Certification (Verification)
All domestic meters used for billing purposes by a licensed electricity supplier, must be
certified to show that when tested following manufacture/refurbishment they conformed
to the original pattern approval and operated within the prescribed levels of accuracy.
They may be used for a specified period of time after which they must be removed from
circuit..
This process is described in detail in The Meters (Certification) Regulations 1998, SI
1566.(as amended) This prescribes that all meters following approval be allocated a
certification life (i.e. the time a meter is allowed to remain on circuit from initial
certification. Meters for industrial and commercial customers are either certified or the
supplier reaches agreement with the customer for a meter with a similar level of
accuracy to be fitted.
Ofgem allocated certification life is restricted to 10 years for newly approved induction
meters and for periods of between 10 and 20 years for static meters. Certification
periods greater than 10 years (for electronic meters) are subject to the submission and
validation of a component reliability model based on the Siemens Norm SN29500.
Subsequent in-service surveillance monitoring can result in either increase or decrease
of this period. Up to date information regarding the status of any particular meter type
can be gained by viewing the latest release of Schedule 4 to the Meter (Certification)
Regulations which are listed on the Ofgem website.
Prior to submission for certification meters will have a uniquely marked seal attached. In
the UK, meters can only be certified by an Ofgem approved meter examiner.
The meter need not be certified where the supplier does not hold a supply license. This
provides for situations where the supplier might be landlord selling on electricity to their
tenants or a caravan park owner billing individual berth occupiers. However, the meter
owner is obliged to use an approved meter and keep the meter in good working order.
Sealing
All certified meters are sealed. A seal is used to provide security for the measuring
elements of a meter from tamper, identify the manufacturer/repairer of the meter, the year of certification and the meter is certified. The seal can take the form of
a crimped security seal on traditional meters or an indelible inscription on the meter
case for sealed for life static meters.
This prescribes that all meters, following approval, be allocated a certification life (i.e. the time a meter is allowed to remain on circuit from initial certification). Meters for industrial and commercial customers are either certified or the supplier reaches agreement with the customer for a meter with a similar level of accuracy to be fitted. Certification life is allocated by NWML/Ofgem and is restricted to 10 years for newly approved induction meters and for periods of between 10 and 20 years for static meters. Certification periods greater than 10 years (for electronic meters) are subject to the submission and validation of a component reliability model based on the Siemens Norm SN29500. Subsequent in-service surveillance monitoring can result in either increase or decrease of this period
Why is my meter being changed?
All gas and electricity meters have a certified life, after which they must be exchanged for a new one. It is important that your meter is replaced to ensure its continued accuracy and safety.
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