Don't waste time watering your garden, sprinkler timers are just the thing!
Photos by: Pexels
A sprinkler timer is an electronic device that automates a water irrigation system. It has a time that, when set, allows the irrigation system to turn on automatically at a specified time. That way, you don't have to turn on the irrigation system every day. A sprinkler timer works by controlling the time each irrigation valve opens or closes. It also determines when the valve will stay open, thus determining the average watering time for each valve.
It is possible to connect some sprinklers to a smart device, which will allow you to set the timer on your smart device. The connection with the smart device can be useful when it rains. It switches off the sprinkler and saves water and energy costs. Most sprinkler timers are waterproof, which means they are safe and protected from water. So you don't have to worry if it rains or if the irrigation system accidentally sprays water on time.
How do sprinkler timers work?
A sprinkler timer works by using volts to activate valves in an irrigation system. The sprinkler is connected to a circuit breaker (usually 110 volts) that supplies power to the transformer in the timer. The transformer in the sprinkler timer then switches down to 110 volts at 24 volts. The 24 volts are responsible for controlling the program, time and duration of the irrigation system. These volts are responsible for opening and closing the electrical valves in the irrigation system, maintaining the water flow as a preset, and turning them off when the time is up.
A typical irrigation system has different zones that open at different times. The irrigation system can work effectively by closing other valves and concentrating water pressure on one or two valves. This separation is aimed at maintaining water pressure, especially when the water source is insufficiently pressurized.
How the sprinkler timer controls the valves to control their opening and closing is based on a circuit board and magnetic piston. The board has separate stops for each valve or zone. It also has a single common wire that acts as a minus. When the board activates a valve or zone, the system sends the 24 volts to that valve or zone. The magnet placed in the valve piston is activated, lifts the valve and allows water to flow into this zone. The action waters the target zone. After the set time has elapsed, the electrical flow to the valve or to the zone is interrupted. The valve piston will depolarize, causing the valve to drop and stop water movement to that section. Another zone is selected according to the timer settings for watering. A sprinkler timer ensures that the water is distributed evenly in all zones.
Sprinkler timers allow people in large areas such as farmers, lawn maintainers, and homeowners to water them in an automated manner. It helps to save costs, time and personnel. In addition, lawns, backyards, and farms are kept green all year round. Sprinkler systems are very effective during the dry season and can help minimize your workload significantly. All you have to do is hook up the irrigation system to the timer, set it to sprinkle at the time you want, and do the rest.
Final thoughts
A sprinkler timer is an electronic device that helps automate the irrigation process. It's effective for farmers, homeowners, and lawn maintainers. Sprinkler timers enable these individuals to save irrigation costs, water, time, and manpower. When connected to smart devices, these sprinklers can be remotely controlled from a smart device. In addition, they can stop the irrigation processes when it rains, thus saving water and electricity.