household gas meter in a house or apartment, and after receiving the application, they will set a time for the technician's visit. He will determine the technical capabilities of installing the equipment, as well as make all the necessary measurements.

You can purchase a gas meter yourself in a specialized store, but you need to be sure that the selected model, according to its technical characteristics, is suitable for use in a specific apartment

According to the expert’s conclusion and the measurements he has taken, an estimate will be drawn up and equipment will be purchased, including a gas meter suitable for the given room.

After this, the client needs to visit the gas service again to agree on the time for further work, as well as make full or partial payment.

Stage #4 - choosing a location for the device

The installation location is usually discussed with the master, who can offer his own placement option. But he should not insist on it if the owner’s choice does not violate the key provisions of the rules for installing a household gas meter in an apartment, which are regulated in SNiP 42-01-2002 And SP 42-101-2003.

According to the latest document, their placement is carried out based on the conditions of comfortable operation (installation, maintenance, repair). The gas metering controller is usually installed in the room where the gas stove, gas boiler or other equipment is located.

Most often, a gas meter is installed in the kitchen. In this case, you need to choose a well-ventilated place, away from sources of heat and moisture.

The meter can also be mounted in a space adjacent to a gasified one, even if there is an opening between them, whereas the presence of a niche is unacceptable. The device can also be installed outside the building, but in this case it is advisable to hide it under a canopy or in a special box to protect it from external influences.

The meter should be located at a distance of no more than 0.8-1 meters from the unit that consumes blue fuel (dispenser, stove, boiler). There is also a standardized height for placing the gasometer - 1.6 m.

The gas device should be separated from the wall by 3-5 cm to ensure anti-corrosion and sound protection. The shut-off valve is placed on the side of the stove at a distance of no more than two meters. If the top routing is provided, this part must be on the descent.

The gas metering device must be visible; it is advisable not to cover it with interior items.

This diagram shows three options for placing a gas meter, which can be used when thinking about the location of the device in the apartment

The meter should not be located directly above a sink or in other places with high humidity. The section of pipe to and from the gas pipeline should not have a slope towards the gas meter.

In addition, the room in which the gas metering device will be located must have good natural or forced ventilation.

Stage #5 - installation of the device

On the appointed day and time, the company’s repair employees come to you and must carry out all the manipulations.

A wide variety of elements are used for installation. First of all, this is a mechanical or electronic gas meter (you can use different models, including a number of foreign ones). Before installation, you must carefully inspect the appearance of the device for defects and damage.

There are some other components. Next we will discuss them in more detail.

Thermal shut-off valve (TZ)

A special feature of this element is its ability to automatically shut off the gas flow to household appliances in the event of a rise in temperature. The part consists of a body, inside of which there is a spring-loaded locking element, held open by a fusible insert.

As soon as the valve temperature reaches 90°-98° C, the insert melts, causing the element to collapse, blocking the gas flow.

Despite the simplicity of the device, the thermal shut-off valve plays an important role because it ensures the safety of the gas system during a fire.

Gas valve for mechanical shut-off

A familiar part is used to mechanically shut off gas access.Household gas taps, which are usually made of brass, are designed for use on low pressure gas pipelines (up to 5 bar).

The range of manufacturers includes many models, distinguished by control methods (“handle”, “butterfly”), sizes and connection options (nut-fitting, nut-nut). Therefore, even if it is necessary to perform a replacement, choosing the right faucet will not be difficult. The main thing in the process of replacing this component is not to ignore safety regulations.

Insulating connection (IC)

A device designed for dielectric sectioning of a pipeline. In a similar way, the system is divided into connecting sections, between which the flow of electric current is prevented.

Insulating connections can be used for above-ground and underground gas pipelines. Their use helps reduce the likelihood of failure of measuring equipment due to electrical discharges resulting from various reasons.

Gas hose (bellows connection)

The flexible part is used to connect gas appliances (dispensers, stoves) to the gas pipeline. Moreover, these tasks are often performed by the users themselves without the involvement of a gas service representative. If you want to replace the hose yourself, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with rules carrying out installation work.

Gas meters can be installed using bellows connections or rubber hoses. In the second case, you need to carefully ensure that these elements do not fall into the heating zone when the gas stove is operating.

In practice, various options can be used for installing the meter hoses and liners: from conventional rubber elements to corrugated stainless steel parts with extremely high strength.

