Which water meter is better? Water meter with temperature sensor

Today, the market of services can be found a large number of different instruments for calculating the amount of water used per month. They differ not only in price, but in quality, accuracy, and the principle of action. What is the best water meter?

Ultrasonic Counter

The most important difference of all existing meters is the principle of their operation. In the ultrasonic meter, the ultrasonic transit time is measured along the course of the water flow and against its travel. Piezoelectric sensors emit and receive signals alternately. A special chip quickly processes the information. Most often, the ultrasonic counter is nonvolatile. If there are frequent power outages in your home, and you do not know which water meter is best - choose an ultrasonic device. Since ultrasound passes through a liquid medium, it is safe for humans and pets.

Electromagnetic counter

The principle of action of this device was presented to us by Faraday's physical law. The fundamental part of the device is a coil, which independently induces a magnetic field. When water passes between the poles of this magnet, an electromotive force appears. The magnitude of the force is proportional to the rate of movement of the water flow. So, following the laws of physics, the device measures the amount of water passing through it and records the data in an archive that is not afraid of power outages. Very often an electromagnetic device is an antimagnetic water meter. Many manufacturers are aware of the fact that consumers have learned to stop counters by special magnets and with all possible forces trying to prevent unauthorized use of water.

Tachometric and resonance counters

In the tachometric counter, the force of the water moves the wheel. Mechanically, it transmits information to the counter. If a reed switch is installed in the device, the account is automatically made. Tachometric water meters, whose price varies from about 600 to 15 thousand rubles, are very economical. The resonant device has a special swirler, directing water jets to the auxiliary channels. The speed of water movement allows judging the frequency of jet transfer, which regulates the piezoelectric sensor. Absolutely all water meters are divided into mechanical and electronic.

Pros and cons of mechanical meters

Mechanical water meters, whose price is more profitable than the price of electronic devices, are purchased by people who do not want to spend a lot of money on water accounting. Mechanical counters are accurate (the error is usually zero or very small), serve for a very long time (up to 12 years). They are reliable, even in the event of a breakdown, repairs will not be expensive. The size of the device is small, but the information panel is large, which is convenient for removing the counter values for the elderly and visually impaired people. The mechanical counter is easy to install and, if necessary, remove. Also the device does not need batteries or network connection. What are its disadvantages? The quality and purity of water can affect the accuracy of the measurement. The device is sensitive to electromagnetic fields.

Electronic counters

What are good and bad electronic water meters and what is the best water meter? A big plus of the electronic device is its independence from the quality and composition of water flowing through the pipes. It is insensitive to magnetic fields. If you agree with the water supplier, you can set up a multi-tariff payment network in the apartment. You can place the meter on the water vertically or horizontally, with only the upper part of the instrument - the analytical module - in sight. Among the shortcomings of the device, its high price is singled out. On average, an electronic water meter costs five times more than a mechanical water meter (it is a question of instruments manufactured in Russia). Also, such a device must be connected to the mains.

Which water meter is better for each person individually. If you are fundamentally important to own a modern device that has additional functions, and you are ready to pay for it - purchase an electronic water meter. If you are an adherent of the traditional way of life, you will need a mechanical water meter.

Water meter with temperature sensor

Usually utilities do not care about what water temperature is coming from the tap, charging for hot water. Often the temperature regime is simply not observed. If you want to save - install in the apartment a water meter with a temperature sensor. The multi-tariff meter consists of a counter for hot and cold water, a temperature sensor and an electronic calculator. Water that passes through the turbine rotates it. The number of turns is registered by the calculator. The temperature sensor constantly measures the temperature of the supplied water. A multifunctional water meter will help you save a considerable amount of money, besides it is resistant to contaminated water. A huge plus device - the ability to display the display in any convenient place for the owner. The shortage of the device is a high price (about five thousand rubles). Often the management company does not want to register a multifunctional counter. In this case, permission can be obtained through the court.

Additional selection criteria

Often it is important for the owner, from what material the device for counting the water consumed in the apartment is made. Most often, water meters are made of different metals:

• Brass, bronze - guarantee the meter strength, reliability, durability. These materials are not afraid of aggressive water, perhaps unless calcification of the ducts.
• Stainless steel - this material is usually more reliable and durable than the alloy, but the complexity of its processing does not make steel popular with the Russian manufacturer.
• Silumin is a cheap material representing an alloy of silicon and aluminum. Although the silumin water meter will be resistant to aggressive water, it will not last long, as the material is brittle.

When buying a counter, be sure to check all necessary documents and certificates from the seller. If you want to put a counter on the water of an imported production, ask for a certificate of its compliance with Russian realities. In addition, ask the consultant if there is a service center for this foreign mark of the meter in the city. It may happen that if there is a breakdown, you will not be able to fix the device. It is best to choose Polish, German, French and Italian water meters. Among Russian firms, the counters "Gazelektronika" and "Teplopriborkomplekt" became famous for good quality. And in general, what a better water meter - it's up to you!

Orient and the inter-calibration interval of the counter, the more it is, the better. On average, for cold water, the calibration time is 6 years, and for hot water - 4 years.