Irritrol LIFE - User Manual

DECODER SYSTEM
User’s Guide

Summary

The System Components

The LIFE 2-wire interface

Serves as the link between the controller and the 2-wire system, transforming commands.

The decoder

Drives the solenoid and has a unique address for communication.

The 2-wire cable

Serves as power and communication path for decoders.

The surge protection decoder

Protects the installation from lightning strikes, detailed further in Section 4.

Various other components

Includes grounding rods and splice kits needed to complement system elements.

The Structure of the Field Installation

Principle of installation of 2-wire, decoders and valves

Explains the connection principle between interface, 2-wire, decoders, and valves.

Star configuration

Describes a typical star installation layout for easier troubleshooting.

Loop configuration

Describes a typical loop installation layout, recommending color-coded wire.

Branches

Details how 2-wire can be branched off and its impact on critical path.

Wire Requirements

Wire specification and quality

Specifies requirements for jacketed solid parallel wires for direct burial, recommending Paige P7072D.

Wire length of the 2-wire

Details 2-wire length based on wire diameter and system configuration.

Wire length of the solenoid wire

Discusses solenoid wire length and recommends keeping it short to limit lightning strikes.

Surge Protection Requirements

Interface grounding

Details grounding requirements for the interface using a ground rod/plate with low resistance.

Field installation grounding

Explains grounding the field installation using surge protection decoders and ground rods.

Assembly Requirements

Decoder installation

Provides recommendations for installing decoders, including cable length and watertight connections.

Surge protection decoder installation

Details the installation of surge protection decoders and their connection to the ground rod/plate.

Connectors

Emphasizes making all connections watertight, recommending 3M DBR/Y-6 connectors.

Valve boxes

Recommends installing decoders in valve boxes for easier future troubleshooting.

Integrity Check

Integrity check procedure

Outlines performing an integrity check using a leakage clamp meter and setting the system in short finding mode.

Wi-Fi 2-Wire Installation

Specification

Lists input/output voltage, storage, operating temperature, and IP rating.

Mounting

Provides guidance on mounting the interface indoor or outdoor on a vertical wall.

Wires

Specifies minimum cross-section for 2-wire cables based on length, and connection instructions.

Setting a WIFI access point

Details the process of specifying and connecting to a WIFI access point for the interface.

Mounting template

Provides a template for drilling holes for wall mounting the interface.

Mounting visualization

Shows a picture of the interface with mounted wires, cables, and strain reliefs.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

This document is a user's guide for the Irritrol Decoder System, providing comprehensive information on its components, installation, operation, and maintenance. The system is designed for irrigation control, utilizing a 2-wire setup for both power and communication to field decoders and solenoids.

Function Description

The Irritrol Decoder System facilitates irrigation control by linking an irrigation controller to a network of field components via a 2-wire interface. The interface translates commands from the controller into 2-wire commands that field decoders understand and react to, primarily activating solenoids to control irrigation valves. This 2-wire system simplifies installation by using a single cable for both power and communication, allowing decoders to be installed anywhere along the wire.

The system's main components include:

• LIFE 2-wire interface: Acts as the communication bridge between the irrigation controller and the 2-wire system. It receives commands from the controller, transforms them into 2-wire commands for field components, and sends feedback to the controller (e.g., solenoid activation status). It operates on low voltage, eliminating the need for certified electricians for installation.
• 2-wire cable: Serves as both the power source and communication path for field decoders. Its installation is designed to be straightforward and neat.
• Decoders: Devices that drive the solenoids. Each decoder has a unique address for communication with the interface and controller.
• Surge protection decoders: Essential for protecting the installation from lightning strikes. These decoders must be strategically placed along the wires and grounded.
• Grounding rods and splice kits: Complementary components necessary for proper grounding and secure connections.

The system supports two main installation configurations:

• Star configuration: Involves pulling multiple 2-wire cables from the interface to the field, which aids in troubleshooting by allowing individual wire testing. The critical path (cable distance to the farthest end) must not exceed specified limits.
• Loop configuration: Involves looping the 2-wire back to the same terminal set at the interface. Color-coded wires are recommended, and polarity must be maintained for all splices. Troubleshooting a short in a loop requires opening the loop at the interface or along the 2-wire. Star configuration is generally recommended for easier installation and troubleshooting.

