10 best mechanical water meters

Counters are devices for accurate and continuous monitoring of the consumption of a specific resource, in this case, water. Their practical application in domestic conditions (in the overwhelming majority of cases) makes it possible to reduce the payment for hot and cold water supply to an apartment or a private house. Structurally, they are divided into three types: mechanical, ultrasonic and electromagnetic. The most common, budgetary and practical are mechanical meters equipped with an impeller and a sectional counter.

On the market, you can find hundreds of models of mechanical meters of different performance levels, prices and manufacturer brands. Some have high operational capabilities and can last more than one five-year period, while others, which are distinguished by a rather mediocre quality, hardly "live" up to the scheduled calibration date. Taking into account the parameter of durability as one of the main ones, we have prepared for you a list of the best mechanical water meters, divided into different price categories. All products in the ranking were selected based on the following criteria:

• the ratio of the price to the nominal quality of the product;
• popularity with consumers, expert reviews;
• availability of spare parts in the kit;
• ease of installation (transition diameters, compliance with uniform standards);
• the degree of sensitivity to induced magnetic fields;
• the quality of the individual components.

The best mechanical water meters

The most simple device, the minimum number of component parts, but high operational capabilities - this is how all budget mechanical water meters can be characterized. Their operation is based on an elementary principle: by means of a water flow, an impeller installed in the center of the meter is set in motion and transmits torque to the counter wheel, which shows the amount of liquid consumed.

4 Betar SHV-15

One of the strengths of the mechanical cold water meter Betar SHV-15 lies in the versatility of installation methods. While individual models are limited to a strictly vertical, strictly horizontal or hybrid version of the installation, this device tolerates installation at an angle without any problems (spelled out in the manufacturer's recommendations). The meter can easily withstand temperatures from +5 to +40 degrees Celsius and an operating pressure of up to 10 bar. The warranty period of operation regulates the use until the first verification, that is, six years. But, according to users, such a meter can withstand two or even three periods, depending on the conditions of its use.

Advantages:

• durability;
• normal operating temperature range and pressure value;
• installation versatility.

Disadvantages:

• intended only for measuring the volume of cold water.

3 "Dekast Metronic" VSKM 90-15 DG

A universal meter of a simple vane design with a pulse output in case of centralized metering of cold and hot water consumption. It uses a reed switch as a sensitive device, which is very common and easily replaceable in case of emergency. The durability of work, according to the manufacturer's assurances, is at least 10 years, after which the impeller has every chance to overcome the threshold of unacceptable errors.

Judging by user reviews, Dekast Metronic VSKM 90-15 DG is capable of working with water, the maximum temperature of which is +90 degrees Celsius. The main drawback is the actual absence of mounting parts in the kit, however, it is quite easy to find them in retail (due to their versatility).With a small weight (0.5 kilograms), this meter copes well with possible water hammer, thanks to which it can be safely installed in apartments and private houses.

2 METER SVU-15

This counter can rightfully be attributed to the category of the most profitable purchases from the "price - quality" section. In terms of the last component, it is literally inferior to two or three models, but in terms of cost it outperforms all of them. It is also captivating that it is universal, that is, it functions in the range from +5 to +90 degrees Celsius. The structure is protected from leaks, and the mechanism is protected from the influence of an external magnetic field, which excludes indirect "twisting" after sealing. Also, the counter has a completely useless, but interesting feature - for a short time it is able to withstand the boiling point of a liquid.

Advantages:

• versatility in measuring the volumes of consumed hot and cold water;
• wide range of operating temperatures, up to +100 degrees Celsius;
• the presence of protection against leakage and the influence of induced magnetic fields;
• good build quality.

Disadvantages:

• not identified.

Despite the fact that electromagnetic and ultrasonic meters are relatively recent developments with practical advantages, the vast majority of consumers are still inclined to buy a simple mechanical meter. What is the reason for this choice, what are the pros and cons of mechanical models relative to others, we learn from the comparison table.

1 ITELMA WFW20 D080

One of the most popular meters, rightfully demanded by consumers. ITELMA WFW20 D080 is not only a high build quality, but also a kind of "upgrade" sample. In addition to direct reading of readings from the counter wheel, information can be transmitted from it to remote bases. Such a transmission is carried out by connecting pulse sensors at the output, and it is used mainly in office buildings. Otherwise, it is a standard counter with an increased (according to users) service life.

Advantages:

• high build quality;
• the presence of elements of protection against magnetic fields and leaks;
• the ability to connect pulse sensors;
• increased service life (more than six declared years).

Disadvantages:

• pulse sensors do not always work correctly.

The best mechanical water meters with pulse output

As a rule, all mechanical meters with a pulse output are multi-jet. They use the principle of dividing the main stream into several smaller jets, which achieves a reduction in turbulent flows (fluid vortices) and, thereby, a decrease in errors. The received information from the output is transmitted to the control terminal to control the summary of information.

