California Friendly Landscape Training€¦ · The California Friendly Landscape Training Program...

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California Friendly® Landscape Training Irrigation Course Irrigation System Troubleshooting Course originally developed by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Irrigation Training & Research Center (ITRC) http://www.mwdh2o.com

Transcript of California Friendly Landscape Training€¦ · The California Friendly Landscape Training Program...

Page 1: California Friendly Landscape Training€¦ · The California Friendly Landscape Training Program course was developed by the Irrigation Training and Research Center at California

California Friendly® Landscape Training

Irrigation Course

Irrigation System Troubleshooting

Course originally developed by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Irrigation Training & Research Center (ITRC)

http://www.mwdh2o.com

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Table of Contents

I. Class 2 – Troubleshooting

Course Description...........................................................................................................................1 Presentation Slides ...........................................................................................................................2 Basic Valve Repairs.......................................................................................................................22 Controller Output Voltage .............................................................................................................24 Continuity Controller to Control Valve .........................................................................................26 Continuity Control Valve to Controller .........................................................................................27 Solenoid Continuity .......................................................................................................................28 Wire Splice.....................................................................................................................................29 Wire Nut Splice..............................................................................................................................31 Multimeter Exercise.......................................................................................................................33 Field Exercise.................................................................................................................................34

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Course Description

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California Friendly Landscape Training Program Course Description

The course consists of six (4) consecutive classes in landscape water management, each building upon principles presented in the preceding class. The California Friendly Landscape Training Program begins with basic irrigation principles of soil-plant-water relationships, and concludes with irrigation scheduling. Every participant will receive a course handbook. The following is a synopsis of each class. 1. Irrigation Principles, System Adjustment & Repair: A comprehensive workshop addressing the principle factors in landscape irrigation. Concepts presented here are the foundation to sound landscape water management. Topics include plant water needs, soil characteristics, and types of irrigation. Demonstrations illustrate how to determine plant water needs, how to manage irrigation in various types of soil, and also provide a graphic understanding of precipitation rates and how they affect irrigation system uniformity. Participants will learn the importance of regularly adjusting irrigation systems and the value of the early detection and repair of irrigation system problems. Principles shared also emphasize the negative impact of poorly adjusted irrigation systems on water use, plant health, irrigation uniformity, and damage to surrounding property. “Hands-on” demonstrations enable participants to practice these principles by making adjustments and repairs to a portable irrigation system. 2. Irrigation System Troubleshooting: This session focuses on the analytical approach to solving irrigation system failures. Three areas of potential problems are examined: mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical. Workshop participants will receive practical training in the use of electrical troubleshooting equipment, as well as an opportunity to demonstrate these skills during the hands-on portion of the session. 3. Controller Programming: A fully hands-on workshop in which an Irritrol MC Plus irrigation controller will be provided per two class participants. They will learn basic controller features while programming sample cases in the class. Also, participants will be exposed to advanced controller features as they implement schedules which take into consideration temperature/seasonal changes, rain, and landscape activities or demands which limit irrigation times. 4. Irrigation Scheduling: This session focuses on two critical questions: When to irrigate? and How much water to apply? A variety of field techniques and methods are presented as well as technical aspects to be considered while scheduling irrigation. Each class participant will be furnished with tools to use while scheduling landscapes for which they may be responsible. Participants will receive a certificate denoting the classes they attended upon completion of the course. The California Friendly Landscape Training Program course was developed by the Irrigation Training and Research Center at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, and is funded and presented by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Slides

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California Friendly®

Landscape TrainingIrrigation System Troubleshooting

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California Friendly®

Landscape TrainingWorkshop 1: Irrigation Principles & System

Adjustment and Repair

Workshop 2: Irrigation System Troubleshooting

Workshop 3: Controller Programming

Workshop 4: Irrigation Scheduling

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Today’s Workshop

Irrigation System Troubleshooting• Electrical Concepts• Field Skills

• Electrical System• Mechanical Operation

• Troubleshooting Steps

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Slides

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Water Efficient DevicesWater Efficient Devices

•• Smart Sprinkler ControllersSmart Sprinkler Controllers• Rotating Nozzles

• Synthetic Turf

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Goal of Today’s Workshop

To open and close the valve with the irrigation controller!

