Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Water Meter

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of water meters?
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Dukes LLC (Eco Nom)

betar

Valtec

Aqua-S LLC (Pulse)

IP NORMA

Decast Metronic

Meter

Total voted: 4

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The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a water meter is the principle of operation of the device. Today, manufacturers offer several options for devices for different needs.

Electromagnetic meters have a large measurement range, allow you to determine the instantaneous flow and do not use additional elements in the cross section of the pipe, which allows you to save water pressure. Such a water meter requires power supply, is affected by magnetic fields. They are often used in production or as general household appliances.

ultrasonic water meter provides the highest accuracy of readings, determines instantaneous flow, does not reduce water pressure, is suitable for pipes of any diameter and is able to work even in contaminated liquids. Requires power supply, sensitive to vibrations.

Vortex counter refers to high-precision and does not reduce the pressure of water. Used in very high fluid flow conditions. So in apartments, as a rule, it does not occur.

Tachometric counter - the most common option. The principle of operation is based on the movement of the paddle mechanism under the action of water pressure. Such meters are compact, do not need additional power supply, have a small error, have a small, but the most common dynamic measurement range. But they do not allow you to fix the instant flow and require more frequent replacement due to wear of the blades. However, it is a mechanical or tachometric counter that will be the best solution for an apartment or house due to its ease of installation and optimal performance.

To choose the right water meter, you need to pay attention to its design. In general, the difference between turbine and vane is in the location of the axis of rotation. In the first case, the orientation relative to the water flow is parallel, in the second, it is perpendicular. Turbine designed to account for large flows of water and is more often used as a common house.

winged have a division into single-jet and multi-jet. The latter will be the best choice for use in an apartment with pipes with a diameter of 20 to 50 mm. Before hitting the impeller blades, the flow is divided into several jets, which reduces the overall turbulence and reduces the measurement error. Multi-jet devices are more accurate, but they affect the water pressure, albeit slightly. If you have a pipeline with a diameter of 15 to 25 mm, then it is better to choose a single-jet water meter.

Combined the metering device allows you to level the shortcomings of the previously described types. The design combines two water meters with an intersecting measurement range into one housing. When a certain flow rate is reached, it switches to a more suitable meter.

According to their purpose, water meters are divided into three types: for hot, for cold water and universal. For ease of use, the first two are colored red and blue. There is an opinion that there is no fundamental difference in them, but this is not so. To choose the right meter, it is very important to take into account the temperature regime of operation.

Appliances for hot and cold water have the same design, but the impeller and bearings are made of different materials. The terms of use are also different.The water meter for hot water is designed to work with liquid temperatures up to 90 degrees, cold water - up to 40 degrees. The exact data for each device is written in the data sheet.

Universal withstands temperatures up to 90 degrees, but it should be noted that the calibration interval will differ depending on the operating conditions. So, on hot water, the replacement and verification of the meter should be performed every 4 years, on cold water - once every 6 years.

You need to choose the right type of connection. There are two types: flanged and threaded. It is determined by the characteristics of the water supply and, as a rule, it is difficult to make a mistake here.

flange connection used in pipes with high capacity. The connection is made using flanges, which are disks with holes at the ends of the pipe. They are bolted to each other. It is important here to choose the right size in order to connect the parts.

Threaded connection designed for pipes with a small throughput and is most often used in apartments and private houses. The thread diameter must correspond to the fastening parameters on the connected elements of the pipeline. If the dimensions do not match, the use of an adapter will solve the issue.

Is the horizontal or vertical installation method used in an apartment or house? The answer depends on the location of the pipes chosen for installation. Not all counters support both placement methods, so it is important to pay attention to this nuance. If you install the counter in the wrong position, then the accuracy of its readings will decrease, and it will be inconvenient to read them due to the rotation of the display.The parameter is indicated in the data sheet and on the front panel of the device. markup AH - horizontal, AV - vertical. There are also universal fixtures that support both types of installation.

