Modern irrigation systems have something that traditional systems do not — the ability to communicate. Installing a two-wire system allows the controller to check out the health of the system. Built-in diagnostics will trigger an alarm if there are any issues, making the system more efficient and effective.

For anyone new, or still learning, about the technology, it’s important to understand how to manage irrigation wire path troubleshooting once the system is installed.

Wire path problems and solutions: Where to start

Often, a wire path problem begins when a module becomes damaged, frequently from a lightning strike or power surge. It may need serious repair or simply have blown a fuse, but this is a likely sign that the issue is somewhere along the wire. Replacing the module or decoder is often necessary, but doing so before addressing the origin of the problem will only lead to another broken module or decoder and more expense.

Once you’ve established the module or decoder is not the problem alone, the best course of action is troubleshooting along the wire path. 

To begin though, make sure to:

• Check programming at the controller 
• Check the valve to make sure it’s working 
• Check wire connections on the decoder to make sure connections are strong

With all those pieces working properly, you can then move down to the wires. To verify there is a problem with the wiring, you’ll want to conduct a current test, with a clamp meter, using the specifications related to your particular system. An example of specifications, some systems have, for a current test include:

• 0.00 when no stations are operating
• 15 mA for one operating zone, plus 0.3 mA per decoder on the system
• 140-150 mA with a single zone operating

All readings should stay below 250 mA in situations where the master valve or zones are doubled up as well.

When current draw exceeds these limits, there’s an issue with the wiring, and although the module may still work, eventually it will fault or fail as the issue worsens.

Troubleshooting tools

Making sure you have the right tools to manage irrigation wire path troubleshooting means assembling a specific set of items. These must address any spot in the wire path that may be in need of repair, from the wires themselves to the controllers.

Your wire path toolbox should include:

• Multimeter or Voltmeter
• Hunter ICD-HP (for Hunter Decoder Systems only)
• Hand tools such as a wire stripper
• Remote radio
• Direct bury connectors
• Spare decoder (for testing)
• Spare solenoid (for testing)
• Working controller
• Clamp-on amp meter (mA capable)
• Wire locator
• Fault finder
• As-built drawing of system

You may not need to use all of these to diagnose and repair an issue, but they ensure you’re prepared for whatever might pop up in need of fixing.

The steps to take for problems with a wire path

It’s important to quickly address wire path problems once they’re discovered. The longer they’re left not repaired, the more damage can occur. This is because wires corrode when they’re not working properly and any leaks can lead to ground moisture, which can become conductive. Even if other parts of the system are continuing to work while there’s an issue, any wire that’s shorting should be repaired without delay.

To properly find and repair a shorted wire:

1. Disconnect the wire path from controller
2. Run a continuity test, if you can, to identity the short
3. Reconnect the wire path and put the controller in fault finding mode to test each led a clamp meter
4. Follow the greatest current toward the short, going valve box to valve box until the current drops and you’ve passed the short location
5. Verify the decoder closest to the short is working properly before going back to the section of wire path
6. Isolate the section of wire path needing repair from the controller and locate the short using a fault finder
7. Repair damaged wires and reconnect the system

Maintaining irrigation systems

Keeping irrigation systems working properly requires quick response when issues occur, and the knowledge to properly address those issues. Should you need assistance with how to fix irrigation wiring, or are looking for the right tools, local SiteOne branch associates are available to help. You can also easily find the materials you need by shopping online at SiteOne.com or on our mobile app.