Law 3/1985, of 18 March, of Metrology, establishes the legal regime of the metrological activity in Spain, regime to which they must submit in defense of the safety, the protection of the health and the economic interests of consumers and users, the measuring instruments, under the conditions to be determined. Subsequently, the aforementioned law was amended by Royal Decree-Law 1296/1986 of 28 June, thus establishing the EEC control.

the context of the abovementioned EEC control, the Council Directive of 17 December 1974 (75/33/EEC) on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to counters was transposed into national law. of cold water, by the Order of 28 December 1988, by which the cold water meters are regulated.

The Directive, from the technological point of view, is applicable to cold water meters which use a direct mechanical procedure involving volumetric chambers of movable walls or the action of the water speed on the rotation of a mobile organ (turbine, propeller, etc.).

The Law of Metrology was subsequently developed by various norms of metrological content, among which is the Royal Decree 889/2006, of July 21, which regulates the metrological control of the State over measuring instruments.

This royal decree transposed into Spanish national law Directive 2004 /22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on measuring instruments, while adapting the metrological control phases concerning the approval of a model and a primitive verification, in the instruments subject to national specific regulations, to the system of conformity assessment which is regulated in the abovementioned directive, also addressing the development of the the metrological control phases corresponding to the periodic verification and after repair, stages which are not covered by Community legislation.

In paragraph 11 of the only Royal Decree-Law 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, the Order of 28 December 1988, which regulates the cold water meters laid down by Directive 75 /33/EEC, is hereby repealed. with regard to the counters defined in Annex V of the same royal decree, that is, water meters for the measurement of volumes of clean, cold or hot water for residential, commercial or light industry use.

According to all this, this order has the object of regulating, on the one hand, the metrological control of the State, for its placing on the market and service, on the water meters to which the Royal is not applicable. Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006 and, on the other hand, the metrological control of the water meters in service submitted to the Order of 28 December, with the exclusion of those defined in Annex V of the royal decree cited.

For the elaboration of the order, the autonomous communities have been consulted and the mandatory hearing has been carried out for the interested parties. He has also favourably reported the Metrology Board.

This provision has been submitted to the procedure for information on technical standards and regulations, provided for in Directive 98 /34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June, as amended by the Directive 98 /48/EC of 20 July, as well as Royal Decree 1337/1999 of 31 July, which incorporates both directives into the Spanish legal order.

In your virtue I have:

PRELIMINARY TITLE

General provisions

Article 1. Object.

This order establishes the State's metrological control of the following types of water meters and the phases thereof that apply to them:

1. 'Type A' water meters, hereinafter referred to as type A, in the stages of placing on the market and service and instruments in service, irrespective of their technology not subject to the EEC metrological control established by the Order of 28 In December 1988, the cold water meters are regulated, and the specific nature of the measure is given in Annex V to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, which regulates the State's metrological control over instruments of measure.

2. 'Type B' water meters, hereinafter referred to as type B counters, in the instrument phase in a specific use service for the management of the hydraulic public domain, irrigation and any other use, excluding that determined by Annex V to the Royal Decree No 889/2006 of 21 July 2006 regulating the metrological control of the State to which the EEC metrological control is applicable for the placing on the market and service of the State, established by the Order of 28 December 1988, regulate cold water meters.

TITLE I

Type A counters

CHAPTER I

Marketing and commissioning phase

Article 2. Metrological control phase.

1. The metrological control of the State established in this chapter is regulated in Chapter II of Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July, which regulates the metrological control of the State on measuring instruments in the marketing phase. and put into service.

2. The control referred to in Chapter II of Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006 shall be carried out in accordance with the conformity assessment procedures laid down in Article 4 (1) of this order.

Article 3. Essential, metrological and technical requirements.

1. The essential, metrological and technical requirements to be met by the counters shall be as set out in Annex I of this order.

2. For the verification of these requirements, it is necessary to have the technical means described in Annex II of this order.

3. The tests to be carried out for conformity assessment shall be carried out in accordance with the regulatory documents referred to in Annex III of this order.

Article 4. Modules for conformity assessment.

1. The modules to be used to carry out the conformity assessment of the instruments referred to in Article 1 (1) of this order shall be chosen, including those laid down in Article 6 (2) and Annex III. of Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, for the person responsible for obtaining the conformity of the same, by choosing one of the following options:

a) Module B, model examination, plus module D, declaration of conformity to the model based on quality assurance of the manufacturing process.

b) Module B, model examination, plus module F, declaration of compliance with the model based on product verification.

c) Module H1, compliance statement based on total quality assurance plus design examination.

2. Conformity with the essential metrological and technical requirements laid down in Article 3 of this order shall be assumed from those counters manufactured and, or placed on the market in other Member States of the European Union and Turkey or manufactured in other States which are signatories to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, which comply with the technical standards, rules or procedures legally established in these States and have been certified by them, provided that accuracy, safety, suitability and suitability are equivalent to those required in this order

3. The competent public administration may request the necessary documentation to determine the equivalence referred to in the preceding paragraph. Where the non-compliance with the essential, technical and metrological requirements is established, the competent public administration may prevent the placing on the market and service of type A counters.

CHAPTER II

Service Instruments Phase. Verification after repair or modification

Article 5. Definition.

It is understood by verification after repair or modification, in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 (z) of Royal Decree 889/2006, of July 21, the set of administrative, visual and technical examinations which may be carried out in a laboratory or in the place of use, which are intended to check and confirm that an instrument in service maintains, after a repair or modification requiring the breaking of seals, the characteristics the metrological nature of the application, in particular as regards the maximum permissible errors, as well as works according to its design and is in accordance with its specific regulations.

Article 6. Performances of the repairers.

1. The repair or modification of the meters can only be carried out by a person or entity registered in the Register of Metrological Control, as established in Royal Decree 889/2006, of July 21. The registration of such registration shall require compliance with the requirements set out in Annex IV of this order.

2. All the actions performed by an authorized repairer will be documented in a work part, in a self-copying diptych format. The first sheet of the part shall be held by the repairer and the second sheet, held by the holder of the counter, both at the disposal of the competent authority and of the approved inspection bodies for a minimum period of three years. years since the intervention was performed.

