Sprinkler wires can be a bit confusing if you are uncertain about what you are dealing with. Therefore, to best assist you on your journey of understanding irrigation sprinkler wires, we will break things down by parts, purpose, reasons, pros & cons, & other factors. We do whatever we can to ensure that you understand what to do with the sprinkler wires before you opt for irrigation installation in Austin, TX.
Purpose of Sprinkler Wires
The sprinkler wire’s purpose is to transfer electricity from the meter to the automatic valves, which helps with the opening of the valves. Each valve has an electro valve with two wires; one is the common wire, & the other is a zone wire. Generally, the common wire is white yet can be of any color as long as it is hooked to the collective slot in the sprinkler meter. However, the common wire must stay connected to all zones.
Are you looking forward to installing a new irrigation sprinkler in your backyard? In that case, opting for irrigation installation, Austin, TX, is the best option for you.
On the other hand, the zone wire is any wire hooked up to the particular zone. Usually, these are of different colors. However, both wires are attached to either end of the electro valve wiring; but neither connected together nor running belowground to the sprinkler meter.
Every zone wire is hooked to a discrete zone aperture on the sprinkler meter. If a pair of zone wires are jointly connected at any point, they’ll both activate at the same time. However, if a common wire is attached to a zone where the sprinkler meter is, then it will surely fail.
Reasons To Buy Sprinkler Wire:
So, before you opt for lawn irrigation, Austin, TX, let’s know about the reasons for buying sprinkler wire.
- Wiring from the automatic valve to the controller
- Common wire
- Running wire to sprinkler sensors
- On Surface Connections
- Wiring a decoder to a controller
- Wiring the valves of the sprinkler
- Decoder-Controller Connections
- Direct Burial Connections
Different Parts in Sprinkler Wire
Sprinkler wire is usually one wire bundled with various strands of small 18-gauge wire within it. Here, take a look at the different parts before going for lawn irrigation, Austin, TX.
- Wire Strands: Wire strands generally come in 3 to 8 wires but might go up to twelve or more. However, you will always require an extra wire in the bundle than the total number of valves. For instance, if there are 4 valves, you will need at least five strands, with the 5th wire as the common wire. While running a new wire, consider having more than the minimum. So, if wires break, it will make it easier to repair or add zones with the extra wire available.
- Wire Nuts: Wire nuts are mainly used to connect the electro valve & wire from the meter.
- Sprinkler Nodes: Sprinkler nodes are small sprinkler meter that fits inside a valve box.
- Wire Testers: The economical method is to have three 9-volt batteries & put them together. You might then utilize them to open the electro valve or test if the wire is broken. Moreover, they also make a device that transmits a signal in a pulse to switch on valves & might help look for broken wire.
- Wire Strippers: Wire strippers are usually used to cut & strip the wire covering off.
- Multimeter Tool: The multimeter tool tests the voltage & resistance to tell whether you have power or not. Volts should be between 24-28. You might also use this tool to check for resistance. Generally, resistance should be between 20-60 ohms to consider that both the electro valve & wire are good.
What Must be the Size of Sprinkler wire?
While installing an irrigation system with the help of irrigation installation, Austin, TX, the electrical wire must run from the sprinkler controller to every sprinkler valve.
Numerous manufacturers include tips about what size of wire to use with the valves. But generally, you might use an 18-gauge wire in case the length of the wire from the controller to the automatic valve is under 200 feet, & it is being installed as a household system. Moreover, use 14- or 16-gauge wire, which are usually larger, for long distances.
Sprinkler Wires Installation
If you conceal the wire in the burrow with the PVC pipe, place it 2-4 inches to the side or beneath the pipe because this will prevent the sprinkler wire from being cut or impaired if the pipe requires repair. While running numerous wires together, wrap them together every ten feet for simpler handling. To safeguard the wire from damage caused by chewing rodents or digging, run the wire thru a PVC pipe.
If you want to install a new sprinkler system in your lawn, choose lawn irrigation, Austin, TX.
Pros & Cons
- It is hard to find out where they are broken as they run belowground.
- Wires might run a longer distance which makes them vulnerable to be cut by diggers or other objects.
- Sprinkler wire might become brittle, charred, or exposed with time, very much like other wiring items.
- One benefit is that sprinkler wire does permit you to have a sprinkler meter run the sprinkler, generally making it easier for you to water the yard.
Now that you know about the pros & cons of sprinkler wire, it’s time for you to install a sprinkler system in your backyard by opting for lawn irrigation, Austin, TX.
Conclusion:
Sprinkler wiring can be a bit problematic to understand in the beginning, but by calling a professional sprinkler service team, you will be able to get it all set up or arranged in no time at all!
Call to Action:
Do you wish to have a sprinkler system installed in your backyard? In that case, visit Keep Austin Wet. Here you will get the best quality irrigation equipment along with a specialized team of professionals to help you with your installation, repair, & maintenance. If you need any additional help, get in touch with us via mail at aubreyhunter@aol.com