How to Install a Solenoid in a Rain Bird Sprinkler Using the Different Colored Wires

Automatic sprinkler systems rely on a timer to send an electric signal to a series of valves that operate each zone on the system. These zones receive the signal through a series of colored wires that are connected to both the timer and each valve. All Rain Bird valves contain a solenoid that is the connection point for each set of wires. The solenoids use the electric signal to activate a small plunger inside the valve that releases water from the manifold to the supply lines. When you install a solenoid in a Rain Bird sprinkler, how you connect the different-colored control wires to the solenoid is critical for the proper operation of the valve.

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the power supply from the sprinkler timer.
- 2
  Open the control panel on the sprinkler timer to expose the wire connection points. Most timers will have a small plastic cover at the bottom of the timer where the wires connect. Pull the cover off to see inside.
- 3
  Use a flashlight to see the wire connections. Look above where the white wire is connected and make sure it is installed in the slot marked "ground" or "negative." This wire is a shared negative connection for all of the valves.
- 4
  Write down the slot number for each of the colored wires. If the red wire is installed in slot No. 1, for example, it controls the first valve in the manifold.
- 5
  Go to the sprinkler manifold and pull open the lid to expose the valves. Place the solenoid's male pipe threads into the small hole at the top of the valve that you want to connect and turn the solenoid clockwise until tight.
- 6
  Place the wire on the solenoid with the striped line next to the white wire from the sprinkler timer. Twist the exposed ends of the white wire and the striped wire together. Stick the wire bundle into a grease plug and close the cap on the plug. This will seal the connection and make it watertight.
- 7
  Place the wire on the solenoid with the solid line next to the colored wire that corresponds to the number that you want to assign to the valve. If you want the valve to be the first one on the system, for example, pair the solenoid wire with the red wire because it was installed in slot No. 1. Twist the exposed ends of the wires together and place the bundle in another grease cap. Close the lid on the grease cap to seal the connection.
- 8
  Plug in the power supply on the sprinkler timer and turn the timer to the "test" position to run each valve for 2 minutes and check the function of each connection.

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