How to Install a Meter

About the Resource Monitor Meter

The RM meter uses solid-state technology in compact, tamper-protected, weatherproof, and UV-resistant housing, suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Electronic metering provides information—such as rate of flow and status or alarm indication—and data not typically available through traditional, mechanical meters and registers. Electronic metering minimizes measurement errors due to sand, suspended particles, and pressure fluctuations. Meters can be installed using horizontal or vertical piping, with water flow in the up direction. The meter will not measure flow when an “empty pipe” condition is experienced. An empty pipe is defined as a condition that occurs when the flow sensors are not fully submerged.

Product Unpacking and Inspection

To avoid damage in transit, meters are shipped to the customer in special shipping containers. Upon receipt of shipment, be sure to follow these unpacking and inspection procedures:

If damage to a shipping container is evident upon receipt of a meter, request that a representative of the carrier be present when the meter is unpacked.

• Carefully open the shipping container, following any instructions that may be marked on the container. Remove all cushioning material surrounding the meter and carefully lift the meter from the container. Keep the container and all packing material for possible use in reshipment or storage.
• Visually inspect the meter and applicable accessory devices for any signs of damage such as scratches, loose or broken parts, or other physical damage that may have occurred during shipment.

NOTE: If damage is found, request an inspection by the carrier’s agent within 48 hours of delivery. Then, file a claim with the carrier. A claim for equipment damaged in transit is the responsibility of the customer.

Pre-installation

Consider the following before you begin installing a meter:

• Inspect the piping around the meter for suitable conditions. The service line, valves, connections, and meter must be watertight. Repair the piping system if pipes are corroded or damaged.
• Install the meter in the pipeline in a horizontal or vertical position so that the flow arrow on the meter housing points in the same direction as the water flow. The meter should be protected from damage, freezing, and tampering.
• Position the meter so it is accessible for installation and removal.
• The line opening for the meter should match the lay length of the meter, allowing slight additional space for coupling. The inlet and outlet sides of the meter should be axially aligned to the pipe.
• The installed meter must not be an obstacle or a hazard to the customer or interfere with public safety.
• To avoid cavitation, always install control valves downstream of the meter. Never install the meter on a pump suction side.
• Consider maximum flow rates when sizing and selecting the appropriate meter for the application.
• Externally weighted check valves and pressure-reducing devices should not be located in proximity to the meter.

Installation Instructions

1. Begin at this step when cutting in for a new service. When cutting in is not required, begin at step 3.
2. • Close the shutoff valve to relieve water pressure in the line before starting the cutting operation. Provide a high-quality upstream shutoff valve with a low-pressure drop.
   • Flush the pipe to clear chips, pipe dope, or other plumbing residue.
3. Close the meter inlet-side valve.
4. Open a faucet and wait until the water flow stops to depressurize the system. Do not remove the meter until the flow stops.
   
   DEPRESSURIZE THE LINE BEFORE STARTING ANY DISASSEMBLY OPERATION. REMOVING A METER THAT IS UNDER LINE PRESSURE CAN RESULT IN COMPONENTS BECOMING PROJECTILES, CAPABLE OF CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
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5. Check valves and make necessary repairs to the shutoff valve or inlet side valve if necessary.
6. Before installing or removing a meter, close the outlet-side valve to relieve pressure. Protect the area around the meter against potential spills or leaks that could occur.
7. To replace an existing meter, continue with step 8. To install a new meter skip to step 10.
8. Loosen the meter coupling nuts or flange bolts and remove the meter and old gaskets.
9. Clean the coupling nuts or flange bolts, removing any pipe dope or dirt.
10. Check the existing position for proper alignment and spacing. Correct any misalignment or spacing issues.
11. Install the meter in the pipeline in a horizontal or vertical position with the flow arrow on the meter pointing in the direction of flow.
12. After the meter is installed, slowly open the inlet shutoff valve until the meter is full of water and ensure there are no leaks (The more flow you allow through the meter, appropriate for the meter size, the better).
13. Slowly open the outlet valve until air is out of the meter and service line.
14. Slowly open a service valve downstream of the meter and verify that no foreign debris in the water obstructs the operation of the system.
15. The meter is shipped in storage mode so that customers do not experience alarms during shipment or installation. After properly purged of air, and the meter senses a full pipe, it may take up to 30 seconds to begin measurement.
16. The meter itself does not require a quantity of flow to begin measurement. The meter just requires that the pipe is cleared of air and filled with water. If attempting to purge the meter at low flow rates, it would likely be more difficult and take longer.

Meter Specifications

Operating Performance

In the normal temperature range of 45…122 °F (7…50 °C), new meter consumption measurement is accurate to:

• 100% ±1.5% over the normal test flow limits
• 100% ±3.0% for the minimum test flow limits

Storage Temperature

-40…140° F (– 40…60° C)

Maximum Ambient Storage
(Storage for One Hour)

150° F (66° C)

Measured Fluid Temperature Range

34…140° F (1…60° C)

Humidity

0…100% condensing; meter is capable of operating in fully submerged environments

Maximum Working Pressure of Meter Housing

175 psi (12 bar)

Maximum Operating Pressure of Pressure Sensor

150 psi (10 bar)

Pressure Sensor Accuracy

±2% of full scale pressure, up to 150 psi (10 bar)

Register Type

Straight reading, permanently sealed electronic LCD; digits are 0.28 in. (7 mm) high

Register Display

• Total consumption (nine digits)
• Unit of measure (factory programmed for gallons, cubic feet and cubic meters)
• Rate of flow
• Pressure (Optional: for meters ordered with integrated pressure sensor)
• Temperature
• Alarm and operating mode
• Firmware version
• Alarm indicators

Totalization Display Resolution

• Gallons: 0.01
• Cubic feet: 0.001
• Cubic meters: 0.0001

Battery

3.6-volt lithium thionyl chloride; battery is fully encapsulated within the register housing and is not replaceable; 10-year battery life

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