FRC FPA400 User manual

FPA400 Rev160601
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DIGITAL FLOWMETER
AND PRESSURE INDICATOR
MODEL FPA400
Document Number:
XE-FPA4PM-R0A
OPTIONAL
BACKLIGHTING
FIRE RESEARCH CORPORATION
www.reresearch.com
26 Southern Blvd., Nesconset, NY 11767
TEL [phone] FAX [phone] TOLL FREE 1.800.645.0074

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CONTENTS
Table of Contents
CONTENTS................................................................................................................ 2
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 4
Overview................................................................................................................ 4
Features.................................................................................................................. 4
Specications......................................................................................................... 5
GENERAL DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................... 6
Components ........................................................................................................... 6
Controls and Indicators.......................................................................................... 7
INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................ 8
Install Display Module........................................................................................... 8
Install Pressure Sensor........................................................................................... 9
Install Flow Sensor .............................................................................................. 10
OPERATION ............................................................................................................ 16
Datalink Interface ................................................................................................ 16
Program Features ................................................................................................. 17
External Totalizing Button (Optional) ................................................................. 17
PROGRAMMING .................................................................................................... 18
Inputs ................................................................................................................... 18
Display Module Identication Mode................................................................... 18
Program Access Mode ......................................................................................... 19
Program Code Descriptions................................................................................. 22
CALIBRATION........................................................................................................ 26
Flow Calibration, Single Point (Code 321) ......................................................... 26
Flow Calibration, Multiple Point (Code 322)...................................................... 27
Pressure Calibration (Code 323).......................................................................... 28
WIRING.................................................................................................................... 30
External Totalizing Button Option....................................................................... 30
Display Module ................................................................................................... 30
Pressure and Flow Sensor.................................................................................... 31

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List of Tables
Table 1. Pressure Sensor Output Voltage ................................................................... 5
Table 2. Program Code Quick Reference ................................................................ 20
List of Figures
Figure 1. Controls and Indicators............................................................................... 7
Figure 2. Display Module Mounting Dimensions ..................................................... 8
Figure 3. Pressure Sensor Dimensions....................................................................... 9
Figure 4. Flow Sensor Location Guide ................................................................... 11
Figure 5. Saddle Clamp Installation......................................................................... 13
Figure 6. Weldment Installation............................................................................... 15
Figure 7. Display Module Wiring ............................................................................ 30
Figure 8. Pressure and Flow Sensor Wiring............................................................. 31

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INTRODUCTION
Overview
The INSIGHT ULTIMATE digital owmeter and pressure indicator combines a
digital LED ow display and a traditional style electronic pressure indicator into one
practical display module. The owmeter/pressure indicator is able to communicate
with other display modules over the FRC datalink. This technology allows for remote
displays, the display of ow for multiple discharges (summing), and the totalization
of ow for multiple discharges (accumulation).
The digital owmeter is a 4-digit LED display. During normal operation ow rate
information is provided from a paddlewheel ow sensor or the datalink interface. This
information is processed and shown on the digital display as ow rate.
The pressure indicator is an electronically controlled analog display. During normal
operation pressure information is provided from a solid state pressure sensor or the
datalink interface. The pressure sensor provides an electrical signal to the input of the
display module. A microprocessor controls the needle movement to provide an accurate
and steady pressure display. Leakage and freeze-up problems common in mechanical
pressure gauges are eliminated.
There are two operator selectable modes; display module identication and
program access. The digital display is used to show stored data or operator inputs when
a selectable mode is accessed. In the display module identication mode the digital
display will show the module serial number, manufactured date, software revision,
module function, and ID number. In the program access mode the digital display will
show operator inputs, program options, and error codes. The operator selected modes
are accessed and inputs are made by using the three magnet sensors on the front of the
display module.
All controls and indicators are located on the front of the display module.
Features
Display Module Identication and Program Access Modes
Datalink Interface
Multiple Flow Rate Calibration Points
Pressure Scale Expands Between 100 and 250 PSI
High and Low Flow Warnings
Backlighting (Optional)
NFPA Color Coded Bezel (Optional)
External Totalizing Button (Optional)
Flow Conditioner (Optional)

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Specications
Display Module
Supply Voltage: 9 to 30 VDC
Supply Current: 0.5 Amps Maximum (0.75 with Backlighting)
Dimensions:
Height 4.4"
Width 4.4"
Depth 3.4"
Flow Sensor
Model Number: XE-MF15P
Type: Paddlewheel
Sensor Material: Acetal (Delrin) with Stainless Steel (316) Shaft
Excitation Voltage: 5 VDC
Pressure Sensor
Model Number: XE-FP4000PT1
Pressure Range: 0 - 600 PSI
Proof Pressure: 1200 PSI
Excitation Voltage: 5 VDC
Output Voltage: 0.5 - 4.75 VDC (Refer to Table 1)
PRESSURE
(PSI)
VOLTAGE
(VDC)
0 0.5
100 1.21
150 1.56
200 1.92
250 2.27
300 2.625
600 4.75
Table 1. Pressure Sensor Output Voltage

