NextCentury NM4I Indoor Ultrasonic Meter Installation Guide

: October 30, 2023
: NextCentury

Table of Contents

NextCentury NM4I Indoor Ultrasonic Meter
Product Information
Technical Specifications
Installation Instructions
Key Beneﬁts
Quicker Installs
Technical Summary
Flow Measurement
Installation Summary
Wireless Communication & Programming
FCC
Contact Information
Documents / Resources

NextCentury NM4I Indoor Ultrasonic Meter

Product Information

NextMeter Indoor Ultrasonic Meter with NextCentury ConnectTM Wireless

The NextMeter Indoor is an ultrasonic meter that integrates solid-state measuring technology with the NextCentury wireless platform, making it the first solid-state meter built for submetering. It combines ultrasonic technology with the industry-leading AMR solution, providing a simple and easy-to-use meter designed for effortless deployment. The NextMeter accurately detects even the smallest amount of flow and extends this level of accuracy across all flow rates. With no moving parts to wear down over time, this reliability and accuracy is sustained over the full life of the meter. The NextCentury wireless platform is simple to install and paired with world-class support. The open flow-tube design enables the NextMeter to be installed earlier in the construction process, eliminating the need to use a spacer tube and providing savings in time and material costs.

Technical Specifications

Approvals: FCC ID: 2A8EC-NM4I | IC: 28950-NM4I NSF/ANSI 61 | NTEP/CTEP Approval 20-012 Complies with AWWA C715-18
Applications: Meter Size 1, Connection (NPSM) 1, Lay Length 9
Max Flow: 25-30-30
Flow Measurement: Measures flow as low as .01 gpm and up to 30 gpm Exceeds AWWA accuracy standards
Accuracy %: +6% AWWA +5%, +4%, +2%, 0%, -2%, -4%, -5%, -6%
Communications: Built-in NextCentury ConnectTM 902-928 MHz Wireless reads received by Gateway (required) Compatible with all NextCentury Gateways and Repeaters
Data: Typical 10-year battery longevity Field-replaceable CR18505 lithium battery

LCD Registration

Wired Output: Pulse output capable with cable (accessory) Ideal for remote meter display requirements 1 pulse per 10 gallons/liters
Pressure Loss (PSI): 2

Installation Requirements

Indoor installation only
Up to 90% non-condensing humidity
Horizontal or vertical installation
Register to face in any position best for reading

Installation Instructions

The NextMeter Indoor can be installed horizontally or vertically. The register display should face the direction that is most convenient for reading. It can be installed by a plumber as part of initial supply line work. The meter is not adversely affected by small debris that may pass through during flush-out procedures. Ensure that the inlet and outlet supply lines are in alignment and do not rely on tightening the connection to pull pipes together or into alignment. The flow direction arrows can be seen on both sides of the meter, and they must be installed in the correct direction of flow.

Note: The NextMeter greatly reduces both installation and programming time because it has the best metering and wireless components combined into a single device.

The ultrasonic NextMeter Indoor integrates sophisticated
solid-state measuring technology with the NextCentury wireless platform. Making it the ﬁrst solid-state meter purpose-built for submetering.

Next Ultrasonic Technology

The NextMeter combines cutting-edge ultrasonic technology with the industry-leading AMR solution, all in a simple and easy-to-use meter designed for effortless deployment.
NextMeter ultrasonic technology reliably detects even the smallest amount of ﬂow and extends this level of accuracy across all ﬂow rates. Without moving parts to wear down over time, this reliability and accuracy are sustained over the full life of the meter.
NextCentury Wireless Platform
The NextCentury wireless solution has set the benchmark for performance and reliability. It is a metering solution that is simple to install and is paired with world-class support.

Installation Simpliﬁed

With the best metering and wireless components combined into a single device, the NextMeter greatly reduces both installation and programming time.
The open ﬂow-tube design enables the NextMeter to be installed earlier in the construction process, eliminating the need to use a spacer tube, and providing savings in time and material costs.

Key Beneﬁts

Designed for the needs of the indoor submetering market
Accuracy that doesn’t fade over time
Open ﬂow-tube design, reducing head loss

Quicker Installs

All-in-one meter and transceiver simpliﬁes installation
Single visit installs for new construction

Established Platform

Plug-n-play on the NextCentury wireless platform
Fixed-wireless solution with real-time data and alerting

Built to Last

Fully electronic with no moving parts that wear out
Field replaceable battery

Technical Summary

Approvals

FCC ID: 2A8EC-NM4I | IC: 28950-NM4I NSF/ANSI 61 | NTEP/CTEP Approval 20-012 Complies with AWWA C715-18

