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Connecting an Earth Ground
!
IMPORTANT! The DXi controller surge
protection components cannot properly function unless
an efficient pathway to earth ground is provided. The
ground path must be as direct as possible, without sharp
bends and must not exceed 10 Ohm resistance (when
measured with an earth ground resistance device). All
electrical components throughout the irrigation system
should be grounded similarly to provide the same
ground potential.
The following instructions depict one of several
acceptable earth grounding methods. Due to variables
in soil composition and terrain, the method shown may
not be suitable for your installation site. Contact your
local Toro distributor for assistance and availability of
the required earth ground resistance test instrument.
Recommended ground testers are: AEMC Instruments,
model 3710 clamp-on tester, or Biddle Megger, model
250260 (or equivalent).
Steps
1. Drive a 5/8" by 10' (17mm x 3m) copper-clad steel
rod into well-moistened soil, not less than 10' (3 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 (13,0mm2 ) 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. To provide the most
efficient 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 the entire length
of the wire.
3. For optimum connectivity, secure the ground wire to
the ground rod using a Cad-Weld
metal-fusion connection method.
4. Using an earth-ground resistance tester; i.e., Meggor®
or equivalent, confirm the resistance reading between
the controller and ground rod is 10 ohms or less.
Contact your local Toro distributor for assistance in
obtaining the earth ground-resistance test device.
Periodically retest the earth ground connection to
confirm that resistance remains at 10 ohms or less.
Figure 4
(30,5cm
(30,5cm
Cad-Weld
Connector
(or equivalent)
TM
Valve Box
Ground Lug
(Typical for
Valve Box
Wall Enclosures)
12"
12"
6 AWG (10mm
Bare Copper Wire
8–12' (2.4–3,7m)
10' (3m) Ground Rod
)
2
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