ControllerValves

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Electrical Concepts

• Current

• Voltage

• Resistance

All these are related, but they’re not the same thing!

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Slides

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Current• Current is the movement or flow of

electrons• Amps• Current activates the valve solenoid

Current: rate of speed of electrons

Wire

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Voltage• Voltage is the force that pushes

electrons through the wire

• Volts (VAC or VDC)

Voltage: Force that pushes electrons

Wire

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Types of Voltage

• Direct Current (VDC)• Flow is in one direction from batteries

• Alternating Current (VAC)• Flow alternates direction – typical

electrical systems

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Resistance• Resistance to flow of electrons

• Affected by wire size and length

• Measured in Ohms (symbol Ω)

Higher Resistance lowers amount of Current to Solenoid!

Wire

Smaller Wire

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For Troubleshooting...• Need to measure Voltage (Volts) to

check the Controller• Need to measure Resistance (Ohms Ω)

to check the wiring, solenoid, and connections

ControllerValves

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Typical Electrical SystemCommon Wire

Irrigation Controller

ValveSolenoid(s)

110 VAC

24-28 VAC

24-28 VAC

With Step-Down Transformer

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Controller

• 110 VAC supply voltage – very dangerous!

• Flows through step-down transformer

• 24 VAC Volts output to control valves• Controller switches open and close valve

circuits

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Typical Voltage

110 VAC• Supply to Controller

24 VAC• From Controller to Valves

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Measurements

• Volt-Ohm Meter

• Multi-Meter

• “Check Mate”

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Voltage Measurements

• Meter Setting

• Probe Placement

• Safety

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Safety

120 Volts – very dangerous!• Experienced personnel only

24 Volts – not dangerous• But be careful – work with caution

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Measuring Voltage - VAC

Tip: disconnect the common wire from the terminal

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Input and Output Voltage

Controller

Valves

Input110 VAC

Output24-28 VAC

Output24-28 VAC

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Voltage Output Problems

If less than 24 Volts:• The controller station switch may be

faulty

If more than 28 Volts:• The transformer may be faulty – may

need to replaced

If voltage output is OK, check field circuitry next...

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Control Circuit

Two Wires• Control Wire

• Switched, Open or Closed• Common Wire

Control Wires

Common Wire

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Measure Resistanceto Check Circuits

• Resistance in Wire (Conductors)• Resistance to electrical movement

• Wire size and length

• Units – OHM (Ω)

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Resistance Readings

Wire - 1,000 feet of 14 gauge wire• 3 Ohms (approx.)

Solenoids – different manufacturers• 20 to 60 Ohms for most solenoids• Some have very high readings (Griswold)

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Resistance of Solenoid

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Wiring Problems

•• Broken Wires• Inside the Solenoid• Control Wire• Common Wire

• Bad Connections• Solenoids• Junction Boxes• At the Controller

• Damaged Wires• During Installation• Other construction

done after installation of wires (fences, trenches, etc.)

• Tree Roots• Animals

Wiring problems that resist the amount of current to the solenoid

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Steps and Safety

• Power OFF! • Damage the multi-meter• Tip: disconnect common

• Set meter scale high

• One probe at common wire

• Other probe at control wire

• Begin test

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Resistance Reading

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Circuit Condition

1. Closed – Complete/Good Circuit

2. Open Circuit – Fault

3. Partial Open Circuit – Fault

4. Short Circuit – Fault

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1. Complete (Closed) Circuit

