Do Gas Meters Run Slower as They Age?

Unknown

gas man. Periodic testing of meters is pretty standard all over the country usually 7 to 10 years. Utilites would lose money if they did not do so. As Noel stated meters never run fast. My company was permitted by PUC charter to actually repair meters and reuse them after testing. Clocking many times is not an exact science as the test dials being the fastest gear can be somewhat inaccurate when doing very fine work. They are good enough for most work in the field however. It would be better to measure with a flow meter to get real accurate measurements. I believe Mark E. has done that with his heating system.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

I've clocked my meter many, many times--especially since my Vitodens was installed. Only other gas device is a standard tank water heater with standing pilot.

Time and time again, it takes 2 minutes, 20 seconds for two rotations of the 1/2' dial which corresponds almost perfectly with the 25 mbh minimum input of the boiler plus a bit of extra for the pilot. Consumption has certainly been faster--but I'd never seen slower until this year.

Three times now I've clocked it at 2 minutes 35 seconds--and each time I repeated at least twice. This corresponds with about 23.23 mbh.

Only difference is that the weather hasn't been particularly cold and I still have the Vitodens on "standby" whereas every time before the boiler was set for normal space heating when I clocked.

Is the meter slowing down? Perhaps the boiler can modulate down a little further when in standby? Neither make much sense to me, but I know my watch keeps perfect time...

Mark_46

Mike,

If they do, thats great news - LOL.

Not based on any science, but it begs to reason that if they do run slower with age every utility company across this country would have regular meter replacement programs as part of maintenance. They would be loosing untold amounts of revenue from slow running meters.

Similarly, if they ran faster with age, that would be some sort of consumer fraud violation. Eitherway, fast or slow, the utilities would have their butts in a sling.

Of course, there maybe something wrong with your meter in particular. Of course that's a different story.

Unknown

They do

In my state, residential meters are supposed to be removed and tested every 10 years, and meters that slow down are destroyed. They aren't adjustable (for obvious reasons). Commercial meters are supposed to be tested every 4 years. Friction inside them increases over time. 2% slow is the cut-off. They don't ever "speed up" with wear, though.

When I worked for a gas company, we'd destroy the slow ones and take them to the landfill.

Noel

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Know mine was replaced--think about 6 years ago--and am aware of the common 10-year replacement schedule.

I understand how the "fastest dial can be somewhat inaccurate", but that 2 minute, 20 second interval was nearly perfect by my watch in true stopwatch mode. This would appear to be a 7% reduction in less than 1 year. If my gas provider hadn't nearly destroyed one of our most beautiful state parks via negligence and received the highest fine in the history of the appropriate federal agency, I'd actually call them to check...

Once I put Mr. Vito into "normal" operation I'll continue to clock. If it goes back to 2 minutes, 20 seconds the question goes to Viessmann...

MIKE6

meters

Why not clock the water heater? A gas meter can run slow but it is unlikely.I think your a tech check the gas pressure at the unit if pressure is good forget about the slow meter.

Mark Eatherton

Mike....

I have a "spare" gas meter with pulse output that I'd be glad to lend to you for a winter...

Send me your home address and I will UPS it to you. You'll have to make up some oversized flex connectors, but I'm sure you can handle it.

Returning a favor, gladly.

ME

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Thanks Mark!

What's a "pulse" output?

Mike T., Swampeast MO

The water heater has nearly the same input as the mod-con at full input. Believe me--I know when it's running...

Mark Eatherton

Pulsed output

For each cubic foot of gas it passes, a set of electrical contacts close. This allows you to hook the device up to an "event" recorder,which records the event with a real time date stamp. I use my HOBO event recorder, which can then be down loaded to a PC for additional evaluation.

ME

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Why I Clocked

The exhaust from my horizontal termination looked especially lazy.

Ron Gillen

Vito Clocking

Don't know why it would change for you. Mine clocked at 22,800 on several occasions last winter when it was purring on those just right days. You should think about retiring that DHW heater.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Have a big Vitocell that I'll connect some day, but I still haven't given up hopes on solar integration. Don't want to have to re-do the piping. Am trying to arrange a lease arrangement with University who has adjacent property--only possible place for me to put the collectors. Approved by their director of facilities maintenance, their engineer and their architect. Nixed by their lawyer due to a knee-jerk "liability" reaction.