Overview
ISO 4064-2:2014 (identical with OIML R 49-2:2013) specifies the test methods for water meters intended for cold potable water and hot water. It defines the test programme, principles, equipment and procedures for type evaluation and initial verification of water meter types. The standard also covers testing of separable parts (measurement transducers, flow/volume sensors, calculators and indicating devices) and ancillary devices where required by national regulation. When used together with ISO 4064‑1 and ISO 4064‑3, ISO 4064-2 supports issuance of OIML Certificates of Conformity under the OIML Certificate System.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 4064-2:2014 details a comprehensive test framework, including:
- External examination and preparation procedures for specimens.
- Performance tests applicable to all water meters: static pressure, intrinsic error (of indication), water temperature and overload temperature checks, reverse flow, pressure loss and flow disturbance tests.
- Durability and environmental tests (temperature, humidity, vibration, mechanical shock).
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrical tests: electrostatic discharge, radiated/conducted fields, surges, mains voltage dips and power-supply variation.
- Special tests for electronic meters and separable parts: checking facilities, signal-line bursts, magnetic field immunity and absence-of-flow tests.
- Test programme structure for type evaluation and initial verification, including sample numbers, reporting and presentation of results.
- Normative and informative annexes covering type examination of checking facilities, calculation of relative error, installation requirements for flow disturbance tests, flow disturbers, and guidance on measurement uncertainty and pressure-tapping details.
Practical applications and users
ISO 4064-2 is essential for stakeholders involved in water meter design, testing and conformity assessment:
- Manufacturers of mechanical and electronic water meters (product development and pre-certification testing).
- Testing and calibration laboratories and notified bodies performing type evaluation and initial verification.
- Utilities and water authorities specifying acceptance test protocols for meter procurement.
- Regulatory and metrology authorities assessing compliance and issuing OIML certificates.
- OEMs of ancillary devices and integrators testing separable transducers or calculators.
Using ISO 4064-2 ensures consistent, repeatable test procedures, reduces conformity risk and supports market access when combined with ISO 4064‑1 (metrological requirements) and ISO 4064‑3 (test report format).
Related standards (for reference)
- ISO 4064-1:2014 - Metrological and technical requirements
- ISO 4064-3:2014 - Test report format
- IEC/ISO documents referenced for environmental and EMC testing (listed in the standard’s normative references)
Keywords: ISO 4064-2:2014, water meters test methods, water meter type evaluation, initial verification, OIML R 49-2, performance tests, EMC, durability testing, flow disturbance.
