Even with disconnected electrical appliances in the apartment, one can observe the incessant movement of the meter, its "winding up". Why is this happening? There are several reasons for the overcharge, which we will discuss.
Wire insulation damaged
A common problem, especially in houses of the last century, where the wiring has not yet been changed. And if the insulation resistance is less than 0.5 Mohm, then even with all the electrical appliances turned off, the electric meter will continue to work, since there is a banal current leakage.
How to determine:
- Disconnect circuit breakers in sequence, observing the operation of the meter. After disconnecting a line with poor insulation, the meter will stop "winding up" electricity.
- Disconnect the phase and neutral conductors from the common network and measure this section with a device that determines the insulation resistance. The only problem is the availability of such a device, because only highly specialized specialists, for example, electricians, prefer to buy it.
Modern electronic meters have a higher sensitivity threshold, and only the insulation resistance of conductors below 17-18 kOhm can cause excessive electricity consumption.
The metering device is faulty
This is especially true for new generation electronic meters. Firstly, such products have too many defects, and secondly, they are sensitive to voltage surges and require additional protection.
Electronic metering devices are especially at risk during thunderstorms - any lightning striking nearby can induce high voltage in the network, and even a short-term moment is enough for the control device to exit building.
What can be done? Answer: in your electrical panel, in front of the electricity meter, you need to install an inexpensive and practical arrester - a switching element that "takes over" a high potential difference in the event of an impact lightning. Such a device will protect not only the electricity meter, but also the network as a whole.
An outside consumer has appeared
To put it simply, a neighbor has connected to your dashboard. The situation is standard and served as the basis for many anecdotes, but it still requires a solution.
Advice! When determining the theft of electricity, in no case should you arrange lynching on your own! Then you yourself become a violator and must be punished accordingly. The situation may well turn into a criminal case. After determining the external connection, it is best to declare to the appropriate authorities - then it will be much more expensive for the neighbor.
How to identify an outside consumer:
- Disconnect all electrical appliances in the apartment.
- Check the integrity of the connections to the meter and the absence of extraneous wires.
- Check all outlets and junction boxes located on walls adjacent to neighbors. A smart enough neighbor can drill a hole in the wall and connect his electrical appliances to yours.
For greater reliability, it is better to call a competent electrician who will find the problem faster.