Understanding Your Sprinkler Controller
Learn how to program, troubleshoot, and get the most out of the "brain" of your irrigation system.
1. The Basics of a Sprinkler Controller
A sprinkler controller, or timer, is the electronic brain of your irrigation system. Its primary job is to tell each valve when to open and how long to stay open, ensuring your landscape gets the right amount of water at the right time. Understanding its components is the first step to mastering your system.
Anatomy of a Sprinkler Controller
Hover over the highlighted sections on the image to learn about each key component.
Transformer
Converts your home's high voltage (120V AC) to a safe, low voltage (24V AC) that the irrigation system uses.
Terminal Strip
The connection hub where all the field wires (common, zones, sensors) are attached to the controller.
Program Dial/Buttons
The interface used to set the watering schedule, including start times, run times, and watering days.
Digital Display
Shows the current time, programming information, and any active alerts or error messages.
Key Terminology
- Station/Zone: A group of sprinklers that run at the same time, controlled by a specific valve.
- Start Time: The time of day the watering program begins. You only need one start time to run all zones sequentially.
- Run Time: The duration, in minutes, that each specific zone will water.
- Watering Days: The specific days watering is permitted (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri, Odd/Even days).
- Common Wire: A single wire that connects to all valves, completing the electrical circuit for every zone.
2. Types of Controllers
Digital/Electronic
The most common type, offering flexible programming for start times, run times, and watering days through a digital interface.
Smart/Wi-Fi Controllers
These connect to your Wi-Fi to access local weather data, automatically adjusting watering schedules to save water. They also offer remote control via a smartphone app.
3. Programming & Special Features
While specific instructions vary by model, all controllers are programmed using the same three core settings: Start Times, Run Times, and Watering Days. Beyond the basics, modern controllers offer powerful features to help you save water.
Seasonal Adjustment
Also called a 'Water Budget,' this feature allows you to increase or decrease all run times by a percentage without reprogramming each zone individually. Perfect for adjusting to hotter or cooler weather.
Multiple Programs (A, B, C)
Allows you to create separate schedules for different types of plants. For example, Program A waters your lawn 3 days a week, while Program B waters your drip zones every other day.
4. Troubleshooting Guide
When a zone isn't working, the problem is often electrical. This guide will help you diagnose the most common controller-related issues.
Interactive Troubleshooting Guide
Click on a symptom to see the most common causes and our recommended solutions.
5. Safety and Maintenance
Electrical Safety
A backup battery (usually a 9V or coin-cell) is not powerful enough to run a sprinkler zone. Its only job is to save your program and the current time during a power outage.
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