Installation specialists must ensure that the threads of the cap nuts and meter fittings match. When performing work, you must pay attention to the direction of the arrows marked on the body of the parts.

The sealing ring of the fitting can only be used once, and paronite should be used for it PON-2.0 (GOST 491-ЗС) or oil and petrol resistant rubber 1-2 mm (GOST 7338-65).

How does commissioning take place?

After installation, gas service specialists must check the functionality of the meter.

The figure clearly shows the installation diagram of a household model of a VK-G gas meter using a flexible hose Corrugated Flex

The following factors are taken into account:

• the presence of interference during the passage of fuel through the mechanisms of the device;
• counter performance;
• no gas leaks.

In addition, fuel consumption is measured.

Upon completion of control activities, a report on the work performed is drawn up, which indicates the following data:

• place and date of installation;
• gasometer serial number;
• Full name and contact details of the employees who carried out the installation;
• device performance at the time of installation;
• time of scheduled verification of the gas controller;
• smooth running of the meter's star mechanism.

The document is drawn up in two copies: one is issued to the apartment owner, the other is transferred to the gas service. The client also signs an acceptance certificate for the work performed (also in two copies). The specialist is required to fill out the device commissioning certificate and the gas meter maintenance agreement (such papers must be drawn up in triplicate).

When turning on a newly installed device, it is important to expel the air from the system using gas. To do this, you need to sequentially open the gas at the inlet and then at the outlet, which will avoid damage to the gasometer mechanism from the shock load during the first use.

Sealing and checking the meter

The final stage of installing the meter is applying a seal and brand to the mounted device. To do this, the owner must purchase a seal and again call a Gorgaz employee, who is obliged to visit the house within 5 days from the date of the application.

The specialist needs to make sure that the layout of the gas meter is correct, after which, based on the application for installation of the meter and documents on the completion of installation work, the device should be sealed. Without such an operation, the device is considered illegal, and its readings are not accepted for payment for natural fuel supplies.

A verification mark is also applied to the gas meter seal, thanks to which you can find out the date of the initial diagnosis of the device

After completing all the procedures, the owner of the living space must visit the HOA (HOA), where one of the copies of the commissioning act is transferred. On its basis, an agreement is concluded with the management company to pay for gas according to the meter readings. From now on, once a month the subscriber is obliged to report meter readings to the IRC, from where a receipt will be sent with figures for the actual consumption of natural resources.

According to Russian legislation, a gas metering device must undergo initial verification before commissioning or upon completion of repair work, about which a corresponding entry is made in the technical passport of the device.

The date of the next similar event is entered in the same document. In this case, the owner of the property undertakes to ensure that checks on time.

Installation and Operation Requirements

When installing and operating gas equipment, the following points should be taken into account:

• The temperature of the incoming fuel, as well as the air temperature in the room, should be in the range from -20 to +60 ^OWITH.
• The model must withstand a short-term increase in fuel flow by 1/5, as well as a short-term increase in pressure by 1/10.
• The installation location of the meter must comply with the design documentation approved by the gas service.
• In an apartment building, gas welding work should be carried out only after the gas has been completely turned off in the entire entrance.
• When performing installation work on gas supply pipelines, it is necessary to first close the shut-off device and secure it from accidental opening.
• Before disconnecting steel parts, as well as installing the meter, it is necessary to bridge the disconnect points with a flexible insulated cable with a cross-section of 16 mm², which will protect the circuit from electrostatic voltage.
• When installing equipment, you should use only certified devices and high-quality materials.

And once again the main rule: work can only be carried out by certified gas service specialists. All installation operations of gas equipment must be carried out in compliance with strict operating rules.

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.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

We present to your attention a video that details the procedure for installing a gas meter with the help of gas service specialists.

A correctly selected and correctly installed gas meter will bring great benefits to apartment owners. It will show the exact consumption of a natural resource, which will help monitor its consumption.

A reasonable attitude towards the use of gas, in turn, will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses and significantly reduce the cost of paying for blue fuel.

Do you have questions that we did not cover in this material? Ask them in the comments block - our experts will try to clarify all the points.

If you want to share your personal experience in obtaining the necessary documents and installing the meter, including further design of the device and putting it into operation, please tell us about it under our article. Add a photo of your meter, indicate how quickly in your case the investment in installing the device paid off and whether you are satisfied with the result.