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My Orbit Irrigation System Timer Has Power But Is Not Communicating With the Sprinkler System
My Orbit Irrigation System Timer Has Power But Is Not Communicating With the Sprinkler System. Sprinkler timers send an electric signal to a series of valves. These valves control the flow of water through an irrigation system. If your sprinkler timer has power but is not communicating with the valves, there is likely a faulty connection somewhere...
Sprinkler timers send an electric signal to a series of valves. These valves control the flow of water through an irrigation system. If your sprinkler timer has power but is not communicating with the valves, there is likely a faulty connection somewhere along the line.
Timer Power Supply
All electronic sprinkler timers use AC power. This requires the use of a small transformer that converts the 110-volt electricity in your home to the 12 volts that most timers use. If you do not have a transformer, chances are the power is too much for your timer to handle and it may have a blown fuse. Replace the fuse located inside the timer box.
Sprinkler Wiring
Sprinklers use a special type of wiring that is double wrapped to keep it waterproof. This wiring setup usually comes in bundles of seven or 13 wires, enough for a six- or 12-zone system. The white wire is the negative, or ground. Each colored wire represents a single sprinkler zone.
Connection Points
All sprinkler wires end up being connected to solenoids on the top of sprinkler valves. The wiring for solenoids must be kept completely waterproof. Even a single drop of water on the line can short out the solenoid, or the sprinkler timer. Always place sprinkler wire connection points into grease caps, which seal out all water.
