Sprinkler timers and controllers come in a wide range of models and make, making it necessary to take some time during the purchase process. It is particularly crucial to opt for your timer based on the size dimension of the sprinkler system together with any specific landscape requirements. In an effort to help you select the best appliance, this article takes you through the most pertinent aspects when looking forward to buy sprinkler timers and controllers.
To begin with, be sure to implore the aspect of the location. The controllers are available in both indoor and outdoor models. Be noted that indoor ones are not weather resistant, thus, be sure not to buy them for outside installation. They are designed to be plugged directly into a 110V outlet. They include an external transformer as part of the plug-in cord which converts the standard 110 outlet volts to the 18V needed for the timer. The indoor timers are typically mounted in garages, sheds, closets, pump houses and covered patio.
After defining your needs, you are now set to shop around for the gadgets as you check out for the features that will offer you the convenience, conservation and savings that you deserve. Take a survey of the market while noting price differentials. Compare the prices across dealers and evaluate the commodities for other features and whether they are fit-for-purpose.
It is also worth considering the zone or station quantity. When the system is installed, the landscape is split into sections known as zones. The timers employ stations in order to control each zone, with each zone having one station. Usually, residential systems utilize controllers with between 2-9 stations, while commercial and public property systems have an average of about 32-48 stations. When choosing a controller, ensure to determine how many zones are in your system and opt for a timer with a few additional stations for landscape expansion and remodeling.
The other feature to examine is the program. Sprinkler types usually have between 1 to 4 programs. The programs are normally labeled as program A, B, C and D. However, most timers contain at least two programs. A program is simply a set of watering instructions for stations which will run on the same days. The number of stations you wish to have running on separate schedules will determine the number of programs you will need. The more the stations, the more the programs required.
In addition, consider the need for seasonal watering adjustment. When buying the systems, it is useful to determine how detailed you want your scheduling capabilities to be. As such, selecting the more advanced timers ensures seasonal scheduling options apart from the daily, monthly and weekly scheduling.
Consider also the inclusion of memory as a feature. In case you reside in an area that is faced with power outages and brownouts, then battery back-up is highly recommended. In addition, non-volatile memory that will store programming indefinitely without power will also come handy for you.
Finally, it goes a long way in selecting equipment with a rain sensor. A rain sensor is a great water conserving feature that suspends watering by detecting precipitation.
To begin with, be sure to implore the aspect of the location. The controllers are available in both indoor and outdoor models. Be noted that indoor ones are not weather resistant, thus, be sure not to buy them for outside installation. They are designed to be plugged directly into a 110V outlet. They include an external transformer as part of the plug-in cord which converts the standard 110 outlet volts to the 18V needed for the timer. The indoor timers are typically mounted in garages, sheds, closets, pump houses and covered patio.
After defining your needs, you are now set to shop around for the gadgets as you check out for the features that will offer you the convenience, conservation and savings that you deserve. Take a survey of the market while noting price differentials. Compare the prices across dealers and evaluate the commodities for other features and whether they are fit-for-purpose.
It is also worth considering the zone or station quantity. When the system is installed, the landscape is split into sections known as zones. The timers employ stations in order to control each zone, with each zone having one station. Usually, residential systems utilize controllers with between 2-9 stations, while commercial and public property systems have an average of about 32-48 stations. When choosing a controller, ensure to determine how many zones are in your system and opt for a timer with a few additional stations for landscape expansion and remodeling.
The other feature to examine is the program. Sprinkler types usually have between 1 to 4 programs. The programs are normally labeled as program A, B, C and D. However, most timers contain at least two programs. A program is simply a set of watering instructions for stations which will run on the same days. The number of stations you wish to have running on separate schedules will determine the number of programs you will need. The more the stations, the more the programs required.
In addition, consider the need for seasonal watering adjustment. When buying the systems, it is useful to determine how detailed you want your scheduling capabilities to be. As such, selecting the more advanced timers ensures seasonal scheduling options apart from the daily, monthly and weekly scheduling.
Consider also the inclusion of memory as a feature. In case you reside in an area that is faced with power outages and brownouts, then battery back-up is highly recommended. In addition, non-volatile memory that will store programming indefinitely without power will also come handy for you.
Finally, it goes a long way in selecting equipment with a rain sensor. A rain sensor is a great water conserving feature that suspends watering by detecting precipitation.
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