Description

Water Flow Sensor YF-S201

The Water Flow Sensor YF-S201 is a widely used and reliable flow measurement device designed to detect and measure the rate of water flow through a pipe. It is commonly used in Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontroller-based projects for building water monitoring, dispensing, and automation systems. Compact, efficient, and accurate, the YF-S201 is a preferred choice for hobbyists, students, and professionals working on DIY electronics, IoT projects, and industrial applications.

This sensor features a hall-effect sensor inside, which generates digital pulse signals in proportion to the flow rate of the water passing through it. These pulses can be easily read and processed by a microcontroller to calculate flow rate and total water volume, making the YF-S201 ideal for a wide range of water control and monitoring applications.

Key Features

• High Accuracy: Generates pulse signals proportional to flow rate for precise measurement.

• Wide Range of Applications: Suitable for home, industrial, and educational projects.

• Easy to Use: Compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, ESP32, and other controllers.

• Durable Design: Made with high-quality plastic housing and corrosion-resistant materials.

• Working Voltage: Operates at 5V–18V, perfect for low-voltage electronics systems.

• Compact Size: Small form factor for easy integration in water pipelines.

• Pulse Output: Hall-effect sensor produces square wave digital output for accurate flow data.

• Flow Rate Range: Typically measures 1–30 liters per minute (L/min).

Applications

The Water Flow Sensor YF-S201 is a versatile component suitable for a variety of projects and systems:

1. Home Automation

• Smart water dispensers

• Water usage monitoring systems

• Automatic garden irrigation controllers

2. Industrial Applications

• Water flow monitoring in production lines

• Cooling system flow measurement

• Process automation requiring water usage tracking

3. Educational and DIY Projects

• Arduino and Raspberry Pi flow measurement experiments

• IoT-based water metering solutions

• Student projects involving fluid dynamics and monitoring

4. Safety and Utility Systems

• Leakage detection and prevention systems

• Water conservation devices

• Alarm systems for unusual flow rates

Advantages of the YF-S201 Water Flow Sensor

1. Cost-Effective Solution: Affordable sensor with accurate performance.

2. Ease of Integration: Standard 3-pin interface (VCC, GND, Signal) works seamlessly with most microcontrollers.

3. Reliable Pulse Output: Consistent readings for flow rate calculations.

4. Durable Build: Designed with corrosion-resistant plastic, ensuring long-lasting performance.

5. Versatile Use Cases: Applicable in both home automation and industrial environments.

Technical Specifications

• Model: YF-S201

• Operating Voltage: 5V–18V DC

• Operating Current: 15 mA (max)

• Flow Rate Range: 1–30 L/min

• Output Type: Digital pulse signal (square wave)

• Connection: 3-wire interface (Red: VCC, Black: GND, Yellow: Signal)

• Accuracy: ±10% (typical, depending on conditions)

• Pipe Size Compatibility: 1/2 inch (standard connection)

• Material: High-quality plastic body with stainless steel ball inside

• Working Temperature: 0°C–80°C

How It Works

The YF-S201 water flow sensor works by using a turbine mechanism inside the plastic body. As water passes through, it rotates a small rotor. A hall-effect sensor detects the rotor’s movement and generates pulse signals. The frequency of these pulses corresponds to the water flow rate. By counting these pulses, a microcontroller such as Arduino or ESP32 can calculate the amount of water flowing through the sensor in liters per minute. This simple yet effective mechanism makes the YF-S201 reliable and widely used in real-world applications.

Why Choose the Water Flow Sensor YF-S201?

The YF-S201 water flow sensor is trusted by electronics enthusiasts, students, and engineers worldwide because of its accuracy, durability, and versatility. Unlike traditional water meters, it is easy to integrate into electronic systems, making it the go-to sensor for IoT water monitoring, smart irrigation, and automation projects. Its affordable price and reliable design make it one of the most widely recommended sensors for both learning and professional prototyping.

Conclusion

The Water Flow Sensor YF-S201 is an essential tool for projects and applications that require water flow measurement and monitoring. With its pulse-based digital output, high accuracy, and durability, it is perfect for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, and ESP32 projects. Whether you are developing a smart irrigation system, water usage monitor, or industrial automation solution, this sensor delivers accurate results at an affordable cost.

Data Sheet