ISO 18994:2026

• Abstract:

  This document gives the specifications of the thermoplastic water meter cabinets. It specifies the thickness of material, design drawing, dimensions and accessories incorporated into the construction of it for pipe sizes from 12,7 mm to 31,75 mm.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 19-Aug-2026
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• ICS: 91.140.60 - Water supply systems
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 61/SC 11 - Products
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 61/SC 11 - Products
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 20-Aug-2026
• Due Date: 01-Nov-2026
• Completion Date: 20-Aug-2026

Overview

ISO 18994:2026, Plastics - Water meter cabinet - Materials and design specifications, is an international standard that defines the essential material, construction, and design criteria for thermoplastic water meter cabinets. Intended for cabinets covering pipe sizes from 12.7 mm to 31.75 mm, this standard ensures the performance, durability, and safety of cabinets used in water metering across diverse environments. ISO 18994:2026 sets out comprehensive requirements for cabinet wall thickness, structural design, markings, and the inclusion of key accessories, providing clarity and consistency for manufacturers, regulators, and end users in the water utility sector.

Key Topics

Material Specifications

• Thermoplastic material with high impact resistance
• Minimum wall thickness requirements
• Resistance to weathering, heat, and UV exposure
• Dust and rain penetration prevention

Design and Construction

• Detailed cabinet dimensions and schematic drawings
• Hinged doors capable of opening at least 90 degrees
• Transparent, UV-resistant, and scratch-resistant reading windows
• Secure locking mechanisms and rubber gaskets for sealing

Accessories and Features

• Suitability for pipe connections (with required rubber rings)
• Transparent and unbreakable bill holders
• Clear marking requirements: manufacturer’s name, country of origin, company logo, and resin code

Testing and Quality Assurance

• Impact strength and mechanical performance according to ISO 7765-2
• Thermal endurance as per ISO 2578
• Vicat softening (ISO 306)
• Resistance to fire (ISO 9773) and weathering (ISO 4892-2)
• Visual inspection protocols

Applications

ISO 18994:2026 is highly relevant for:

• Water utility companies: Ensuring reliable and secure protection for water meters and connections in residential, commercial, and municipal settings.
• Manufacturers: Guiding the production of water meter cabinets that meet international quality and safety standards.
• Regulatory bodies: Providing a benchmark for product evaluation, certification, and compliance in public infrastructure projects.
• Installation contractors: Facilitating compatibility, robust meter protection, and maintainability for pipework within the specified diameter range.
• Design engineers: Creating cabinet solutions that withstand outdoor exposure, vandalism, and environmental stress while allowing clear meter access and reading.

By adhering to ISO 18994:2026, stakeholders in water management can enhance system longevity, serviceability, and safety, while reducing costs associated with premature failures, product recalls, or non-compliance.

Related Standards

For full compliance and optimized product performance, users should also consider the following closely related standards referenced within ISO 18994:2026:

• ISO 306: Thermoplastics - Determination of Vicat softening temperature
• ISO 2578: Determination of time-temperature limits after prolonged heat exposure
• ISO 4892-2: Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources (Xenon-arc lamps) for weathering tests
• ISO 7765-2: Free-falling dart method for impact resistance of plastic sheeting
• ISO 9773: Burning behavior of thin flexible vertical plastics specimens

Implementing ISO 18994:2026 in conjunction with these standards ensures plastic water meter cabinets are robust, safe, and fit for purpose in modern water distribution networks, supporting both sustainability and operational excellence.

International
Standard
ISO 18994
First edition
Plastics — Water meter cabinet —
2026-08
Materials and design specifications
Plastiques — Armoire de compteur d'eau — Spécifications
relatives aux matériaux et à la conception
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements . 1
4.1 Body of the cabinet .1
4.2 Dust resistance .1
4.3 Rain proofing .2
4.4 Cabinet dimensions .2
4.5 Cabinet door .2
4.6 Water pipe connections .2
4.7 Cabinet reading window .2
4.8 Cabinet bills holder .2
5 Sampling . 4
6 Testing. 4
6.1 Visual inspection: .4
6.2 Impact strength .4
6.3 Thermal endurance .4
6.4 Vicat softening .4
6.5 Weathering test.4
6.6 Resistance to fire .4
7 Marking . . 4
7.1 Cabinet marking information .4
7.2 Cabinet instruction sheet .5

iii
Foreword
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