20V Solenoid? - LawnSite.com™

evergreensolutions · #1 07-29-2008, 07:14 PM

I have a wire that is evidently nicked under a 40 ft drive. The controller is sending out ~25V but I am only getting ~20V at the valve. These are Irritrol Valves. I can't get the solenoid to fire. Are there any solenoids that will fire with less than 24V?

CAPT Stream Rotar · #2 07-29-2008, 07:20 PM

Battery operated valves.

Wet_Boots · #3 07-29-2008, 07:20 PM

Any solenoid can fire with less than 20 volts, but you have to either fix the wiring fault or move on, as if it was completely cut.

evergreensolutions · #4 07-29-2008, 10:08 PM

I purchased an IBOC, but would rather it operate from the controller. Cutting the concrete is not an option for this HOA.

WalkGood · #5 07-29-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evergreensolutions

I have a wire that is evidently nicked under a 40 ft drive. The controller is sending out ~25V but I am only getting ~20V at the valve. These are Irritrol Valves. I can't get the solenoid to fire. Are there any solenoids that will fire with less than 24V?

Hopefully this wire is in a sleeve under the drive? And you have no spare wires in there? Dig up the wire BEFORE the drive and test the voltage. Make sure you make a water-proof connection. Pinpoint the "bad" area of wire and replace it.

EagleLandscape · #6 07-29-2008, 10:21 PM

If it is an HOA< you will probably have a sleeve (PVC pipe conduit) under the driveway in which you can dig up both ends, and just snake a new wire through.

Best fix, not very expensive at all.

I would do that.

irrig8r · #7 07-29-2008, 10:25 PM

I bet it's nice to be young and an optimist.....

Waterit · #8 07-29-2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irrig8r

I bet it's nice to be young and an optimist.....

He's getting married Saturday - optimism defined!

JW - been married 17 years, honeymoon still ain't over!

WalkGood · #9 08-01-2008, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwingfield2k

If it is an HOA< you will probably have a sleeve (PVC pipe conduit) under the driveway in which you can dig up both ends, and just snake a new wire through.

Best fix, not very expensive at all.

I would do that.

The voltage drop might not be caused by something at either immediate end of the drive. But I'd test the one end closest to the controller before digging the other side.