Autotrol 255/760 - User Manual

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Summary

CALCULATING HARDNESS, CAPACITY, AND BRINE FILL

COMPENSATED HARDNESS

Method for calculating compensated hardness by adding iron levels to initial hardness.

TANK SIZE AND SALT SETTING

Determining tank size and selecting the salt setting based on hardness.

PLACING AND FILLING THE TANK

Valve Installation

Lubricating o-rings and attaching the Autotrol 255/760 valve and riser tube to the tank.

Installing the Bypass Valve and Drain Line

Bypass Valve and Plumbing Adapters

PLUMBING YOUR AUTOTROL 255;760 VALVE

Plumbing Preparation and Connections

MAKING THE BRINE TANK CONNECTION

Brine Tubing and Float Assembly

PROGRAMMING THE AUTOTROL 255;760 VALVE

Initial Setup and Power Connection

Tank Size and Time Settings

Programming tank size, time of day, and day of the week.

Regeneration and Override Settings

Salt and Hardness Configuration

Setting salt level based on hardness and inputting the calculated hardness level.

INITIAL START-UP

System Priming and Leak Testing

Opening bypass, filling tank, and performing regeneration cycle to check for leaks.

Brine Refill and Salt Addition

This document is an installation guide for the Autotrol 255/760 Metered Water Softener, designed to provide quality water for less. It covers general reference, quick start instructions, detailed installation steps, programming, and initial system start-up.

Function Description

The Autotrol 255/760 Metered Water Softener is a system designed to remove hardness-causing minerals (like calcium and magnesium) and iron from water through an ion exchange process. It uses a metered control valve to track water usage and initiate regeneration cycles based on actual demand, optimizing salt consumption. The system includes a mineral tank, a brine tank, and the Autotrol 255/760 control valve, which manages the softening and regeneration processes.

Important Technical Specifications

The control valve features four main ports: BRINE, OUTLET, DRAIN, and INLET. It operates on a standard US plug, 120V 60Hz power source, and includes a 5 ft power cord. The system's capacity is measured in grains, and the tank size is expressed in cubic feet, calculated by dividing the grain capacity by 32,000 (e.g., 64,000 grains / 32,000 = 2.0 cubic feet).

Key programmable settings include:

Tank Size: Input in cubic feet (e.g., 2.00 Cu Ft).
Time of Day: Current time.
Day of the Week: Current day.
Regeneration Time: Default is 2:00 AM.
Day Override: Default is 14 days, which triggers regeneration after a set number of days if water usage alone doesn't initiate it.
Salt Setting: Options are L (Low, < 10 gpg), S (Standard, 10-20 gpg), or H (High, > 20 gpg), based on compensated hardness.
Capacity: This value is automatically set based on the salt setting and should not be changed.
Hardness: Input in Grains per Gallon (gpg), which is the compensated hardness level.

The manual provides a detailed table for determining the appropriate brine tank grid (Plain Grid, Grid + 3" Legs, Grid + 6" Legs) and salt setting based on the system's grain capacity, cubic feet, and compensated hardness level. Brine tank sizes mentioned include 11x11", 15x17", 18x33", 18x40", 24x41", and 24x50" grids.

Usage Features

The system is designed for residential use, providing softened water to the entire home. The metered regeneration ensures that the system only regenerates when necessary, saving salt and water.

Initial Programming: Upon first plugging in the unit, the control will prompt for initial settings. Users navigate through settings using UP/DOWN buttons, enter edit mode with the SQUARE/SET button, adjust values with UP/DOWN buttons, and confirm with SQUARE/SET.

Editing Program Values: After initial programming, individual settings can be edited by highlighting the desired setting with UP/DOWN buttons, entering edit mode with SQUARE/SET, adjusting with UP/DOWN buttons, and confirming with SQUARE/SET.

Reprogramming: To entirely reprogram the unit, hold both the SQUARE/SET and DOWN buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds until the tank size appears, then hold only the SQUARE/SET button to proceed with reprogramming.

Water Hardness Calculation: The guide outlines a crucial process for calculating "Compensated Hardness," which accounts for both water hardness and iron levels.

Initial Hardness: If hardness is in PPM or mg/L, divide by 17.1 to get Grains per Gallon (gpg).
Compensated Hardness: Multiply iron level (in PPM or mg/L) by 5 and add it to the initial hardness (gpg) to get the final compensated hardness (gpg). This value is then programmed into the softener.

Installation Steps:

Pre-Installation: Ensure a level, firm surface for the tanks, access to a 120V 60Hz power source, and proximity to the main water line and a floor drain.
Tank Placement and Filling: Place the mineral tank upright. If not pre-filled, insert the riser tube, ensuring it seats at the bottom and extends about 1" above the tank opening. Cover the riser tube with painter's tape to prevent resin from entering. Use a funnel to add gravel (if applicable) then resin media.
Valve Installation: Lubricate the o-rings on the bottom of the Autotrol 255/760 Valve. Install the top screen (standard or fine mesh) to the valve bottom. Place the valve onto the tank, ensuring the riser tube fits into the central o-ring. Hand-tighten the valve; do not use Teflon tape or pipe dope.
Bypass and Drain Line Installation: Attach o-rings to the bypass valve assembly and lubricate them. Secure the bypass valve to the control valve with screws and nuts. Apply Teflon tape to the drain port, attach the drain barb elbow, and connect a rigid ½" I.D. drain line, securing it with electrical tape and a clamp. Connect the drain line to a standpipe or drain according to local codes.
Plumbing into Home: Familiarize with IN/OUT ports. Turn off the main shut-off valve and depressurize the home's plumbing. Cut pipe sections for the softener. Plumb the system using copper, PVC, or flexible connections, adhering to local codes. If using copper, pre-fabricate 12" pipe sections and cool before assembly to prevent heat damage. Place the system into bypass. Gradually open the main valve to allow air to escape. Check for leaks.
Brine Tank Connection: Assemble the air check (clear plastic vial, rubber ball, o-ring) to the brine port of the valve. Connect the brine tubing to the brine fitting, finger-tighten, then turn ½ turn more with a wrench. Prepare and insert the brine support grid into the brine well. Pull out the 2310 Brine Float Assembly, insert the brine tubing end into the hex nut, and secure it. Connect a 1½" I.D. overflow tube from the brine tank to a floor drain as a precaution.

Maintenance Features

Salt Level: Always keep the brine tank filled with pellet, solar, or block salt to at least above the water level. The manual states that new resin arrives at full softening capacity, so immediate regeneration after installation is not needed. The softener will automatically trigger regenerations based on water consumption.

Leak Checks: The installation guide emphasizes checking for leaks at multiple stages: after plumbing the system into the home and after each step of the short form regeneration process (backwash, regeneration draw, regenerant refill). If leaks are found, the user is directed to review the relevant installation steps.

System Longevity: Proper installation and maintenance, including keeping the softener plugged in and the brine tank filled, are highlighted as crucial for years of trouble-free softened water.