Hello from the new guy.
What voltage and amperage do I need to run 4 lawn sprinkler valves at the same time? I want to have a switch for each one , but be able to run or all4 at the same time. Can this be done with a regular power supply, without any other circuitry than switches?
Thanks in advance, Crash Kayak
sprinkler valve power supply. need advice
- Technician1002
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Sprinkler valves run on 24 Volts AC. They will run on 18 Volts DC for momentary use.
Actual current needs are in this thread.
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/questio ... 18083.html
Most valve sizes use the same coil from 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inch.
Most irrigation transformers will run one or two valves at the same time. To run all 4 use a larger 24 volt control transformer such as is used in a heat pump.
http://www.dultmeier.com/products/0.269.284/3133
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/transf ... alog/N-8hn
The simple answer. Each draws 0.25 Amps at 24 Volts for 6Volt Amps each (VA). A 20 VA transformer will run up to 4 at the same time.
Actual current needs are in this thread.
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/questio ... 18083.html
Most valve sizes use the same coil from 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inch.
Most irrigation transformers will run one or two valves at the same time. To run all 4 use a larger 24 volt control transformer such as is used in a heat pump.
http://www.dultmeier.com/products/0.269.284/3133
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/transf ... alog/N-8hn
The simple answer. Each draws 0.25 Amps at 24 Volts for 6Volt Amps each (VA). A 20 VA transformer will run up to 4 at the same time.
- jimmy101
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Or, a pair of smallish lead acid batteries (perhaps gel batteries) in series will provide tens of amps at 24VDC. More than enough to operate the valves.
If you have 4 valves the gun is probably pretty big and might be carriage mounted, plenty of room for largish batteries.
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-st ... ERY/1.html
If you have 4 valves the gun is probably pretty big and might be carriage mounted, plenty of room for largish batteries.
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-st ... ERY/1.html

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jimmy 101,didn't mean to mislead but I am not making a spud gun, I just want to run 4 sprinkler valves at the same time in parallel .
output 26V. 750 MA plug in class 2
Technician1002
I'm getting confused when putting the coils in parallel how does that affect the induction. How large a transformer 26 volt output will I need?
Thanks Guys, Crash Kayak
output 26V. 750 MA plug in class 2
Technician1002
I'm getting confused when putting the coils in parallel how does that affect the induction. How large a transformer 26 volt output will I need?
Thanks Guys, Crash Kayak
- Technician1002
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Each valve is 0.25 amps. The 750 mA transformer is 0.75 Amps, so it will run up to 3 valves. 24 VAC is recommended. 26 is close but may have heating problems if your application is high duty cycle.Crash Kayak wrote:I just want to run 4 sprinkler valves at the same time in parallel .
output 26V. 750 MA plug in class 2
A 1 Amp or 20VA transformer is the minimum size you can use. Larger is OK like the 50VA example above.
- jackssmirkingrevenge
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I love how this forum is considered to be an authority on the subjectCrash Kayak wrote:jimmy 101,didn't mean to mislead but I am not making a spud gun, I just want to run 4 sprinkler valves at the same time in parallel

hectmarr wrote:You have to make many weapons, because this field is long and short life
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Thanks Guys
Checked all my power supplys and non would fill the bill , so I ordered the one from dewey 1 suggested. I think my pump will handle all 4 sections and that should save me some money.
Crash Kayak
Checked all my power supplys and non would fill the bill , so I ordered the one from dewey 1 suggested. I think my pump will handle all 4 sections and that should save me some money.
Crash Kayak