TESTO 550s User manual

testo 550s / testo 557s digital manifold
Instruction manual

Contents
Contents
1About this document ...........................................................................5
2Safety and disposal..............................................................................5
3Product-specific approvals .................................................................5
4Product-specific information...............................................................6
5Use.........................................................................................................7
6Product description .............................................................................8
6.1 Overview of the testo 550s .................................................................................8
6.2 Overview of the testo 557s .................................................................................9
6.3 Overview of main menu ....................................................................................10
6.4 Control keys .....................................................................................................11
7First steps ...........................................................................................11
7.1 Inserting (rechargeable) batteries .....................................................................11
7.2 Switching the instrument on and off ..................................................................12
7.3 Setup wizard.....................................................................................................12
8Using the product...............................................................................13
8.1 Preparing for measurement ..............................................................................13
8.1.1 Operating the valve positioners ................................................................................13
8.1.2 Automatic mode.......................................................................................................14
8.2 Measuring mode...............................................................................................14
8.2.1 Refrigeration ............................................................................................................14
8.2.2 Evacuation ...............................................................................................................19
8.2.3 Pressure Leak Test ..................................................................................................22
8.2.4 Target Superheat .....................................................................................................25
8.2.5 Compressor Test (DLT)............................................................................................29
8.2.6 Delta T .....................................................................................................................31
8.3 Bluetooth ..........................................................................................................33
8.3.1 Probes compatible with the instrument .....................................................................33
8.3.2 Establishing a connection.........................................................................................34
8.3.3 Switching on/off........................................................................................................34
8.3.3.1 Switching on ............................................................................................................................35
8.3.3.2 Switching off ............................................................................................................................35
8.3.3.3 Manual probe selection ...........................................................................................................36

Contents
8.4 Settings ............................................................................................................36
8.4.1 Backlight duration.................................................................................................... 37
8.4.2 Backlight brightness................................................................................................. 38
8.4.3 Auto Off ................................................................................................................... 39
8.4.4 Auto Tfac (Temperature compensation factor) ......................................................... 40
8.4.5 Units........................................................................................................................ 41
8.4.6 Language ................................................................................................................ 42
8.4.7 Setup Wizard........................................................................................................... 43
8.4.8 Restore factory settings ........................................................................................... 44
8.4.9 Device Info .............................................................................................................. 45
9Smart App........................................................................................... 46
9.1 App – user interface .........................................................................................46
9.2 Main menu ....................................................................................................... 47
9.3 Measurement menu..........................................................................................48
9.3.1 Basic view ............................................................................................................... 49
9.3.1.1 Graphic view ...........................................................................................................................49
9.3.1.2 Table view ...............................................................................................................................50
9.3.2 Refrigeration............................................................................................................ 50
9.3.3 Target superheat ..................................................................................................... 53
9.3.4 System Leak Test.................................................................................................... 55
9.3.5 Evacuation .............................................................................................................. 57
9.4 Customer..........................................................................................................58
9.4.1 Creating and editing a customer .............................................................................. 58
9.4.2 Creating and editing measuring sites ....................................................................... 59
9.5 Memory ............................................................................................................61
9.5.1 Searching for and deleting measurement results...................................................... 61
9.6 Sensors ............................................................................................................62
9.6.1 Information .............................................................................................................. 62
9.6.2 Settings ................................................................................................................... 63
9.7 Settings ............................................................................................................63
9.7.1 Language ................................................................................................................ 63
9.7.2 Measurement settings ............................................................................................. 64
9.7.3 Company details...................................................................................................... 64
9.7.4 Privacy settings ....................................................................................................... 64
9.8 Help and Information ........................................................................................ 65
9.8.1 Instrument information............................................................................................. 65
9.8.2 Tutorial .................................................................................................................... 65
9.8.3 Exclusion of liability ................................................................................................. 66

Contents
9.9 testo DataControl archiving software ................................................................66
9.9.1 System requirements ...............................................................................................66
9.9.1.1 Operating system ....................................................................................................................66
9.9.1.2 PC............................................................................................................................................67
9.9.2 Procedure ................................................................................................................67
10 Maintenance........................................................................................69
10.1 Calibration ........................................................................................................69
10.2 Cleaning the instrument....................................................................................69
10.3 Keeping connections clean ...............................................................................69
10.4 Removing oil residues ......................................................................................69
10.5 Ensuring measuring accuracy...........................................................................69
10.6 Changing batteries/rechargeable batteries........................................................70
11 Technical data ....................................................................................70
12 Tips and assistance ...........................................................................73
12.1 Questions and answers ....................................................................................73
12.2 Error Codes ......................................................................................................73
12.2.1 Main screen .............................................................................................................73
12.2.2 Status view ..............................................................................................................74
12.3 Accessories and spare parts.............................................................................74
13 Support ...............................................................................................74

