Troubleshooting Guide
for Zone Irrigation Systems
This Troubleshooting Guide will assist you in the location of
fault in an irrigation control system related to power supply
or valve control wires. There are corresponding instructions
on how to use the test tool to accomplish steps that require
their use.
Step 1
Make sure the master water supply is turned on.
Keep in mind the water supply may be controlled
by either a manual or electric master valve.
Step 2
Make sure any shut-off devices, such as a rain
sensor, are disabled or disconnected.
Step 3
Turn the controller on and sequence the clock
through the different stations. If nothing is working,
skip to Step 6. If some of the stations are working,
proceed to Step 4. If all of the stations are work-
ing, then you don’t have any troubleshooting to do
at the controller.
Step 4
Make a list of all of the stations that are not
functioning properly. Measure the output voltage
for each station using a Multi-Meter (Rain Bird
Model TI-DM200, TI-DM400 or TI-DSA500) and
the instructions provided. See Page 9 of this guide.
If the power is in range at every station (24-28
VAC ), proceed to Step 5. If the power is correct
when you test some stations, but not others, you
may need to have your controller repaired. Take
your controller to an authorized distributor.
Step 5
Turn the controller off to test the resistance at
each station. Use the following table to diagnose
the problem that each station may have.
0-5 ohms
Fully Shorted Solenoid
8-20 ohms
Shorted Solenoid or Multiple Valves
20-60 ohms
Normal
> 60 ohms
Bad Connection, Splices, Nicked
Wires, Open Solenoid or Broken Wire
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