Depending on the location, water meters are divided into wet and dry vehicles. The former are most often chosen for private houses, the latter for apartments.

Wet running meters differ in that the chamber of the mechanism is not isolated from water and is filled with it in the operating mode. Such devices are not sensitive to a magnetic field, since they do not include elements dependent on its influence in the design. Great for flooded areas or areas with high humidity. We recommend choosing such water meters for country houses in which metering devices are located in basements or other non-residential premises.

Dry running meters more durable and wear-resistant than wet shoes. In this case, the working mechanism is isolated from the flow of water and is completely protected from its effects. The rotation is transmitted to the counting mechanism using a magnetic shaft, which determines the main drawback of the meter - it is subject to the influence of electromagnetic fields. This solution is most preferable for use in an apartment.

In addition to compliance with certification, installation and use features, it is important to evaluate the main technical characteristics of the device. In this case, it is worth focusing on the consumption parameters of the water supply. This will allow you to determine the diameter of the passage, the installation length (depending on the size of the pipe section for installation). The last parameter is important when replacing the counter so that you do not have to rebuild the node.

We also advise you to pay attention to the following points. Rated flow – value at which the counter can work for a long time. Minimum flow - with it, the water meter has an error of up to 5%. Max Flow - the counter can work no more than 1 hour per day. Usually the parameters are indicated in the data sheet or on the front panel.

Pay attention to the pressure limit. Enough for apartments and private houses 10-16 atmospheres. The accuracy class determines the allowable error. It is better to give preference to categories "A" and "B".

In addition to the main characteristics that must be taken into account for the correct choice of the meter, there are also additional options. They are not so important, but they will add comfort in operation.

Rotating panel. Especially relevant for devices that support both vertical and horizontal installation types. Allows you to position the display in a more comfortable viewing position.

Protective cover not present on all devices. However, it allows you to protect the panel from contamination and possible mechanical damage.

Protection against external magnetic influence. It is especially relevant in cases where the water meter is located in rooms with a large number of household appliances. It excludes influence of external magnetic fields, prevents incorrect work and breakage.

For those who often turn off hot water, perfect multi-tariff DHW meters with temperature sensor and electronic display. The sensor determines the temperature of the flow and determines it to the appropriate tariff. This approach allows you not to overpay if the management company fulfills its obligations in bad faith.

The cheapest and most widely used option is a roller counting mechanism. In this case, the readings are simply copied from the water meter panel. A counter with a pulse output automatically sends data to an external storage device. This avoids the procedure of taking and transmitting readings every month. Remotely transmitted water meters send data via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology to any suitable device. It can be a computer or smartphone. The last two devices will be an excellent option for installation in hard-to-reach places, where it will be inconvenient to climb every month to take readings.

On the shelves of shops you can find water meters of various Russian and foreign manufacturers. The competition is quite high, the price range of the offered goods is diverse (from 400 to 6000 rubles).Professionals identify five leading companies that offer reliable and high-quality devices.

Eco Nom (LLC Dukes) manufactures strong and reliable water meters designed for a long service life with a guarantee of up to 5 years. The manufacturer's devices are reliable, pleasant in price, have a minimum error and are widely presented on sale.

"Betar" - the most popular Russian manufacturer. It has received a large number of professional awards and produces more than 40 types of metering devices. Betar water meters are reliable, easy to install, but they are more expensive.

Firm Valtec is an international collaboration of Italian and Russian manufacturers. Metering devices meet the standards, are mounted in systems of any complexity. They have the longest warranty period, up to 15 years. Counters are expensive.

"Pulse" (LLC "Aqua-S") has been on the market for over 10 years. Water meters of the company are widely represented in stores, affordable, easy to install, but sensitive to pollution.

"NORMA IS" has been manufacturing hot and cold water meters since 2011. Produces devices with a variety of parameters. The devices are strong, equipped with a wear-resistant mechanism.

This is not all representatives of the market. However, it is they who deserve the most attention from the point of view of plumbers and specialists in checking water meters.