Irrigation 101: Electrical Basics And Irrigation Timers

Name: Irrigation 101: Electrical Basics And Irrigation Timers
Rating: 4.5 (148 reviews)

Understand a sprinkler system's electrical components and gain real world troubleshooting and repair skills.

Created byMichael Haynes

Last updated 3/2025

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Understand the basic concepts of volts, amps, & ohms
Program any timer in 4 easy steps
Use a multi-meter
Choose the correct method of splicing wires for underground burial

Course content

5 sections • 36 lectures • 1h 53m total length

Electrical Fundamentals3:37
We'll consider the definition of Electricity and cover conductors, insulators, and circuits
Volts & Amps2:45
In this lecture, you'll learn the basics of Voltage and Current.
Resistance & Ohm's Law3:36
An understanding of resistance in an electrical circuit is essential to troubleshooting a sprinkler system.
Low Voltage Systems1:30
Sprinkler systems typically use a low voltage signal to activate electrical solenoids and operate sensors.
Conclusion To Section 10:14
Quiz For Section 1

Timers, Clocks, or Controllers2:11
Explore the sprinkler timer, or controller, that reduces voltage to 24-volt ac and energizes valve solenoids. Observe how zones run in parallel across several series circuits.
Electric Solenoid Valves2:46
Sprinkler System Wiring9:46
Identify how 18–16 gauge wiring limits valve distance, why burying it reduces resistance, and how hot and common leads work with AC and DC timers.
Rain & Weather Sensors4:10
Explore how rain sensors, ground moisture sensors, and weather stations control irrigation timers by measuring rainfall, soil moisture, and evapotranspiration data to adjust or disable watering.
Flow Sensors2:06
Flow sensors monitor actual water flow in irrigation systems and enable timers to shut down a zone or the entire system when leaks or excessive flow exceed set parameters.
Conclusion To Section 20:18
Quiz For Section 2

Using A Multimeter5:16
Learn to use a multimeter to troubleshoot sprinkler circuits, compare analog and digital meters, read scales, set ranges, calibrate when needed, and check continuity and diodes.
Parallel vs Series Measurements1:38
Learn how to use a multimeter for parallel readings without disconnecting the circuit and for series readings by inserting the meter into the circuit, with tips on using alligator clips.
Measuring Voltage1:21
Measuring Resistance3:37
Measuring Amperage2:47
Splicing Wires5:58
Splice irrigation wires safely by twisting conductors, using grease-filled wire nuts, and guarding underground valve pit connections to prevent corrosion and high resistance.
Tool Tip - Timer Transformer0:53
In this 1 minute tool tip, I talk about using a spare transformer to diagnose a sprinkler zone. You may have a Station Master, but they only put out 18v and most solenoids need at least 17v. So, if the solenoid is a fair distance away, the Station Master may not have enough juice to open the solenoid.
Conclusion To Section 30:17
Quiz For Section 3

24 Volt AC Timers3:37
Understand 24 volt AC timers, their continuous signal versus DC timer pulses that open solenoids, and how transformers step down 120-volt AC for indoor and outdoor models.
Analog AC Timers1:48
Explore analogue ac timers, early clockwork devices with visible gears, sometimes easier than digital timers, and note their connection to indexing valves that advance from zone to zone.
Digital AC Timers3:04
4 Factors Of Timer Programming9:33
Master the four factors of irrigation timer programming: current date and time, a single program start time, zone runtimes, and watering days or intervals.
Feature: Manual Operation2:05
Feature: Global Adjust3:21
Feature: Rain Delay2:13
Explore the rain delay feature on irrigation timers, and how automated options using a rain gauge or moisture sensor, or manual suspensions for days or hours, affect watering.
Feature: Modular Model1:59
Discover how modular irrigation timers expand zone capacity with plug-in modules, featuring master valve, pump terminals, and common wires, plus locking mechanisms, unplugging power, and practical troubleshooting tips.
Feature: Outdoor Model1:20
Feature: Computer Control1:47
Learn how computer-controlled irrigation timers in large properties use internet connectivity or laptop access to adjust runtime and programming, often restricting changes to the responsible contractor.
Feature: Remote Control4:18
Enable remote control of irrigation timers to simplify maintenance across properties, using either dedicated Hunter remotes or universal models, suitable for residential as well as large commercial sites.
DC Battery Operated Timers4:42
Compare DC battery timers for irrigation: hose bib units from home stores and professional DC latching timers. Learn how they use single open and close pulses and troubleshoot with meters.
Common Timer Problems And Mistakes2:33
Identify common irrigation timer problems, including multiple start times versus cycles, incorrect date and time, and timer idiosyncrasies, and build a quick manual library for field fixes.
Using A Wire Doubler5:17
Learn to use a wire doubler to run two irrigation valves from one hot and common pair, with a field install near valves, and a timer jumper to switch zones.
Bonus - When Should I Run the Irrigation System6:35
An explanation of why you shouldn't run your irrigation or sprinkler system during the heat of the day.
Conclusion To Section 40:29
Quiz for Section 4

Requirements

Download the fill-in-the-blank lesson at the first lecture.

Description

This course is a beginner's or entry level class on a lawn sprinkler's electrical system. We cover the fundamental concepts of volts, amps, & ohms and how to measure these at the timer. You'll receive a 4 step process to program any irrigation timer, whether AC or DC. Then we'll get specific about timers, covering all the features you need to program, troubleshoot, or maximize a system's efficiency. As always, I've given you several real world skills that you can put into practice today; selecting and programming the right timer, properly splice sprinkler wiring, use a multimeter to troubleshoot an irrigation timer, and how to use a wire doubler.

All measurements used are Imperial or American Standard, that is; inches, feet, gallons, etc.

Start at the beginning with basic electrical concepts, volts, ohms, and amps. These concepts are universal to everyone in the business. We'll then cover all the electrical components in a sprinkler system. Timers, solenoid valves, wiring, and sensors each get their own lesson. You'll learn some essential real-world skills like using a multimeter, how to measure volts and ohms, and splicing wires for use underground. Then we'll dig in deep on timers, clocks, or controllers. You'll learn a 4 step process to program any timer, and we'll touch on all the different features a timer can have.

An hour and a half of video instruction also includes a 14 page PDF download of all material covered. Lifetime access to all the course videos and downloads ensures that you can revisit any info in the field from your smartphone. Begin a program of professional development in green industry with courses from Pro Irrigation Training. You'll learn the basics of irrigation and start a proper education that will get you started earning money.

Who this course is for:

This course is for the beginner or entry - level student of the irrigation / lawn sprinkler business. The material is equally suited for the homeowner or gardner seeking to understand their own sprinkler system.

Irrigation 101: Electrical Basics And Irrigation Timers

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Electrical Basics5 lectures • 12min

Sprinkler System Electrical Components6 lectures • 21min

Practical Electrical Skills8 lectures • 22min

Sprinkler System Timers16 lectures • 55min

Bonus Video1 lecture • 4min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: