555A Rev200714

Document Number:
XE-FTB555APM-R0A

PORTABLE DIGITAL
STANDPIPE METER
for PRESSURE and FLOW
MODEL 555A
PART NO. 00555001

Elkhart Brass Mfg. Co., Inc.

www.elkhartbrass.com
1302 W. Beardsly Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514
TEL 1-574-295-8330 TOLL FREE 1-800-346-0250
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555A Rev200714

INTRODUCTION
Overview
The Portable Standpipe Meter is a self-contained, battery operated device designed
for high-rise stand pipe operations. It measures pressure and flow rate directly without
using charts or doing calculations. Mounted on a flow tube is an indicator module
that has two 4-digit LED displays for both pressure and flow. All electronics are
self-contained and powered by a rechargeable battery with quick change housing.
All program features are accessed via pushbutton switches on the front of the
indicator module.

Features
Low and Critical Battery Alerts
High and Low Flow Warnings
High Pressure Warning
Standby Mode to Save Battery Life
Pressure and Flow Rate Calibration
Programmable for PSI/kPa/Bar -- GPM/LPM

Specifications
The Portable Standpipe Meter is self-contained
Dimensions: 4 1/2" W 12 1/4" H 7" D
Weight: 5 LBS
Coupling: 2 1/2" NH Thread
Power: HiTECH Rechargeable Battery
Battery Life: 5 Hours Minimum
Pressure Sensor Range: 0 - 250 PSI Maximum
Flow Sensor: Paddlewheel Type;
Acetal (Delrin) with Stainless Steel (316) Shaft
250 GPM Maximum

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Components
The Portable Standpipe Meter for pressure and flow consists of a flow tube with
an integral indicator module.
Flow Tube
The flow tube construction is comprised of two sections, a 45° elbow on the
input side and a straight run for measurement on the output side. The measuring zone
includes a combination sensor to measure the pressure and flow. The indicator module
is located above the sensor.
Indicator Module
The indicator module is a combination digital pressure and flow meter with
programming features that include calibration, high and low warning settings, and units
of measure. The control panel has two pushbuttons and two 4-digital LED displays
to indicate pressure and flow rate. The displays has 0.28" high digits, bright red for
pressure and blue for flow.
All electronics are enclosed in a waterproof aluminum case with a sealed overlay on
the controls. It meets NEMA 4X standard for water-tight/dust-tight and has a minimal
IP67 rating for protection against penetration of liquids.
A low battery warning goes active a minimum of 90 minutes before the low
voltage battery cut-off is reached. A critical battery warning goes active a minimum
of 10 minutes before the low voltage cutoff is reached. The low battery warning stays
active until the battery is replaced with a fully charged battery.

Controls and Indicators

All controls and indicators are located on the front of the display module.
PRESSURE Display
During normal operation this 4-digit, red LED display indicates pressure. It flashes
a warning message when pressure exceeds programmed setting.
BATT Button
The BATT button allows the operator to check the battery.
ON/OFF Button
The ON/OFF button controls power to the display module.
FLOW Display
During normal operation this 4-digit, blue LED display indicates flow rate. It
flashes warning messages when flow is outside programmed high and low settings.
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OPERATION
Connect the meter to a standpipe and make the hose connection. There are three
modes of operation:
ON - To power up the meter press and hold the ON/OFF button until both displays
shows four dashes – – – – . Release the button. The displays show pressure (upper
display, red LEDs) and flow (lower display, blue LEDs).

STANDBY - When the flow is less than 3 GPM for more than 15 minutes, the meter
goes into Standby Mode and cuts power to the displays. It wakes up when the flow
rises above 3 GPM for 3 seconds. The meter shuts off if it is in the Standby Mode
for more than 30 minutes (this is a programmable function).

OFF - To power down the meter press and hold the ON/OFF button for 3 seconds.
The pressure display shows OFF for 3 seconds then powers down.