• Functioning properly• Proper flow of electricity between

Controller and Control Valves• There are no wire breaks, shorts, or

bad connections

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Typical Response

Closed/Complete Circuit:• Resistance Reading: 20-60 Ohms – Normal

Complete Circuit

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2. Open Circuit Fault

• There’s a break in the circuit

• Break in the wiring

• Break inside the solenoid

• A connection came apart

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Typical Response

Open Circuit Fault:• Maximum Resistance, infinite Ohms• 1 on left side of display (digital meters)• This circuit will not operate

Open Circuit

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3. Partial Connection

• Circuit wires make partial connection at:• Controller• Control Valve

• No waterproof connectors

• Nicked or damaged wires (not completely broken)

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Typical Response

Partial Connections Fault:• Resistance: higher than normal Ohms• Erratic system performance

Partial Connection

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4. Short Circuit Fault

• Common wire and Station (Control)

wire make contact

• Solenoid interior coil wires make contact

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Typical Response

Short Circuit Fault:• Fuse will burn or breaker will trip• Resistance Reading: 0 to 10 Ohms• This circuit may come on with other valves

Short Circuit

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Slides

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Circuit Condition Resistance - Ohms

1. Closed Circuit 20-60 Ω

2. Open Circuit Maximum Ω

3. Partial Connection Higher than normal

4. Short Circuit 0-10 Ω

Summary of Circuit Conditions

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Waterproof Connectors

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Black Box Exercise

Notes:

• Simulation of circuit conditions

• Closed Circuits

• Open Circuits

• Partial Connections

• Short Circuits

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?Questions?Electrical Troubleshooting

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Mechanical Troubleshooting

• Water Supply

• Valve Operation

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Valve – Closed

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Slides

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Valve – Opening

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Valve – Open

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Flow Control

Valve Body

Bleeder Screw

Valve SpringDiaphragm

Inlet Port

Outlet Port

Valve Seat

Stopper

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Slides

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Common Valve Problems

• Cracked diaphragm

• Broken spring

• Plugged inlet port

• Calcium deposits inside solenoid

• Rocks or debris on stopper seat

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Valve will not Open

• Insufficient Voltage

• Hole on the diaphragm (Reverse Flow Valves)

• Flow stem is closed

• Plunger is stuck or missing

• Outlet port is plugged

• Bad Solenoid

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Valve will not Close

• Hole on the diaphragm (forward flow valve)

• Debris on the valve seat

• Flow stem turned up too high

• Inlet port gets plugged during operation

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Slides

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Valve Assembly

• Class Exercises• Disassemble Valve• Reassemble Valve

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Wiring from Top of Valve Removed

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Screwing off Top of the Valve

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Slides

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Spring Removed from Valve

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Diaphragm

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Empty Valve Housing

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Slides

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Reassembled Valve

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Look for the obvious first

• Is the water turned on?

• Is the controller plugged in?

• Is the timer programmed correctly?

• Is there an isolation valve?

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?Questions?

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Slides

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California Friendly®

Landscape Training

Your hosting water agency would like to thank you for being water conscious and

attending this Workshop

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Basic Valve Repairs

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1. Preparation • Make sure controller is off . • Make sure water supply is off.

2. Solenoid Inspection • Remove solenoid and plunger from upper

valve housing. • Look for debris that might be causing the

solenoid plunger to stick. • Inspect solenoid plunger and seat for nicks or

cuts. • Replace if any signs of nicks or cuts.

3. Remove Valve Top • Remove screws around top half of valve. • Turn screws counter-clockwise to remove. • Carefully remove the valve top to uncover the

spring and diaphragm. • Look for any debris that may be interfering

with the free movement of diaphragm or center guide pin.

4. Valve Inspection • Inspect the spring for bends or brakes. • This could cause the valve to take a long time

to close. • Replace if necessary.

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Basic Valve Repairs

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5. Valve Inspection • Inspect the diaphragm for cracks or holes. • Pull diaphragm from center to outside to reveal

any hidden cracks. • Replace if any sign of cracks.

6. Valve Inspection • Inspect the diaphragm bleed hole for debris. • Clean out debris; be careful not to damage

diaphragm. • Replace if damaged.

