> Please read this documentation carefully and familiarize
yourself with the product before putting it to use. Pay particular
attention to the safety instructions and warning advice in order
to prevent injuries and damage to the product.
Symbols and writing standards
Representation Explanation
Warning advice, risk level according to the
signal word:
Warning! Serious physical injury may occur.
Caution! Slight physical injury or damage to
the equipment may occur.
> Implement the specified precautionary
Menu Elements of the instrument, the instrument
display or the program interface.
[OK] Control keys of the instrument or buttons of
the program interface.
2.2. Ensure safety
> Do not operate the instrument if there are signs of damage at
the housing, mains unit or hoses.
> Do not store the product together with solvents. Do not use any
desiccants.
> Carry out only the maintenance and repair work on this
instrument that is described in the documentation.
> Dangers may also arise from the refrigeration systems being
measured or the measuring environment: Note the safety
regulations valid in your area when performing the
measurements.
> If the manifold falls or another comparable mechanical load
occurs, the pipe sections of the refrigerant hoses may break.
The valve stem shutoff may also be damaged, whereby further
damage to the interior of the manifold may occur that cannot be
identified from the outside. The refrigerant hoses must therefore
be replaced with new, undamaged refrigerant hoses every time
the manifold falls or following any other comparable mechanical
load. Send the manifold to Testo Customer Service for a
technical check for your own safety.
> To prevent damage from ESD (electro-static discharge) or
transient voltage spikes make sure that your refrigeration
system is properly grounded, as otherwise the manifold might
2.3. Protecting the environment
get damaged.
> Dispose of spent batteries in accordance with the valid legal
specifications.
> At the end of its useful life, send the product to the separate
collection for electric and electronic devices (observe local
regulations) or return the product to Testo for disposal.
> Refrigerant gases can harm the environment. Please note the
3 Product description
applicable environmental regulations.
3 Product description
3.1. Use
Testo 557 is a digital manifold for maintenance and service work on
refrigeration systems and heat pumps. It is intended for use by
qualified personnel only.
The function of the testo 557 is designed to replace analog
manifolds, thermometers and pressure/temperature charts.
Pressures and temperatures can be applied, adapted, tested and
monitored.
Testo 557 is compatible with most non-corrosive refrigerants, water
and glycol. Testo 557 is not compatible with refrigerants containing
ammonia.
The instruments must not be used in explosive environments!
1. Press [Set] to confirm or change unit parameter settings
2. Press [▲]
or [▼] to change the units / parameters.
- The settings will be accepted once the last selection has been
made.
Key Functions Description
[▲]or [▼]
[Set]
Selectable
Change parameters and select units
Confirm units / parameters
Description
parameters
°C, °F
bar, kPa, MPa, psi
Temperature unit
Unit for pressure.
Pabs, Prelor psigSwitch between absolute and relative
pressure display
micron, inHg, Pa,
Unit for vacuum pressure.
hPa, mTorr,Torr,
inH2O, mbar
/ /
AUTO OFF
Select measuring mode: heat pump / cooling
/ or Auto
Activate or deactivate Automatic power-off.
Instrument switches off after 30 minutes if no
temperature probe is connected and there is
no pressure apart from ambient pressure
T
Activate or deactivate surface temperature
fac
compensation factor, icon is shown on the
display if the function is deactivated
- Settings will be applied following the final selection.
Operating the valve stem shutoffs
The digital manifold acts like a conventional two-way manifold with
regard to the refrigerant path: The passages are opened by
opening the valves. The adjacent pressure is measured with valves
closed as well as with them open.
> Open valve: Turn valve positioner counterclockwise.
> Close valve: Turn valve positioner clockwise.
Dropping this instrument or any other comparable mechanical
shock can damage the refrigerant pipes and hoses. The valve
actuators may also suffer damage, which in turn could result in
further damage inside the instrument and may not be detectable
from outside.
