Description

Water Flow Sensor YF-S401 Flowmeter – Accurate Measurement for Liquids

The Water Flow Sensor YF-S401 Flowmeter is a compact, reliable, and cost-effective sensor designed to measure the flow rate of water and other non-corrosive liquids. Built with a durable plastic body and featuring a high-quality Hall-effect sensor, the YF-S401 provides accurate flow measurement by converting the liquid flow into a digital pulse signal. This makes it ideal for a wide range of IoT projects, industrial automation, smart irrigation systems, and DIY electronics applications.

With its ease of use, wide compatibility, and stable performance, the YF-S401 water flow sensor has become one of the most popular choices for engineers, students, and hobbyists who require precise liquid monitoring in their projects.

Key Features

💧 Accurate Flow Measurement: Provides stable digital pulse output proportional to the flow rate.
⚡ Hall-Effect Sensor: Ensures precise conversion of liquid flow into readable electronic signals.
🔧 Wide Range Compatibility: Works with most microcontrollers including Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, and Raspberry Pi.
🔥 Durable Build: High-quality plastic housing with corrosion-resistant materials for long service life.
🔌 Simple Wiring: Easy 3-pin connection (VCC, GND, and Pulse Output).
🌊 Versatile Applications: Suitable for smart water meters, dispensers, irrigation, and industrial systems.

Technical Specifications

• Model: YF-S401

• Material: High-quality plastic body

• Working Voltage: 5–18V DC (typical 5V or 12V)

• Max Current: 15 mA at 5V

• Flow Range: 1–30 L/min (depending on water pressure)

• Working Pressure: ≤ 1.75 MPa

• Output Type: Digital pulse signal (frequency proportional to flow)

• Connection: 3-pin (red = VCC, black = GND, yellow = signal)

• Accuracy: ±10% at typical flow rates

• Output Duty Cycle: ~50%

• Weight: ~50g

How It Works

The YF-S401 flow sensor operates using a Hall-effect sensor. Inside the sensor body, a small rotor with blades rotates when water passes through. Each rotation generates a pulse signal via the Hall sensor, and the frequency of this signal is directly proportional to the flow rate.

By counting the number of pulses per second, microcontrollers like Arduino or ESP32 can calculate the exact water flow in liters per minute (L/min) or total water consumption in liters. This makes it a very efficient and accurate solution for real-time liquid monitoring.

Applications

The YF-S401 water flow sensor can be integrated into countless projects and systems, such as:

• 🚰 Smart Water Meters – For tracking residential or commercial water usage.

• 🌱 Irrigation Systems – Monitoring and controlling water flow in smart farming and gardening.

• 🏭 Industrial Automation – Used in machinery that requires precise liquid flow measurement.

• 🧃 Beverage & Vending Machines – Ensures accurate dispensing of drinks and liquids.

• 💻 IoT Projects & DIY Electronics – Perfect for integration with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or ESP boards.

• 🛠️ Water Dispensers & Purifiers – Monitors flow for safe and efficient operation.

Benefits

✅ Reliable Performance: Provides consistent readings over long-term operation.
✅ Low Power Consumption: Suitable for battery-powered and IoT devices.
✅ Easy to Interface: Works with most microcontrollers using simple digital input pins.
✅ Compact Size: Fits easily into small devices or piping systems.
✅ Affordable Solution: High accuracy at a budget-friendly price.

Why Choose the YF-S401 Flowmeter?

Compared to traditional mechanical water meters, the YF-S401 flow sensor offers faster response time, easier integration with electronics, and digital output compatibility. Its versatility allows it to be used in both educational projects and professional industrial systems.

For students, it’s an excellent learning tool for projects involving sensors, IoT, and automation. For engineers, it provides a reliable and efficient method of tracking liquid usage with minimal effort.

Installation Tips

1. Mount Vertically if Possible: For best accuracy, install the sensor vertically with water flowing upward.

2. Avoid Air Bubbles: Ensure that no air is trapped inside, as it may affect readings.

3. Use Clean Water: Prevent debris or particles from entering the sensor to avoid blockages.

4. Calibrate in Software: Each sensor may have small variances; calibrate by comparing actual flow with pulse count.

Conclusion

The Water Flow Sensor YF-S401 Flowmeter is a practical, accurate, and versatile tool for measuring liquid flow in various applications. With its Hall-effect technology, wide compatibility, and easy installation, it is perfect for IoT projects, smart irrigation, beverage machines, and industrial automation.

If you need a reliable, budget-friendly, and accurate flow measurement solution, the YF-S401 water flow sensor is an excellent choice. It combines simplicity with functionality, making it ideal for both beginners and professionals.

Data Sheet