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MrLinux · 08-14-2009, 10:40 AM

I recently started looking at the sprinkler system in my new ( to me ) house.

It has some issues. One zone comes on when the other zones come on...

It's zone #3 because if I run just zone #3 from the control panel, a set
of heads come on... but If i run any of the other 14 zones... those
same set of heads ( zone #3 ) come on TOO.

I've thought about 'crossed wires'... but I can't think of any scenario where the
zone #3 control wire would come into contact with ever other control wire in
the system.

I don't think it's a 'stuck valve' because it comes on as off normally.... just
not at the expected time....

I disconnected the zone 3 wire from my control panel and it still comes on
when one of the other zones is activated.

jack

downunder · 08-14-2009, 04:43 PM

Try using a voltmeter or test light and go the #3 solenoid. Operate each zone one at a time and check when you get current to #3 at the same time another zone is properly activated.

Quote:

I've thought about 'crossed wires'... but I can't think of any scenario where the
zone #3 control wire would come into contact with ever other control wire in
the system.

Actually you are probably on the right track there. At this point, I would not discount anything until I rule it out. It depends on how the whole circuit was wired. Some systems run all the wires from the control box to another gang box in the yard. All the wires from the solenoids run to that box as well as all the wires from the controller. Then they match them up in the box. Sort of like the song, "You start walking my way and I'll start walking yours" and they meet in the middle.

Actually, I'm kind of curious- why 14 zones? That seems like an awful lot unless you have a really BIG yard.

Probably not a stuck valve. Usually they won't come on at all or won't shut off at all if that's the problem.

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sprinkler zone troubles

sprinkler zone troubles