Wiring Sprinkler System

Once the valve or valve manifold is installed you are ready to wire each valve. The bundle of wires will need to be run to the area where you plan to install the timer.

For each manifold location you will need the following supplies:

• A bundle of wires which consists of multiple color wires and one white wire know as the common wire.
  Note: Use 18-gauge wire, this is the gauge that is approved for underground usage.
• Waterproof connectors called "Grease Caps".

Attach a separate color coded wire to one of the leads on the each of the valve solenoids.NOTE: It does not matter which wire lead is chosen for color or common white wire on the solenoid. You must connect the wires using waterproof grease caps. Waterproof grease caps are filled with a silicone which will seal the wires from moisture.

The other lead from each valve will be attached to the common white wire. Once again use the grease caps to make the connection. If a wire is too short to reach you can simply splice another piece of common wire by connecting the wires together with the grease caps.

Now you will run the bundle of wires under the irrigation pipes. The wires will be put on the bottom of the trench. The pipes will be installed on top of the wires. This will add extra protection for the electrical wiring from being damaged by yard tools such as shovels, hoe blades, etc... Install the irrigation pipes and secure the wires to the pipes with electrical tape. Leave the wires untrimmed until you are ready to attach them the controller.
Note: Wires must be buried at least 6" deep.
Note: Wires that run up the side of a structure to reach the timer should be secured with plastic electrical staples.