Overview
ISO 4064-5:2014 - "Water meters for cold potable water and hot water - Part 5: Installation requirements" defines installation, selection and first-operation requirements for water meters used in fully charged, closed conduits. The standard applies to mechanical, electrical and electronic water meters (including hybrid mechanical/electronic types) and to optional electronic ancillary devices. Its purpose is to ensure accurate, reliable volume measurement and safe, maintainable meter installations for cold potable and hot water systems.
Key topics and requirements
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Scope and applicability
- Covers single, combination and concentric meters for cold potable water and hot water.
- Applies irrespective of metering technology (mechanical, electromagnetic, electronic).
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Selection criteria
- Choose meter type and size based on available supply pressure, water temperature and quality (suspended particles), acceptable pressure loss, expected flow rates (as defined in ISO 4064‑1), space constraints and environmental conditions (vibration, humidity, electromagnetic disturbances, etc.).
- Manufacturer must provide influence factors and rated operating conditions to aid selection.
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Associated fittings (minimum recommendations)
- Upstream: stopcock/valve, flow straightening or straight pipe length, strainer, and a sealing means to detect unauthorized removal.
- Downstream: adjustable length device (recommended for meters with Q ≥ 16 m3/h), drain/pressure monitoring device, stopcock for Q > 4.0 m3/h, and check valve where required.
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Installation requirements
- Accessibility for reading, maintenance and removal (special provisions if meter mass > 25 kg).
- Meter must remain full of water; install upstream air release if air ingress is possible.
- Protect meters from shock, vibration, thermal extremes, flooding and corrosion; provide anchoring to avoid pipe thrust when meter is disconnected.
- Orientation limits, earthing/shunt provisions, and avoidance of hydraulic disturbances (cavitation, surge, water hammer) are specified.
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Groups and parallel operation
- Guidance for parallel or multiple meter arrangements to avoid exceeding individual meter limits and to minimize interaction (pressure surges, vibrations).
- Compatibility by pressure loss, flow range and maximum working pressure is recommended.
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First operation
- Procedures for commissioning new or repaired meters to verify accurate operation and reliable readings (including protection, safety and access provisions).
Practical applications and users
ISO 4064-5:2014 is used by:
- Water utility engineers and asset managers specifying and commissioning meters
- Meter manufacturers and suppliers for product documentation and installation guidance
- Plumbing contractors and installers for compliant meter installation
- Inspection bodies and calibration laboratories assessing installation conformity
- Facility managers and building services engineers planning metering in buildings and plants
Keywords: ISO 4064-5:2014, water meters installation requirements, potable water metering, hot water meters, electromagnetic meters, flow meter installation, metering standards.
Related standards
- ISO 4064-1:2014 (metrological and technical requirements)
- ISO 4064 (other parts: test methods, report format, non-metrological requirements)
- ISO 6817 (electromagnetic flowmeters)
- OIML R 49-1 (equivalent metrological guidance)