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Earth Ground Installation
Important: The satellite 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 30 ohms
resistance (when measured with an earth ground resistance test device). A resistance reading of 0–10 ohms is considered
excellent, 11–20 ohms is acceptable and 21–30 is considered marginal. All electrical components throughout the irrigation
system should be grounded in a manner which provides 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).
Procedure
1. Drive a 5/8" (16mm) by 8' (2.5m)
copper-clad steel rod into well-
moistened soil not less than 8' (2.5m) or
more than 12' (3.7m) from the satellite.
The top of the ground rod should be
12" (30.5cm) below grade level.
2. Using a 5/8" (16mm) clamp or
"Cad weld" fastener, attach a length of
6 AWG (10mm
2
) solid-core, bare copper
wire near the top of the ground rod.
Avoiding wire bends of less than 8"
(2.3cm) radius, route the wire through
the foundation into the controller
cabinet. Secure the wire to the large
copper ground lug provided on the rear
plate asembly. See Figure 2.
Note: The ground lugs provided on the
surge protection assemblies (if installed)
are not used in this application.
3. Ensure the soil surrounding the ground rod remains well moistened at all times. Measure the ground resistance per the
instructions provided with the ground test instrument. A reading of 0 ohms is optimum, up to 10 ohms is good and
11–30 ohms is acceptable in most cases. If the resistance exceeds the acceptable limit, an additional ground rod can
be installed at a distance equal to twice the buried depth of the first rod (i.e., 16' [4.9m]). Connect the ground rods using
6 AWG (10mm
) bare copper wire and test again. If the ground resistance remains high, contact your local Toro
2
distributor for further assistance and recommendations.
Connecting Power and Equipment Ground Wires
CAUTION: When installing multiple controllers, polarity of the Line and Neutral connections must be properly
maintained throughout the irrigation system. Reversed polarity may cause damaging potentials to exist at one or
more controller locations.
AC Power wiring must be installed and connected by qualified personnel only.
All electrical components and installation procedures must comply with all applicable local and
national codes. Some codes may require a means of disconnection from AC power source, installed in
the fixed wiring, having a contact separation of at least 0.120" (3mm) in the line and neutral poles.
Ensure the AC power source is OFF prior to connecting to the controller.
1. Place the controller's main power switch in the OFF position. See Figure 3.
2. Position the input voltage select switch to the 115V or 230V position as required.
3. Remove the power supply cover located in back of the RDR unit.
4. Connect the provided 3/4" (19mm) electrical conduit in the satellite to the 3/4" (19mm) electrical conduit installed in the
foundation.
5. Route three insulated solid copper wires from the power source, through the conduit, and into the controller
power supply.
Figure 2
6 AWG (10mm
Valve Box
Ground Wire
12"
(30.5cm)
Ground Wire To
Additional Ground
Rod(s) (Optional)
Copper-Clad
Ground Rod
WARNING:
2
Chassis
Ground Lug
2
)
8" (20.3cm)
Radius Minimum
8'–12' (2.4m–3.7m)
RELEASED Version
©Toro 2006-2006
Pump
1
2
3
4
90˚
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