Some aspects of conducting forensic electrical examinations of electromechanical electricity meters

Abstract

In the article, based on the generalization of practical experience gained during forensic examinations and expert studies of electricity meters conducted at research institutes of forensic expertise of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, as well as the study and analysis of experience from relevant specialists at Ukrainian manufacturing plants, the specifics of conducting this type of research and methods for resolving various issues raised during the examination of electromechanical meters are outlined.

The article highlights numerous methods of tampering with metering devices, the number of which increases alongside their technical improvement. This indicates the need to enhance the information and material resources of scientific research institutes of forensic expertise of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, which is a mandatory prerequisite for such studies.

Given certain features in the operation of electricity meters used by consumers—specifically electromechanical meters—there is a clear and urgent need to establish an appropriate methodology for conducting separate examinations of this type of electrical device. The procedures for expert studies of various types and designs of metering devices aimed at detecting tampering in energy accounting are diverse and specific to each type of meter.

To this end, based on a series of such studies aimed at identifying facts of intervention in the design of electromechanical metering equipment, it is necessary to conduct experimental research on possible methods of influencing such devices. This includes remote non-dismantling influences on power meters, which complicates both the practical execution of such tampering and its detection during the inspection of the meter body. In view of the above, the development of these research methodologies for electricity meters must occur simultaneously with the development of the research facilities of its authors.