7. Valve Inspection • Make sure passage from top of valve inside

chamber to solenoid port is open. • Clean out if plugged.

8. Valve Assembly • Reverse disassembly procedure. • Make sure diaphragm is flat and not twisted or

bent when top housing is installed. • All gaskets and "O" rings are in place.

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Controller Output Voltage

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1. Set-Up • Insert leads into terminals - COM + V- Ω- A • Turn selector to "AC V".

2. Prepare For Test • Disconnect common wire on controller. • Using alligator clip, connect meter lead to

common terminal.

3. Operate Controller • Select stations to be tested. • Manually turn on station to be tested.

4. Read Controller Voltage • One lead is connected to common terminal. • Touch the remaining lead to station terminal

being tested. • Read voltage.

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Controller Output Voltage

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5. Typical Response • 23 to 30 VAC - Controller OK. • Less than 23 VAC controller has a problem. • Zero Volts, make sure: Controller has power Station being tested is on Controller has Problem

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Continuity Controller to Control Valve

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1. Prepare for Test • Insert leads into terminals - COM + V- Ω- A • Turn selector to Ω portion of meter. • Place touch probe ends and adjust meter to

read zero.

2. Set-Up for Test • Disconnect common wire on controller. • Using alligator clip, connect meter lead to

common wire.

3. Read Circuit Resistance • One meter lead is connected to common

terminal. • Touch the remaining meter lead to control wire

being tested. • Read resistance. • If needle goes off scale, move selector to next

highest scale. • Repeat this process until you are able to read

dial or you have reached the largest scale.

4. Typical Response • Maximum reading - open circuit. • 20 to 35 Ω reading - normal operation. • Zero ohms - short circuit. • Reading greater than 20 to 35 ohms indicates

partial open. • Reading between 0 and 20 to 35 ohms indicates partial short.

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Continuity Control Valve to Controller

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1. Prepare for Test • Insert leads Into terminals - COM + V- Ω- A • Turn selector to Ω portion of meter. • Place touch probe ends and adjust meter to

read zero.

2. Set-Up for Test • Disconnect common wire on controller. • Using alligator clips, jumper the control wire

and the common wire. • Disconnect solenoid. • Remove insulation from control and common

wires.

3. Read Circuit Resistance • One lead is connected to common wire. • Touch the remaining lead to control wire being

tested. • Read resistance. • If needle goes off scale, move selector to next

highest scale. • Repeat this process until you are able to read

dial or you have reached the largest scale.

4. Typical Response • Maximum reading - open circuit. • 0 to 5 Ω reading - normal operation. Depends on length and size of wire. • Zero ohms - short circuit. May be a short, but

with very small wire length the reading could be OK.

• Greater than 5Ω reading - may indicate a partial closed or poor connection.

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Solenoid Continuity

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1. Prepare For Test • Insert leads into Terminals - COM + V- Ω- A • Turn selector to Ω portion of meter. • Place touch probe ends and adjust meter to

read zero.

2. Set-Up for Test • Disconnect solenoid from control and common

wire. • Remove insulation from solenoid wires.

3. Read Circuit Resistance • One meter lead is connected to a solenoid wire.• Touch the remaining meter lead to control wire

being tested. • Read resistance. • If needle goes off scale, move selector to next

highest scale. • Repeat process until dial can be read or largest

scale is reached.

4. Typical Response • Maximum reading - open circuit. • 20 to 35 Ω reading - closed circuit normal condition. • Zero ohms - short circuit. • Reading above 30 ohms indicates partial open. • Reading between 0 and 20 ohms indicates

partial short.

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Wire Splice

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1. Locate Cut • Use the portion of the cutter jaws which is

appropriate for the wire size being cut. • Make sure blade and cutter jaws are

perpendicular to wire.

2. Continue Cutting • Using the portion of the cutter jaw with the

correct wire size, close the blade of the cutter. • It may be necessary to repeat this a couple of

times while rotating the cutters around the wire.