3. The nature of the repair, the substituted elements, the date of the action, the number with which the repairer who has made the repair is registered in the Register of Metrological Control, the identification of the person who has made the repair or modification, his signature and the stamp of the repair entity. The description of the operations carried out shall be sufficiently detailed so that their scope can be assessed by the competent authority.

4. The repairer that has repaired or modified a counter, after checking its correct operation, shall adjust the errors to zero with the least possible tolerance of its equipment and instruments.

Article 7. Bound subjects and requests.

1. The holder of the counter shall communicate to the competent public authority its repair or modification, indicating the object of the counter and specifying the elements which are substituted, where appropriate, and the adjustments and controls carried out. Before you are put into service, you will need to request verification.

2. The application for verification shall be accompanied by the bulletin set out in Annex V to this order.

3. Once the application for verification of an accountant has been submitted after its repair or modification, the competent metrological authority or the authorised metrological verification body shall have a maximum period of 30 days for proceed to their verification.

Article 8. Testing and execution.

1. The counter must pass an administrative examination, consisting of its complete identification and the verification that it meets the requirements required to be legally in service. It shall be carried out on the basis of the information provided by the applicant in the identification bulletin set out in Annex V of this order. It shall be determined in particular that the instrument has the declaration of conformity and the corresponding markings, in accordance with the provisions of Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006 and that the information contained in the instrument complies with the requirements referred to in paragraph 7.1 of Annex I to this order.

2. The tests to be performed on the verification after repair or modification shall be as set out in Annex VI of this order.

Article 9. Maximum errors allowed.

The maximum errors allowed in the verification after repair or modification shall be those indicated in the description of each test, as determined in Annex VI of this order.

Article 10. Compliance.

1. After the verification phase after repair or modification, the conformity of the counter to perform its function shall be recorded, by the adhesion of a label in a visible place of the verified instrument, which shall gather the the characteristics and requirements set out in Annex I to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, specifying the type of instrument concerned. The corresponding certificate of verification shall also be issued. The verifier shall reseal the instrument.

2. Verification after repair or modification shall have periodic verification effects with respect to the calculation of the time limit for your application.

Article 11. Not exceeding verification.

When an accountant does not exceed the verification after repair or modification, it must be put out of service until the deficiency that has prevented the improvement is remedied. This circumstance shall be made by means of a label of disablement of use, situated in a visible place of the instrument, the characteristics of which are set out in Annex I to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, specifying the type of instrument in question. In the event that such a deficiency is not remedied, appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that it is definitively withdrawn from the service.

CHAPTER III

Service Instruments Phase. Periodic verification

Article 12. Definition.

It is understood by periodic verification, in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 (aa) of Royal Decree 889/2006, of July 21, the set of administrative, visual and technical examinations that can be carried out in a laboratory or in the place of use, which are intended to verify and confirm that an instrument in service has, since its last verification, maintained the metrological characteristics applicable to it, in particular as regards the maximum allowed errors, as well as work according to their design and conform to their specific regulation.

Article 13. Bound subjects and requests.

1. The holders of the counters in service shall be required to ask the competent metrological authority for their periodic verification before the period, in years, as laid down in the table in Annex VI (1), is exceeded, either from their putting into service, either from verification after repair or modification or since the last periodic verification,

2. Its use shall be prohibited in the event that this phase of metrological control is not exceeded.

3. The application for verification shall be accompanied by the bulletin set out in Annex V.

Article 14. Testing and execution.

1. The counter must pass an administrative examination, consisting of the complete identification of the instrument and the verification that it meets the requirements required to be legally in service. It shall be carried out on the basis of the information provided by the applicant in the identification bulletin set out in Annex V. It shall be verified in particular that the counter has the declaration of conformity and that the information contained in the instrument meets the requirements set out in section 7.1 of Annex I of this order.

2. The tests to be performed on the periodic verification shall be as set out in Annex VI.

Article 15. Maximum errors allowed.

The maximum errors allowed in the periodic verification are those indicated in Annex VI.

Article 16. Compliance.

The periodic verification phase shall be exceeded, the conformity of the counter shall be recorded in order to perform its function, by the adhesion of a label in a visible place of the verified instrument, which shall meet the the characteristics and requirements set out in Annex I to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, specifying the type of instrument concerned. The corresponding certificate of verification shall also be issued.

Article 17. Not exceeding verification.

When a counter does not exceed periodic verification, it must be put out of service until the deficiency that has prevented it from being exceeded is remedied. This circumstance shall be made by means of a disable label for use, the characteristics of which are set out in Annex I to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, specifying the type of instrument concerned. In the event that such a deficiency is not remedied, appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that it is definitively withdrawn from the service.

TITLE II

Type B counters

CHAPTER I

Service Instruments Phase. Verification after repair or modification

Article 18. Definition.

It is understood by verification after repair or modification, in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 (z) of Royal Decree 889/2006, of July 21, the set of administrative, visual and technical examinations which may be carried out in a laboratory or in the place of use, which are intended to check and confirm that an instrument in service maintains, after a repair or modification requiring the breaking of seals, the characteristics the metrological nature of the application, in particular as regards the maximum permissible errors, as well as works according to its design and in accordance with its specific regulations and, where applicable, the approved design or model.

Article 19. Performances of the repairers.

1. The repair or modification of the meters can only be carried out by a person or entity registered in the Register of Metrological Control, as established in Royal Decree 889/2006, of July 21. The registration of such registration shall require compliance with the requirements set out in Annex IV of this order.

2. All the actions performed by an authorized repairer will be documented in a work part, in a self-copying diptych format. The first sheet of the part shall be held by the repairer and the second sheet held by the holder of the counter, both at the disposal of the competent metrological authority and of the approved inspection bodies, at least during a minimum period of three years after the intervention was made.

3. The nature of the repair, the substituted elements, the date of the action, the number with which the repairer who has made the repair is registered in the Register of Metrological Control, the identification of the person who has made the repair or modification, his signature and the stamp of the repair entity. The description of the operations carried out shall be sufficiently detailed so that their scope can be assessed by the competent metrological authority.

