Common Wire Wiring - Sprinkler Timer Setup Guide
What You'll Learn
- What the common wire does in your sprinkler system
- How to identify and connect the common wire at the timer
- Why every valve needs a common wire connection
Understanding Common Wire
The common wire is the shared return path for all zone circuits in your sprinkler system. This quick video explains how it connects from your timer to all valves.
Common Wire Basics
- Usually white in color (but color doesn't matter electrically)
- Connects to the "COMMON" or "C" terminal on your timer
- Runs to all valve solenoids in the system
- Completes the circuit for every zone
Key Point: Zone wires are specific to each valve, but the common wire connects to ALL valves. It's the shared return path that makes the 24V circuit work.
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FAQ
Can I use any color wire for common?
Yes, wire color doesn't matter electrically. However, using white for common and colors for zones makes troubleshooting much easier later.
What happens if the common wire breaks?
All zones will fail to operate. A broken common wire is one of the most common sprinkler system failures, since it affects every zone.
Do I need one common wire per valve?
No. One common wire can serve all valves - it's daisy-chained from valve to valve. You only need individual wires for each zone.
