Water Meter Modular Actuator

What the Modular Actuator Actually Solves for Buyers

Most modular-actuator integration issues do not come from the motor. They come from choosing the wrong reduction ratio for the valve size, current draw draining the battery pack faster than expected, or connector and wire definitions that do not match the meter board. This actuator addresses those three failure points directly.

• Dual ratio matched to valve size.2400:1 for DN15–DN20 and 3700:1 for DN25. The 3700:1 version delivers ≥2.7 N·m to handle the higher seating torque of DN25 valves, while the 2400:1 version keeps response time at ≤10 s for smaller bores.
• Low current draw for battery-powered meters.Operating current is ≤25 mA at 3.6V nominal, with a locked-rotor current of 450 mA. The low operating current allows the actuator to run from a battery pack without excessive drain, while the locked-rotor figure tells your driver circuit what to expect during valve seating.
• PH-type 4P connector, 6 wires.4 signal lines plus 2 power wires. The connector is intended for modular meter platforms where the actuator plugs into the board rather than being hard-wired.
• IP67 for humid and outdoor meter pits.The housing is rated IP67 for temporary immersion and dust ingress, suitable for outdoor meter boxes, underground pits, and humid utility cabinets.

Technical Specifications Buyers Should Verify Before Ordering

The table below reflects the standard modular actuator configuration. Where your meter platform operates on a different voltage, torque curve, or connector convention, these parameters can be customized during the OEM review.

If your meter board uses a different connector or expects a different wire definition, Kaiye’s engineering team can review the harness and propose a matched configuration rather than forcing a standard plug into an incompatible board.

Wiring and Connector: What Engineers Ask First

For modular meter platforms, the actuator is only as good as its fit with the meter board, valve stem, and enclosure. This actuator uses a PH-type 4P connector with 6 wires: 4 signal lines plus 2 power wires. The plug is intended to seat directly into the meter board rather than being hard-wired.

Power wiring.The power pair feeds the motor drive. The drive circuit should be sized for the locked-rotor current of 450 mA, even if normal operating current is ≤25 mA, because valve seating can briefly demand higher current. Reverse-polarity protection on the meter board is recommended if the actuator is field-replaceable.

Signal wiring.The 4 signal lines carry open/close control and position feedback. This circuit should be treated as a control input, not a power line, and should remain independent of the communication module so that a communication failure does not disable valve control.

Wire definition.The current product documentation shows 6 wires but the color definitions must be confirmed against the actual datasheet before production. Buyers should request the final wiring diagram and pinout before sample approval.

Mounting interface.The actuator is designed around the valve stem and mounting pattern used on DN15–DN25 modular smart-meter valve bodies. Before volume release, buyers should confirm stem square, mounting hole spacing, and actuator orientation inside the meter housing. Kaiye can supply a sample for mechanical fit-check before the production order is placed.

If you are also sourcing the meter housing or the complete valve assembly, the actuator can be reviewed together with the water meter shell and valve body to reduce interface mismatch at assembly.

Where the Modular Actuator Is Used: Application Fit for Volume Projects

The actuator is positioned for modular smart-meter platforms where battery-powered operation, low current draw, and a plug-in connector matter more than high-speed actuation. Typical volume applications include:

• Smart residential water meters (DN15–DN20).Remote open/close for billing control, arrears management, and leak response in apartment buildings and utility-managed residential accounts. Use the 2400:1 version.
• Larger-bore residential and light commercial meters (DN25).Where valve seating torque is higher and the 3700:1 version is required to maintain reliable closure.
• Non-electrified meter pits.Underground and outdoor meter installations where 220V mains or dedicated power cables are impractical, and the actuator runs from the meter's battery pack.
• OEM meter platforms.Actuator supply to water-meter manufacturers that integrate the modular actuator into their own meter product before shipping to the utility.

Because the actuator is part of Kaiye’s broader water-meter component platform, buyers sourcing multiple components can consolidate qualification and logistics. If your project also requires wireless communication at the meter level, the actuator is designed to work alongside Kaiye’s wireless water meter platform. You can also review the full water meter actuator range for related models.

Quality, Consistency, and What “Manufacturer” Actually Means Here

For B2B buyers, “manufacturer” should mean process control, not just a trading company with a catalog. Kaiye operates an ISO 9001 quality system, runs automated production for actuator assemblies, and has been producing water-meter actuators for more than two decades. This modular actuator benefits from that production base in three concrete ways:

Batch consistency.Gears are machined to controlled dimensions. Automated assembly reduces unit-to-unit variation in gear mesh, torque output, and response time—critical when you are installing thousands of actuators across a utility project.

Incoming inspection and final test.Standard production includes functional checks for current draw, response time, and valve travel. Buyers can request the inspection protocol and sampling plan before placing a volume order.

Traceability.Model code, production batch, and test records are retained so that if a field issue appears, the affected population can be isolated rather than treating every actuator in the project as suspect. For more on Kaiye’s production base and quality system, see the company profile and manufacturing overview.

OEM Customization and Procurement Terms

The modular actuator is available as a standard unit, but standard does not mean fixed. For OEM and project buyers, the following items are commonly customized after technical review:

Cable and connector.Cable length, wire gauge, color code, and connector type can be specified to match your meter housing and assembly fixture.

Wire definition and control logic.Open/close signal mapping and power polarity can be aligned with your meter board.

Reduction ratio.If your valve size falls outside DN15–DN25, or the seating torque is unusual, an alternative gear ratio or motor tier may be more appropriate than the standard 2400:1 or 3700:1 configuration.

Branding and packaging.Private-label marking, neutral packaging, and project-specific labeling are available for volume orders.

Typical MOQ and lead time are confirmed at quotation. Standard delivery is generally 15–30 days after PO and sample confirmation, depending on order quantity and component availability.

Procurement FAQ

What intelligent water meter specifications is the modular actuator suitable for?
The actuator is designed for DN15–DN25 intelligent water meters. Use 2400:1 reduction for DN15 and DN20 meters, and 3700:1 reduction for DN25 meters, matching the valve control requirements of each caliber.

What is the advantage of the low operating current (≤25 mA)?
The low operating current reduces power consumption for battery-powered meters, extends battery replacement cycles, and reduces heat and noise during operation.

What is the connector and wiring configuration?
The actuator uses a PH-type 4P connector with 6 wires: 4 signal lines plus 2 power wires. Confirm the exact wire color definition against the actual product datasheet before ordering.

Can the cable, connector, or branding be customized?
Yes. Cable length, wire gauge, color code, connector type, and private-label marking can be specified for volume orders.

What is the delivery time for regular orders?
Delivery time is generally 15–30 days, and can be shorter or longer based on model period and order quantity.