TSI Instruments TF Series User manual

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TSI and TSI logo are registered trademarks of TSI Incorporated.
MODEL TF-SERIES
FLOW STATION
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
The Model TF-Series Flow Stations must be wired to
24 VAC only. Wiring the unit to 110 VAC will cause
serious damage to the unit and void the warranty.
Figure 1. TF-Series Thermal Flow Station
TF-Series Flow Station Placement
The following paragraphs detail the procedure for determining optimum placement of the TF-Series Flow
Station in typical installation applications.
CAUTION
Installation of the TF-Series Flow Station with straight duct lengths equal to or greater than
indicated in the Minimum Placement Guidelines below is critical for proper performance of the
airflow measurement station.
Minimum Placement Guidelines
Placement of the TF-Series Flow Station is critical for proper operation and accuracy of the airflow
measurement station. Figure 2 shows minimum placement requirements for the TF-Series Flow Station in
typical applications. Probe placement is expressed in multiples of ‘Simple Equivalent Duct Diameter –“D,”
which is determined as follows:
D= (duct width + duct height) / 2
1. Using the illustration in Figure 2 that most closely matches the installation, multiply the calculated “D”
value from above by the value indicated in the application illustration. This is the calculated location for the
TF-Series Flow Station.
2. Mark the duct location and install the TF-Series Flow Station at the calculated location.

p. 2 of 8
Unvaned Elbows
Vaned Elbows
Radius Elbows
Transitions
T Fittings
TSI recommends removing flow ring from Box.
Install TF-Series Flow Station at least 3 inches (75-mm)
upstream of Box or flow ring.
TF-Series Flow Station can be
installed downstream of hot
water coil only.
VAV Box Inlet
VAV Box Outlet with Coil (for Temp. Output)
Figure 2. TF-Series Flow Station Minimum Placement Requirements Guide
AFMS
3D
Airflow
AFMS Airflow
1.5 D
Airflow
0.75 D
AFMS
Airflow
0.75 D
AFMS
AFMS
1.5 D
AFMS
0.75 D
Airflow Airflow
AirflowAFMS AFMS
0.5 D 0.5 D
0.5 D
AFMS
1.5 D
AFMSAirflow
AFMSAFMS
AFMS
Airflow
Airflow
3 D
0.5 D 1.5D
AFMSAFMS
AFMS
Airflow
Airflow
1 D
0.5 D 1.5D
AFMS
3 in
Airflow
AFMS
Airflow VAV Box
1 D

p. 3 of 8
Rectangular Duct Placement
Round Duct Placement
Flat-Oval Duct Placement
Across major axis
Across minor axis
Figure 3. TF-Series Installation Flow Station Applications and Orientation
TF-Series Flow Station Installation
The TF-Series Flow Station is designed for use indoors in ducts up to 16 inches and in VAV terminal box
applications TF-Series airflow measurement station sensor probes are designed for insertion mounting
through one side of the duct or VAV box. Mount the instrument in an accessible location to permit set up.
Locate the instrument so that the attached instrument cable will reach the TSI controller or customer-provided
junction box.
CAUTION
The installed location of the TF-Series Flow Station is critical for proper performance. Refer to
the previous Minimum Placement Guidelines section of this document to determine the
recommended location for the TF-Series Flow Station.
CAUTION
Ensure that adequate clearance exists to permit insertion of the probe, and to allow clearance
for the instrument enclosure.
CAUTION
External duct insulation that interferes with mounting should be temporarily removed prior to
installation. Mounting requires a 0.875 inches (22.2 mm) hole on the insertion side of the duct.
1. Determine where the TF-Series airflow measuring station is to be located as indicated on the engineer's
plans.
2. Carefully open the TF-Series Flow Station package and inspect for damage. If damage is noted, immediately
file a claim with carrier.
½ X ½ X
½ X
½ X
½ X
½ X
½ X ½ X

