Dayu Electronics 3.6V Micro-Power IP68 Water Level Meter: Making Water Level Monitoring Simpler

Water level monitoring in urban drainage pipe networks, manholes, and rivers has two long-standing challenges: contact-type water level meters (such as pressure-type level meters) are inherently vulnerable to sediment, and their power supply and wiring requirements are often impractical.

Sludge, debris, and moss at the bottom of manholes can easily clog sensor probes, causing hydrostatic pressure measurements to drift or fail entirely—data may appear normal while the probe is actually fouled, rendering early warning systems ineffective. Ultrasonic (non-contact) meters avoid this issue, but traditional ultrasonic devices have relatively high power consumption, making battery operation difficult, and they are susceptible to interference from fog and foam. Both approaches have drawbacks, highlighting the need for a solution that is both resistant to sediment clogging and capable of ultra-low-power operation.

Moreover, manhole environments are damp, corrosive, and prone to flooding; standard instruments often fail within just a few months of installation.

It's not that monitoring isn't important—it's that conventional power supply and protection methods are simply not suited for underground environments.

1. This water level meter is purpose-built for 'no-power, damp, hard-to-maintain' field conditions

The Dayu Electronics 3.6V micro-power IP68 ultrasonic water level meter minimizes power consumption, maximizes protection, and enables commissioning via a simple smartphone app.

We employ a 3.6V micro-power design paired with a high-capacity 3.6V lithium battery, enabling several years of self-powered operation. Additionally, we use non-contact ultrasonic technology (with anti-interference algorithms) or anti-clogging sensors to eliminate sediment blockage issues at the source. This truly makes 'easy to install, accurate to measure, and maintenance-free' a reality.

Power Consumption: Battery-powered, runs for years without battery replacement

Operating voltage: 3VDC~5VDC, average current: ≤3mA/3.6V (instantaneous current 7mA/3.6V). When paired with a 3.6V lithium battery and operated at a reasonable sampling interval, this IP68 water level meter significantly extends service life compared to standard ultrasonic water level meters.

For example, in a typical configuration sampling every 30 minutes and reporting via 4G, seven 3.6V/19AH lithium thionyl chloride batteries can support operation for over 3 years—exact battery life depends on sampling and reporting frequency. Dayu Electronics can provide battery life estimates tailored to your specific operating conditions.

Protection: IP68 waterproof, safe even when submerged

The entire unit has an IP68 protection rating. While standard instruments may fail within months in manholes with standing water, storm backflow, or persistently damp environments, this meter can operate normally while fully submerged for extended periods.

Commissioning: Bluetooth APP configuration—no need to open the housing or enter the manhole

A built-in Bluetooth module supports wireless data reading and parameter configuration via a smartphone APP. In the past, commissioning a water level meter meant opening the housing, connecting a computer, and modifying parameters—anyone who has done this inside a manhole knows how difficult it is. Now you can simply take out your phone, connect via Bluetooth, and everything is done.

Measuring Range: Three options available to suit different depth requirements

Three measuring range configurations are available [see product specification table for details]:

100KHz: 0.15~1.5m (ideal for shallow wells and small-range applications)

64KHz: 0.25~5m (general-purpose for standard manholes and pipes)

49KHz: 0.3~8m (for deep wells, rivers, and other large-range applications)

One product series covers the majority of water level monitoring needs, from shallow to deep wells.

2. Core Specifications and Their Field Value

3. Applicable Scenarios

Factory Water Tank and Storage Tank Level Management

Auxiliary systems such as factory water tanks, cooling towers, and circulating water pools require level management. The 3.6V power supply eliminates the need for wiring, offering flexible installation. For chemical storage tanks, an optional PTFE anti-corrosion probe is available for corrosive liquids.

River Water Level Monitoring

Remote river locations often lack access to mains electricity; solar power is costly and troublesome to maintain. The micro-power design with battery supply enables simple deployment and long-term stable operation.

Pumping Station Water Level Monitoring

Pumping stations are critical nodes in urban water supply and drainage systems, requiring real-time knowledge of sump water levels to control pump start/stop operations. Traditional monitoring methods suffer from significant errors; non-contact ultrasonic measurement offers precise and reliable results.

Agricultural Irrigation District Flow Control and Unattended Monitoring

Irrigation district channels are typically widespread and far from towns, making mains electricity access difficult. Solar power is costly and maintenance-intensive. The 3.6V low-power design with lithium battery supply eliminates the need for solar panels, charge controllers, and batteries. Installed above weirs or flumes in irrigation channels, it measures water level and calculates flow via wireless transmission, enabling fully unattended monitoring.

4. Model Selection Checklist (Quick Reference for Engineers)

Confirm measuring range: choose 100KHz (0.15~1.5m) for shallow wells, 64KHz (0.25~5m) for standard applications, 49KHz (0.3~8m) for deep wells/rivers

Confirm power supply: 3VDC~5VDC, 3.6V lithium thionyl chloride battery recommended; estimate battery life based on sampling frequency

Confirm output: RS485/TTL interfaces with DTU; 0.1~2.6V analog output for direct MCU sampling

Confirm signal: wireless network coverage (NB-IoT, 4G, etc.) must be available near the installation point

Confirm cable length: standard 2 meters; keep as short as possible for signal stability; contact us in advance for custom extended lengths

Confirm installation: no obstacles higher than the measured water level (e.g., steps, protruding pipe walls) within the radius directly below the probe

Confirm corrosiveness: domestic sewage contains ammonia gas; the anti-corrosion type (PTFE transducer) is mandatory. The standard type is suitable for clean water/rainwater.

5. Important Reminder: For Domestic Sewage Monitoring, Use the Anti-Corrosion Transducer

The standard IP68 water level meter described above is suitable for clean water, rainwater, general industrial water, and similar applications. However, if your monitoring target is domestic sewage or municipal wastewater, please note the following:

Domestic sewage contains significant amounts of ammonia gas (NH?) and other corrosive gases. These gases can form a corrosive liquid film on the transducer probe surface, gradually eroding standard ABS probes, causing swelling, cracking, and eventual complete failure. Many sewage treatment plant customers report that standard probes fail within one or two months of installation—this is not a product quality issue, but a material selection error.

For this reason, Dayu Electronics also offers an IP68 anti-corrosion ultrasonic water level meter with a transducer encapsulated in PTFE material. PTFE offers excellent chemical inertness, effectively resisting corrosion from ammonia gas, ammonia water, acid-base vapors, and other corrosive media.

When is the anti-corrosion type mandatory?

Monitoring domestic sewage or municipal sewage wells (containing ammonia gas)

Monitoring chemical wastewater or acid-base waste liquids

Obvious pungent odor inside the manhole (likely indicates corrosive gases)

Previous instances of standard probe corrosion at the site

6. Summary

3.6V power supply, IP68 waterproofing, Bluetooth APP commissioning, and three selectable measuring ranges—the Dayu Electronics micro-power ultrasonic water level meter is specifically designed for underground water level monitoring in 'no-power, damp, hard-to-maintain' environments.

Install once, rely on it for years. This is what urban flood early warning should be.

Fuzhou Dayu Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
National Hotline: 0591-28082552
Customer Service WeChat: 180-5018-0580 (same as phone number)

Dayu Electronics · Full-stack self-developed ultrasonic technology · 16 years of continuous innovation · Products used across various industries