> For your own safety you should return the manifold to the
> You should therefore always replace the refrigerant hoses with
Choosing the refrigerant
1. Press [R, ►, ■].
- It activates the refrigerant menu and the currently selected
2. Setting the refrigerant:
Key functions Description
[▲]or [▼]
[R, ►, ■] Confirm the selection and exit the refrigerant
WARNING
Testo Service Department for technical inspection.
new ones after an accidental drop has occurred or after any
visible wear and tear.
refrigerant flashes.
Selectng another refrigerant
menu
10
Available refrigerants
Representation Description
R... Refrigerant number of refrigerant acc. to
ISO 817
---
no refrigerant selected.
Example: Setting refrigerant R401B
1. Press [R, ►, ■]to activate refrigerant menu.
2. Press [▲] or [▼] several times, until R401B flashes.
3. Press [R, ►, ■]to confirm the setting.
Exiting the refrigerant selection
> Press [R, ►, ■] or automatically after 30 s, if no other key has
2. To turn off the Bluetooth press [▲] and [▼] simultaneously and
hold down for 3 seconds.
- Once the Bluetooth icon is no longer shown on the display,
Bluetooth is switched off.
5.1.5.Measuring mode
Display Mode Function
Refrigeration
system
Heat pump Normal function of the digital manifold
Automatic
mode
There is no Bluetooth connection, or a
potential connection is being searched for.
There is a Bluetooth connection.
Bluetooth is disabled.
Normal function of the digital manifold
If the automatic mode is activated, the
testo 557 digital manifold automatically
changes the display of the high and low
pressure. This automatic change occurs
when the pressure on the low-pressure
side is 1 bar (15 psi) higher than the
pressure on the high-pressure side.
During the change, Load (2 s) is shown
in the display.
This mode is especially suited to air
conditioning systems which cool and
heat (heat pumps).
Risk of injury caused by refrigerant that is at high pressure,
hot, cold, or poisonous!
> Wear safety goggles and protective gloves..
> Before pressurizing the measuring instrument: Always fasten
the measuring instrument at the hanging hook in order to
prevent it from falling (risk of breakage)
> Check if the refrigerant hoses are intact and connected
correctly before each measurement. Do not use a tool to
connect the hoses. Only tighten the hoses by hand (max.
torque 5.0 Nm/3.7 ft*lb).
> Do not exceed the permissible measuring range (0 to 870 psi /
0 to 60 bar). Pay particular attention with systems with
refrigerant R744, as these are often operated with higher
pressures.
Measuring
1. Connect and apply pressure to the manifold.
2. See readings.
Note: With refrigerants that have a temperature glide, “Zeotropes”
the evaporation temperature Ev/to and condensation temperature
Co/tc are displayed after evaporation and condensation are
complete.
Zeotropes (refrigerants blends mix together) can separate from
each other, unlike azeotropes which mix together to become one.
Zeoptropes often blend refrigerants with different boiling points
(saturation temps), where one will change from liquid to vapor
before the other as they go through the evaporator. The glide is
the difference between the lowest boiling point and the highest
boiling point. If they are 3 degrees apart, for example, the blend
has a 3 degree glide..
The display illumination will flash if:
• The critical pressure of the refrigerant is within 15 psi (1 bar)
of the highest pressure (and temperature) where the
refrigerant can still condense.
• The maximum. permissible pressure of 870 psi (60 bar) is
exceeded.
Refrigerant evaporation
temperature Ev/to (°F/°C)
Evaporation pressure
(psi/bar)
Measured temperature T1/t
(°F/°C)
Evaporation pressure
(psi/bar)
Superheating SH/∆t
Evaporation pressure
(psi/bar)
Changeable
- Evaporation
Temperature (Ev)
- Measured
Temperature (T1)
- Superheating
(SH)
or [▼] to change the reading in the display.
Refrigerant condensation
temperature Co/tc (°F/°C)
Condensation pressure
(psi/bar)
oh
Measured temperature T2/t
(°F/°C)
Condensation pressure
(psi/bar)
oh
(°F/°C)
Subcooling SC/∆t
cu
(°F/°C)
Condensation pressure
(psi/bar)
Changeable
- Condensation
Temperature (Co)
- Measured
Temperature (T2)
- Subcooling (SC)
cu
14
Evaporation
pressure
Condensation
pressure
With both NTC temperature probes connected, ∆t is also shown.
