5
Control Wires Installation
Step 1 – Route the valve control wires between the valves and the MC-E controller.
For wire runs up to 1000’ between the controller and the valves, it is recommended to use an 18 AWG
(1.0 mm
2
) multi-wire sprinkler valve connection cable. This cable is insulated for direct burial and is color
coded to simplify installation.
Step 2 – Attach one wire from each valve solenoid to
the white color-coded wire from the cable.
(Since the valve solenoid has no polarity, either
wire can be used for this connection.) Designate
this connection as the Valve Common.
Step 3 – Attach a separate cable wire to each of the
remaining valve solenoid wire. Take note of the
wire color being used for each valve as well
as the watering zone/area it is designated. This
information will be important when connecting
the valve wires to the controller’s station
terminals.
Step 4 – Use wire nut fasteners to secure the valve
solenoid wire connection. Waterproof all
connections with grease caps or similar
insulation method.
Step 5 – Route the other end of the control wires into the
provided conduit hole at the bottom of the cabinet. Leave about 8” of cable remaining in the cabinet. Expose
about 3/8” of bare wire from the station and the valve common wires.
Step 6 – Secure the valve common wire to one of the three terminals labeled “VALVE COMMON” and each valve wire
to its appropriate station terminal designation.
*
For flow monitoring, with a flow sensor installed, Station #1 is programmed and used as activation circuit for
a normally-open master valve instead of a regular station valve. (See page 36 “Install Critical Flow Shut Off
Master Valve”.)
VALVE
COMMON
VALVE
COMMON
VALVE
COMMON
MASTER
VALVE
YEL RED
VALVE
COMMON
GND
1
3
5
7
9
11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41
2
4
6
8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
Figure 2
Cabinet Installation
Step 1 – Selecting the proper installation site for the MC-E controller is
essential to safe and reliable operation. The controller features
a weather resistant cabinet designed for indoor and outdoor
installation. The controller should be installed on a vertical wall
or other sturdy structure near a grounded power source. Select a
location that provides as much protection from direct sunlight,
rain, snow and irrigation spray as possible.
Step 2 – Drive a wood screw (provided) into the wall at eye level.
(For Large Cabinet Unit - 18 Stations or more) Drive another
wood screw 8” (20.3 cm) directly below the first screw.
(For Small Cabinet Unit - 12 Stations or less) Drive another wood
screw 5 3/4” (14.5 cm) directly below the first screw.
Leave approximately 1/4” (6.5 mm) of the screw extended from
the wall to accommodate the cabinet.
For drywall and masonry installation, use proper screw
anchors to prevent the screws from loosening.
Step 3 – Place the controller cabinet on the screws using the keyhole slots on the back panel. Ensure that the cabinet is
installed securely on the screws. See Figure 1.
Step 4 – Open the controller door and remove the bottom panel door. Locate the bottom screw and tighten it securely.
The MC-E series has two available lockable, weather and vandal resistant steel pedestals for free standing applications.
For MC-E controllers with 12 stations or less, use the Irritrol P-2B pedestal. For MC-E controllers with 18 stations or
more, use the Irritrol P-6B pedestal. Follow the installation and mounting instructions that are provided with the pedestal.
Electrical Conduit Installation
Electrical conduit and adapters are not supplied with the controller but may be required for installations in your area.
Check with your local electrical codes and install conduit according to requirements.
For power wires, install a 1/2” (13 mm) NPT threaded conduit access body to the transformer assembly threaded nipple.
From the access body, install conduit to the power source.
For station valve wiring, install a 2” (5 cm) conduit adapter and conduit.
Master
Valve
Pump Start
Relay
Station 1
*
Station 2 Station 3
*
Wiring for standard (non-flow sensing) system