1 About this document
5
1About this document
•The instruction manual is an integral part of the instrument.
•Pay particular attention to the safety instructions and warning advice in order
to prevent injury and damage to the product.
•Please read this instruction manual through carefully and familiarize yourself
with the product before putting it to use.
•Familiarity with a PC as well as the Microsoft®products is assumed in this
documentation.
Symbols and writing standards
Display Explanation
Note: basic or further information
Warning advice, risk level according to the signal word:
Warning!
Serious physical injury may occur.
Caution!
Minor physical injury or damage to the equipment may
occur.
> Take the specified precautionary measures.
1
2
…
Action: several steps, the sequence must be followed
-
Result of an action

Requirement
>
Action
Menu
Elements of the instrument, the instrument display or the
program interface.
[OK]
Control keys of the instrument or buttons of the program
interface.
2Safety and disposal
Please observe the Testo information document (enclosed with the product).
3Product-specific approvals
Please find the current country approvals in the Approvals and Certifications
document.

4Product-specific information
6
4Product-specific information
•The measuring instrument being dropped or any other comparable
mechanical stress may cause breakage of the pipe pieces in the refrigerant
hoses. The valve positioners may also suffer damage, causing further
damage inside the measuring instrument that is not necessarily visible
externally. Therefore, always replace the refrigerant hoses with new ones
after the measuring instrument is dropped or after any comparable
mechanical stress. For your own safety, you should return the measuring
instrument to the Testo Customer Service for technical inspection.
•Electrostatic charging may destroy the instrument. Integrate all the
components (system, manifold's valve block, refrigerant bottle, etc.) into the
potential bonding (earthing). Please see the safety instructions for the
system and the refrigerant used.
•Refrigerant gases can harm the environment. Please note the applicable
environmental regulations.
•Use with A2L refrigerants
Testo measuring instruments (as of July 2020) can be used in compliance
with the prescribed laws, standards, directives and safety regulations for
refrigeration systems and refrigerants as well as regulations of the
manufacturers of refrigerants of safety group A2L as per ISO 817.
Regional standardization and interpretation must always be observed.
For example, DIN EN 378-Part 1-4 applies to the scope of the EN
standards.
During maintenance work, the employer must ensure that a hazardous
explosive atmosphere is prevented (see also: TRBS1112, TRBS2152
VDMA 24020-3).
A hazardous and potentially explosive atmosphere must be anticipated
during maintenance and repair work on refrigeration systems with
flammable refrigerants (e.g. those of category A2L and A3).
Maintenance, repairs, removal of refrigerants and commissioning of
systems may only be carried out by qualified personnel.

5 Use
7
5Use
testo 550s and testo 557s are digital manifolds for maintenance and service
work on refrigeration systems and heat pumps. They may only be used by
qualified authorized personnel.
The functions of the instruments testo 550s and testo 557s mean they can
replace mechanical manifolds, thermometers and pressure/temperature charts.
Pressures and temperatures can be applied, adapted, tested and monitored.
The instruments testo 550s and testo 557s are compatible with most non-
corrosive refrigerants, water and glycol. The instruments testo 550s and testo
557s are not compatible with refrigerants containing ammonia.
The products must not be used in potentially explosive atmospheres!

6Product description
8
6Product description
6.1 Overview of the testo 550s
1
Mini-DIN probe socket for NTC
temperature probe, with socket
cover
2
Foldable suspension device
(rear).
3 Display. Instrument status icons 4
Rear
•
Battery compartment
•
Mini USB port for firmware
update
It is not possible to charge
rechargeable batteries in the
instrument.
5
Control keys
6
Sight glass for refrigerant flow
7 2 x valve positioner 8
3 x hose bracket for refrigerant
hoses
9
3 x connections 7/16" UNF, brass
Left/right: Low/high pressure for
refrigerant hoses with quick

6 Product description
9
release screw fitting; passage
can be closed via valve
positioner Centre: e.g. for
refrigerant bottles, with sealing
cap, refrigerant hoses with quick-
release screw fitting; passage
can be closed via valve
positioner.
6.2 Overview of the testo 557s
1
Mini-DIN probe socket for NTC
temperature probe, with socket
cover
2
Foldable suspension device
(rear).
3 Display. Instrument status icons 4
Rear
•
Battery compartment
•
Mini USB port for firmware
update
It is not possible to charge
rechargeable batteries in the
instrument.
5
Control keys
6
Sight glass for refrigerant flow