> Press [Mean/Min/Max]: to display min. / max. readings and
mean values.
Leak test / pressure drop test
Systems can be tested for tightness with the temperaturecompensated leak test. The system pressure and the ambient
temperature are measured over a defined period of time, typically
with an inert gas such as Nitrogen. A temperature probe can be
connected that measures the ambient temperature. : Optional air
temperature probe, part. no. 0613 1712) is recommended.
Measurement data of the temperature-compensated differential
pressure and temperature, from start to the end of the test, is
displayed. It is possible to perform a leak test without connecting a
temperature probe.
2. Start the leak test: Press [R, ►, ■]. ∆P is now flashing and
hh:mm timer is on.
3. End the leak test: Press [R, ►, ■]. ∆P stops flashing and
hh:mm timer stops.
- Result is displayed. Note: Leak test time duration and ∆P value
4. Confirm the message: Press [Mode] to exit leak mode.
Differential
Duration
of test
pressure start
compared to
actual
Measured
pressure
beginning
of test
ctual
measured
pressure
Vacuum measurement
✓ The vacuum probe is plugged into the front connection of the
manifold and connected to the system.
1. Press [Mode] the vacuum mode is displayed.
If ambient pressure is applied to the vacuum probe, then oooo is
shown on the display.
2. Start the vacuum pump.
- Once the measuring range 0 to 20,000 microns is reached, the
current vacuum value is shown on the instrument display. The
instrument also displays the current ambient temperature, the
water evaporation temperature, which corresponds to the
vacuum reading, and the delta between these two
temperatures.
3. To leave vacuum mode, remove the vacuum probe from the
testo 557 or switch to the standard measurement view using the
The Bluetooth® option may only be operated in countries in
which it is type approved.
Feature Values
Bluetooth Range >20 m (free field)
Bluetooth type
LSD Science & Technology Co., Ltd
L Series BLE Module (08 Mai 2013) based
on TI CC254X chip
Qualified Design ID B016552
Bluetooth radio
Class 3
class
Bluetooth company 10274
European Union
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
United Kingdom.
EFTA countries
Island, Suisse, Norway, Lichtenstein.
Other countries
USA, Turkey, Hong Kong, Canada
Information from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Its
commissioning is subject to the two following conditions: (1) This
instrument must not cause any harmful interference and (2) this
instrument must be able to cope with interference, even if this has
undesirable effects on operation.
Changes
The FCC demands that the user be informed that any changes or
modifications to the instrument that are not explicitly approved by
Testo AG may void the user's right to use this instrument.
1. Fold out the hook, loosen the clip and remove the cover of the
battery compartment.
2. Remove discharged batteries/rechargeable batteries and insert
new batteries/rechargeable batteries (4x 1.5 V, type AA,
Mignon, LR6) in the battery compartment. Observe the polarity!
3. Set on and close cover of the battery compartment (clip must
engage).
Replacement of valve stem shutoffs or valves must be performed
by a qualified technician. Warranty coverage with respect to valve
stem shut-offs and valves will NOT apply to miss-use or damage
and is only applicable if failure is attributable to defective parts and
workmanship.
Send the measuring instrument to Testo Customer Service.
Cleaning the vacuum probe
Contaminants such as oil may impair the accuracy of the vacuum
sensor.
CAUTION
Carrying out cleaning with the probe connected may result in
damage to the probe!
> Remove the vacuum probe from the testo 557!
CAUTION
Damage to the sensor due to sharp objects!
> Do not insert any sharp objects into the probe!
1. Remove the vacuum probe from the testo 557.
2. Put a few drops of rubbing alcohol into the sensor opening.
3. Seal the opening by placing your finger on it and shake the
vacuum probe briefly.
4. Remove all the alcohol from the probe.
5. Repeat this process at least twice.
6. Leave the probe to dry for at least 1 hour. To dry the sensor
faster, you can connect the probe directly to a vacuum pump
and draw vacuum.