4. The repairer that has repaired or modified a counter, after checking its correct operation, shall adjust the errors to zero with the least possible tolerance of its equipment and instruments.

Article 20. Bound subjects and requests.

1. The holder of the counter shall communicate to the competent metrological authority its repair or modification, indicating the object of the meter and specifying which elements are substituted, where appropriate, and the adjustments and controls carried out. Before you are put into service, you will need to request verification.

2. The application for verification shall be accompanied by the identification bulletin set out in Annex V.

3. Once the application for verification of an accountant has been submitted after its repair or modification, the competent metrological authority or the Authorised Verification Body shall have a maximum period of 30 days to carry out the verification. verification.

Article 21. Testing and execution.

1. The counter must pass an administrative examination, consisting of the complete identification of the instrument and the verification that it meets the requirements required to be legally in service. It shall be carried out on the basis of the information provided by the applicant in the identification bulletin set out in Annex V. It shall be verified, in particular, that the instrument has the approval of the model, and the corresponding markings of the order of 28 December 1988 for which the cold water meters are regulated, and that the inscriptions and marks comply with the requirements laid down therein.

2. The verification procedure after repair or modification shall be as set out in Annex VII.

Article 22. Maximum errors allowed.

The maximum errors allowed in the verification after repair or modification shall be as set out in Annex VII.

Article 23. Compliance.

1. After the verification phase after repair or modification, the conformity of the counter to perform its function shall be recorded, by the adhesion of a label in a visible place of the verified instrument, which shall gather the characteristics and requirements set out in Annex I to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, specifying the type of instrument concerned and shall also issue the relevant certificate of verification. The verifier shall reseal the instrument.

2. Verification after repair or modification shall have periodic verification effects with respect to the calculation of the time limit for the application of the deadline.

Article 24. Not exceeding verification.

When an accountant does not exceed the verification after repair or modification, it must be put out of service until the deficiency that has prevented the improvement is remedied. This circumstance shall be made by means of a disable label for use, the characteristics of which are set out in Annex I to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, specifying the type of instrument concerned. In the event that such a deficiency is not remedied, appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that it is definitively withdrawn from the service.

CHAPTER II

Service Instruments Phase. Periodic verification of type B counters

Article 25. Definition.

It is understood by periodic verification, in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 (aa) of Royal Decree 889/2006, of July 21, the set of administrative, visual and technical examinations that can be carried out in a laboratory or in the place of use, which are intended to verify and confirm that an instrument in service has since its last verification the metrological characteristics applicable to it, in particular as regards the maximum allowed errors, as well as work according to their design and conform to their specific rules and, where applicable, the approved design or model.

Article 26. Bound subjects and requests.

1. The holders of the counters in service shall be required to request the competent metrological authority to verify them periodically before the period, in years or the volume, in m3, as set out in paragraphs 1a and above, is exceeded. (1b) of Annex VII of this order, either from its entry into service or from verification after repair or modification or since the last periodic verification,

2. Its use shall be prohibited in the event that this phase of metrological control is not exceeded.

3. The application for verification shall be accompanied by the identification bulletin set out in Annex V.

Article 27. Testing and execution.

1. The counter must pass an administrative examination, consisting of the complete identification of the instrument and the verification that it meets the requirements required to be legally in service. It shall be carried out on the basis of the information provided by the applicant in the Annex V. identification bulletin. It shall be verified in particular that the instrument has model approval and the corresponding markings according to the The order of 28 December 1988 for which cold water meters are regulated, and which the inscriptions and marks meet the requirements of the same.

2. The tests to be carried out on periodic verification shall be as set out in Annex VII.

Article 28. Maximum errors allowed.

The maximum errors allowed in the periodic verification are those indicated in Annex VII.

Article 29. Compliance.

The periodic verification phase shall be exceeded, the conformity of the counter shall be recorded in order to perform its function, by the adhesion of a label in a visible place of the verified instrument, which shall meet the the characteristics and requirements set out in Annex I to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, specifying the type of instrument concerned. The corresponding certificate of verification shall also be issued.

Article 30. Not exceeding verification.

When a counter does not exceed the periodic check it must be put out of service until the deficiency that has prevented the overcoming is remedied. This circumstance shall be made by means of a disable label for use, the characteristics of which are set out in Annex I to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, specifying the type of instrument concerned. In the event that such a deficiency is not remedied, appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that it is definitively withdrawn from the service.

First transient disposition. Counters in service.

1. Type A counters in service before the entry into force of this order may continue to be used provided that they successfully exceed the tests prescribed in Chapter III of Title I, referred to in the periodic verification without the application of the provisions of Article 14 (1) to them.

2. Type B counters in service before the entry into force of this order shall be subject to the periodic verification laid down in Chapter II of Title II, within the time limits laid down in Annex VII (1) (a), the date of manufacture or, if they have been exceeded, no later than 31 December 2009.

Second transient disposition. Adequacy for remote reading.

All the counters included in the scope of this order may be modified, upon request and with the authorization of the competent public administration in metrological matter, for the incorporation of a a system which permits its remote reading, provided that after that it is subject to verification after repair or modification as referred to in Chapter II of Title I, in the case of type A counters and as determined in Chapter I Title III, in the case of type B. The adequacy shall not have any influence on measurements made by the counter.

Transitional provision third. Adequacy of the installation of counters in service.

In order to ensure the correct operation of the in-service counters regulated by this order, the user must ensure that the installation conditions do not affect the metrological characteristics of the counter and its installation shall be in line with the technical requirements laid down by the manufacturer, using the time period laid down for the first periodic verification, on the basis of the requirements laid down in the Chapter II of Title I, or Chapter I of Title II, according to the type of counter in question.

This adequacy shall be notified to the competent metrological authority, which may extend that period in those installations which, due to their size, complexity or difficulty, are technically appropriate.

Final disposition first. Competence title.

This order is dictated by the provisions of article 149.1.12. of the Constitution, which attributes to the State, as exclusive competence, the legislation of weights and measures.

Final disposition second. General rules of application to administrative procedures.

In this order and Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006, the administrative procedures to which the actions regulated in this order will take place, will be governed by the provisions of Law 30/1992, 26 November, Legal Regime of the Public Administrations and the Common Administrative Procedure and in the specific legislation of the competent metrological authorities.

