EMF problems with digital controllers?

[irrig8r]

Saw this posted by a HO on another website. Spelling/ typos his.

"... they installed a new Rain Bird ESP last summer. The ESP is approximately 1ft above a 220V service disconcircuit protection that powers a shallow self primer well pump ... Now I actually read my Rain Bird Installation manula which I am sure my contractor did as well and they note in caution not to install the controller within 15ft of High output EMR device such as a refrigerator or A/C. I called Rain Bird 800 number and spoke to a gentleman/Technician in Mexico/Phillipines who told me that I should not mount the controller within 15tf of the 220V Servcie disconnect box ..."

Assuming he meant EMF, or electro-magnetic field. Seems to me I'm often within 15 ft. of A/C without any issues that I know of.

When I install there it's because that's where the outlet or old controller that I'm replacing is. Sometimes it's near pool pumps or close to the electrical main or subpanel. Or sometimes in a garage next to a big freezer.

Seems like builders like to locate many utilities in a cluster on one side of a house.

So, you guys ever run into any issues with EMF?

[irrig8r]

BTW, the manual does have this on page 37:

CAUTION: To minimize electromagnetic
interference, select a location at least 15
feet (4,6 m) away from high-draw
motors, such as air conditioners or
refrigerators.

[SoCalLandscapeMgmt]

I've seen this as an issue only once in the 2000+ controllers that ever came into our shop for repair. There was nothing wrong with the controller but it was mounted right next to a large commercial cooling tower on a commercial site. The client moved the controller and the problem went away. I remember them covering this as a potential issue when I took both the Hardie and Rain Bird ASC training for controller repair. I know that the Rain Bird ESP controllers have a foil lining on the insides of the circuit board enclosures to reduce the effects of EMR but unless you've got the unit installed within 6" of a large 220VAC or larger pump or motor I'm hard pressed to think that you'll really have an issue. I'm sure that in their product testing the manufacturers test for EMR interference and so they put the warning in their manual as a CYA kind of thing.

[irritation]

I have many inches away from psr's, which have 220v constant to a mag relay.

[1idejim]

manufacturer's tend to error on the side of caution (as was mentioned) so following the mfgrs. specs would seem to be the best route.

i have never seen this issue arise but i follow the mfgr's recommendations (RTFM)

[irritation]

I remember when some installation instructions called for a separate 8' ground rod.

[SoCalLandscapeMgmt]

Originally Posted by irritation

I remember when some installation instructions called for a separate 8' ground rod.

The RB ESP-MC still does.... and we install em too! Especially when we're using them as Maxi-Com satellites.

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by SoCalLandscapeMgmt

The RB ESP-MC still does.... and we install em too! Especially when we're using them as Maxi-Com satellites.

Yup, we did the same with our Rain Masters; problems zero.

[irrig8r]

So, using "EMR" is correct? For Electro Magnetic Radiation (which would sound scary to a customer.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_radiation




And not EMF for Electro Magnetic Field, (which sounds so benign)?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_field