Troubleshooting Sprinkler Controller Electrical Issues
Вставка
- Опубліковано 9 січ 2020
- Learn how to check the fundamental electrical functions of your sprinkler controller. How to use a multimeter to check your sprinkler controller. Where to find answers to your sprinkler controller questions. How to know if you have a wiring problem with your sprinkler system. Imperial, Hunter, Orbit & Rainbird controller troubleshooting. What is a sprinkler controller's job? Sprinkler Repair DIY. Sprinkler Repair. Do it yourself sprinkler repair. Sprinkler Troubleshooting
- Навчання та стиль
As a fellow irrigator I’ve been watching your videos for quite some time now…. Your simplistic approach of explaining things is flawless. If you ever get tired of doing irrigation you should 100% look into opening a training class or seminar….. etc. I feel like you could teach a 10 year old irrigation 101.
Thank you for your content 4L
How kind of you! I really appreciate your encouragement.
Thank you so much for the tips. I had all my zones run at once. I wasn’t sure what to do, until I saw your video and understood how to check it with the voltmeter. While I was in the control box, I saw the reset button, hit it, and that cleared whatever the problem was. I can track the voltage through each zone as they turn on and off, and I’m confident it’s resolved the issue. That saved me $100 for a new controller.
So glad to hear!
Your videos are fantastic and very easy for a dyi’er to be able to understand.
Thank you very much!
Have a 20 year old Rainbird ESP-8 controller.with 6 zones. When the timer turns on station 1 it also turns on stations 4, 5, and 6. When trying to set a time the display sometimes starts jumping around. Does this indicate its time for a new controller ?
I have an existing and active one in my 1953 home! It works wonderfully! After all of this time!
Very cool!!!!
Thank you so much! Very helpful 🙏
My pleasure!
Best explanation ever thanks
My pleasure!
Amazing. Thank you.
My pleasure!
you are the best, thank you very much!
My pleasure! Thank you!
My exact same problem, zone 1 - 6 work fine but 7 - 11 aren’t acknowledged by controller (Hunter Pro-C). Did reset and it acknowledged but didn’t have output. Ordered two new modules on Amazon. Hope it works. Thank for the informative videos.
You have the modules all the way in and the plastic slide set to lock?
Thank you for your (calm), instructive video tutorials! I used to have zero knowledge of how my sprinkler system worked - now I have a solid, basic idea thanks to you!
Last week, out of the blue, my entire system stopped working. I am currently diagnosing the problem(s). Since no zone works, can I assume it's likely a problem with the common wire (I have no master value)? 🤔
GSR thank you for the kind words! It could be, I’d start by checking ohms to see. I hope the best for you!
Thanks so much for your informative video!
I had an issue with my sprinkler system turning on by itself recently during a very bad storm with strong winds (tornado warnings) and heavy rain. My lights flickered on and off a couple of times and then the power had gone out. It came back on about 5 minutes later. It somehow must have triggered something in my sprinkler system to cause some of my zones to come on by themselves. I went to my sprinkler control box (Rainbird ESP-M) in the garage, but the box looked like it had no power because the display was completely blank. I had to unplug the controller and then plug it back in to reset it in order for the sprinklers to stop running.
My control box seems to be working now. However, I’m wondering if this might happen again during another power outage and if there’s something wrong with my controller or if this was a one time, kind of freaky thing that happened. Do you know what would cause a sprinkler system to turn on several zones by itself? Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening again? Or maybe I just need a new controller?
Thanks so much for any advice you can offer.
Lightning is the biggest concern. I've seen it blow controllers off the wall and destroy the wiring and solenoids in the yard. If lightning hits there's not much that can be done. You can plug your controller into a surge protector.
That relic with the metal box is ungrounded, so the box could become energized if there's an internal short.
I have a Tufsco sprinkler unit no longer made.House was built in 1963.The zones (10) all work both on Auto and Manual but on Auto mode the timer for the days and hour of the day no longer work.So I can set it for the week.My problem is that nobody knows the configuration when they open the inside.It seems like you maybe able to help.
Ernest Kanu so sorry but I’m not familiar with Controller.
Good video going through many items and helped me determine I had a PCM issue. I have one issue no one seems to be able to help me with. I have a Hunter Pro-C 12 zone controller that has 26v at the zone 1 terminal, but the zone does not work. If I move the wire for that zone to any other terminal, the zone functions properly. Any ideas?
The only thing I can think of is if you have a master valve and the master valve is not giving 24V on that particular terminal.
