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project:sprinklers [2024-04-17 Wed wk16 13:07] – [Sprinkler Solenoid 24VAC Woes] baumkp | project:sprinklers [2024-04-17 Wed wk16 13:21] – [Sprinkler Solenoid 24VAC Woes] baumkp | ||
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I measure the voltage across the resistor when operating an old solenoid valve and it was 3.03 VAC RMS, with calculated current of 0.25 Amp. Interestingly the waveform across the resistor on the new solenoids looked distorted, more triangular, whereas the old solenoid valves waveform was much more sinusoidal. | I measure the voltage across the resistor when operating an old solenoid valve and it was 3.03 VAC RMS, with calculated current of 0.25 Amp. Interestingly the waveform across the resistor on the new solenoids looked distorted, more triangular, whereas the old solenoid valves waveform was much more sinusoidal. | ||
- | As of writing I have only been running the system with the 12 Ω resistor for about 2 weeks. I had to replace 4 solenoids in the previous 3 month period so it will be interesting to see if this resolves the new solenoid failure problem. | + | As of writing I have only been running the system with the 12 Ω resistor for about 8 weeks. I had to replace 4 solenoids in the previous 3 month period so it will be interesting to see if this resolves the new solenoid failure problem. |
About 6 months earlier the control wire to the pump contactor failed and I needed to get it replaced. | About 6 months earlier the control wire to the pump contactor failed and I needed to get it replaced. | ||
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In summary: | In summary: | ||
- Old decrepit failing underground solenoid wiring replace with new sheathed quality multi-core wire with node boxes fitted and operation well for 4 months. The LEDs in the control nodes make system diagnostics much easier. | - Old decrepit failing underground solenoid wiring replace with new sheathed quality multi-core wire with node boxes fitted and operation well for 4 months. The LEDs in the control nodes make system diagnostics much easier. | ||
- | - New solenoid | + | - New solenoid |
- I suspect the new solenoid valves are actually optimised for 60Hz operation not 50Hz and this has been the root cause of the new valve solenoid problems I have been having. | - I suspect the new solenoid valves are actually optimised for 60Hz operation not 50Hz and this has been the root cause of the new valve solenoid problems I have been having. | ||
- | - A readily available 12 Ω, 1 W resistor at cost of less than $1.00 seems to be a simple solution to rectify the solenoid failure problem. | + | - A readily available 12 Ω, 1 W resistor at cost of less than $1.00 is a simple solution to rectify the solenoid failure problem. |
Some additional comments: | Some additional comments: | ||
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- Avoid the use of single sprinkler wiring in more complex larger sprinkler reticulation systems. | - Avoid the use of single sprinkler wiring in more complex larger sprinkler reticulation systems. | ||
- I do not like jar top style valves, just a personal preference though. | - I do not like jar top style valves, just a personal preference though. | ||
- | - An inductor instead of a resistor may be a more effective solution to reduce the solenoid current and overall real power consumption, | + | - An inductor instead of a resistor may be a more effective solution to reduce the solenoid current and overall real power consumption, |
+ | After 8 weeks of reliable operation with no further solenoid failure the use of a 12 Ω resistor to limit solenoid current and power draw has rectified the solenoid failure problem. | ||
====References==== | ====References==== | ||
*[[https:// | *[[https:// |