Final disposition third. Authorization to modify the technical content of the order.

The Secretary-General of Industry is hereby authorized to introduce into the Annexes to this order, by means of a resolution and a report of the Superior Council of Metrology, any amendments of a technical nature to be necessary for keep their content adapted to the technical innovations that occur.

Final disposition fourth. Entry into force.

This order will take effect the day following your publication in the "Official State Bulletin".

Madrid, 31 January 2008. -Minister for Industry, Tourism and Trade, Joan Clos i Matheu.

ANNEX I

Essential, metrological, and technical requirements of type A counters

The meters must provide a high level of metrological protection so that the affected parties can have confidence in the result of the measurement, and must be designed and manufactured with a high level of quality with regard to measurement technology and the safety of measurement data.

For the purposes of the technical content of this Annex, the terminology used is that of the International Organization for Legal Metrology.

Requirements

1. Nominal operating conditions.-The manufacturer shall specify the nominal operating conditions of the instrument, in particular:

1.1 The range of water flow. The water flow range values shall comply with the following conditions:

Q₃/Q₁ ≥ 10

Q₂/Q₁ = 1.6

Q₄/Q₃ = 1.25

Up to October 30, 2011, the Q₂/Q ratio₁ may be: 1.5; 2.5; 4 or 6.3.

1.2 The water temperature range shall be between 0,1 ° C and 30 ° C.

1.3 The operating pressure range shall be 0,3 bar at least 10 bar, supporting any pressure within this range to Q₃.

1.4 In case the counter requires electrical power, the nominal value of the AC power voltage must be specified and/or the current power voltage limits shall be specified.

2. Maximum permissible error. -In nominal operating conditions and in the absence of disturbances, the measurement error must not exceed the maximum permissible error value.

2.1 The maximum allowable, positive, or negative error on the volumes supplied under flow rates between the transition flow (Q₂) (inclusive) and the overhead flow (Q₄) is 2%.

2.2 The maximum allowed, positive or negative error on volumes supplied under flow rates between the minimum flow rate (Q₁) and the transition water flow (Q₂) (excluding) is 5%.

3. Climatic, mechanical and electromagnetic environments.-The manufacturer shall specify the climatic, mechanical and electromagnetic environments for which the counter is designed, the power supply and other influence measures that may be affect their accuracy.

3.1.1 Climate Environments. The manufacturer shall specify the upper and lower temperature limits by choosing between the following values.

Table 1

Temperature Limits

	Temperature
limit	40 ° C, 55 ° C or 70 °
Limit	-10 ° C, -25 ° C or -40 °

The manufacturer shall indicate whether the instrument is designed for moisture (condensation or non-condensing) and whether the intended placement for the instrument is interior or exterior.

According to the operation for which the counter is designed it may be necessary, either the continuous wet heat test (without condensation) or the cyclic wet heat test (with condensation).

3.1.2 Mechanical environments. The mechanical environment shall be one of the following classes, as defined in Annex IV to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006:

M1, or

M2.

The following influence measures will be taken into account in relation to mechanical environments:

Dry heat.

Cold.

Wet heat, cyclic test.

Vibration.

Mechanical impact.

3.1.3 Electromagnetic environments. The electromagnetic environment shall be one of the following classes as defined in Annex IV to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006:

E1, or

E2.

The following magnitudes of influence in relation to electromagnetic environments shall be taken into account:

Tension cuts.

Brief drops of tension.

Voltage transients on power and/or signal power lines.

Electrostatic downloads.

Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields.

Radio frequency electromagnetic fields conducted on the power and/or signal power lines.

Voltage spikes in electrical and/or signal power.

Tension variation.

Variation of network frequency.

Magnetic fields at the power frequency.

4. Durability: A counter must be designed in such a way as to maintain an adequate stability of its metrological characteristics over a sufficient period of time, provided that its installation, maintenance and use are adequate and follow the manufacturer's instructions, in the environmental conditions for which it was conceived.

After the test specified in paragraph 10.1.3 (i) of Annex II has been performed, the following conditions shall be met:

4.1 The variation of the measurement result after the durability test when compared to the initial measurement shall not exceed:

3% of the volume measured between Q₁ included and Q₂ excluded;

1.5% of the volume measured between Q₂ included and Q₄ included.

4.2 The volume indication error measured after the durability test cannot be exceeded:

± 6% of the volume measured between Q₁ included and Q₂ excluded;

± 2.5% of the volume measured between Q₂ included and Q₄ included;

5. Fitness:

5.1 The counter must have adequate protections to prevent its fraudulent use; the possibility of inadvertent improper use should also be minimised.

5.2 The counter must be suitable for use for which it has been designed, taking into account practical working conditions, and must not require the user to have a special skill or training to obtain a measurement result. correct.

5.3 The counter must be resistant and constructed with materials appropriate to the conditions for which it has been designed.

5.4 The manufacturer shall specify the operating position of the counter.

5.5 The manufacturer must specify whether the counter is designed to measure the reverse flow. In such a case, the volume of the reverse flow shall either subtract from the accumulated volume or be recorded separately. Both the normal and reverse flow will apply the same maximum allowed error.

Water meters that are not designed to measure the reverse flow will either impede the reverse flow or resist an accidental reverse flow without altering or deteriorating their metrological properties.

5.6 When the counter incorporates moving elements, which could alter the distribution of water speeds in the environment of the sensor element, and whose function is not related to its metrology, it should be checked that in any position of the mobile element the relative errors of indication do not exceed the requirements of paragraph 2 of this Annex. This check shall be carried out for a sufficient number of positions of the mobile element to ensure compliance with the above condition.

6. Fraud protection:

6.1 The metrological characteristics of a counter must not be altered, above the maximum permissible error, by the connection to another device, by any feature of the connected device, or by any device communicating remotely with the measuring instrument.

6.2 Any component of the physical media that is critical to the metrological characteristics must be designed so that it can be protected against fraud. The planned safety measures should include evidence of possible interventions.

6.3 Any logical support that is critical to the metrological characteristics must be identified as such and must be protected. The identification of the logical support shall be provided in a simple manner by the measuring instrument. A clear evidence of possible interventions should be available.