@@sprinklerrepair4L following your message I did some more metering and found that the M/V was not being powered for that zone, was able to find the pump setting and sure enough it was set to no for some reason, I changed it and now it is working, thank a ton
I appreciate the instruction. Very informative. I have not seen anything that addresses the issue I am having. Every other time the pump is supposed to start, it will not run. The pump switch clicks to activate, but it immediately releases and the pump does not start. The next time, the pump runs normally. It does not matter what zone it is on, the pump will only run every other time it is supposed to. The system has four zones, but only three solenoids. Any ideas? It does this using the timer or manual start.
Mom Bomb you might try reading the ac on the pump when it fails, just to make sure the controller is doing its job. If so, I’d get someone who knows about pumps to look at it. I hope the best for you!
@@sprinklerrepair4L thank you for the reply. It is not the pump. When the pump is disconnected, the switch/relay still will not maintain a closed circuit every other time it is cycled. The switch/relay has been replaced and still has the same issue. I am certain that issue is control or wire related. Just banging my head trying to find where and why it is every other time. Thanks again.
Mom Bomb I’d look at the ac on pump wire in the controller
@@sprinklerrepair4L thank you, I will check it the next time I am there.
Great video. Thank you. One question, if I turn on one zone should the other zones reflect a zero voltage?
Yes that is correct. The master valve slot will always receive voltage no matter what zone is on, and then the zone that it is turned on will have voltage
@@sprinklerrepair4L thank you! When I test one zone all nine zones are getting 24v, not just the one. Is there a repair for this or just a new controller recommended? Old rainbird E9-C.
@@thefortyacres4380 There is not a fixture that that I know. However, you can call Rainbird Tech Support and they will walk you through any type of resolution that exist for that particular controller for free. Hope the best for you!
My system doesn’t run. When I only connect zone 1 and common to the controller and turn it on, I also see voltage on the other station wires that are not connected to the controller. What does it mean when I have voltage leaking in from the exterior? A wire short? Another things I can test?
I don’t have a good answer for you. I want to make sure that you were not looking at resistance versus voltage first of all. You will have resistance on wires that are not connected to the controller, but cannot have voltage unless there is power coming from some other source. Make sure that your multi meter is on resistance and check the meter for that and then turn it to voltage for the voltage check. If you have done that correctly then I do not know another source that could be supplying the wires that are disconnected from the controller. I hope the very best for you!
Could you help me with a question? I just installed a 6 zone Orbit controller but I only have 5 zones to my system. I have wires to the 5 zones but the 6th is not connected. My system is hooked up to a GCFI receptacle and whenever the system gets to the 6th zone it trips the GCFI. Can I just put a jump wire from 5 to 6 to prevent the tripping? Thanks for your time.
If you don’t have time on the 6th zone then I can’t see how it would even go to the 6th zone to trip it. Orbit should have a help line. I would call them and see what they say.
thanks for the video! I have a weird issue at home right now. Station 1 on my sprinklers will turn on, run for about 20 seconds then turns off, then turns on again, then off etc. All the other valves work just fine. I replaced the controller thinking it was bad but it does the same thing with the new controller so I believe the station 1 solenoid may be bad. the brand new controller blinks off for a brief 2-3 seconds, then turns back on which I believe is causing the valve to come on and off. any thoughts?
Usually it’s a short. Most of the time caused by a bad connection.
@@sprinklerrepair4L thank you! I was able to replace the solenoid and that fixed the issue
@@chubbrock659 so glad to hear!
We have a 1989 IrriTrol controller. Nether Automatic nor Semi-Automatic works, but each of the 8 zones works fine if I do each manually via the controller. When the scheduled automatic time comes on (at 4 in the morning!) no zone goes on and it LOUDLY and violently rattles our water pipes.
I’d welcome your suggestion.
If I understand correctly, your valves work if you use the manual aspect of your controller but not when they are scheduled. This sounds like a controller problem. Most all controllers have toll free numbers you can call and they will help you trouble shoot the controller. I hope the best for you!
@@sprinklerrepair4L Thank you. Unfortunately, due to my controller’s advanced age, Irri-Trol says they can’t help. Any recommendations for a basic 8-station controller-no WiFi needed?
I like the esptmt2-8 RB controller if you don’t want Wi-Fi (it’s Wi-Fi capable but I’m not a fan of that aspect).
Can you do a troubleshooting video on a irrigation pump not turning on? I have power at the controller but the pump isn’t turning on.
Sorry pumps are outside my expertise. I hope the very best for you!
Question: I have a Hunter Pro-C that is 19 yrs old. Just turned it on for the first time this year, and suddenly zones 4 & 6 don’t work; i have 6zones total. Zones 4 thru 6 are on the pcm-300 module; zone 5 works. I confirmed zero voltage to the master valve when zones 4 & 6 are active; i get 26 volts to all zones when they are active and 26 volts to the master, except when 4&6 are active. Would you suspect that’s a module issue or do I need to replace the entire controller? Thank you in advance
It's probably the module. I'd consider cost as it might be a better investment to get a new one.
