NextCentury NM4I Ultrasonic Meter Installation Guide

NextCentury NM4I Ultrasonic Meter

Specifications

• Model: NextMeter Indoor
• Technology: Ultrasonic Meter with NextCentury ConnectTM Wireless
• Flow Measurement: 0.01 gpm to 30 gpm
• Max Operating Pressure: Up to 200 psi
• Accuracy: +/- 1.5% to +/- 6%
• Battery: CR18505 lithium battery (10-year longevity)
• Wireless Frequency: 902-928 MHz

Installation Guide

Installation Requirements

• Indoor installation only
• Up to 90% non-condensing humidity
• Horizontal or vertical installation
• Register facing in any position best for reading
• 7.5 min. straight pipe preceding meter

Installation Steps

1. Ensure supply lines are aligned with at least 7.5 inches of straight pipe before the meter.
2. Install the NextMeter Indoor in the correct direction of flow (flow direction arrows provided).
3. Orient the register display for convenient reading.

Data Communication
The NextMeter Indoor comes with built-in NextCentury ConnectTM wireless technology, operating at 902-928 MHz. Wireless reads are received by a Gateway (required), compatible with all NextCentury Gateways and Repeaters.

FAQ

• Can the NextMeter Indoor be installed in new constructions?
  Yes, the meter can be installed by a plumber as part of initial supply line work. It is not affected by small debris during flushout.

• What is the battery life of the NextMeter Indoor?
  The meter uses a CR18505 lithium battery with a typical longevity of 10 years and is field-replaceable.

• What is the maximum flow rate the NextMeter Indoor can measure?
  The meter can measure flow rates as low as 0.01 gpm and up to 30 gpm, exceeding AWWA accuracy standards.

INTRODUCTION

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 is 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 over time
• Field replaceable battery

Technical Summary

Approvals

• FCC ID: 2A8EC-NM4I | IC: 28950-NM4I
• NSF/ANSI 61 | NTEP/CTEP Approval 23-055
• Conforms to AWWA C715-18

Applications

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

Pressure

• Up to 200 psi operating pressure
• Minimal head loss: less than 2 psi at 15 gpm

Temperature

• Accuracy tested up to 150º F | 66ºC
• Ambient 33ºF to 140ºF | 2ºC to 60ºC
• Storage 0ºF to 100ºF | 1ºC 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 7.5” min. straight pipe preceeding meter

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
• API access to interval data
• Hourly high-resolution meter read
• Ambient and water temperature
• Flow profiling – abnormal & reverse flow detection
• Cloud-configurable alerts and notifications

Battery

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

LCD Registration

• Displays 10 digits of total flow in gallons
• 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 display requirements (1 pulse per gallon)

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 flushout procedures.

Supply Line Coupling

• Ensure that supply lines are in alignment and include at least 7.5” of straight pipe before the meter. 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 15 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 10-digit meter read, 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:

Programming & Wireless Communication

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 web or mobile app and can be completed as a process before installation, or incrementally as each meter is installed.
• The NextCentury web app (app.nextcenturymeters.com) offers a rapid programming interface which is convenient for pre-programming devices before installation. The NCSS mobile app is ideal for on-site programming and verification.

Property Setup

• Using the web or mobile app, recreate your property’s layout by adding buildings or floors and unit numbers.
• Add the serial number of the Gateway and Repeaters being installed.

Scan the Meter’s Barcode

• Using an accessory barcode scanner or the mobile app’s built-in barcode scanner, input 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 and Repeaters are powered and online.
• The meter 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.

Testing & Quality Assurance

Performance in Application

• Multi-family and commercial water distribution systems must be designed with careful consideration to prevent pressure spikes that exceed maximum pressure requirements. All plumbing components, fixtures, and appliances typically are required to withstand at 2x the nominal static water pressure.
• The NextMeter is engineered to perform far beyond these basic requirements. Its rated maximum pressure far exceeds standard water supply specifications. And should a water system become over-pressured, the engineered and tested burst pressure is several times this operating maximum, ensuring that the NextMeter is unlikely to be be a point of failure, even in a plumbing system operating out of specification.

Pressure Endurance Testing

• The NextMeter’s advanced engineering and pressure endurance extends throughout its lifetime operation. This performance is verified using accelerated-life testing, in which the NextMeter is pressurized to 300 psi in cycles 100,000 times (see AWWA C715-18).
• A typical single or multi-jet submeter will begin to leak or completely burst within an average of 15,000 pressure cycles. The NextMeter can endure over 100,000 pressure cycles, ensuring its operating integrity over its full service life.

Design & Material Specifications

• The NextMeter boasts a unibody design that is incredibly strong and resilient for long term maintenance-free  operation. This contiguous flow-body design eliminates internal gaskets which are often a point of early failure in conventional meter designs.
• Advanced glass-reinforced polymer offers increased durability, resistance to deterioration, and protection against water contamination.

NSF Testing
The NSF testing is conducted to evaluate the quality and safety of the NM4-I NextMeter in compliance with NSF standards. The test ensures that the meter is free from harmful contaminants and can operate efficiently without posing any health risks.

Contact Information

For additional information or assistance, please visit our Support Center or contact our Product Support Team:

• support.nextcenturymeters.com
• (844) 538 8203
• support@nextcenturymeters.com

References

• Next Century App
• NextCentury
• Support Center

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