captainjackS Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 I'm in the process of upgrading garden sprinkler control to use some automation and looking for recommendations about "good" solenoid valves and reasoning to select among the options of 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 24 VAC, 220 VAC. Now, the system works with manual Sanwa ball valves and blue 1/2" PVC pipe. No need to change all the sprinklers and pipe. Just replace the 4 valves with something smarter. I have in mind a 4-zone solenoid valve controller with manual set timers (located in the control box). I don't want a Wifi control unit. The best looking control box I have found online is this: https://ttscontrol.com/product/ตู้คอนโทรลตู้ควบคุมโซล-2/ . They offer options for compatibility with 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 24 VAC, 220 VAC solenoid valves. I appreciate any recommendations on "good" solenoid valves and reasoning for selection of a particular electrical configuration for the valve control. Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAFETY FIRST Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 (edited) 13 minutes ago, captainjackS said: , 220 VAC solenoid Keep it simple. You won't need a transformer or rectifier I see it's for a sprinkler system. Its low voltage, can you tap of its supply for a lower voltage? Edited January 5 by SAFETY FIRST Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sigma6 Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 I see the box will come with the required rectifier/transformer. For me I'd used 24VDC solenoids - -this is the standard in industry. How far from the control box will the solenoids be? 24VDC is safe, no risk of shock - I wouldnt want unnecessary runs of mains power. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VocalNeal Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 (edited) A lot of them will be 24VAC such as https://superproducts.co.th/THAI_web/imagess/PDF_download/005_ระบบอัตโนมัติ_2022.pdf At Thaiwatsadu Edited January 5 by VocalNeal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gweiloman Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 My landscaper installed a 6 zone automated sprinkler system for me consisting of pop up rotors and spray heads. He used a Rainbird controller and 6 24VDC solenoids. Not sure of the brand but on the packaging, it said made in Italy. No need for any control boxes. Just plug the controller directly into the mains and then thin gauge wires out to the solenoids. A much more elegant system than having single or dual zone manual timers. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainjackS Posted January 5 Author Share Posted January 5 29 minutes ago, Sigma6 said: I see the box will come with the required rectifier/transformer. For me I'd used 24VDC solenoids - -this is the standard in industry. How far from the control box will the solenoids be? 24VDC is safe, no risk of shock - I wouldnt want unnecessary runs of mains power. 2-3 meters along the wall. not across anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fruit Trader Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 Most plastic body sprinkler valves are 24V AC. Sprinkler controllers like Rainbird or Hunter will drive 24V AC valves directly and include power supply. Sprinkler controllers allow timed programming of zones and operating sequence of each zone with seasonal adjustment if required. Controllers and valves are available in Thailand. A 4 zone Hunter controller will cost about 3500B 24V AC valve 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VocalNeal Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 (edited) 2 hours ago, Sigma6 said: For me I'd used 24VDC solenoids - -this is the standard in industry. Except apparently in the irrigation business. and I'm a 24v pre CAN bus guy. 1 hour ago, Gweiloman said: He used a Rainbird controller and 6 24VDC solenoids. Last time I looked for an answer on a different post Rainbird uses 24VAC. Edited January 5 by VocalNeal 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sigma6 Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 6 minutes ago, VocalNeal said: Except apparently in the irrigation business. Ha yep, it does seem that way! Google tells me AC are cheaper than DC, and more efficient, so it makes sense. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gweiloman Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 36 minutes ago, VocalNeal said: Except apparently in the irrigation business. and I'm a 24v pre CAN bus guy. Last time I looked for an answer on a different post Rainbird uses 24VAC. Yes you are right. VAC, not VDC. Apologies for my mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluejets Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 11 hours ago, Sigma6 said: Google tells me AC are cheaper than DC, and more efficient, so it makes sense. More than likely cheaper as they make/sell many more. Bullshit on efficiency is just that, it's again, more than likely around 7w coil(inductive at that) , so if you're going to start sprooking "efficiency" , it would be almost impossible to detect let alone justify. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 For a DIYer I would stay well away from anything using 220V mains, particularly where water is involved! As noted above 24VAC seems popular amongst the irrigation people and it's unlikely to kill anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainjackS Posted January 6 Author Share Posted January 6 (edited) Thank you all for your responses. Looks like 24 VAC is the winner based on safety, widespread compatibility, price, and one fewer part (no rectifier) to potentially fail. Edited January 6 by captainjackS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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