FortrezZ Flow Meter Interface (FMI) — Installation Guide

Installation guide for the FortrezZ Flow Meter Interface (FMI) with Z-Wave water flow meter — automates water consumption tracking, leak detection, and freeze alerts for your home or building. Plumbed on the water main, it reports gallons used, flags high-flow/no-flow states, and pairs with FortrezZ's Automatic Water Shut-Off Valve for a complete damage-prevention system.

Safety Warnings & Precautions

• Do NOT store highly flammable items (oily rags, combustibles) near the FMI.
• Do not apply electrical power to the unit unless it is fully assembled, to avoid shock.
• Install in accordance with electrical & plumbing codes. Consult a licensed electrician, plumber, and/or Z-Wave specialist if unsure.
• WARNING: The FMI must NOT be used in life-support and/or safety applications.
• Do not place the FMI on or near large metal objects — this decreases wireless range/blocks transmissions.
• It is against the law to remove or tamper with an existing city water meter.

What's in the Box

• Flow Meter Body
• Data Cable (6')
• Flow Meter Interface Radio (FMI)
• Brass Threaded Adaptors (Qty: 2)
• Sealing Rings (Qty: 2)
• Brass Pipe Meter Adaptor (Qty: 2)
• Power Cable (6.5')
• Power Adaptor

Installation Overview

Consult a licensed plumber before installing to determine the best location. Key requirements:

• Meter must be plumbed AFTER (downstream) of the main water shut-off valve.
• Meter Body must be installed in a horizontal orientation, level, with the register (dial face) facing UPWARD for accurate readings.
• If installed indoors: allow room for horizontal plumbing, register face up; keep within 10 feet of an electrical outlet in a dry location; the FMI must be in a conditioned, dry space within 25 feet of your Z-Wave hub or a signal-repeating device.
• If installed outdoors: meter can be above or below grade; add a service valve if needed; the FMI radio must be installed indoors, connected via the supplied data cable; protect the flow meter body from sun/weather with a protective cover.

Plumbing the Meter

1. Thoroughly flush the service line upstream of the meter to remove dirt/debris.
2. Set the meter in-line, matching the flow direction arrow cast into the meter body. Use copper female threaded adaptors for soldered copper lines, or the appropriate adaptor for PEX/CPVC.
3. Assemble using the supplied hardware.
4. When re-introducing water, gradually open the shut-off valve — do NOT open abruptly, as sudden pressure can damage the meter.

Connecting the FMI to Your Z-Wave Network

1. Install the two AA batteries and secure the bottom cover with the 4 supplied screws.
2. Bring the FMI within 3 feet of your Z-Wave hub to pair it.

Inclusion (adding to network): Set inclusion mode on your controller, then press and hold the program button on the FMI for 1-3 seconds. The LED blinks twice if successful.

Exclusion (removing from network): Set exclusion mode on your controller, then press and hold the button on the FMI for 1-3 seconds. The LED blinks four times once complete.

Connecting FMI to the meter: Walk the FMI back to the meter body location, plug the data cable into either port on the FMI, plug the power adaptor into the remaining port, then plug the adaptor into the wall. Power/data ports are interchangeable.

Functional Capability

• Flow vs. No Flow: Indicates flow immediately upon detection. Minimum flow to activate is 0.25 gallons/minute. If flow stops for >1 minute, reports a NO FLOW state.
• Flow vs. High Flow: Indicates whether flow rate is below or above 5 gallons/minute (configurable threshold). Above threshold triggers a HIGH FLOW state.
• Water Consumption Metering: Tracks running total of gallons consumed; view totals by day/week/month; reset the count at any time.
• Flood Detector: Flow data can trigger water leak alarms.
• Associations: Supports 4 association groups with up to 5 associated devices each (e.g. lights, remote audible alarms).

Configuring via Z-Wave

• Temperature Alarms: High/low setpoints configurable via Z-Wave. Low setpoint must be at least 2°C below high setpoint; range is -10°C to 70°C.
• Meter Count Reset: Can be reset back to 0 via Z-Wave configuration.
• Flow Threshold Alarms: Default high-flow threshold is 5 gallons/minute; configurable to a different value.

Maintenance & Care

Flow Meter Body (annual):

1. Shut off water main and drain the lines.
2. Disconnect the Flow Meter body from the FMI and remove it from the water main.
3. Remove the mesh filter on the inlet side; inspect for damage, clean, and reinstall.
4. Check O-ring seals and replace if necessary.
5. Reinstall the meter body onto the water main.
6. Slowly open the water main valve to re-pressurize (leave a faucet open to release air).

Note: More frequent filter cleanings may be required with well water or high sediment content.

Replacing FMI Batteries (2x AA, for backup): Do NOT unplug the FMI from AC power. Remove the bottom cover, replace the AA batteries with new ones, and re-fasten the cover with the 4 screws.

Troubleshooting — LED Status Indications

Trouble connecting to Z-Wave network? Check the FMI isn't already in a network (press the program button and observe LED). You may need to exclude the device first, then include it, or perform a full reset. Note: your Z-Wave hub may not support this device — contact FortrezZ for a list of recommended hubs.

Meter not reporting flow data? Check that the FMI is plugged into the meter body, the reed switch on the register isn't loose, and the meter is plumbed with the flow arrow in the correct orientation.

Warranty & Contact

One-year limited manufacturer's warranty against defects in material and workmanship under normal use. FortrezZ, LLC disclaims implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose; liability is limited to the amount paid for the product. Contact your distributor within 30 days of purchase for an exchange or refund if not satisfied.

Main office: (248) 481-7092 (M-F 9AM-5PM EST) · Sales: sales@fortrezz.com · Support: support@fortrezz.com · www.fortrezz.com