Connecting Master Valves, Pump Starts and Rain Sensors to Hunter Controllers
PRODUCTS: SRC and PSC-Z Controllers
SUBJECT: Connecting Master Valves, Pump Starts and Rain Sensors to Hunter Controllers
We get quite a few questions regarding pump start relays and rain sensors, including how to properly hook them up to Hunter residential and light commercial controllers. The following information is a quick reference guide which should prove helpful when installing Hunter controllers (please note that some of this information is listed in the controllers' owners manuals).
Connecting a Master Valve or Pump Start Relay:
SRC
- Route wires from the master valve or pump start relay location into the controller with the valve wires.
- Connect either wire from the pump relay to the MV terminal. Connect remaining wire to the C (common) terminal.
PSC-Z
- Route wires from the master valve or pump start relay location into the controller with the valve wires.
- Connect one wire to the terminal labeled "MV," for master valve.
- Connect the other wire to the terminal labeled "C," for common.
SRC and PSC-Z controllers must be mounted at least 15 feet (4.5 meters) away from both the pump start relay and the pump. When the pump is to be operated by the controller, a pump start relay must be used. When a pump or pump start relay comes on it sends out surges that may potentially cause damage to a controller that is mounted too close, which is why 15' (4.5m) is a safe distance.
To prevent potential pump damage, connect a jumper wire from any unused station terminal(s) to a station with a control valve installed. If there is a power failure and the back up battery fails, a default program will operate all stations for 10 minutes. Unused stations will still attempt to operate the pump, potentially causing damage to the pump. If connected to an operational valve, the result would be an over watered station instead of a damaged pump.
Connecting Unused Stations to a Station with Control Valves:
The wiring schematic shown here illustrates connection to the SRC. The same principle applies to the PSC-Z.
Connecting a Rain Sensor:
SRC
The SRC may be used with most rain sensors designed to interrupt the valve common. The rain sensor connects directly to the terminal block. This allows you to easily override the sensor by using the RUN (BYPASS SENSOR) position on the dial.
- Route the wires from the rain sensor through the same opening used for valve wiring.
- Connect one wire to the RS terminal and the other to the C terminal.
- Then, disconnect the valve common and connect it to the RS terminal.
PSC-Z
The Sensor override feature of the PSC-Z requires a Microswitch type rain sensor such as the Mini-Clik™ , Rain-Clik or Toro Rain Switch™. The sensor connects directly to the terminal block. When the sensor is activated, you can easily override the sensor and water manually by simply pressing ONE STATION or ALL STATIONS. The sensor does not have to be disconnected to water manually.
When the appropriate or set amount of rain has fallen, the display will read "Sensor Off." When the sensor dries out, the automatic irrigation schedule will resume.
- The PSC-Z is shipped with a jumper between the two terminals labeled SEN. To install a rain sensor, first remove the jumper.
- Bring the two wires from the rain sensor up through the same opening used for valve wiring and connect as shown. Either wire can connect to either terminal. Be sure the 24V transformer wire is reconnected when tightening screws.
- NOTE: If sensor is removed be sure to replace the jumper to resume automatic watering.
The PSC-Z can also be used with any rain sensor designed to interrupt the valve common such as a Rainbird Rain Check™. Leave the jumper in place and install the sensor according to instructions. A separate bypass switch will be needed if you want to override an interrupt type rain sensor. Reference Tech Tip (T3A-95).
For Using a Controller with a Rain Sensor and Pump Start:
The wiring schematic shown here illustrates connection to the SRC. The same principle applies to the PSC-Z.
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