Lowrance EP-10 User manual

1
`Pub. 988-0154-431
EP-10 Fuel Flow
Electronic Sensor
Installation Instructions
This instruction manual explains how to install your EP-10 fuel flow
sensor and connect it to a NMEA 2000network using LowranceNET
network components. You must refer to your digital gauge, sonar or
GPS unit's manual for sensor operation instructions.
Caution:
Installing LowranceNET NMEA 2000 devices is significantly
different from installing earlier Lowrance components without
NMEA 2000 features. You should read all of the installation
instructions before proceeding. You should decide where to
install all components before drilling any holes in your vessel.
Some sonar or GPS units may require a software upgrade to display
NMEA 2000 data correctly and a manual addendum describing how to
operate the sensor. You can download these free and get additional
information on the NMEA 2000compatible LowranceNETsystem at
our web site, www.lowrance.com.
WARNING:
Do not use this sensor with diesel engine fuel systems.
The EP-10 is designed only for gasoline engines. Please
see fuel filter warning on page 4 for additional
information.
The EP-10 Fuel Flow sensor.
Blue female NMEA
2000 connector
Sensor
module

2
All Lowrance NMEA 2000 capable devices are NMEA 2000 certified or
certification is pending. See our web site for the latest product status
information.
The EP-10 consists of a blue female locking cable connector and the
sensor module. The sensor module contains a turbine to measure fuel
flow and electronics which convert flow data to the NMEA 2000 data
format. The cable length from the connector to the smart module is 10
feet. The EP-10 sensor is designed to work with gasoline engines only.
This sensor has been optimized to measure flow rates between 0.6 to 45
gallons (U.S.) per hour, but it will operate at flow rates outside that
range. The sensor will add 0.5 PSI of back pressure on the fuel system
with a flow rate of 20 gallons per hour. At the rate of 40 gallons per
hour the back pressure will be 1 PSI.
The EP-10, like other Lowrance Electronic Probe (EP) sensors, is
designed only for use with a NMEA 2000 Network. It must be
connected to a NMEA 2000 network or it will not function.
Tools and Supplies
Your EP-10 sensor comes with a T connector. The T connector is needed
to attach the sensor to a LowranceNET NMEA 2000 network. If you are
connecting to an existing LowranceNET network, those are all the
electronic components you need. If this is the first sensor you are
connecting, you also will need a one-time purchase of a LowranceNET
Node Kit.
LowranceNET Node Kit for a NMEA 2000 network. Includes a 2 foot
extension cable, T connector, 120-ohm male terminator and 120-ohm
female terminator.
For complete instructions on setting up a new NMEA 2000 network or
expanding an existing one refer to the "Setup and Installation of NMEA
2000 Networks, General Information" document (part number 988-

3
0154-172) included with your EP-10 sensor. If that document is missing
it can be downloaded free from the Lowrance web site.
Other supplies are not included unless otherwise indicated. Required
supplies include cable ties or other fasteners to secure the hose and
cable; an in-line fuel filter and any items needed to install the filter.
Two 1" hose clamps are included with the sensor.
We assume you already have a fuel line installed. The EP-10 was
designed to fit a typical 3/8" (9.5 mm) SAE USCG Type A1 fuel hose. If
your engine has different diameter hoses or metal fuel lines a section of
3/8" fuel line must be installed between the sensor and the existing
lines.
Recommended tools are a flathead screwdriver to tighten the clamps
and a knife to cut the fuel hose. If you need to route the sensor
connector through a bulkhead you will need a drill and a 3/4" drill bit.
Installation
Install one EP-10 sensor per engine. If you have multiple tanks, place
the sensor after any Y or T in the line feeding the engine.
The sensor should be installed vertically and as close as possible to the
fuel tank in an area where vibration is minimized. The housing has a
molded-in fuel flow direction arrow which should be pointing up. (See
the figures on the following page.)
Mount the sensor above the tank's maximum fuel level to avoid
accidental fuel leakage in case the sensor becomes disconnected.
Caution:
Gasoline is extremely flammable. If possible, drain the fuel line
before you start or shut any flow valves located at the tank. Keep
sparks and flame away from the work area. After installation
remember to clean up any spilled fuel.
Cut the fuel hose where you intend to install the EP-10 sensor. Slide a
clamp over the hose coming from the tank and push the hose onto the
bottom (inlet) hose barb.
Seat the hose flush against the sensor housing and tighten the hose
clamp. Attach the hose leading to the engine on the top (outlet) barb in
the same way.

