What a Pulse Reed Switch Adds to a Water Meter
A mechanical meter counts perfectly well and tells nobody. This register sits on the meter and adds an electrical output. A magnet on the register wheel passes a sealed reed contact once per measured unit of volume. The contact closes, and whatever is watching counts it. No power is needed on the meter side, because the switch is passive.
Reading the Water Meter Pulse Output at the Controller
What arrives at the other end is a dry contact closure, not a voltage and not a data protocol. Any controller, datalogger or PLC with a digital input can take it, which is what makes a water meter pulse output so portable across equipment. The controller does the arithmetic: count the pulses, multiply by the volume each pulse represents, and you have consumption. That multiplier is set by the meter rather than by the switch, and Netafim meters are supplied in different pulse values. Check the register on the meter you are fitting, because getting that number wrong scales every reading you log. Two practical notes. Reed contacts are mechanical and they do eventually wear, which is the usual reason one gets replaced rather than a fault in the meter itself. And run the signal pair away from pump and light wiring, since a long unshielded run beside a contactor can pick up false counts.
Key Features
- Adds an electrical output to a mechanical meter: A sealed reed contact closes once per measured volume as the register turns.
- Passive, no power needed: The switch takes nothing on the meter side. The controller supplies the sensing circuit.
- Dry contact, not a protocol: Any controller, datalogger or PLC with a digital input can read it.
- Volume per pulse is set by the meter: Netafim meters ship in different pulse values, so check the register before you scale readings.
- A common replacement part: Reed contacts are mechanical and wear, which is usually why one is swapped.
- Keep the run clean: Route the signal pair away from pump and lighting wiring to avoid false counts.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Netafim water meter register |
| Part Number | 70220-005300 |
| Function | Converts meter rotation into contact closures |
| Output Type | Dry contact, voltage free |
| Power Required | None, passive switch |
| Reads Into | Controller, datalogger or PLC digital input |
| Volume Per Pulse | Determined by the water meter it is fitted to |
| Fits | Netafim water meters with a reed switch register |
| Typical Use | Consumption logging, fertigation control, leak detection |
| Wiring Note | Route away from pump and lighting circuits |