Rain Bird MDC2, Instructions Manual, Page: 16 / 124

Connecting the Controller
There are three types of connections you must
make to your MDC2 Controller. They include:
• Connecting to the Two-wire Communications
Cable,
• Grounding the Controller, and
• Connecting to the Main Power Source.
Note:
You may also connect an optional sensor,
which prevents irrigation during rainfall or when the
soil is moist.
This section of the manual contains instructions
for all three types of basic connections, and the
optional sensor connection.
Note: If you are installing a field or sensor decoder,
please see the MDC2 and Decoder Installation
poster for more information.
All wiring must be installed and
connected in accordance with local
electrical codes.
Note:
You can run wires through the holes at the
bottom of the cabinet or through the knockout holes
at the back of the cabinet. If you use the knockout
holes, make sure you seal the unused bottom holes.
If you run the wires through the bottom holes, you
will need to install conduits. Slip the conduit through
the hole and secure it with a male adapter or other
conduit fittings.
Connecting to the Two-wire
Communications Cable
Note: You can connect up to three separate
two-wire communications cables (paths). The
communications cable you use must be approved
for underground use. Rain Bird
®
recommends
you use MAXI Cable, #14 AWG as your two-wire
communications cable.
Warning! Do not install the communications
cables in the same conduit as the wires to the
Main power source .
To connect the cable,
1. Feed the two-wire communications cable
through the conduit and into the controller.
2. Remove about 6” of the cable’s outer sheathing
and strip about 5/8” of the insulation from the
ends of the two wires.
3. Using a thin blade screwdriver, connect the wire
ends to a set of L1 and L2 terminals.
Tug on the wires to make sure the connections
are tight.
Installation,
continued
10