6Product description
10
7 4 x valve positioner 8
4 x hose bracket for refrigerant
hoses
9
Connection 7/16" UNF, brass.
High pressure, for refrigerant
hoses with quick-release screw
fitting, passage can be closed via
valve positioner.
10
Connection 5/8" UNF, brass, for
vacuum pump
11
Connection 7/16" UNF, brass,
e.g. for refrigerant cylinders, with
sealing cap
12
Connection 7/16" UNF, brass.
Low pressure, for refrigerant
hoses with quick-release screw
fitting, passage can be closed via
valve positioner.
6.3 Overview of main menu
Measuring mode
Refrigeration
Evacuation
System Leak Test
Target Superheat
Compressor Test (DLT)
Delta T
Bluetooth
®
Connection to the testo Smart App or Smart Probes
Settings
Backlight duration
Backlight brightness
Auto Off
Auto Tfac (Temperature compensation factor)
Units
Language
Setup Wizard
Restore factory settings
Instrument information

7 First steps
11
6.4 Control keys
Symbol
Meaning
•Open menu
•
Confirm input
•
Switch on the display illumination:
Press and hold the key for >2s
•
Switch off the display illumination:
Press and hold the key for >2s
/
Change/navigate the display screen.
•Switches to the measurement view
•
Back to the menu
•
Switch off the instrument: Press and
hold the key for >2s
7First steps
7.1 Inserting (rechargeable) batteries
1
Unfold the suspension hook and open the battery compartment (clip
lock).
2
Insert the batteries (scope of delivery) or rechargeable batteries (4 x
1.5V, type AA / Mignon / LR6) into the battery compartment. Observe
the polarity!
3
Close the battery compartment.

After insertion of the batteries, the instrument switches on
automatically and goes into the settings menu.
When not in use for a long period: Take out the (rechargeable)
batteries.

7First steps
12
7.2 Switching the instrument on and off
Current
status
Action Function
Instrument
off
Press Instrument is switched on.
When the measuring instrument is started for the first time, the setup
wizard guides you through the following setting parameters step by
step:
- Language
- testo Smart App
Instrument
on Press and hold
down (> 2 s)
Instrument is switched off.
The instrument setup that is implemented can be adapted at any time
in the Settings menu.
7.3 Setup wizard
When the testo 550s / testo 557s is started up for the first time and after the
factory settings have been reset, the setup wizard is activated and guides you
step-by-step through the following setup parameters.
The instrument setup that is implemented can be adapted at any time
in the Settings menu.
Language selection and QR code

Instrument is switched on and the initialization phase has been
completed.
1
Select language: Press [▲] / [▼]
and [Menu/Enter] to confirm.
Selecting the language activates
the appropriate presetting of the
units of measurement

8 Using the product
13
2
Take a photo of the QR code of the
testo Smart App and press
[Menu/Enter] to confirm.
-
The measurement menu is displayed.
8Using the product
8.1 Preparing for measurement
8.1.1 Operating the valve positioners
With respect to the refrigerant path, the digital manifold behaves just like a
conventional four-way manifold (only applies to the testo 557s): The passages
are opened by opening the valves. The applied pressure is measured with the
valves closed and the valves opened.
-
Open the valve: Turn valve positioner anticlockwise.
-
Close the valve: Turn valve positioner clockwise.
WARNING
Valve positioner tightened too tightly.
•
Damage to the PTFE seal (1).
•
Mechanical deformation of the valve
piston (2) leading to the PTFE seal (1)
falling out.
•
Damage to the thread of the threaded
spindle (3) and the valve screw (4).
Broken valve knob (5).
Only tighten the valve positioner hand-tight.
Do not use any tools to tighten the valve
positioners.

8Using the product
14
8.1.2 Automatic mode
The manifold automatically detects the pressure difference between the low-
pressure and high-pressure sides. If the measured pressure on the low pressure
side is 1 bar higher than on the high pressure side, a dialogue appears and the
display can be changed accordingly. If “yes” is selected, the low pressure moves
from left to right and the high pressure moves from right to left.
This mode is particularly suitable for air conditioning systems that provide
cooling and heating.
8.2 Measuring mode
WARNING
Risk of injury caused by refrigerant that is under high pressure, hot, cold,
or toxic!
>
Wear protective goggles and safety gloves.
>
Before applying pressure to the measuring instrument: Always fasten the
measuring instrument on the suspension hook to prevent it from falling
(danger of breakage).
>
Before each measurement, check the refrigerant hoses are intact and
connected properly. Do not use any tools to connect the hoses; only tighten
hoses hand-tight (max. torque 5.0 Nm/3.7 ft*lb).
>
Comply with the permissible measuring range (-1 to 60 bar/-14.7 to 870
psi).
Pay particular attention to this in systems with R744 refrigerant, since these
are frequently operated at higher pressures!
8.2.1 Refrigeration
The Refrigeration application is used to determine the following system
measuring values:
•High pressure
•Low pressure
•Refrigerant evaporating temperature
•Refrigerant condensation temperature
•Temperature of suction line
•Temperature of liquid line

