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DFA400 Rev150730 Document Number: XE-DFA4PM-R0A DIGITAL FLOWMETER MODEL DFA400 FIRE RESEARCH CORPORATION www.fireresearch.com 26 Southern Blvd., Nesconset, NY 11767 TEL 631.724.8888 FAX 631.360.9727 TOLL FREE 1.800.645.0074...
DFA400 Rev150730 INTRODUCTION Overview The digital flowmeter has a 4-digit LED display with daylight bright digits 0.56 inch high. The meter electronics are self-contained and all program features are accessed via pushbutton switches on the front of the display module.
DFA400 Rev150730 GENERAL DESCRIPTION Components The flowmeter kit consists of the following components: Display Module Paddlewheel Flow Sensor and Mounting Assembly Cables Display Module The display module is waterproof and has dimensions less than 3 1/4 inches high by 3 1/4 inches wide by 2 inches deep. All controls and indicators are located on the front of the display module.
DFA400 Rev150730 Controls and Indicators All controls and indicators are located on the front of the display module. (Refer to Figure 1.) Display During normal operation the 4-digit LED display indicates flow rate. When the display module identification or program access modes are selected, module specific information, program codes, and settings are displayed.
DFA400 Rev150730 INSTALLATION Note: Plumbing systems are always unique and may cause small deviations in the factory calibration. It is recommended that the flowmeter 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.
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DFA400 Rev150730 Install Flow Sensor There are several ways to install paddlewheel type flow 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.
DFA400 Rev150730 Flow Sensor Location Guide The preferred location for mounting a flow sensor is on the top half of the pipe. The best orientation is vertical. If the sensor is mounted on the bottom of the pipe, it may be susceptible to dirt Best Orientation accumulation impacting operation.
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DFA400 Rev150730 Saddle Clamp Installation Note: Ensure that the mounting location meets the requirements for uniform water flow. (Refer to Flow Sensor Location Guide.) Note: Ensure that there is enough room for the saddle clamp, sensor, and connector to fit. (Refer to Figure 4.) 1.
DFA400 Rev150730 Retainer Note: When the retainer cap is tightened make sure the flow sensor engages the alignment O-Ring tab and does not rotate. Paddlewheel Flow Sensor Note: Allow a minimum of Alignment 2 inches clearance above the sensor for connector removal/ installation.
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DFA400 Rev150730 Weldment Installation Note: Ensure that the mounting location meets the requirements for uniform water flow. (Refer to Flow Sensor Location Guide.) Note: Ensure that there is enough room for the weldment, sensor, and connector to fit. (Refer to Figure 5.) 1.
DFA400 Rev150730 Retainer Pipe Size Dimension (Sch 40) 1.95 to 1.80 1.95 to 1.80 O-Ring 1.90 to 1.75 1.88 to 1.73 Paddlewheel 1.88 to 1.73 Flow Sensor 1.85 to 1.70 1.85 to 1.70 Measurements are in inches. Tru-Seal Make sure that the alignment tab is Locknut centered on the pipe center line.
Datalink Interface The datalink interface is standard on all flowmeters and provides a way of connecting multiple display modules on a shared data bus. The DFA400 (digital flowmeter), FPA400 (pressure/flow indicator), and FPA500 (pressure/flow indicator) series display modules can operate as independent displays or interconnected to provide remote displays, the display of flow rate through multiple discharges (summing), and the totalization of flow for multiple discharges (accumulation).
DFA400 Rev150730 Program Features See Programming Section for more detailed information. High and Low Flow Warning (Codes 315 and 316) When the flow rate is above the programmed high flow value, a flashing -HI- is shown in the digital display. When the flow rate is below the programmed low flow value, a flashing -LO- is shown in the digital display.
DFA400 Rev150730 PROGRAMMING The program access mode is selected and inputs are made using the two pushbutton switches on the front of the display module. The digital display shows stored data and operator inputs. (Refer to Figure 1.) Note: When entering codes in the program access mode there is a time-out feature that requires an operator input every three seconds.
DFA400 Rev150730 Program Access Mode To gain access to the program features a three-digit program code must be entered. Review the Program Code Descriptions or refer to Table 1. Program Code Quick Reference for the proper three-digit code. Note: There is a time-out feature that returns the program to normal operation in five seconds if input is not detected.
DFA400 Rev150730 Table 1. Program Code Quick Reference CODE FEATURE OPTION Flow Rate Increment Set Point 0000 to 9999 ID Number 0 to 99 Module Function Pri, SLA, ACC, SU (Refer to Note for ACC and SU) High Flow Warning...
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DFA400 Rev150730 Summing and Accumulator Mode Note Using Code 319 Cut-off for Summing and Accumulator Modes: When the flowmeter is used in summing or accumulator mode, a flow cutoff may be set for each summed valve controller or flowmeter (up to 20 devices). This permits compensation for differences in turbulence in different pipe sizes.
DFA400 Rev150730 Program Code Descriptions When a valid three-digit program code has been entered, a program value or option shows in the display. The MODE and TOTAL buttons are used change the data. Press the MODE button to select the digit to be change. The digit flashes. Press the TOTAL button to change the digit or the option choice.
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DFA400 Rev150730 Code 316 Low Flow Warning Factory programmed value: 0 (Low flow warning is disabled.) Options: 0001 to 9999 This code sets the low flow warning. When the flow rate is below the low flow warning programmed value, the flow display alternately flashes between the flow rate and -LO- .
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DFA400 Rev150730 Code 321 Flow Calibration (Single Point) Factory programmed value: Precalibrated to Pipe Size Options: 1 Calibration Point This code starts the calibration program for a single flow rate. Refer to Calibration Section. Code 322 Flow Calibration (Multiple Point)
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DFA400 Rev150730 Error Code E202 An invalid program code has been entered. Re-enter the program code when the digital display resets. Error Code E204 There is no signal from the sensor. This code is displayed only when in a calibration program.
DFA400 Rev150730 CALIBRATION The flowmeter is precalibrated and tested at the factory. Plumbing systems are always unique and may cause small deviations in the factory calibration. It is recommended that the flowmeter is checked after installation for accuracy and calibrated when necessary.
DFA400 Rev150730 Flow Calibration, Multiple Point (Code 322) This function is used when the flow sensor is installed in a difficult plumbing location where flow is not linear. It corrects for nonlinear flow to provide an accurate flow rate display.
DFA400 Rev150730 WIRING The following figures include wiring and cable information. Display Module A remote display module requires four (4) wires, power (pins 1 and 2) and the datalink connection (pins 7 and 8) to the primary display. A remote display must be programmed with the same ID number as the primary display.
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