6.4 The measurement data, the software necessary for the characteristics of the measurements and the parameters of metrological importance stored or transmitted shall be adequately protected against the fraud.

6.5 The counter must include at least one totalizer, indicating the amount of water measured, which in no case can be set to zero during use.

6.6 The counters must be designed in such a way that in case of failure of the external power, the volume indication of the counter before the failure is not lost, and remains accessible for a minimum of one year. The corresponding memorization must occur at least once a day or for each volume equivalent to 10 minutes of flow to Q₃. Before the loss of electrical power, the counter must generate a visual alarm and a signal. Electronic equipment interpretable to report such incident.

An internal power supply must ensure that the counter operates at least one month in total, when an external power failure occurs, under nominal measurement conditions. The life of this internal power supply, estimated as a certain number of years waiting for more than one month of operation, must be marked on the counter. In addition, the counter must provide a visual alert and an interpretable signal by electronic equipment, when the capacity of the internal power supply does not ensure the proper functioning of the power supply.

Any other property or parameter in the counter must not be affected by a variation or a power outage.

7. Information to be included in the instrument and accompany it:

7.1 The following data must appear on the counter:

unit of measure: cubic meter,

the numeric value of Q₃,

the ratio Q₃/Q₁,

the ratio Q₂/Q₁, when it differs from 1.6,

maximum allowable pressure when different from 10 bar,

the sense of flow (shown on both sides of the body; or in a single face that provides the sense of flow by an arrow that will be easily visible under any circumstance),

the letter V or H, if the counter can only work in the vertical or horizontal position,

maximum pressure loss, when it differs from 0.63 bar,

the name or brand of the manufacturer,

the year of manufacture (last two digits) and a serial number (as close as possible to the indicator device),

marked pursuant to Annex I to Royal Decree 889/2006 of 21 July 2006,

the level of severity of the climate and mechanical environment,

the electromagnetic environment class,

documentation on the installation conditions declared by the manufacturer.

The information in the last three points can be provided in a separate document, relating it, unambiguously, to the counter by a unique identification.

In cases where the power supply is internal:

If the power supply is replaceable, the counter must be indicated on the counter date when it has to be replaced.

If the internal power supply is fixed, the counter must indicate the deadline in which the counter has to be replaced.

In external power cases:

minimum life of the internal power supply calculated as a number of years on hold plus one month by electrically feeding the instrument,

external power requirements: frequency-voltage.

7.2 The value of the step for a measured value must be in the form 1x10ⁿ being n an integer or zero. The unit of measure or its symbol must appear next to the numeric value.

7.3 All markings and inscriptions provided for in the requirements shall be clear, indelible, unambiguous and non-transferable.

8. Result indication:

8.1 The indication of the result must be performed by a visual presentation and the volume must be indicated in cubic meters (m³).

8.2 The indication of any result must be clear and unambiguous and must be accompanied by the marks and inscriptions necessary to inform the user of the meaning of the result. The presented result should be easy to read under normal conditions of use. Other indications may be provided, provided that they do not lead to confusion with the metrologically controlled indications.

8.3 The accountants will have a system that allows their remote reading to guarantee total reliability and security of the information. The system must ensure the reliability and security of the information contained and which circulates through any of its components, from the counter to the final information collection device. For reliability, it should be ensured that in case of a temporary or permanent failure of any of the components of the reading system and in particular of the connection of the counter to the rest of the system, the transmitted data does not give rise to incorrect information on the measure: for this purpose data redundancy techniques will be used to detect incorrect information, in this case it should be possible to retry the reading, obtaining the correct result. To ensure information security, password access control techniques will be used.

The remote read system should include access control and logging mechanisms for unauthorized access events.

The system will allow reading through communications, from, among others:

measured volumes,

alarms and events,

counter identification data.

The counter must be able to store records with the data of readings performed during at least a period of six (6) months, at the rate of four (4) daily records.

The system will allow you to perform a cyclic interrogation, with parameterizable periodicity to all the counters that communicate with it.

Along with this automatic cyclic interrogation task, the system will be able to have the timely access functionality to any counter with priority over the automatic task.

The system must ensure the reliability and security of the information contained and circulated by it.

The information provided by the counter must be recorded with its identification as well as the date/time it occurs.

9. Conformity assessment: The measuring instruments shall be designed in such a way as to enable them to easily assess their conformity with the requirements laid down in this order.

10. The provisions of the following points shall apply when the tests provided for in this order are carried out.

10.1 Basic rules for testing and error determination.

10.1.1 The essential requirements set out in paragraph 3 of this Annex shall be verified for each of the relevant influence measures. These requirements shall be verified when applying independently each of the influence measures and their effects shall be assessed separately, keeping all other influence measures relatively constant in their reference value. The influence measures are described in paragraphs 3.1.2 and 3.1.3.

The metrological tests shall be carried out during or after the application of the magnitude of influence, depending on the situation corresponding to the normal operation of the instrument at the time it is likely to be the magnitude of influence appears.

In case the laboratory equipment does not permit the use of actual flow rates for testing, the control body may carry out tests by means of the flow simulation.

10.1.2 Allowed effect of disturbances:

10.1.2.1 Electromagnetic Immunity:

10.1.2.1.1 The effect of an electromagnetic disturbance on a counter must be such that:

the change in the measurement result does not exceed the critical change value defined in point 10.1.2.1.3, or

the indication of the result of the measurement cannot be interpreted as a valid result, such as that of a momentary variation that should not be interpreted, memorized, or transmitted as a result of the measurement.

10.1.2.1.2 After an electromagnetic disturbance, the counter must:

recover the operating capacity within the maximum allowed error,

preserve all measurement functions in perfect condition,

and allow recovery of all measurement data present just before the disturbance appeared.

10.1.2.1.3 The change critical value is the smallest of the following two values:

The volume corresponding to half the magnitude of the maximum error allowed in the upper zone over the measured volume.

The volume corresponding to the maximum allowed error on the volume corresponding to one minute at the permanent water flow (Q₃).

