YF Water Flow Sensor (YF-S201)
Liquid Flow Measurement for Arduino and Automation Projects
The YF-S201 water flow sensor is an affordable Hall Effect based device that measures liquid flow rate by counting pulses from a rotating magnetic rotor [citation:3][citation:9]. Ideal for monitoring water consumption, coffee machines, and automated irrigation systems [citation:2][citation:6].
Hall Effect Pulse Output - Measures flow rate via frequency pulses proportional to liquid flow [citation:5]
Wide Measurement Range - Flow rate from 1 to 30 liters per minute [citation:6]
Operating voltage is 5V to 18V DC with max current 15mA at 5V [citation:2][citation:5]
Use external interrupt pin (e.g., D2 on Arduino) for accurate pulse counting [citation:8]
Must be installed vertically with max 5° tilt to ensure proper operation [citation:6][citation:9]
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Model | YF-S201 [citation:5] |
| Flow Rate Range | 1-30 L/min [citation:6] |
| Output Pulse Characteristic | Frequency (Hz) = 7.5 × Flow Rate (L/min) [citation:5][citation:8] |
| Pulses per Liter | 450 [citation:6][citation:9] |
| Operating Voltage | 5 to 18V DC [citation:5] |
| Max Current | 15mA at 5V [citation:2][citation:6] |
| Accuracy | ±5% (2-30 L/min range) [citation:6][citation:9] |
| Max Water Pressure | 1.75 MPa [citation:6][citation:9] |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +80°C [citation:5][citation:6] |
= Key Features =
+Hall Effect Sensing Principle - Sealed magnetic rotor generates electrical pulses proportional to flow [citation:3][citation:9]
+Stainless Steel Shaft - Durable impeller construction for long service life [citation:1][citation:4]
+Simple 3Wire Interface VCC (red), GND (black), Pulse Output (yellow) [citation:2][citation:4]
= Applications =
- Automated irrigation and plant watering systems [citation:6][citation:9]
- Coffee machines and beverage dispensers [citation:4][citation:6]
- Water consumption monitoring and leak detection
- Industrial cooling and filling systems [citation:1][citation:2]
Affordable Flow Monitoring Lowcost solution for Arduino automation projects [citation:6]
Straightforward Integration - Works with Arduino UNO, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi [citation:3][citation:8]
√ Compatible with 1/2" standard pipe fittings [citation:11]
√ Sealed design protects electronics from moisture [citation:5]
√ G1/2 male thread for easy installation [citation:1][citation:2]
Connection Guide
YF-S201 to Arduino:
- Red wire: 5V power
- Black wire: GND
- Yellow wire: Digital pin (e.g., D2 with interrupt) [citation:8]
Use a 10kΩ pull-up resistor on the signal line for stable readings
Each pulse corresponds to approximately 2.25 mL of water [citation:5]
Troubleshooting
No pulse output:
- Check power supply (5-18V DC)
- Verify water flows in correct direction (arrow on body)
- Ensure sensor is not clogged with debris
Inaccurate readings:
- Maintain vertical installation (max 5° tilt)
- Calibrate pulse factor for your specific sensor
- Avoid high pressure or exceeding max flow rate