Branches can be added to the 2-wire at any point, but their impact on the critical path or total cable length, especially in loop configurations, must be considered.

Important Technical Specifications

Wire Requirements:

• The 2-wire cable should be jacketed solid parallel wires suitable for direct burial, such as Paige P7072D or similar twisted wires.
• Maximum Length of Critical Wire Path (Metric Wire Size):
  • Loop:
    • 2.0 mm²: 9.6 KM (6.0 Miles)
    • 2.5 mm²: 16 KM (10 Miles)
  • Star:
    • 2.0 mm²: 2.4 KM (1.5 Miles)
    • 2.5 mm²: 4.0 KM (2.5 Miles)
• Maximum Length from Decoder to Solenoid:
  • 1.5 mm²: 100 Meters (328 Feet)
  • 2.0 mm²: 133 Meters (436 Feet)
  • 2.5 mm²: 166 Meters (545 Feet)
  • 16 AWG: 88 Meters (289 Feet)
  • 14 AWG: 139 Meters (456 Feet)
  • 12 AWG: 220 Meters (720 Feet)
  • It is recommended to keep solenoid wire as short as possible to limit lightning strikes.

Surge Protection Requirements:

• Interface grounding: Must be grounded with a ground rod or plate via a 14AWG / 2.5mm² wire, with resistance to ground of 10 Ω or less. Multiple ground rods in a Y configuration may be needed. Grounding in areas with high soil moisture is recommended.
• Field installation grounding: Must be grounded via special surge protection decoders. These decoders should be placed every 150 m / 500' and at the end of each branch, grounded via a ground rod of 50 Ω or less. Using single wires instead of the specified cable type is discouraged as it can induce differential surges harmful to decoders.

WI-FI 2-Wire Installation (Interface Specifications):

• Input: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 400mA@230VAC, 800mA@115VAC
• Output: 36VAC, 280mA
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +80°C, 10% to 95% RH.
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C, 20% to 90% RH, non-condensing. Not for direct sunlight operation.
• IP Rating: IP54 (protected against dust and splashing water).
• Recommended 2-wire conductor cable cross-section for WI-FI interface:
  • 1000 m cable: minimum 0.75 mm2 (AWG 18)
  • 2000 m cable: minimum 1.50 mm2 (AWG 15)
  • 3000 m cable: minimum 2.00 mm2 (AWG 14)
  • 4000 m cable: minimum 2.50 mm2 (AWG 13)

Expected Stand-by Current Draw by Decoder Type:

• 1 address, 1 solenoid per output: 0.2 mA
• Surge protection: 0 mA
• Expected current draw is +/- 10%.

Usage Features

• Low Voltage Operation: The LIFE 2-wire interface operates on low voltage, making installation safer and not requiring certified electricians.
• Simplified Installation: The 2-wire cable system reduces the complexity and clutter of traditional wiring, allowing decoders to be placed flexibly along the wire.
• Unique Decoder Addressing: Each decoder has a unique address, enabling independent control and communication within the system.
• WIFI Access Point Setup: The system's WIFI interface allows for easy configuration and connection to a network. Upon first startup, users connect to the device's SSID, potentially using a QR code, to access a web page for setup. The interface provides visual feedback (blue and green LEDs) on its connection status.

Maintenance Features

• Troubleshooting Support: The guide emphasizes leaving extra 2-wire cable (1 m / 3') during installation for future work or troubleshooting. It also recommends leaving 30 cm / 1' of 2-wire wires without the outer jacket to allow for clamp meter usage.
• Integrity Check: Performing an integrity check using a leakage clamp meter is recommended to establish a benchmark for future troubleshooting. This involves measuring current draw in mA resolution and comparing it against expected values for different decoder types. Some clamp meters can also measure ground rod/plate resistance.
• Watertight Connections: All connections (2-wire, solenoid, sensor, and surge protection decoders) must be watertight. The use of 3M DBR/Y-6 or similar gel caps is recommended, and old gel caps should not be reused.
• Valve Boxes: Although decoders are designed for direct burial, installing them in valve boxes is recommended to facilitate future troubleshooting.
• Grounding: Proper grounding of the interface and field installation is crucial for protection against lightning surges and is a key maintenance consideration.

Irritrol LIFE Specifications

General

Brand	Irritrol
Model	LIFE
Category	Media Converter
Language	English