Irritrol PRO-MAX - Manual (Page 35)

Pro Max User’s Manual Rain Master Irrigation Systems
5.0 Checking Out Electrical Problems
5.1 Field Wiring Shorts, the Receiver, and Rain Master Controllers
If you suspect there is a short circuit in either the wiring or the solenoid of a station, then it is
important to understand what will occur when you transmit a signal, to the controller, to turn on
that station.
Example: If there is a short circuit on station 3 and you send a command to turn on Station
3, the controller will attempt to turn it on. If the controller has a built-in over-
current detector (standard on the Rain Master RME Sentar, RME Hawk, RME
Eagle, and Evolution DX2 controllers), the station will not be allowed to turn on.
The user should isolate/repair the short-circuit and try again. The Pro Max system
will remain fully operational.
5.2 Field Wiring Shorts, the Receiver, and Non Rain Master Controllers
The built-in over-current sensing capability of the Pro Max Universal Adapter protects the unit
and controller transformer against damage due to short circuits in solenoids or field wiring. If
you attempt to turn on a valve, which has a wiring problem, the Pro Max will sense the over-
current and turn that station OFF immediately. The Pro Max receiver will beep every six seconds
to indicate that you have attempted to operate a faulty station. Other stations will operate
normally.
Once the problem is fixed, the station can be retried without having to walk back to the
controller.
When you finish your testing and return to the controller, the beeping indicates that you have a
problem with one or more stations. Power down and then up the Pro Max receiver, this will
eliminate the beeping.
5.3 A Note about Solenoids
A solenoid should never be turned ON without a plunger in place. If this is done, the solenoid
may draw from 2 to 5 times its normal electrical current. This will cause a rapid and dangerous
heating cycle and may destroy the solenoid very quickly. Depending upon the solenoid, this
electrical current may be enough to activate the attached controller’s circuit breaker, pop the
fuse, or damage the controller.
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