Sprinkler Valve Wiring (Multiple Boxes) - Daisy-Chain Demo
What You'll Learn
- How to daisy-chain wiring from one valve box to another
- Tying into existing wired valves when expanding your system
- Using the common wire plus additional zone wires for new areas
Demonstration Wiring for Multiple Valve Boxes
This demonstration shows the wiring technique for connecting multiple valve boxes together when expanding a sprinkler system. Shot in a controlled setting with demo valve banks, this video provides a clear top-down view of the daisy-chaining process.
Note: This is a demonstration using valve banks in a controlled setting, not an actual installation. The techniques shown apply to real-world installations.
Daisy-Chaining Valve Boxes
When expanding an existing system or wiring a new system with valves in multiple locations, you'll need to run wiring from one valve box to the next. This video demonstrates:
- Starting with already-wired valves in the first box
- Locating the white common wire that runs to all valves
- Adding zone wires for the new area (example: running to the "back yard")
- Properly connecting the common wire and zone wires to continue the circuit
- Wire routing from the first valve box to the second valve box
Key Wiring Concepts
- Common Wire (White): This wire connects to every valve solenoid and returns to the common terminal on your controller. It must be daisy-chained to reach all valve boxes.
- Zone Wires (Colored): Each zone needs its own dedicated wire running from the controller to its valve. You only need to run zone wires for the new zones you're adding.
- Wire Bundle: When running from box to box, bundle the common wire with the new zone wires you need for that location.
- Wire Connections: Use waterproof wire connectors (grease-filled wire nuts) in all valve boxes.
Expanding Your System
This demonstration shows the exact technique you'd use when:
- Adding new zones to an existing system - tie into the existing valve box wiring
- Building a new system with valves in different locations - daisy-chain from the first box to subsequent boxes
- Running sprinklers to a different area of your property - extend wiring to a new valve box location
Important: Always use direct burial rated wire (typically 18-gauge multi-strand) for underground sprinkler wiring. Never splice wires in the ground - all connections must be made in valve boxes or at the controller.
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FAQ
Can I splice wires underground between valve boxes?
No. All wire connections must be made inside valve boxes or at the controller. Never splice or connect wires in the ground where they cannot be accessed for maintenance or troubleshooting.
What wire gauge should I use for daisy-chaining valve boxes?
Use 18-gauge multi-strand direct burial rated wire. This is the standard for residential sprinkler systems. For very long runs (over 500 feet) or commercial systems, consider 14-gauge wire.
How many zone wires do I need to run to the second valve box?
You only need to run zone wires for the new zones in that box. For example, if the second box has 3 new zones, run 3 zone wires plus the common wire (4 wires total). You can run them as individual wires or use multi-conductor cable.
Do I need a separate common wire for each valve box?
No. The common wire is shared by all valves in the system. You daisy-chain the same common wire from the controller through the first valve box to the second valve box and so on.
