skaitikliai

Skaitikliai, often translated as "counters" or "meters," is a broad term in Lithuanian referring to devices used to measure and record quantities. The most common usage pertains to utility meters, such as electricity meters (elektros skaitikliai), water meters (vandens skaitikliai), and gas meters (dujų skaitikliai). These devices are essential for billing consumers based on their actual consumption of these resources. They typically work by measuring the flow or usage and displaying a cumulative number that is periodically read by utility providers.

Beyond utilities, the term can also encompass digital counters found in various electronic devices. This might include simple counters in calculators or more complex systems like those in industrial machinery for tracking production cycles or product counts. In scientific contexts, skaitikliai can refer to particle counters or other specialized measurement instruments. The fundamental purpose remains the same: to quantify and register a specific quantity. Modern skaitikliai are increasingly digital, offering greater accuracy and the ability to transmit data remotely, improving efficiency for both consumers and providers. Older mechanical versions often featured rotating dials or spinning discs to indicate measured quantities.