10.1.3 The technical justification for the compliance of the counters with the following behavioural requirements shall be provided in the technical documentation to be submitted for the declaration of conformity:

(a) The counters must be designed and constructed in such a way that their indication errors do not exceed the maximum permissible errors as defined in paragraph 2 of Annex I under nominal operating conditions.

(b) Counters, which use electronic devices, must be designed and constructed in such a way that no significant failures occur when exposed to the disturbances specified in paragraphs 3.1.2 and 3.1.3.

c) It must be shown that the counter is capable of meeting the requirements regarding the relative error of indication.

d) The counter must be shown to be able to meet the internal pressure requirements.

e) It must be shown that the counter is capable of meeting the maximum pressure loss requirements.

f) The class of the counter referred to environmental conditions.

g) The electromagnetic environment class.

h) It must be shown that the counter is capable of meeting the static magnetic field requirements.

i) It must be shown that the water meter is capable of meeting the durability requirements according to the following table:

200 h

Flow	Test water temperature ± 5 ° C	Type of test	Test flow operation
3	20. ºC	Continuous	800 h
4	C	Continuous	200 h

For counters designed for the reverse flow measure, the test requirements shall be applied for both directions by performing it for each direction independently.

11. Model assessment of a family of accountants.-The criteria to be applied by a control body to decide whether a group of accountants can be considered as a family to the effect of the model assessment according to module B Royal Decree 889/2006, of July 21, so that only some sizes of counter are tested.

11.1 Family of counters. A family is a group of counters of different sizes and/or flow rates, in which all counters will have the same characteristics:

same manufacturer,

geometric similarity of the parts in contact with the water,

same measure principle,

same Q3/Q1 and Q2/Q1 ratios,

same accuracy class,

same electronic devices for each counter size,

a similar standard of component design and assembly,

the same materials for those components that are critical to counter capabilities,

the same installation requirements in relation to the size of the counter.

11.2 Counter Selection. Where the size of a family of counters is considered to be tested, the following rules shall be followed:

the control body shall declare the reasons to include or omit for testing particular sizes of counter,

the smallest counter size, in any family, should always be tested,

counters that have the most extreme operating parameters within a family, for example, the highest flow rate, the highest peripheral speed for moving parts, etc., should be considered for testing.

if possible, any family's senior accountant should always be tested. However, if the largest counter is not tested, then any counter that has a Q₃ > 2 × Q₃ of the largest counter tested, must not be approved as a family component.

Durability tests must be applied to those counters for which the greatest wear is expected.

For counters with no moving parts in the measurement transducer, the smaller size shall be selected for durability tests.

All performance tests under influence or disturbance factors must be performed in a given size of counter within the family.

For the selection of the counters to be tested, within the same family, the criteria of the OIML Recommendation R-49-2 will be followed. The members of a family underlined in the following figure should be considered for the trials where each row represents a family ordered in size, the counter n. º 1 being the smallest.

	2
1	2	3	4
	2	3	4	5
						6

12. Putting into service: The competent metrological authority shall ensure that the requirements of paragraphs 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 of this Annex are covered by the entity or person legally authorised to install the counter in such a way as to is appropriate to accurately measure intended or foreseeable consumption.

ANNEX II

Technical test procedure for the conformity assessment of an A-type counter

The tests shall, in general, be carried out under the reference conditions set out in the regulatory documents referred to in Annex III, except for those tests where other conditions are expressly indicated.

For the purposes of the technical content of this Annex, the terminology used is that of the International Organization for Legal Metrology.

Assessment of compliance

Before the conformity assessment tests are carried out, each counter model submitted must be inspected externally to ensure that it complies with the relevant provisions of the preceding clauses.

1. The scope of the conformity assessment. The conformity assessment can only be carried out for a counter consisting of a measurement transducer, a calculator and an indicator device to provide the main indication. However, the counter may include several indicator devices and/or auxiliary devices that conform to a remote reading system, which shall also be subject to the model examination procedures.

2. Objective of the conformity assessment.-The tests carried out during the conformity assessment process are intended to verify that the counters of the model whose conformity is requested comply with the requirements laid down in this Regulation. order.

No adjustment of the counter is allowed during the conformity assessment tests. If modifications are made, all previously performed tests must be repeated.

3. Number of counters to be tested. -Counters must be randomly selected from among the counters supplied by the requester. The number of counters to be presented and tested are shown in Table 3.

Table 3

Number of counters to be tested

(m3/h)	Number of counters to present	Number of counters to be
3 ≤ 4	30	3
4 < Q3 ≤ 16	20
	16 < Q3 ≤ 160	10	3
160 < Q3 ≤ 1 600	5	2
3 > 1 600	2	1

Note:

Additional samples may be required for counters equipped with electronic devices or for testing counters at all positions. The remaining unselected counters in the strings cannot be selected later to repeat failed tests.

4. Compliance. -A counter model will meet the requirements of this order if the result of each of the tests is satisfactory.

General requirements for the test facility.

5. Location.-The chosen environment for counter testing must be free from unintended disruptive influences, such as ambient temperature variation and vibration.

6. Test water.

6.1 Quality. The water must not contain anything capable of damaging the counter or adversely affecting its operation. It should not contain air bubbles.

6.2 Pressure. The water pressure upstream of the counter must not vary during the test by more than 10%.

The pressure at the counter entry must not exceed the maximum allowable counter pressure.

The maximum uncertainty in the measure of pressure (or loss of pressure) must be ± 5% of the measured value.

6.3 Flow. -The relative variation in flow rate during each test (not including start and stop) must not exceed:

± 2.5% of Q₁ to Q₂ (not included);

± 5% of Q₂ (included) to Q₄.

The value of the average flow rate is the actual volume that has passed during the time-divided trial.

6.4 Temperature. The water temperature during the test must not change more than 5 ° C.

Maximum uncertainty in the measurement of temperature must not exceed ± 2 ° C.

7. Test device.

7.1 Expanded Incertainty of Actual Volume. -When performing an essay, the expanded uncertainty of the indicated volume must not exceed a 1/5 of the maximum error allowed in paragraph 2 of Annex I.

7.2 Minimum volume of the test device. -Test volumes shall be such as to demonstrate compliance with the requirement prescribed in paragraph 7.1.

