There are six main steps necessary to install a two-wire irrigation system. But before installation can begin, contractors must choose a proper location for the system’s wall-mounted controller. Contractors should keep a few factors in mind to ensure the controller is installed in a safe, accessible place that complies with local electrical codes.
First, contractors should select an area that is accessible yet protected from vandalism, such as in a utility room. To minimize electromagnetic interference, the location should be at least 15 feet away from devices such as air conditioners, refrigerators and pool pumps. The location should also have access to 120-Volt AC electrical power.
The controller should be mounted on a flat, stable, vertical surface that allows sufficient conduit clearance for the electrical connections at the bottom of the cabinet. Contractors should allow a clearance of at least 9 ½-inches for the hinged cabinet door to swing fully to the left, and allow at least a 6 ¼-inch clearance above the cabinet door so they can easily remove the hinge pin to service the controller.
Once the controller’s proper location is selected, Rain Bird suggests the following six installation steps are required:
1. Connect the sensor to the controller
2. Connect the controller cables and power
3. Connect the field decoders and solenoids
4. Connect the field decoder and pumps
5. Connect the sensor decoder and sensor
6. Connect the surge protector
*Information provided by Rain Bird