3 Valtec 1/2

Valtec 1/2 is a mechanical meter without all sorts of frills. The ascetic look should not be misleading - the Italian manufacturer has taken care of the quality of the "filling". Such a model is capable of operating for two verification periods without increasing the measurement error. However, there were some drawbacks here. The main trouble with the meter is the pulse output. In some models, spontaneous interruptions in data transmission were recorded, which indicates the vulnerability of the system. Be that as it may, the flaws of the pulse output can be easily attributed to the low cost, which, together with the quality of the mechanism itself, looks more than worthy.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• durability of work due to high-quality "filling".

Disadvantages:

• the presence of faults at the pulse output;
• ascetic appearance.

2 Itelma WFW24 D080

Itelma WFW24 D080, like the brand's products as a whole, makes an exceptionally good impression. Assembled under license from Siemens, it meets all safety parameters and optimum workmanship.It is not surprising: the development and production of metrological instruments was carried out on high-precision equipment using reliable components. Plastic parts contain a fiberglass base, so the durability and durability of these meters can be calculated for decades. By the way, it is precisely the ten-year period of guaranteed trouble-free service that is indicated in the product passport. The meter is able to withstand a powerful water hammer with a pressure of 2 MPa, which makes it practically "unkillable". It is also captivating that when working with dirty water (and this often happens even in large cities) Itelma does not require the installation of an additional filter.

Advantages:

• excellent workmanship;
• the guaranteed operational life is ten years;
• resistant to water hammer pressure up to 2 MPa;
• there is no need to install additional cleaning filters: the measurement accuracy will remain at the same level.

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

1 Zenner ETWI-N DN 15

German meters Zenner ETWI-N DN 15 have one small feature that is useful to know the average consumer. The fact is that devices for measuring the flow of hot water are universal - they work correctly even with the flow of cold liquid, giving high accuracy at the output of the pulse sensor. There is no doubt about the quality of parts and components - German manufacturers, with their usual pedantry, have taken care of every detail, so the movement transmission mechanism works like a clock. This is one of the best meters available to a wide range of consumers.

Advantages:

• high quality workmanship inherent in a German manufacturer;
• versatility of hot water meters;
• stable operation of the pulse sensor;
• withstands water hammer with a pressure of 1.6 MPa;
• optimal price.

Disadvantages:

• some users have complaints about the bulkiness of the case.

The best premium mechanical water meters

A distinctive feature of mechanical meters of a more expensive class is a hardened case (often made of cast iron), high operational capabilities, as well as other specific functions. Otherwise, these are the same devices designed to control water consumption.

3 "Dekast Metronic" VSKM 90

Mechanical counter of universal level, combining all the overestimated characteristics of a special model. It has a pulse output and increased reliability of the components (impeller, housing, mechanism), up to the fastening elements. The main feature of "Decast Metronic" VSKM 90 is the ability to operate at an actual liquid temperature of +150 degrees Celsius - only extraordinary devices have such indicators within the framework of metering devices.

Judging by user reviews, only a few can afford such a purchase. In general, there are no complaints about the working moments - the meter serves for a long time and goes through absolutely all outstanding situations (such as water hammer or guidance of magnetic fields). However, installation in an apartment or (to a lesser extent) in a private house looks excessive - the nominal resource of the product will always be underutilized.

2 "Norm" STV-50 (flanged)

Antimagnetic flange metering device for hot and cold water "Norma" STV-50 is a quite reasonable alternative to many foreign counterparts. Possessing the ability to centralize flow metering by installing an impulse sensor, it does not lose in the least to competitors either in terms of service life or in terms of operating parameters. So, the temperature range of running cold water varies from +5 to +40 degrees Celsius, and for hot water, the upper bar even reaches +90 degrees (+150 in special models). The guaranteed service life of this model is 12 years, but with "delicate" use it is able to serve obviously more than the calculated norm.

Since flange meters have a more specific focus, installation in an apartment or in a number of private houses is not even considered for them. In this regard, consumer opinion is limited to the reviews of industrialists, who, however, are quite satisfied with the performance of this model.

1 "Norm" SVK-25

"Norma" SVK-25 is the very case when the performance characteristics are optimal for everyday use, and the high cost is undoubtedly justified by the bundle and workmanship. The mechanism of this counter is carefully "planted" in a corrosion-resistant (and antifriction) brass body with 25 mm diameter pipes. In the version for hot water, the model is able to withstand temperatures up to +90 degrees Celsius; for cold - half less.

As in all considered devices of the category, "Norma" SVK-25 has a pulse output, as well as built-in protection against magnetic fields. It is noteworthy that the equipment is one of the strongest aspects of this model - in addition to the meter itself, the consumer receives connecting elements and detailed installation instructions. Judging by the feedback from users, this is the best option for installation in an apartment or house, the quality of which manifests itself over three intertesting (6 years) periods.