Applications

Size	(NPSM)	Length	Flow
⅝” x ¾”	1”	7 ½”	25
¾” x ¾”	1”	7 ½”	30
¾” Full*	1”	9”	30

Available with 1 ½” extension coupling

Flow Measurement

Measures ﬂow as low as .01 gpm and up to 30 gpm Exceeds AWWA accuracy standards

Pressure

Up to 250 psi operating pressure Minimal head loss – 3 psi at 15 gpm

Temperature

Water temperatures up to 180º F | 82ºC
Ambient 36ºF to 140ºF | 2ºC to 60ºC
Storage 0ºF to 100ºF | -18ºC to 38ºC

Installation Requirements

Indoor installation only Up to 90% non-condensing humidity Horizontal or vertical installation Register facing in any position best for reading

Communications

Built-in NextCentury Connect™ 902-928 MHz wireless Wireless reads received by Gateway (required) Compatible with all NextCentury Gateways and Repeaters

Data

Web and mobile app Open API access to interval data Hourly high-resolution meter read Ambient and water temperature Flow proﬁling – max ﬂow, abnormal ﬂow Cloud-conﬁgurable alerts and notiﬁcations

Battery

Typical 10-year battery longevity Field-replaceable CR18505 lithium battery

LCD Registration

Displays 10 digits of total volume Gallons, cubic feet, liters, or cubic meters Flow indication wheel and current ﬂow rate Alert indicators – backﬂow, dry, low battery, leak

Wired Output

Pulse output capable with cable (accessory) Ideal for remote meter display requirements 1 pulse per 10 gallons/liters

Installation Summary

Dimensions

Inline Options

The NextMeter Indoor can be installed horizontal or vertical.
Orient the register display facing the direction that will be convenient for reading.

New Construction

The NextMeter Indoor can be installed by a plumber as part of initial supply line work. The meter is not adversely affected by small debris that may pass through during ﬂush-out procedures.

Supply Line Coupling

Ensure that inlet and outlet supply lines are in alignment. Do not rely on tightening the connection to pull pipes together or into alignment.
The meter must be installed in the correct direction of ﬂow. The ﬂow direction arrows can be seen on both sides of the meter.
Connect to your water supply lines using 1” NPSM meter couplings.
Always use new ﬁber or EPDM rubber gaskets and tighten to no greater than 11 ft-lb of torque.

Pressurizing Line

The NextMeter will begin measuring total ﬂow as soon as air has evacuated and water has ﬁlled the line.
After pressurizing, feel around the coupling area to check for moisture and ensure a water-tight connection has been made.

LCD Display

The LCD displays a meter read up to 10 digits, as well as the current ﬂow rate and unit of measure. The ﬂow indicator wheel spins when any ﬂow is detected.

The following status icons will show when applicable:

LCD display is inactive; close lid, then open again to view active display
The ﬂow tube is dry
A burst pipe has been detected
Battery has less than 10 months remaining
Tampering has been detected
Transmitting meter read data
Wired output, pulse is being sent
The meter is accepting a new conﬁguration

Shows in place of the ﬂow rate, count increments when meter conﬁguration updated

Wireless Communication & Programming

Programming & Conﬁguration

Programming is the process of associating the meter’s serial number with the unit number and water utility type where it is installed.
This process is quick and simple using the NextCentury web or mobile app. The website offers a rapid programming interface which is convenient for pre- programming devices before installation (nextcenturymeters.com)
Or, your meters can be programmed incrementally during installation using the mobile app.

Create the Building Layout

Using the web or mobile app, recreate your property’s layout by adding buildings or floors and unit numbers.

Add Gateway and Repeaters

Add the serial number of the Gateway and Repeaters which have been or will be installed.

Scan the Meter’s Barcode

Using an accessory barcode scanner or the mobile app’s built-in barcode scanner, capture the serial number of the meter.
Enter any location or description information that will be useful for tracking and maintenance

Wireless Communication

Open the cover of the NextMeter to initiate a two-way wireless check-in.
The meter’s LED indicator will blink green two times verifying its connection with the Gateway.
If green blinks are not seen, ensure the Gateway is online and any needed Repeaters are powered on.
The cover can be closed and opened again to retry – if green blinks are not seen after retrying, an additional Repeater likely needs to be installed

Warranty & Regulation

FCC

Spectrum Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Section 15 & ISEDRSSs:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules andInnovation, Science and Economic Development
Canada’s licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Notice to User:
Please note, as a user of this equipment that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved may void your authority to operate the equipment.
Exposure to RF:
This equipment complies with FCC and IC RSS-102 radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Contact Information

Documents / Resources

| NextCentury NM4I Indoor Ultrasonic Meter [pdf] Installation Guide
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