7.3 Immunity against false influences. -Test banks should be designed, constructed and used in such a way that the behaviour of the bank itself does not contribute significantly to the error of the test. To this end, strict bank maintenance rules are necessary, and appropriate supports and couplings to prevent the vibration of the counter, the test bench and its accessories.

The working environment of the test bench must be such that the reference conditions are met.

7.4 Pattern reference device types.

a) Volumetric method.

Pattern for operation by volumetric method, nominal capacity 1-10ⁿ L, 2-10n L or 5-10ⁿ L, where "n" is a non-negative integer.

The vessel must be calibrated at least every three years for the method of use, with traceability to national or international standards and sealed by an approved body.

The calibration certificate of such vessels shall reflect the reference temperature and the cubic dilation coefficient of the same to allow the calculation of the corrected volume according to the temperature.

b) Gravimetric method.

A pattern set consisting of a container and scale for operation using the gravimetric method, with a maximum range capable of containing the minimum test volume.

The scale must be calibrated at least every year for the method of use, with traceability to national or international patterns and sealed by an approved body.

c) Calibrate pattern piston method.

The equipment is a calibrated volumetric device that is used to check the errors (indication) of the counter without the need to stop the flow of water and includes a cylinder of constant inside diameter with a piston in movement and a series of control valves.

The device must be calibrated at least every two years for the method of use, with traceability to national or international standards and sealed by a national authorised body.

d) Method using reference counters (pattern counters).

A standard counter calibrated at least every six months with traceability to national or international patterns and whose metrological characteristics of work (minimum flow rate, maximum flow rate, maximum working pressure and margin of work) operating temperatures) are compatible with those of the counters you want to control.

The calibration certificate of that counter shall include the error curve of the counter in the flow range for which it is intended to operate.

The following formula will be used to determine the relative and counter error to verify:

where:

V_i is the volume indicated by the counter to be calibrated.

V_r is the volume indicated by the reference counter.

and_r is the relative error of the reference counter, by one, for the test flow.

e) Other methods.

Other methods may be used whenever the requirement referred to in paragraph 7.1 is met with respect to the maximum allowable expanded uncertainty.

8. Test in group of counters. -Counters are taught individually or in group. In the latter case, the individual characteristics of the counters must be accurately determined. The interaction between the counters and the test benches should be eliminated.

When the counters are in series, the pressure at the output of each counter must be sufficient to prevent cavitation.

Tests to be performed:

The tests to be performed for the conformity assessment of the counters are as follows:

Static pressure test.

Determination of intrinsic (indication) errors.

Error (indication) tests against the relevant influence measures.

Absence of flow test.

Water pressure test.

Verifying the sensitivity classes to the flow profile.

Tests on the auxiliary devices of a counter.

Pressure loss tests.

Reverse flow tests.

Durability tests

ANNEX III

Applicable Normative Documents

The assessment of the compliance of an accountant, with the essential, metrological and technical requirements, shall be carried out by applying the following normative documents:

R 49-1 Edition 2006.

R 49-2 Edition 2006.

ANNEX IV

Requirements for enrollment in the Metrological Control Registry of persons or entities to repair counters

Persons or entities that intend to repair or modify counters must register as authorized repairers in the Metrological Control Registry, as provided for in Royal Decree 889/2006 of July 21, by the that the State's metrological control over measuring instruments is regulated.

The registration in the Metrological Control Registry will require the availability of the human resources necessary to be able to carry out its work and the technical means to enable it to carry out the check the counters once repaired and ensure the goodness of the counters.

For this purpose, you must have one of the alternative test equipment described in paragraph 7.4 of Annex II and a test procedure that meets the requirement that the uncertainty is expanded (with a cover factor). equal to 2) in the estimation of the volume of water passing through the counter, shall not exceed 1/3 of the maximum permissible error in service for each type of counter.

ANNEX V

Counter Identification Bulletin

ANNEX VI

Technical verification procedure for type A counters

The verification procedure of an accountant shall be in accordance with this Annex.

For the purposes of the technical content of this Annex, the terminology used is that of the International Organization for Legal Metrology.

1. Conditions for verification.-The holders of the counters shall be required to request the periodic verification thereof to the competent metrological authority before it has been exceeded since the last verification or entry into service. determined in terms of time or measured volume as set out in the following paragraphs:

a) The period of time in years set forth in the following table to be counted from its commissioning, its verification after repair or modification or last periodic verification.

	Period in years
n ≤ 6 m3/h	10
m3/h < Qn ≤ 15 m3/h	6
15 m3/h < Qn ≤ 60 m3/h	5
60 m3/h < Qn ≤ 250 m3/h	4
250 m3/h < Qn	3

b) The measured water volume, in m³, corresponding to the number of hours set in the following table assuming a nominal flow operation Q_n.

	Period in hours to Qn
n ≤ 6 m3/h	10 000
6 m3/h < Qn ≤ 15 m3/h	9 000
15 m3/h < Qn ≤ 60 m3/h	9 000
60 m3/h < Qn ≤ 250 m3/h	8 400
250 m3/h < Qn	7 500

2. Administrative examination. The administrative examination shall consist of the complete identification of the counter and the verification that it meets the requirements required to be legally in service. It shall be carried out on the basis of the information provided by the applicant in the bulletin set out in Annex V.

If the required data is found to be faulty or missing, the counter holder will be notified to be subsated. However, this circumstance will not interrupt the requested verification process.

The installation of the counter must be in accordance with the technical requirements of use provided by the manufacturer, in such a way that the metrology of the counter is not affected by any external element distortion in the flow of water.

3. Metrological examination.

3.1 General requirements for testing.

During the tests there shall be no leakage, drains or entrances in the installation between the test counter and the standard reference instrument.

The maximum permitted variation in the average instantaneous test flow rate (excluding start and stop), with respect to the prescribed flow rate shall not exceed ± 2,5% for the minimum flow rate (Q₁) and ± 5% for the flow rates transition (Q₂) and permanent (Q₃).

The counter must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions with respect to the straight sections of the upstream/rear pipe or the existence of a flow tranquiliser. Water meters of the same model and size may be installed in series, provided that the pressure at the outlet of all the counters is sufficient to ensure that there is no disturbance in their operation or interference between the counters.