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Components
The owmeter/pressure indicator kit consists of the following components:
Display Module
Pressure Sensor
Paddlewheel Flow Sensor and Mounting Assembly
External Module Totalizing Button (Optional)
Cables
Display Module
The owmeter/pressure indicator display module is waterproof and has dimensions
of 4.4 inches high by 4.4 inches wide by 3.4 inches deep. It is available with optional
backlighting and NFPA color coded bezels. (Both are an intricate part of the display
module and must be factory installed.) All controls and indicators are located on the
front of the display module. (Refer to Controls and Indicators.)
Pressure Sensor
The pressure sensor provides an input signal to the display module that is
proportional to the discharge pressure. It is mounted on the downstream side of the
discharge valve. The electrical connector is waterproof and molded into the pressure
sensor housing.
Paddlewheel Flow Sensor
The ow sensor provides an input signal to the display module that is proportional
to the discharge ow rate. It is mounted in the discharge piping. Placement of the
sensor in the piping is critical to obtaining accurate ow rate information, refer to the
installation procedures for detailed information on mounting locations. The electrical
connector is waterproof and molded into the ow sensor housing.
External Totalizing Button (Optional)
The totalizing button allows the operator to display the total ow for a discharge.
When the button is pressed the number shown in the digital display times 100 will be
the total ow.
Cables
Interconnecting cables are provided. Refer to Wiring Section.

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Figure 1. Controls and Indicators
Controls and Indicators
All controls and indicators are located on the front of the display module. It contains
the pressure scale and indicating needle, a digital display, and the three magnet sensors.
(Refer to Figure 1.)
Pressure Pointer
The pressure scale is non-linear and is expanded between 100 and 250 PSI. This
provides for better visibility and more accurate readings in the normal operating range.
Digital Display
During normal operation this 4-digit LED display will indicate ow rate. When the
display module identication or program access modes are selected the digital display
shows module specic information, program codes, settings, and error codes. See the
Programming Section for more information.
Magnet Sensors
The operator selected modes are accessed and inputs are made by using the three
magnet sensors M1, M2, and M3 located on the front of the display module. The M1
and M2 sensors are used to input data when in the program access mode. The M3 sensor
is used to enter and exit these modes. See Programming Section for more information.
Magnet
The north pole of a small magnet is placed on the glass in close proximity to the
magnet sensor and then moved about 1 inch away to activate the sensor.
M1
Digital
Display
Pressure
Pointer
M2
M3

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INSTALLATION
Note: Plumbing systems are always unique and may cause small deviations in the
factory calibration. It is recommended that the owmeter/pressure indicator
is checked after installation for accuracy and calibrated when necessary.
Install Display Module
Display modules are interchangeable. It is recommended to check display accuracy
if modules are swapped and calibrated when necessary.
1. Measure and mark mounting location for display module panel cutout and
mounting screw holes. Make sure there is clearance behind the panel for
the display and cables before cutting holes. Refer to Figure 2 for layout and
dimensions.
2. Cut out a 3 3/4 inch diameter hole and drill four holes (clearance or tapped)
for 10-32 mounting screws.
3. Place display module in position and secure with two screws.
4. Connect the cables and wires. (Refer to Wiring Section.)
Mounting holes are
clearance or tapped
for 10-32 screws.
Panel Cutout
3 3/4" Diameter
3.63"
1.25"
C
L
Figure 2. Display Module Mounting Dimensions
4 3/8"
4 3/8"
5/8"
2 3/4"
3 3/4"

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Install Pressure Sensor
The pressure sensor is mounted downstream of the discharge valve.
Pressure sensors are interchangeable. It is recommended to check display accuracy
if sensors are swapped and calibrated when necessary.
Note: Install the pressure sensor upright so water in the end of the sensor
drains back into the pipe.
1. Screw the sensor into a 1/4-18 NPT hole.
Caution: Do not use the main body that houses the electronics to tighten the
pressure sensor. Damage to the sensor may occur.
2. Tighten the sensor with a 7/8-inch wrench on the lower hex tting.
3. Connect the pressure sensor cable from the control module to the sensor.
(Refer to Wiring Section.)
Caution: Do not use the main
body that houses the electronics
to tighten the sensor. Damage to
the sensor may occur.
Figure 3. Pressure Sensor Dimensions
1/4-18 NPT
7/8" Hex
0.75 [18.95]
2.37 [60.30]
Inch [mm]
Packard
Metri Pack
Connector
0.87 [22.05]
Across Flats

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Install Flow Sensor
There are several ways to install paddlewheel type ow sensors. Mounting options
include saddle clamps, weldments, pipe tees, and special adapters. Each mount meets
a particular plumbing requirement.
Flow sensors are interchangeable. It is recommended to check display accuracy if
sensors are swapped and calibrated when necessary.
The maximum ow sensor pressure is 600 PSI.
Flow Sensor Location
Locating the ow sensor in the plumbing system is critical. The ow of water
at and around the sensor must be laminar, or smooth, to ensure accurate ow rate
measurement. There must be enough straight pipe before the ow sensor for the water
stream to stabilize into a uniform ow. Guidelines for selecting ow sensor locations
are outlined in Figure 4.
Turbulent Water
When the sensor is mounted after an area in the plumbing that tends to increase
water stream turbulence (a valve, increase in pipe diameter, etc.), it is critical that steps
are taken to stabilize the ow. When a pipe is reduced in diameter the water stream
tends to be squeezed into a more uniform ow. This can help stabilize ow when there
is not sufcient straight pipe up stream.
Linearizer Feature
This meter features a Linearizer function in the calibration programming. This
function should be used when the ow sensor is installed in a plumbing location
where ow is not linear. It corrects for nonlinear ow by calibrating the display
at multiple ow rates (up to 9). This provides more accurate ow rate readings.
(Refer to Calibration Section.)