Why do gas meters need to be replaced when they expire?
1．Gas meters also have a "shelf life".
Gas meters are mandatory metrological instruments subject to national verification. Gas meters using natural gas as the medium generally have a service life of no more than 10 years (specific details are subject to product labeling). Gas meters exceeding their service life may experience the following problems:
1)Safety hazards:
Household gas meters are generally diaphragm gas meters. As the years of use increase, the diaphragm inside the gas meter gradually ages, and the rubber sealing ring that plays a sealing role ages and deforms, resulting in a decrease in sealing performance. This may lead to gas leakage and increase the safety risks of fire, flash explosion, etc.
2)Measurement inaccuracies:
Diaphragm gas meters are also a type of mechanical instrument. With long-term use, wear and tear on internal mechanical parts and changes in the elasticity of the diaphragm may lead to measurement deviations, resulting in the meter running too fast or too slow, which affects fair transactions.
3)Increased failure rate:
Gas meters that have exceeded their service life may have deformed or aged internal components, which can easily lead to malfunctions such as jamming or gas blockage.
2．National laws and regulations have clear provisions
According to the *Metrology Law of the People's Republic of China*, Article 7.5.1 of the *Verification Regulations for Diaphragm Gas Meters* (JJG577-2012) stipulates that gas meters used for trade settlement only undergo initial mandatory verification, have a limited service life, and must be replaced upon expiration.
Gas meters must undergo mandatory verification. Residential gas meters can only be installed and used after passing the initial verification, and should be replaced upon expiration of their service life. Industrial gas meters should be periodically verified according to national metrological verification regulations to ensure accurate measurement and safe operation.
Residential gas meters that have reached their expiration date will be replaced free of charge by the gas company.
3．What are the benefits of replacing a gas meter?
1)Safer
The new meter adopts higher standards of leak-proof and explosion-proof technology to reduce the risk of gas use.
2)More accurate
Smart gas meters provide more accurate measurements and avoid billing disputes caused by aging meters.
3)More convenient
Smart meters support remote meter reading, online payment, and automatic alarms, so you'll never have to worry about forgetting to turn off the valve again!