4
Push the fuel line onto the hose barb, then tighten the hose clamp.
Orient the sensor vertically with the flow arrow pointing up.
WARNING:
You must install an in-line fuel filter or fuel water separator
between the tank and the EP-10 sensor. This will prevent a
malfunction caused by contaminated fuel. Debris in
unfiltered fuel can clog the sensor's turbine and result in
rough performance or engine shut down.
Caution:
As with any fuel system, we recommend you always carry
onboard a spare fuel filter and an in-line 3/8" splice barb. This
allows you to remove a clogged EP-10 fuel sensor or fuel filter
and restore engine operation if the fuel filter fails. It is strongly
recommend that you inspect your entire fuel system at regular
intervals.
Secure the sensor/hose assembly so the sensor remains in a vertical
position with the flow direction up. Clamp the hose on either side of the
sensor to the hull or bulkhead to minimize vibration.
Route the sensor's cable connector to the T on the network backbone
where you intend to attach it, and plug it in. The sensor is ready to use.
Connecting to a NMEA 2000 Network
A network bus is an installed and operational network cable (backbone)
running the length of your boat, already connected to a power supply
Flow
direction From
tank
To
engine

5
and properly terminated. Such a bus provides network connection
nodes at various locations around your boat.
This is similar to the telephone wiring in a house. If you pick up a
phone in your living room, you can hear someone talking into the phone
in the bedroom.
Network Nodes
A network bus is built of network nodes spread along a backbone.
Network nodes are made by fitting T-shaped connectors into the
backbone (using the sockets on the sides), and attaching a display unit or
sensor at the bottom of the T.
Using our telephone example, the T connectors are similar to telephone
jacks. The backbone is like the phone wiring running through a house.
Phones in a house must be connected to each other to communicate, and
in the same way only sensors and display units plugged into the NMEA
network can share information.
Connections found in the middle of the bus will have one or more of these
T-shaped connectors with the backbone cables plugged into both sides.
Connections at the end of a network will have the backbone plugged into
one side, and a terminator plugged into the other, as shown in the
following figure.
NMEA 2000 network node located at the end of a NMEA 2000 bus.
Adding a Network Node
You can add a node anywhere along the network backbone where a
connection already exists. This connection could be at the end of the
network (between a T connector and a terminator), between two T
connectors, between a T connector and a backbone extension cable, or
between two extension cables. Wherever you want to add the new node,
simply separate the sockets of the old connection and attach your new T
connector between them.
Backbone cable
(to rest of bus)
LEI or Lowrance
device needs an
open T.
Terminator at
the very end
of the bus
Cable from
sensor or
display unit
T connector

6
Add a new device to a NMEA 2000 bus by attaching a T connector
between two T connectors, between a T connector and the end
terminator, or between two backbone extension cables.
If you want to add a node at the end of the line (as shown in the previous
figure), remove the terminator from the very last connector, securely
attach the new T connector, and then attach the terminator on the new
connector. Either method will allow you to add a device.
The "soft" T connector, shown above with a "hard" T connector, is another
option for connecting devices in a NMEA 2000 network. The soft T works
the same as a hard T. The soft T is used to install a network node in areas
were a hard T will not fit.
Additional Network Information
Further instructions on creating or expanding a network are illustrated
in the NMEA 2000 network setup booklet (part number 988-0154-172)
which came packed with this instruction manual.
Existing network
node Attach
terminator at
end of bus.
Lowrance or LEI device con-
nects to new T connector. Add T-shaped con-
nector to add device
to bus.

