User`s guide

2
IMPORTANT: The provided surge protection components cannot properly function unless a low-resistance
connection to earth ground is provided. It is the responsibility of the installer to connect the Eagle Plus controller to
earth ground in compliance with all applicable NEC and local electrical codes.
Note: The grounding method described below utilizes a copper-clad ground rod electrode. Due to variables in soil composition
and terrain, additional and/or alternate ground electrode types may be required to achieve the required maximum resistance of
10 ohms. Contact a local Irritrol distributor for grounding methods recommended for the specic installation site.
1. Drive a 5/8” by 10’ (17mm x 3m) copper-clad steel rod
into well-moistened soil, not less than 8’ (2.5 m) or
more than 12’ (3.7 m) from the controller. The top of
the ground rod should be buried approximately 12”
(30.5cm) below grade.
2. Route a 6 AWG (13,0mm
2
) solid copper wire connected
to the earth ground device into the controller cabinet
through the access hole provided below the copper
ground lug. Insert and secure the copper wire to the
ground lug. See Figure 4.
Note: To provide the most ecient path to earth ground,
route the ground wire between the ground rod and
controller with the least amount of bending possible.
There should be no tight radius bends, nicks or deep
scratches on the entire length of the wire.
3. For optimum connectivity, secure the ground wire
to the ground rod using a Cad-Weld
TM
(or equivalent)
metal-fusion connection method.
4. Using an earth-ground resistance tester; i.e., Meggor®
or equivalent, conrm the resistance reading between
the controller and ground rod is 10 ohms or less.
Note: Contact your local Irritrol distributor for assistance
in obtaining the earth ground-resistance test device.
Periodically retest the earth ground connection to
conrm thar resistance remains at 10 ohms or less.
Caution: The Eagle Plus transformer is rated at 24 VAC, 50 VA. The controller can be programmed to operate up
to 8 programs concurrently (one station per program), in addition to a master valve, and a pump relay – totaling 10
concurrent eld output loads.* Each station output terminal is rated 24 VAC, 0.5A (max.) @ 77°F (25°C), and capable
of operating more than one valve solenoid (typically 2 or 3).* Ensure the current load on any output does not exceed
0.5A, and the total current load imposed on the controller does not exceed 1.5A. The controller will automatically
detect excessive current load and generate the appropriate alarm(s).
* The irrigation system hydraulic capacity must be also be capable of maintaining adequate volume and pressure for all
automatic and manual watering operations.
Connecting Station Valves and Master Valve
The Eagle Plus features direct-insertion, quick-release wire
terminals for all low-voltage wire connections. Each eld
output terminal accepts a 14–18 AWG (2,08mm
2
– 0,823mm
2
)
solid-core wire in each of two connection ports – enabling
two eld wires to be connected independently to one termi-
nal position.
• For positive wire retention, remove insolation to expose
½ –⁄” (13–17mm) bare copper wire.
• After insertion into terminal block, pull lightly on each wire
to conrm positive retention. To release, depress the small
tab (nearest the wire) using a small blade screwdriver.
• Use waterproof connectors on all eld wire splices to
prevent corrosion and possible short circuit.
• Ensure all exposed wiring inside the controller is taped back
and properly insulated.
1. Route a separate control wire from each station output
terminal and the Master Valve terminal (if applicable) to
the corresponding valve location. Using a waterproof wire
splice connector, attach the control wire to either valve
solenoid lead. See Figure 5.
2. Route eld common wire(s) from the controller’s multiple
COM terminals as required to interconnect the remaining
lead of each valve solenoid to the eld common circuit.
Note: To assist in identifying eld wire connections using
24 VAC, see Identifying Field Wire Connections on page 7.
321
COM
COM
24 V
24 V
RN
-
RN +
ET
-
ET +
F2
-
F2 +
F1
-
F1 +
MV
PMP
COM
MV
Figure 7
Field Common
Terminal
Field Common
Terminals
Station
Terminals
Master Valve
Terminal
Master Valve
Station Valves
Valve Box
Figure 6
12”
(30,5cm
8–12’ (2.4–3,7m)
6 AWG (10mm
2
)
Bare Copper Wire
Ground Lug
(Typical for Wall and
Pedestal Enclosures)
10’ (3m) Ground Rod
Cad-Weld
Connector
Valve Box
Connecting an Earth Ground
Connecting Field Wiring