Winland Electronics VAL-1 - Manual (Page 4)

Installing the Probe in Driveways Not Exceeding 20 Feet in Width
If the driveway to be monitored doesn’t exceed 20 feet in width, the probe can be buried along side the driveway (FIGURE 1).
The benefits of this are:
• Probe and cable need to be buried only 6 to 8 inches below ground level. The cable back to your home can be buried at
any depth that will not interfere or be damaged by yard maintenance.
• Eliminates the possibility of crushing the probe when it is buried beneath unpaved driveways.
• Concrete or asphalt driveways do not have to be torn up to install the probe.
Installing the Probe in Driveways Between 21 and 36 Feet in Width
When the driveway to be monitored is between 21 and 36 feet in width, the probe will need to be buried in the center of the
driveway (FIGURE 2). Alternately, a probe can be placed on each side of the driveway (FIGURE 3).
Special Applications
12 VDC battery power:
If battery power is desired, a 12 VDC battery capable of supplying 70 mA to the console plus capacity enough to
supply any Vehicle Alert accessories can be used. Substitute the battery for the power supply (model 12VDCT) in
the section labeled Power Connections.
No buzzer annunciation wanted:
On the back of the Vehicle Alert console, located on the top side, is a jumper labeled JP1 (FIGURE 5). If this
connector is pulled up and moved to the right side of the connector (the jumper connecting the center pin
and the outside pin together), the buzzer will be disabled. All other outputs for other accessories will remain
working, including the remote buzzer output.
Wireless connections to remote accessories and buzzers:
The Winland Vehicle Alert works well with X-10® and Radio Shack® wireless modules for remote annunciation
of vehicles in other rooms or buildings or to activate other wireless modules. In order for these devices to
operate with the Vehicle Alert, they must accept a normally-open (N.O.), momentary, dry contact.
Probe Grounding
A proper probe ground is not only essential in helping to avoid false alarms, but necessary to comply with the NEC (National
Electrical Code) as well as any applicable local codes. As of this writing, the following are NEC grounding requirements for a
communications circuit:
•
A Class 2 or Class 3 power supply must be used to power the Vehicle Alert console. The 12VDCT power supply
provided with the VAL-1 is a Class 2 supply. If you are not using this supply, ensure that your power supply meets this
requirement.
• The probe shield wire must be grounded as close as practicable to the building point of entrance.
• The ground wire must be insulated, not smaller than 14 AWG copper, and run in as straight a line as practicable to the
grounding electrode.
• Connection must be made within 20 feet to the existing grounding electrode or grounding electrode system. If
connection to the ground electrode cannot be made within 20 feet, a separate ground rod must be driven. This new
ground rod must be bonded to the grounding electrode using a conductor not smaller than 6 AWG copper.
• The chosen grounding method must meet current NEC requirements defining a “grounding electrode.” DO NOT SIMPLY
CONNECT THIS TO THE NEAREST AC GROUND. A copper water pipe, conduit, or ground rod may be used if they meet the
definition of a grounding electrode as defined by the NEC.
• NEC and local codes must be followed. For your safety, please consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
4 9
Figure 1
Vehicle approaches driveway unknown to building occupants. Vehicle enters the probe zone and its presence is instantly announced.
Figure 2
Vehicle approaches driveway unknown to building occupants. Vehicle enters the probe zone and its presence is instantly announced.