Lowrance electronic EP-15 User Manual
Pub. 988-0154-371
black lead.
EP-15 Fluid Level
Electronic Sensor
Installation Instructions
This instruction sheet tells how to install your EP-15 Fluid Level
sensor and connect it to a NMEA 2000
network components. You must refer to your digital gauge, sonar or
GPS unit's manual for sensor operation instructions.
Caution:
Installing LowranceNET NMEA 2000 devices is significantly
different from installing earlier Lowrance components without
NMEA 2000 features. You should read all of the installation
instructions before proceeding. You should decide where to
install all components before drilling any holes in your vessel.
Some sonar or GPS units may require a software upgrade to display
NMEA 2000 data correctly and a manual addendum describing how to
operate the sensor. You can download these free and get additional
information on the NMEA 2000
our web site, www.lowrance.com.
All Lowrance NMEA 2000 capable devices are either NMEA 2000
certified or certification is pending. See our web site for the latest
product status information.
Smart
module
network using LowranceNET
compatible LowranceNET system at
Blue female NMEA
2000 connector
Sending unit
connections:
red lead and
The EP-15 Fluid Level sensor.
1
The EP-15 consists of a smart module with a blue female locking cable
connector on one end and two bare wires on the other. The cable length
from the connector to the smart module is 18 inches (46 cm) and from
the smart module to the bare wires is 10 feet (3 meters).
The smart module converts fluid level information received from the
sending unit (fluid level arm or potentiometer) to the NMEA 2000 data
format. This allows any digital gauge, sonar or GPS unit connected to
the NMEA 2000 network to display the fluid level.
The EP-15 sensor is most commonly used in fuel tanks, but it is
designed to monitor fluid levels in almost any situation, including live
wells, oil reservoirs, fresh water, gray water or black water tanks.
The EP-15 Fluid Level sensor, like the other Lowrance Electronic Probe
(EP) sensors, is designed only for use with a NMEA 2000 Network. It
must be connected to a NMEA 2000 network or it will not function.
Tools and Supplies
Your EP sensor packs with a T connector needed to attach it to a
LowranceNET NMEA 2000 network. If you are connecting to an
existing LowranceNET network, those are all the electronic
components you need. If this is the first sensor you are connecting, you
will also need a one-time purchase of a LowranceNET Node Kit.
LowranceNET Node Kit for a NMEA 2000 network. Includes a 2 foot (61
cm) extension cable, T connector, 120-ohm male terminator and 120-
ohm female terminator.
For complete instructions on setting up a new NMEA 2000 network or
expanding an existing one refer to the "Setup and Installation of NEMA
2000 Networks, General Information" document (part number 9880154-172) included with your EP-15 sensor. If that document is missing
it can be downloaded free from the Lowrance web site.
2
Sending unit mounting plate configurations vary. When connecting the
EP-15, you will need whatever tools and supplies that will work with your
sending unit's specific design. Recommended tools include: pliers. If you
need to route the smart module or cable connector through a bulkhead,
you will need a drill and a 7/8" (22 mm) drill bit.
Supplies are not included, unless otherwise indicated. The EP-15's two
lead wires are pre-stripped. We recommend using marine-grade crimp-on
connectors that will fit your sending unit's electrical connections.
Installation
This instruction sheet assumes the mounting bracket is connected to
the fluid level arm (or potentiometer) and is already installed in the
tank. The EP-15 wires — red (positive) and black (negative) — will
connect to the sending unit's mounting bracket, on top of the tank.
Tip:
The EP-15 is designed to be the only device receiving signals from
the sending unit. If the EP-15 is replacing a previous gauge, make
sure you remove all the old gauge wires before you begin. If this is a
replacement, note which connection is positive before disconnecting
the old wires.
Caution:
Do NOT connect the sensor's blue locking collar connector to the
network until you have finished connecting the red and black
leads to the sending unit. This reduces the risk of a stray spark
when working around fuel tanks.
Your first step is to attach marine-grade crimp-on connectors to both
the red lead (+) and the black (–) lead.
Attach appropriate connectors to wire leads.
3
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