Programming instructions

Designer’s Guide 17
Calsense
Grounding Instructions
Non-Lightning Prone Areas
Standalone System
Standalone systems in non-lightning prone areas require no ground rod. The case of the controller must
be grounded from the conduit nipple of the transformer to earth or safety ground, in accordance with
the local or National Electrical Code.
Standalone systems are defined as individual controllers installed and connected only to valves and
meters. If multiple controllers are connected together in any way such as, but not limited to, sharing
master valves, flow meters, or communications, this is not a standalone system. The only exception is
that standalone controllers may share the same AC power line wiring.
Central Communications or Shared Systems (Non-Standalone)
Install one 5/8-inch x 8-foot copper grounding rod per irrigation controller. Do not connect multiple
controllers to the same ground rod. The top of each rod should be installed inside of a 10-inch round
valve box. If a pedestal is being mounted, the ground rod may be installed through the pedestal base.
The ground rod should be installed as close as practical to the controller. Under no circumstances shall
the rods be shortened.
Use brass clamps specifically designed to secure the copper wire to the grounding rods. Sand both the
rod and the inside of the clamp to remove all oxide from the contact surfaces.
Connect a #6 AWG solid copper wire from the copper rod to the field common (white wires in the black
harness) of the controller.
WARNING: Never connect the ground rod or the white wire (field common) to the black wire (flow
return) of the black wiring harness. This will disable the over-current protection and could
result in damage to the controller.
Lightning Prone Areas
All Systems, Standalone, and Central Communications Systems:
Install one 5/8-inch x 8-foot copper grounding rod, one TP-1 Transient Protection Board, and one TP-110
Surge Protector per irrigation controller. Do not connect multiple controllers to the same ground rod. The
top of each rod should be installed inside of a 10-inch round valve box. If a pedestal is being mounted,
the ground rod may be installed through the pedestal base. The ground rod should be installed as close
as practical to the controller. Under no circumstances shall the rods be shortened.
Use brass clamps specifically designed to secure the copper wire to the grounding rods. Sand both the
rod and the inside of the clamp to remove all oxide from the contact surfaces.
Connect a #6 AWG solid copper wire from ground lug of the TP-1 to the copper rod. There should be no
kinks or sharp bends in the wire.
As an alternative to clamping, each wire may be wrapped around the rod and brazed in place. Braze the
wire to the rod for at least one circumference of the rod.
Lightning Warranty
This standard warranty will be extended to cover lightning damage if the controllers and/or central
system is installed in accordance with our installation instructions for each item installed, the National
Electric Code, and these grounding instructions.