Press the BATT button to check the battery. When LO BATT shows in the display, it
indicates that there is 1.5 hours or less of charge left.

Calibration
The pressure and flow meters are precalibrated and tested at the factory. Flow and
pressure codes are available to make adjustments if it is necessary to calibrate the meter.
Refer to the Programming Section for codes and program information.
Connect the meter with a calibrated reference meter in line. Select a pressure or
flow rate for calibration that is within the most commonly used range.
Note: The pressure calibration has two calibration points, one for the low
pressure or zero PSI and a second for the high pressure or applied pressure
for calibration.
Bring up the pressure or flow water to set the calibration points.

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Programming
To gain access to the program features a three digit program code must be entered. Refer
to Table 1. Program Code Quick Reference for the proper three-digit code.
Both the BATT and ON/OFF buttons are used to enter program codes and change the
settings. The BATT button selects the digit to change and the ON/OFF button changes the digit.
Enter Program Code
Note: There is a time-out feature that returns the program to normal operation
in five seconds if input is not detected.
1. Press and hold the BATT and then hold ON/OFF buttons (at the same time) until
the display shows four dashes – – – – . Release the buttons.
2. Press the BATT button to select the digit to be change. The digit flashes. Press the
ON/OFF button to change the digit.
3. Enter the code from Table 1. Program Code Quick Reference.
Results: The display shows the selected program feature.
4. Set calibration, warning, unit of measure, or standby timer as required.
5. First press and hold the BATT button and then press and hold the ON/OFF button
(holding both buttons at the same time) to exit.

Table 1. Program Code Quick Reference

CODE DESCRIPTION DEFAULT NOTES
314 Unit of Measure g-P Sets the unit of measure for pressure and flow as
follows:
g-P = GPM/PSI
L-Pa = LPM/kPa
L-b = LPM/Bar
315 High Flow Warning 250 Sets the high flow warning. When the flow rate is
above setting, the flow display alternately flashes the
flow rate and HI-F. Set to 0 to disable.
316 Low Flow Warning 80 Sets the low flow warning. When the flow rate is
below the setting, the flow display alternately flashes
the flow rate and LO-F. Set to 0 to disable.
321 Flow Calibration N/A Starts the calibration program for flow rate.
323 High Pressure N/A Starts the calibration program for high pressure
Calibration setting.
324 Low Pressure N/A Starts the calibration program for low (zero) pressure
Calibration setting.
325 High Pressure 200 Sets the high pressure warning. When pressure is
Warning above the setting, the pressure display alternately
flashes the pressure and HI-P. Set to 0 to disable.
341 Standby Mode 30 Sets the time the meter is in standby before it shuts
Timer down.
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Battery Information
A HiTECH Ultra High Capacity rechargeable battery is used to power the portable
standpipe meter. Use only the approved batteries and chargers.
The meter is designed for maximum battery life. Always shut the unit OFF when
not in use. The battery may be checked anytime to see if more than 90 minutes
(BATT GOOD) of runtime remains, by pressing and holding the BATT push button.

Important notes:
• Do not use a damaged battery or charger; immediately dispose of them properly.
• Please do not leave batteries charging unattended.
• Do not attempt to charge other types of batteries in the approved charger.
• Do not attempt to use other types of chargers with the approved batteries.
• Please read all instructions provided with the charger and batteries carefully.
• Do not attempt to use these batteries in other equipment, as damage to the battery
or the device may occur.
• Never short the terminals on the batteries.

Also, please do not attempt to use other types of batteries in the meter. The approved
HiTECH battery is designed to provide a large electrical current to operate the meter
properly. It contains special circuitry that is not found in other types of batteries.

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Battery Removal/Replacement

Rechargeable
Battery Battery
Cover

Replace a weak battery with a fully charged HiTECH battery.

The battery can be replaced while the unit is being operated.
Ensure that fluids do not enter the battery compartment.

12 1/4"

4 1/2" 7"

Figure 1. Dimensions
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