@@sprinklerrepair4L thank you for the reply. My thoughts exactly. $50 for a new module. A new controller (fixed) seems like it would serve its purpose for $85 - Hunter XC600i. The options are a bit overwhelming. Wifi would be fantastic but comes with a much higher price.
I have one of these Imperial valve timers from 1976 I got one of these just recently and tested it and everything worked fine except for the 11 zones for the each minute indication it would work on every single one except for the 5 Minute timer it would not recognize it and go straight past it therefore it doesn't do a 5-minute watering cycle I don't know why this is doing this I am thinking this is a sign of where on the components maybe you know the answer on how I could fix this
Sorry I don’t. Someone who works on electronics can help you out.
Ok thanks for the information.
I have an old Imperial Valet timer and it working in manual mode but not in automatic mode. Is it working repairing. How hard is it to switch to a modern unit?
Personally, I'd switch to a new one. It's not hard to change. Mark all your wires and you shouldn't have any issues. I hope the best for you!
Those electromechanical controllers like that one or a Rainbird RC have time and date wheel advance motors that burn out. If you set the correct time and day and come back the next day and one of them hasn’t advanced properly, that’s the issue, provided you’re sure that you have the it programmed correctly (the correct hour and day pins pushed in or pulled out).
Just replaced a controller that went bad because of a power outage. I got the same model, Rain Bird SST600i. As soon as I plug the unit in it starts watering and will not shut off. I have 2 units and swapped power supplies and the same thing is happening Any suggestions?
Solanoid?
I have re-wired my sprinkler system (took over the parents' old house) and put in the Orbits 6 zone.
When we turned the circuit breaker back on, the Orbits popped and smoked..... Now nothing turns on, no pump, no water.
Yes, I connected the appropriate wires to the correct places. Any suggestions?
I would call orbit and get there input on what went wrong.
How do I manually run through zones on my imperial valet controller?
ua-cam.com/video/NNQpVEntNmk/v-deo.html
I I have a 1960s imperial valet controller. It works fine except every morning I need to push the reset button to get it to work. Any ideas on what the problem might be?
No, I sure don't . I don't work on any controllers. If you know someone who works on electronics, I sure it would be easy to figure out.
@@sprinklerrepair4L Ok, thank you
How to connect x-core outdoor to the electricity?
Technically if there isn’t a plug it calls for an electrician.
The X-Core outdoor has an internal transformer. All you need is a 3 strand pigtail
Why am I getting only 23+/- volts. The solenoid won’t start with less than 24v. Randomly it will work. When working it’s always above 24v B-hyve controller. New.
Usually 23v will open a solenoid. I would call the manufacturer help line and get there input.
My sprinkler system won't turn on. I have 4 stations and none of it is working. Valves and solenoids are working fine when I turn it on manually and Technician confirmed it. Technician said it is wiring issue. Sprinkler wire runs from the Sprinkler controller through the wall to my backyard and then to the system. There is one junction where the wire from controller ends and connected to another wire which runs underground to the sprinkler system. When I used the wire tracer from the controller to the junction and then to the sprinkler system I am getting the signal clearly, so that rules out cut in the wire underground. I checked common wire and wires for each zones with clear signal from controller to sprinkler box. When I used the multimeter on the controller when Zone 1 is running I am getting roughly 30 Volts on all zones (30 volts on Zone 2-4 as well). Technician said wire tracer is not perfect or all wires are touching somewhere in the underground since I am getting 30 voltes on all zones when Zone 1 is running, and 2 to 3 volts on rest of the areas in the controller. No external damage on the wires at junction/open ground. I am a bit confused if it is a controller issue or wiring problem. Thank you for your insight.
If you’re getting voltage zones, when only one is running, then it is a control issue.
Here is a WICKED problem, no matter what zone I select manually zone 2 always comes on as well. I have eight zones, all eight do the same thing, I select zone 5, 5 & 2 come on, or zone 8, 8 &2 come on. I disconnrcted zone 2 wire from the controller, same issue, zone 2 comes on with all 8 zones. Zone 2 wire is disconnected and it still comes on, this is freaking me out !!!!
It is a mechanical failure of that valve. If you didn't have a Master Valve that zone would run 24/7. Need to find the valve and replace the guts in it or replace the whole thing if it's old and parts aren't available. I hope the best for you!
Zone 2 runs continuously, the valve is stuck. That freaked me out.