need to identify sprinkler wires


  #1  
Old 03-29-20, 04:23 PM
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need to identify sprinkler wires

guys i have a multi-meter and need to identify sprinkler wires in the field and match them to wires at the clock.

since i cannot connect both ends i can't check continuity right ?

any ideas ?
 
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Old 03-29-20, 10:08 PM
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Typically a multiwire cable is used. Each wire has a different color and is visible at both ends.
One wire is chosen as a common which is shared among all the valves.
Each valve would then use a different color for its switching power.

If your wiring is not color coded..... what is it ?
 
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Old 03-30-20, 01:46 AM
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If no wire colors get a cheap coil of wire and so you can use your meter.
 
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Old 03-30-20, 03:49 AM
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You can figure it out if the wires are not color coded.
First you have to figure out which wires are the coils/valves.
As stated earlier you may have one common that goes to all the coils.
So by using your meter and resistance you should be able to figure out the two wires that go to a coil.
Then mark the sets.
Then disconnect one of the coils and check your two wire sets again to identify which wires go to which coils.
The disconnected coil will now be open.
Then reattach that one and disconnect the next one and so on and so on.
 
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Old 03-30-20, 05:39 AM
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I also test long wires by connecting them together. Connect one pair of conductors together. Then at the other end you can test for continuity.
 
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