3. Removing the Installation • Close the blade of the cutter. • Pull the cutter toward the end of the wire.

4. Trim Wire • Trim wire ends so that there is an equal length

of bare wire. • Twist individual wire ends to consolidate lose

wire strands.

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5. Start Wire Splice • Insert the two wires through the top of the

outer housing. • Twist the two wires together.

6. Connect Wire • Insert two wires into copper ring. • Crimp the copper ring onto the end of the two

wires. • Pull on wires to make sure the crimp is tight.

7. Complete Splice • Push the connected wires into the body of the

splice. • Press the cap and body together to complete

the splice.

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Wire Nut Splice

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1. Locate Cut • Use the portion of the cutter jaws which is

appropriate for the wire size being cut. • Make sure blade and cutter jaws are

perpendicular to wire.

2. Continue Cutting • Close the blade of the cutter. • It may be necessary to repeat this a couple of

times while rotating the cutters around the wire.

3. Removing the Installation • Close the cutter blade. • Pull the cutter toward the end of the wire. • Insulation should slip from the wire; if it does

not repeat the cutting the process.

4. Trim Wire • Trim wire ends so that there is an equal length

of bare wire.

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5. Complete the Splice • Insert the two wires into the wire nut. • Twist nut until tight. • Test connection by pulling back on the wires

and wire nut.

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Multimeter Exercises

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MULTIMETER EXERCISE

I. Ohms

Steps: 1. Set Multimeter selector switch to Ohms Ω. 2. Take Ohms readings on each of the four "Black Boxes" and write down the readings in the table below. 3. Circle the problem of each box based on the Ohm readings you just made. (Remember: An OK coil has a resistance of 20 OHMS)

Box Number Reading in OHMS Problem (Circle One)

1 (Open) (Short ) (Partial Open) (Partial Short) (OK)

2 (Open) (Short ) (Partial Open) (Partial Short) (OK)

3 (Open) (Short ) (Partial Open) (Partial Short) (OK)

4 (Open) (Short ) (Partial Open) (Partial Short) (OK)

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Field Exercises

34

TROUBLESHOOTING FIELD EXERCISE

Neu

tral

Sta

tion

#2 o

r #5

Sta

tion

#2 o

r #6

Sta

tion

#1 o

r #4

Neutral Neutral

To Controller I. Controller hookup

1. Locate and hookup the control wire (hot wire) to the controller station terminal. Station number and color to be given by instructor:

Station Number Station Color

2. At the valve strip both control wire (hot wire) and neutral wires (common wire), connect to the

valve wires using the dry wire nuts provided in the field box. All Stations on each of the three valves on a manifold will use the same common as shown below.

3. Double check your wiring.

OK Problems

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MWD – California Friendly Landscape Training Field Exercises

35

II. Manual Start (At Controller).

1. Start valve at controller

Works Not Working

III. Manual Bleed Valve

1. Open manual bleed valve

Works Not Working

IV. Determine Problem

1. Valve Water Supply

2. Valve problem

Ports Stuck Diaphragm Spring

3. Repairs made

4. Re-try valve with manual bleed

Works Not Working

V. Manual Start (At Controller).

1. Start valve at controller

Works Not Working

VI. Check Controller Output

1. Remove neutral from controller 2. Manually start your station at controller 3. Check voltage output 4. Record volts measured

Recorded Should Read

VII. Check valve solenoid

(Good solenoid approximately 50 OHMS)

1. Disconnect leads at solenoid (dry splice wire nuts)

2. Measure solenoid continuity

Good Bad

VIII. (If time) Check Wiring to valve

1. Install jumper at controller between your

station hot lead and the neutral 2. Measure continuity at valve between

neutral and hot lead 3. Record reading OHMS

Recorded Should Read

IX. Re-test

1. Re-assemble station wiring 2. Test station with controller manual start

Works Bad