Jim Mimlitz, SCADAmetrics
Whether connecting an encoder-type water meter to an EtherMeter, a Signalizer, TheMeterDisplay, or an AMI/AMR Endpoint — if the cable length is expected to exceed 10 feet — then SCADAmetrics highly recommends the use of shielded instrumentation cable.
Also, if the water meter, instrumentation, and/or cabling is installed in the vicinity of electrically noisy equipment, such as motors, welders, or variable-frequency drives, the use of shielded cables is especially recommended!
General Cable C2526A or Belden 8771 are excellent cables for this purpose.
Both utilize 22 gauge conductors plus an overall foil shield; and both feature three (3) color-coded stranded conductors (red, black, white), plus a drain wire.
In order to achieve maximum benefits when utilizing shielded cable, it is important to ground the drain wire at one point only — preferably within the control panel.