8 Using the product
15
•Superheating
•Subcooling
An NTC temperature probe (accessory) must be connected for
measuring the pipe temperature and for automatic calculation of
superheating and subcooling.
These can be fixed cable temperature probes or Testo Smart Probes
(e.g. testo 115i).
Before each measurement, check that the refrigerant hoses are in
flawless condition.
Before each measurement, zero the pressure sensors. All connections
must be pressureless (ambient pressure). Press the [▲] (P=O) key for
2 seconds to zero the sensors.

The instrument is switched on and the measurement menu is
displayed.

All connections must be pressureless (ambient pressure).
1
Press [Menu/Enter] to confirm.
-
The main menu is displayed.
2
Press [Menu/Enter] to confirm.

8Using the product
16
3
Select Refrigeration and press
[Menu/Enter] to confirm.
-
The measurement menu is displayed.
4
Connect the refrigerant hoses.
4.1
Close the valve positioners.
4.2
Connect the refrigerant hoses for low-pressure side (blue) and high-
pressure side (red) to the measuring instrument.
4.3
Connect the refrigerant hoses to the system.
5
Connect testo 115i or fixed cable probes.

8 Using the product
17
6
Set refrigerant.
6.1
Press the key [▼] (Rxx) (refrigerant number according to ISO 817).
-
The refrigerant menu opens and the
current refrigerant is highlighted.
6.2
Setting the refrigerant: Press [▲] or
[▼] to select the refrigerant and
press [Menu/Enter] to confirm.
You have the option of setting up favourite refrigerants on your
instrument and in the app. These then appear at the beginning of the
refrigerant list.
To do this, the app must be connected to the instrument via Bluetooth.
In the refrigerant list (App), you can now choose the refrigerant as a
favourite by clicking on the star.
The new favourite refrigerant will now be synchronized to the testo
550s or testo 557s.
Note: During synchronization, the refrigerant list/selection on the
instrument must remain closed.
-
The newly set refrigerant is displayed in the refrigerant list.
7
Press the [▲] (P=O) key for 2 seconds to zero the sensors.
-
Zeroing takes place.

8Using the product
18
8
Pressurize the measuring instrument.
-
The measurement starts
automatically.
-
Measurement results are displayed:
•Low/high pressure
•Condensation and evaporation temperature
•Suction and liquid line temperature
•Superheating and subcooling
With zeotropic refrigerants, the evaporation temperature to/Ev is
displayed after complete evaporation/the condensation temperature
tc/Co is displayed after complete condensation.
The measured temperature must be assigned to the superheating or
subcooling side (toh <--> tcu
). Dependent on this assignment, the display
will show toh/T1 resp. Δtoh/SH or tcu/T2 resp. Δtcu/SC, depending on the
selected display.
Reading and display illumination flash:
•1 bar/14.5 psi before reaching critical refrigerant pressure
•When max. permissible pressure of 60 bar/870 psi is exceeded.
All values can be saved and sent in the app. The data can also be
transferred between the app and the testo DataControl software.

8 Using the product
19
8.2.2 Evacuation
Via the Evacuation application, foreign gases and moisture can be removed
from the refrigeration circuit.
The testo 552i
is recommended for carrying out the measurement. The
measurement is also possible without the testo 552i, with testo
550s/testo 557s. However, this is not advisable due to insufficient
accuracy.

The instrument is switched on and the measurement menu is
displayed.

Bluetooth®is enabled.

Hoses are connected.
1
Press [Menu/Enter].
2
Press [▲] / [▼] to select Measuring
Mode and press [Menu/Enter] to
confirm.
-
The Measuring Mode menu is
displayed.

8Using the product
20
3
Press [▲] / [▼] to select Evacuation and press [Menu/Enter] to
confirm.
-
The Configure Target Lines menu is
displayed.
4
Adjust the Target Line value
4.1
Press the [▲] key and in the Evacuation Target field, select Manual
Input.
4.2
Press [Menu/Enter] to confirm.
-
The field is activated.
4.3
Press [▲] / [▼] to set the value.
4.4
Press [Menu/Enter] to confirm.
5
Adjust the Maximum Decay Target value.
5.1
Press the [▼] key and in the
Maximum Decay Target field, select
Manual Input.