Antimagnetic water seals began to be installed in 2011. However, many are faced with them for the first time. Utility companies decide for themselves whether or not to use such seals. They relate to additional means of protection against manipulation of meter readings in apartments. In other words, they allow to stop the theft of unaccounted resources. Not only water, but also electricity, gas.
What does an antimagnetic seal look like?
Externally, the anti-magnetic seal resembles a regular sticker in blue, red, pink or blue. Usually a blue tape is installed on the water meter, and a red tape on the meter. But this gradation is conditional.
This is how the anti-magnetic seal looks:
As you can see in the photo, the stickers look different: they have different labels, color, type of indicator.
The sticker contains the following elements:
- Super sensitive indicator.
- Control inscription.
- Tear-off element with seal number.
- Slots to enhance the sensitivity of the sticker.
- Company `s logo.
- Serial number (duplicates the numbers on the tear-off element).
The numbers on each sticker are unique. After pasting the meter, the representative of the public service writes the serial number of the seal in the journal.
How does an antimagnetic seal work?
Before the introduction of antimagnetic fillings, many deceived the counter by installing a magnet on it, which slowed down the speed of the disk. As a result, the readings were many times less than the actual amount of resources expended. To stop the theft attempts, they came up with a simple device - a sticker with an ultra-sensitive indicator. It works as follows:
Particles of iron oxide when exposed to a magnetic field begin to move. It is worth bringing a magnet to the counter, and the image is distorted:
- the black dot is spreading;
- the lines are shifted.
In addition, the sticker has additional slots that exclude the possibility of peeling. When you try to remove it on the counter, there are traces:
Some stickers are additionally protected from heat (change color). Having seen the changes in the seal at the next meter reading, the utility worker draws up the corresponding act. Magnetic theft of water is a punishable crime.
At what distance does the antimagnetic seal work?
This question is often asked by people who want to circumvent antimagnetic protection. Previously, it was really possible to install a magnet at a distance of 5-6 cm. The counter wheel slowed down its run, and the seal remained intact. But since 2014, the sensitivity of indicators has been increased. A modern seal is already triggered at a distance of 10 cm. There is no point in placing a magnet at such a distance. It will not have any effect on the measuring device.
Penalty for triggered antimagnetic seal
Deformation of the sticker is considered strong evidence of magnetic theft. If any damage is detected, penalties will be imposed on the tenants of the apartment. The amount of the fine is regulated by clause 52 of the "Rules for the provision of utilities to owners and users of utilities." In each case, it is calculated individually. First, the date of the last check of the seal status is set. Then, for this entire period (but not more than 3 months), recalculation is carried out at the general rate. And after that, the total amount is multiplied by another 10. It turns out about 40 thousand rubles.
Is installing an anti-magnetic seal legal?
Yes. Resource providers have the right to install additional protection on the water meter, electric meter and gas meter in accordance with two regulatory documents: Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 354 dated 05/05/2011 (as amended on 09/19/2013), as well as SP 30.13330.2012.
Can protection be circumvented?
Inveterate intruders are not tired of finding new ways to “trick" the indicator. Some freeze it with dry ice. Others bring to the counter two magnets of equal strength on opposite sides. Still others, before installing the sticker, lubricate the plastic with a special compound that makes it easy to remove. However, none of the methods can boast 100% reliability. Any incorrect movement can lead to the operation of the seal. Is it worth the risk considering the amount of the fine? Probably not.
Can the indicator work due to temperature changes, high humidity, a mobile phone?
Not. Manufacturers exclude this possibility. Stickers withstand the most extreme operating conditions: contact with water and household chemicals, prolonged heating or cooling in the range from -40 to +60 degrees. The pattern on the seal can not shift either from bumps or from a closely held phone. No matter what mode it works in, the magnetic field power will still be too small.
Anti-magnetic seal - an effective measure of protection against magnetic theft. It is not worth worrying about law-abiding citizens about its installation: by accident, the indicator does not work. Before installation, you can bring a telephone to the tape and request a certificate. And if something in quality does not suit you, do not sign the act. But keep in mind that in case of refusal to install seals on meters, the apartment can be transferred to the general tariff.