Page 1 of 1

sprinkler valve power supply. need advice

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 5:30 pm
by Crash Kayak
Hello from the new guy.
What voltage and amperage do I need to run 4 lawn sprinkler valves at the same time? I want to have a switch for each one , but be able to run or all4 at the same time. Can this be done with a regular power supply, without any other circuitry than switches?

Thanks in advance, Crash Kayak

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 7:13 pm
by Technician1002
Sprinkler valves run on 24 Volts AC. They will run on 18 Volts DC for momentary use.

Actual current needs are in this thread.

http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/questio ... 18083.html

Most valve sizes use the same coil from 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inch.

Most irrigation transformers will run one or two valves at the same time. To run all 4 use a larger 24 volt control transformer such as is used in a heat pump.

http://www.dultmeier.com/products/0.269.284/3133
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/transf ... alog/N-8hn

The simple answer. Each draws 0.25 Amps at 24 Volts for 6Volt Amps each (VA). A 20 VA transformer will run up to 4 at the same time.

Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 2:30 pm
by jimmy101
Or, a pair of smallish lead acid batteries (perhaps gel batteries) in series will provide tens of amps at 24VDC. More than enough to operate the valves.

If you have 4 valves the gun is probably pretty big and might be carriage mounted, plenty of room for largish batteries.

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-st ... ERY/1.html

Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 12:37 pm
by Crash Kayak
jimmy 101,didn't mean to mislead but I am not making a spud gun, I just want to run 4 sprinkler valves at the same time in parallel .
output 26V. 750 MA plug in class 2

Technician1002
I'm getting confused when putting the coils in parallel how does that affect the induction. How large a transformer 26 volt output will I need?

Thanks Guys, Crash Kayak

Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 1:00 pm
by dewey-1

Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 7:30 pm
by Technician1002
Crash Kayak wrote:I just want to run 4 sprinkler valves at the same time in parallel .
output 26V. 750 MA plug in class 2
Each valve is 0.25 amps. The 750 mA transformer is 0.75 Amps, so it will run up to 3 valves. 24 VAC is recommended. 26 is close but may have heating problems if your application is high duty cycle.

A 1 Amp or 20VA transformer is the minimum size you can use. Larger is OK like the 50VA example above.

Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 11:39 pm
by jackssmirkingrevenge
Crash Kayak wrote:jimmy 101,didn't mean to mislead but I am not making a spud gun, I just want to run 4 sprinkler valves at the same time in parallel
I love how this forum is considered to be an authority on the subject :D

Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 1:27 pm
by Crash Kayak
Thanks Guys
Checked all my power supplys and non would fill the bill , so I ordered the one from dewey 1 suggested. I think my pump will handle all 4 sections and that should save me some money.

Crash Kayak