3.2 Expanded uncertainty in measured water volume.

The verification procedure implemented in a particular test facility shall meet the requirement that the expanded uncertainty (with a coverage factor equal to 2) in the estimation of the volume of water that the counter shall not exceed 1/3 of the maximum error allowed in paragraph 2 of Annex I.

3.3 Test Equipment.

When the measurement is carried out, account must be taken of the sources of uncertainty due to the equipment and the procedure, used, so that the uncertainty expanded in the estimation of the actual volume complies with the specified in paragraph 3.2 of this Annex.

The test volumes shall be such as to permit demonstrating compliance with the requirement prescribed in paragraph 3.2 of this Annex.

The minimum volume of water to be used in a given continuous test at a given flow must be chosen in such a way that it is at least equal to the greater of the following values:

the volume corresponding to one minute of the counter operation at the corresponding flow rate, or

200 times the value of the counter verification scale interval to be tested.

Smaller minimum test volumes may be permitted provided that compliance with the requirement prescribed in paragraph 3.2 of this Annex can be demonstrated.

For verification, any of the reference devices referred to in paragraph 7.4 of Annex II may be used.

3.4 Tests to be performed.

The three flow rates shall be carried out: permanent, transitional and minimum, such that the average test flow is understood respectively:

a) Between Q₃ and 1.25 Q₃ (permanent Flow).

b) Between Q₂ and 1.1 Q₂ (transition Flow).

c) Between Q₁ and 1.1 Q₁ (minimum Flow).

3.5 Maximum errors allowed.

In the determination of the error in the indicated volume the relevant corrections shall be applied in the readings according to the errors indicated in the calibration certificates of the standard instruments.

The maximum relative errors allowed in the volume indicated by the counter under test for the prescribed test flow rate are as follows:

For Q₃ and Q₂: ± 4%.

For Q₁: ± 10%.

When all errors are of the same sign, the counter must be adjusted so that not all errors exceed half of the maximum error allowed.

ANNEX VII

Technical verification procedure for type B counters

The verification procedure of an accountant shall be in accordance with this Annex.

For the purposes of the technical content of this Annex, the terminology used is that of the International Organization for Legal Metrology.

1. Conditions for verification.-The holders of the counters shall be required to request the periodic verification thereof to the competent metrological authority before it has been exceeded since the last verification or entry into service. determined in terms of time or measured volume as set out in the following paragraphs:

a) The period of time in years set forth in the following table to be counted from its commissioning, its verification after repair or modification or last periodic verification.

	Period in years
n ≤ 6 m3/h	10
m3/h < Qn ≤ 15 m3/h	6
15 m3/h < Qn ≤ 60 m3/h	5
60 m3/h < Qn ≤ 250 m3/h	4
250 m3/h < Qn	3

b) The measured water volume, in m³, corresponding to the number of hours set in the following table assuming a nominal flow operation Q_n.

	Period in hours to Qn
n ≤ 6 m3/h	10 000
6 m3/h < Qn ≤ 15 m3/h	9 000
15 m3/h < Qn ≤ 60 m3/h	9 000
60 m3/h < Qn ≤ 250 m3/h	8 400
250 m3/h < Qn	7 500

2. Administrative examination. The administrative examination shall consist of the complete identification of the counter and the verification that it meets the requirements required to be legally in service. It shall be carried out on the basis of the information provided by the applicant in the bulletin set out in Annex V.

If the required data is found to be faulty or missing, the counter holder will be notified to be subsated. However, this circumstance will not interrupt the requested verification process.

3. Metrological examination.

3.1 General requirements for testing.

During the tests there shall be no leakage, drains or entrances in the installation between the test counter and the standard reference instrument.

The maximum permitted variation in the average instantaneous test flow rate (excluding start and stop), with respect to the prescribed flow rate, shall not exceed ± 2,5% for the minimum flow rate and ± 5% for the transitional flow rates and permanent.

The counter must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions with respect to the straight sections of the upstream/rear pipe or the existence of a flow tranquiliser. Water meters of the same model and size may be installed in series, provided that the pressure at the outlet of all the counters is sufficient to ensure that there is no disturbance in their operation or interference between the counters.

3.2 Expanded uncertainty in measured water volume.

The verification procedure implemented in a particular test facility shall meet the requirement that the expanded uncertainty (with a coverage factor equal to 2) in the estimation of the volume of water that the counter shall not exceed 1/3 of the maximum error allowed in paragraph 2 of Annex I.

3.3 Test Equipment.

When the measurement is carried out, account must be taken of the sources of uncertainty due to the equipment and the procedure, used, so that the uncertainty expanded in the estimation of the actual volume complies with the specified in paragraph 3.2 of this Annex.

The test volumes shall be such as to permit demonstrating compliance with the requirement prescribed in paragraph 3.2 of this Annex.

The minimum volume of water to be used in a given continuous test at a given flow must be chosen in such a way that it is at least equal to the greater of the following values:

the volume corresponding to one minute of the counter operation at the corresponding flow rate, or

200 times the value of the counter verification scale interval to be tested.

Smaller minimum test volumes may be permitted provided that compliance with the requirement prescribed in paragraph 3.2 of this Annex can be demonstrated.

For verification, any of the reference devices referred to in paragraph 7.4 of Annex II may be used.

3.4 Tests to be performed.

The three flow rates shall be carried out: nominal, transitional and minimum, such that the average test flow is understood respectively:

a) Between Q_n and 1.25 Q_n (nominal Flow)

b) Between Q_t and 1.1 Q_t (transition Flow).

c) Between Q_min and 1.1 Q_min (minimum Flow).

3.5 Maximum errors allowed.

In the determination of the error in the indicated volume the relevant corrections shall be applied in the readings according to the errors indicated in the calibration certificates of the standard instruments.

The maximum relative errors allowed in the volume indicated by the counter under test for the prescribed test flow rate are as follows:

For Q_n and Q_t: ± 4%.

For Q_min: ± 10%.

When all errors are of the same sign, the counter must be adjusted so that not all errors exceed half of the maximum error allowed.