p. 4 of 8
3. Locate and mark the point on the duct or VAV box where the probe will be inserted using the previous
Minimum Placement Guidelines section of this document. Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 for TF-Series Flow
Station dimensions and probe orientation.
4. Using a 0.875 inch (22.2 mm) hole saw, drill the insertion side hole marked in the previous step.
5. Place the probe through the mounting hole, making sure that the gasket is seated firmly against the integral
mounting bracket. Ensure that the edge of the TF-Series Flow Station mounting bracket is parallel to the
edge of the duct or VAV terminal box, and that the airflow arrow printed on it is oriented in the direction of
actual airflow. Ensure that the gasket is firmly seated against the bracket, and then fasten the mounting
bracket at the four mounting holes using appropriate sheet metal screws.
6. Route the TF-Series Flow Station instrument cable to the TSI monitor or controller. Refer to the following
sections of this document for instrument set up and operation.
Mounting Bracket Detail View
Units in inches (mm)
TF-Series Sensor Probe / Transmitter Detail Views
Figure 4. TF-Series Flow Station Installation Dimensions
TF-Series Flow Station—Preparation for Use
Preparation for use consists of connecting 24 VAC power and analog signal output wires from the TF-Series
Flow Station to the TSI monitor or controller, and if required, setting the TF-Series Flow Station analog output
switch options (measurement mode, output signal type and full scale range options).
TF-Series Flow Station Interconnections
The TF-Series Flow Station is equipped with a plenum rated 18 AWG interconnecting cable for power and
analog output(s). Connect 24 VAC power and analog output(s) to TSI monitor or controller as outlined in the
following paragraphs. Refer to Figure 5.

p. 5 of 8
TF-Series Analog Output Connections
CAUTION
24 VAC power must be deactivated before making connections to the instrument.
CAUTION
The 24 VAC input ground (GND) connection is shared with the analog output signal ground. If
an isolated output is desired, a dedicated isolation transformer is required to power the
TF-Series Flow Station.
The TF-Series provides an analog output to indicate airflow or equivalent velocity pressure, with an optional
analog output to indicate air temperature. The analog outputs are not isolated from the power input. Connect
the analog output at the white wire and the signal common at the black wire to the TSI monitor or controller
using twisted pair cable as shown in Figure 5.
TF-Series Flow Station 24 VAC Power Connections
CAUTION
24 VAC power must be deactivated before making connections to the instrument.
CAUTION
The 24 VAC input ground (GND) connection is shared with the analog output signal ground. If
an isolated output is desired, a dedicated isolation transformer is required to power the
TF-Series Flow Station.
The TF-Series Flow Station requires a power source capable of providing 22.8 to 26.4 VAC at 5 VA. Connect
24 VAC power between the red wire and black wires as shown in Figure 6.
Color
Function
Red
24 VAC power
Black
Common TF-Series Flow Station Power/Signal Ground
(for 24 VAC and for analog output)
White
Velocity Analog Output Signal
Green
Temperature Analog Output Signal.
NOTE: Only available on model TF-xx-AL-T Flow Stations
CAUTION
The TF-Series Flow Stations are equipped with a common 24 VAC ground and analog output
signal common(s). The analog output(s) must be wired with dedicated common wire(s).
Sharing the common wire with the 24 VAC return may cause voltage drop leading to inaccurate
readings.

p. 6 of 8
Figure 5. TF-Series Flow Station Wiring
Figure 6. TF-Series Flow Station with Temperature Output Wiring
NOTES:
1. The 24 VAC common and analog output signal commons are non-isolated. Do not share power with
other non-isolated devices.
2. On multiple TF-Series Flow Station installations ensure that all TF-Series Flow Stations are wired to the
same terminals on the 24 VAC power source.
3. Connect cable drains to earth ground at one end of each cable only.
RED (24 V+)
BLACK (COMMON)
WHITE (VEL +)
Junction Box
(By Others)
RED
BLACK
BLACK
WHITE
24 VAC +
24 VAC -
VEL AO -
VEL AO +
3-foot cable
provided
(pigtail
connection)
TF- Series
Flowstation
Color
Function
Red
24 VAC power
Black
Common TF-Series Flow Station Power/Signal Ground
(for 24 VAC and for analog output)
White
Velocity Analog Output Signal
RED (24V +)
BLACK (COMMON)
WHITE (VEL +)
Junction Box
(By Others)
RED
BLACK
BLACK
WHITE
24 VAC +
24 VAC -
VEL AO -
VEL AO+
3-foot cable
provided
(pigtail
connection)
TF-T Series
Flowstation
GREEN (TEMP +)
BLACK
GREEN
TEMP AO -
TEMP AO+
Color
Function
Red
24 VAC power
Black
Common TF-Series Flow Station Power/Signal Ground
(for 24 VAC and for analog output)
White
Velocity Analog Output Signal
Green
Temperature Analog Output Signal
Note: Only available on model TF-xx-AL-T Flow Stations

