Hunter IIF Training: Flow Meter Installation

[@henryoldach9078]

Can I install a flow meter in my basement before the outside backflow preventer without a master valve? I do not currently have a master valve.

[@e.a.p3174]

I installed a flow meter several times, my question is why is the flow meter wire not 18 gauge, like regular irrigation wire?

[@Hunter_Landscape_Irrigation]

For all Hunter Flow sensors, the recommendation per installation instructions is to use no less than 18Ga wiring. For the Hydrawise sensors, 18Ga shielded wiring.

[@kwilliamd]

Install instructions say “hunter flow meters are installed between the master valve and zone valves”, but the video says to install this before the master valve. In my application it would be far easier to install after the master valve. Is either acceptable?

[@Hunter_Landscape_Irrigation]

There are pros and cons to installing a flow sensor after the master valve. It sounds like it works better for you after the master valve.

[@miguelpatino7604]

If I have two timers, can I wire one Flow meter to both of the timers?

[@davidmuller7800]

How can I control multiple flow meters? My PRO-HC has only 2 sensor inputs? I want to control all Zones seperatly on water leackage. Thanks for your answer :) David

[@Hunter_Landscape_Irrigation]

Thank you for contacting Hunter Technical Support. The controller will learn the flow for each zone with a single flow meter. Flow Sensors require a master valve for correct operation. The PROHC model can operate a single master valve therefore we only recommend a single flow meter. You can connect a Flow meter with a Rain Sensor, Wind Sensor, Soil Sensor, etc. Thank you again for contacting Hunter Technical Support. Please let us know if we can offer any other assistance.

[@isaacaflores2]

Great video! Is there a particular reason you used SCH 80 pipe on both ends of the flow meter? Thanks

[@Hunter_Landscape_Irrigation]

Thank you for contacting Hunter Technical Support. Sch80 has a better UV tolerant rating. So if the pipe is exposed to the elements, Sch80 would be recommended. Thank you again for contacting Hunter Technical Support. Please let us know if we can offer any other assistance.

[@larryseibold4287]

@@Hunter_Landscape_Irrigation it is also a better choice when going into brass threaded fittings due to crack stress resistance. It is fine to convert to SCH 40 after the first plastic fitting. I recommend not using molded (has a distinct seam on the plastic) as it has a tendency to leak.

[@MaxAcceleration]

My flow meter is installed inside, why does the video have it installed outside? What's the pros/cons of inside -vs- outside. Seems to me inside would be better because of freeze protection, easier monitoring, etc.

[@JonnyS97]

That's exactly the case you typically see a backflow connected to PVC in areas that are normally warmer climates vs inside backflows are usually installed with copper pipes for colder climates

[@Hunter_Landscape_Irrigation]

Thank you for contacting Hunter Technical Support. Flow meters require a master valve that is most often installed outside. There are no issues installing a flow meter inside as long as there is a master valve and the orientation is horizontal. In freezing environments, we always recommend the full winterization procedure. Visit our support page here for more flow meter install tips. Thank you again for contacting Hunter Technical Support. Please let us know if we can offer any other assistance

[@MaxAcceleration]

@@Hunter_Landscape_Irrigation Interesting. My master valve must be outside because I don't see it inside. The flow meter is located right after my shut off valve for the sprinkler system and is well inside the house so no freeze protection needed for it (I only need to blowout everything from the backflow preventer onward) That's why I was wondering why anybody would want it on the outside instead? I see no advantages of it being outside. I do see many pros from being inside 1) shorter cable run (mine is about 5 feet above my control panel) 2) no worry about freeze protection 3) easy to read without having to open up access panels 4) easy to replace if ever needed. What are the advantages of it being outside? I can't think of any.

[@MaxAcceleration]

@@JonnyS97 Hi Jonathan, yes mine has copper pipes throughout being I'm in Northern IL. My backflow preventer sits just outside the house and I blowout the lines with compressed air from that point forward into the system. My flow meter sits inside about 5 feet above my control panel in the basement. I don't see why anybody would want the flow meter installed outside regardless of climate. Being inside, it's easier to read, easy to replace if ever needed, shorter cable runs back to the control panel, etc.

[@Analyzer52]

@@MaxAcceleration Some people's control panels are located outside so it wouldn't make sense to locate it inside and they have to run wire outside to the control panel. Most are not reading the actual meter, they are using the smart app to read the meter from their phone.

[@mrmegahrtz]

Can these be used as a Home Water Meter? Are they drinking water safe?

[@Hunter_Landscape_Irrigation]

Thank you for contacting Hunter Technical Support. Hunter products are manufactured for irrigation purposes only, they are not rated for potable domestic water use. Thank you again for contacting Hunter Technical Support. Please let us know if we can offer any other assistance.

[@floridainvestmentgroupusa952]

I would assume that a 1 inch sensor should not be installed in the blackfkow riser as the placement cannot meet your spacing minimum from fittings?

[@jose.g.a6064]

Will the flow meter shut a system off if detects high flow or will you need the flow sensor for that ?

[@Hunter_Landscape_Irrigation]

With a flow meter installed it allows for flow alerts to be configured that has a shut-off period available once the irregular flow is established. For instant water shut-off, you will need a Flow-Clik sensor to set water limitations.

[@0mostafa]

Translate into arabic, please

[@Hunter_Landscape_Irrigation]

Hello Mostafa, we are working on translating these video. Stay tuned!