7
LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS
FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
"We," "our," or "us" refers to LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC., the manufacturer of
this product. "You" or "your" refers to the first person who purchases this product as a
consumer item for personal, family or household use.
We warrant this product against defects or malfunctions in materials and workmanship,
and against failure to conform to this product's written specifications, all for one (1) year
from the date of original purchase by you. WE MAKE NO OTHER EXPRESS
WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER CONCERNING
THIS PRODUCT. Your remedies under this warranty will be available so long as you can
show in a reasonable manner that any defect or malfunction in materials or
workmanship, or any non-conformity with the product's written specifications, occurred
within one year from the date of your original purchase, which must be substantiated by
a dated sales receipt or sales slip. Any such defect, malfunction, or non-conformity which
occurs within one year from your original purchase date will either be repaired without
charge or be replaced with a new product identical or reasonably equivalent to this
product, at our option, within a reasonable time after our receipt of the product. If such
defect, malfunction, or non-conformity remains after a reasonable number of attempts to
repair by us, you may elect to obtain without charge a replacement of the product or a
refund for the product. THIS REPAIR, OR REPLACEMENT OR REFUND (AS JUST
DESCRIBED) IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AVAILABLE TO YOU AGAINST US FOR
ANY DEFECT, MALFUNCTION, OR NON-CONFORMITY CONCERNING THE
PRODUCT OR FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM ANY OTHER
CAUSE WHATSOEVER. WE WILL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE
TO ANYONE FOR ANY SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR OTHER
INDIRECT DAMAGE OF ANY KIND.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty does NOT apply in the following circumstances: (1) when the product has
been serviced or repaired by anyone other than us; (2) when the product has been
connected, installed, combined, altered, adjusted, or handled in a manner other than
according to the instructions furnished with the product; (3) when any serial number has
been effaced, altered, or removed; or (4) when any defect, problem, loss, or damage has
resulted from any accident, misuse, negligence, or carelessness, or from any failure to
provide reasonable and necessary maintenance in accordance with the instructions of the
owner's manual for the product.
We reserve the right to make changes or improvements in our products from time to time
without incurring the obligation to install such improvements or changes on equipment
or items previously manufactured.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which
may vary from state to state.
REMINDER: You must retain the sales slip or sales receipt proving the date of your
original purchase in case warranty service is ever required.
LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS
12000 E. SKELLY DRIVE, TULSA, OK 74128
[phone]

8
How to Obtain Service…
…in the USA:
Contact the Factory Customer Service Department. Call toll-free:
For Lowrance: 800-324-1356. For Eagle: 800-324-1354
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time, M-F
Lowrance Electronics and Eagle Electronics may find it necessary to change or end
their shipping policies, regulations and special offers at any time. They reserve the
right to do so without notice.
…in Canada:
Contact the Factory Customer Service Department. Call toll-free:
800-661-3983
905-629-1614 (not toll-free)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, M-F
…outside Canada and the USA:
Contact the dealer in the country where you purchased your unit. To locate a
dealer near you, see the instructions in paragraph number 1 below.
Accessory Ordering Information
LEI Extras, Inc. is the accessory source for sonar and GPS products
manufactured by Lowrance Electronics and Eagle Electronics. To order
Lowrance or Eagle accessories, please contact:
1) Your local marine dealer or consumer electronics store. To locate a Lowrance
dealer, visit the web site, www.lowrance.com, and look for the Dealer Locator.
To locate an Eagle dealer, visit the web site, www.eaglesonar.com, and look for
the Dealer Locator. Or, consult your telephone directory for listings.
2) U.S. customers: LEI Extras Inc., PO Box 129, Catoosa, OK 74015-0129
Call toll free in the U.S., 800-324-0045,8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central
Standard Time, M-F, or visit our web site www.lei-extras.com.
3) Canadian customers: Lowrance/Eagle Canada, 919 Matheson Blvd. E.
Mississauga, Ontario L4W2R7 or fax [phone].
Call toll free in Canada, 800-661-3983, or dial 905 629-1614 (not toll free), 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, M-F.
For Lowranceand EagleProducts
Pub. 988-0154-431 © Copyright 2005
All Rights Reserved
Printed in USA 100205 Lowrance Electronics, Inc.