If we need a separate 24V transformer, do we have this available for purchase? We recommend the 5000G80 (Pro3 Transformer) this will give you 3 high voltage options (120v-208v-240V) it is an 80VA transformer.
If we do not have the transformer available for sale, do we have a spec for this? The spec is any transformer that OUTPUTS 24VAC. As mentioned above the Pro3 will give you 3 options when it comes to connecting the supplied power, this information will need to be validated by the installer/customer first in order to know what transformer would be required.
If we use a separate 24V transformer, do we install it at the controller or at the pump start relay? The transformer would be installed at the pump start controller. This is what it would look like:
This is what a typical pump start box looks like
You can see the black and white wires are capped; this is typically where techs wire a 24VAC transformer, however, keep in mind that almost all pumps start relay boxes don’t come with a 24VAC transformer because (on a conventional system) you could use these two as your signal from a master valve port or station port. As a conventional system would provide continuous 24VAC.
Whereas on a H2O we use a pump start decoder to act as a switch to work in conjunction with a 24VAC transformer, which is the “low current” side of the relay.
This is what it could look like in a real-world application:
- When the controller needs water, it sends a signal to the pump start decoder, which then acts like a light switch. When the contact closes, it “completes the circuit” allowing the 24VAC to then trigger the relay to close, to run the “high current” side – which then supply power to the pump.
- When the controller is done with scheduled or manual irrigation, the decoder contact switch is then opened. This means that the circuit is no longer 'active' and 24VAC is no longer being applied to the pump start relay, which will not allow the pump to run.
Do we install the WT2W-H2O-PS at the controller or at the pump start relay? Always at the Pump start relay or as close as possible.
What programming changes do we have to make when setting this up? The only other thing you would need to program is to assign the pump to an available station.(On conventional PS to any station. On H2O controllers PS require specific station. Ex. PS1 = station 1, PS2 = station 2, etc.)This will then be a marker for that station so that the system has the smarts to know it needs to treat this station differently when it runs a Run Time Valve Test.