p. 7 of 8
TF-Series Flow Station Analog Output Option Switch Settings
To access the field selectable analog output option switches, remove the four retaining screws at each corner of
the TF-Series Flow Station enclosure cover. The option selector switches are part of a four-switch DIP package
labeled CONFIG. Figure 7 shows the TF-Series circuit board and individual switches for setting TF-Series Flow
Station measurement mode, output voltage and output full-scale values. Factory default switch settings are all
OFF, resulting in airflow measurement mode, 0 to 10 VDC analog output and 0 to 3,000 FPM full scale range. If
desired, these settings can be changed using the CONFIG switch as shown in Figure 6 and as described in the
following paragraphs:
Figure 7. TF-Series Flow Station Circuit Board Detail
Switch 2 Position
Output
OFF (default)
0–10 VDC
ON
2–10 VDC
Switch 1 Position
Switch 3 Position
Switch 4 Position
Full Scale Range
OFF (default)
OFF (default)
OFF (default)
3,000 fpm (15.24 m/s)
OFF
ON
OFF
2,000 fpm (10.16 m/s)
OFF
OFF
ON
1,000 fpm (5.08 m/s)
OFF
ON
ON
500 fpm (2.54 m/s)
ON
OFF
OFF
0.5 in H2O (124.5 Pa)
ON
ON
OFF
0.25 in H2O (62.27 Pa)
ON
OFF
ON
0.15 in H2O (37.36 Pa)
ON
ON
ON
0.05 in H2O (12.45 Pa)
TF-Series Flow
Station Circuit
Board
Activity Green
LED Indicator
SW1-SW4 CONFIG DIP SWITCH
OUTPUT OPTION SELECTOR
SW1 –AIR FLOW/EQUIVALENT
VELOCITY PRESSURE
SW2 - 0-10/2-10 VDC
SW3 / SW4 - OUTPUT SCALE
(See Detail below)
CONFIG DIP Switch Detail
SW1
SW2
SW3
SW4

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TF-Series Flow Station Initial Start Up / Normal Operation
The following procedure is intended for initial start-up of the TF-Series Flow Station. Following the initial
set up, no further user activity is required during normal operation.
1. Remove the cover to the electronics enclosure by removing the four screws on the cover.
2. Make sure that the 24 VAC circuit breaker used to power the TF-Series Flow Station is turned OFF until
all wiring is complete!
3. Confirm 24 VAC connection from the power source to the TF-Series Flow Station 24 VAC wire (red
wire) as outlined in the TF-Series Flow Station 24 VAC Power Connections section of this document.
4. Confirm common ground 24 VAC and signal ground connection from the power source to the TF-Series
Flow Station at the black wire.
5. Confirm TF-Series Flow Station analog signal output connection at the white wire, to the analog input of
the BAS as outlined in TF-Series Analog Output Connections section of this document. Note that the
ground of the BAS must be at the same voltage reference as the ground of the TF-Series Flow Station
and the power source.
6. Set the desired analog output options using CONFIG switches SW1 to SW4 as outlined in the TF-Series
Flow Station Analog Output Option Switch Settings section of this document.
7. Activate the 24 VAC power source to power on the TF-Series Flow Station.
8. Check to confirm that the TSI controller or BAS is receiving the analog output signal indicating
instrument airflow or equivalent velocity pressure.
9. Following a brief instrument initialization, the green Activity LED will continuously flash ON for
1 second, then OFF for 1 second. This indicates normal operation. In the event of a sensor fault, the LED
will continuously flash ON for 2 seconds, and OFF for 2 seconds.
Converting the Output Signal from Linear to Volumetric Flow—FPM to CFM
The TF-Series Flow Station analog output airflow (FPM) can easily be converted to an equivalent
volumetric flow (CFM) by multiplying the indicated flow velocity by the free area at the sensor installation
location (in square feet). For example, assuming an installation in a 12-inch round duct, using the
0 to 10 VDC scale and the 3,000 FPM full scale output range options, an output of 5 VDC from the TF-Series
Flow Station indicates a flow velocity of 1,500 FPM. (5 VDC is one-half of the 0 to 10 VDC output,
corresponding to one-half of the 0 to 3,000 FPM scale, which equals 1,500 FPM). The TF-Series Flow Station
installed duct location area in this example is calculated at 0.785 ft2(using xthe duct radius2, or 3.14 x
0.5 ft2). Multiplying the indicated instrument output of 1,500 FPM by 0.785 ft2yields an equivalent
volumetric flow of 1,177.5 CFM.
Maintenance
In most HVAC environments, periodic maintenance and calibration is not required or recommended*.
*Depending on the application, it may be necessary to periodically inspect and clean sensors using compressed air or a small brush.
Factory performance returns immediately after cleaning. Recalibration is NOT required. Periodic inspection of the sensors is
advised, and accessibility must be considered in these applications.