Technical Information

The following wiring diagrams and schematics are for reference only. There may be situations that require custom wiring options. Contact W.P. Law, Inc. for custom applications and if you are unsure of the application's wiring requirements. Note that on the downloads, if the picture comes up rotated in Adobe Reader, simply press (Ctrl, Shift, +) or right-click on the image and then click "Rotate Clockwise" to view the image upright.

Valve Wiring

Pump Start Relay

This diagram shows the basic way to wire irrigation valves to the controller. Download PDF

Doubler Wiring Diagram

This diagram shows how to wire a product called a Doubler. This product allows for an extra zone to be added without having to run wire all the way back to the clock. There are several scenarios where the Doubler is useful and they are explained in the diagram. Download PDF

Click-It Wiring Diagram

This diagram shows how to wire a Click-It. This product is useful for locating irrigation valves in the field. By wiring a Click-It in line with the common on the clock, the valve you are trying to locate will produce an audible "clicking" or "pinging" so that you can locate it. Download PDF

Pump Wiring

 

Pump Start Relay

This diagram shows how to wire a pump using a simple pump start relay controlled by an irrigation controller. Download PDF

Dual Irrigation Controllers with a Single Pump

This diagram shows how to wire a single pump to a pump start relay that is being controlled by two separate irrigation controllers. This diagram utilizes two relay switches to prevent voltage from back feeding from one irrigation controller to the other. Download PDF

Fertilizer / Chemical Pump Start Relay

This diagram illustrates how to use an ice cube relay to automate a small chemical pump (less than 7 amps at 120vac) via an irrigation controller. Download PDF

Well Pump Information

Determining Well Yield with a Pressurized Bladder Tank

The following process describes how to calculate the flow of a well with a pressurized bladder tank to determine how much water it will produce to supply your irrigation system. This process will measure the performance of the submersible well pump to determine the flow rate and pressure produced.

A common mistake often made is using the well tag to estimate the performance of the well pump. Most wells will have a metal tag that gives specific information about the well. Information contained on the well tag includes the yield of the well, over all depth, casing depth, date drilled, and static water level. The well yield refers to the amount of water coming into the well. This does not mean that the well pump is necessarily capable of producing this much water. It is important to note that the well tag only references the specifics of the well. It does not include information for the well pump. The well yield is the maximum amount of incoming water that can be pumped, without over-pumping the well.

The process below will help you determine the flow rate of your pump at a predetermined pressure (45-50 PSI). It is important to determine the flow rate with this amount of pressure in order for your irrigation system to operate properly. For larger irrigation systems, it may me necessary to have a higher amount of pressure to operate correctly. Once you have determined the flow rate at 45-50 PSI, you can then use the Well Calculator to ensure the components you are using will deliver enough pressure to your sprinkler heads.

Equipment Needed

5 Gallon Bucket
100 PSI Pressure Gauge with hose faucet adapter (if not provided at pressure tank)
Stop Watch

Step #1

In this step you will locate any faucets attached to the system. The number of faucets you will need will depend how much water your well pump can produce. If your pressure tank is not equipped with a pressure gauge, screw the pressure gauge with an adapter onto a hose faucet.

Step #2

Next turn on a faucet to begin draining down the pressure tank. As water flows out of the tank, the pressure will begin to fall as well. Once the pressure tank is drained down low enough, the pressure switch will then turn the well pump on.

Step #3

Now that the well pump has been turned on, the pressure will begin to increase. Open the faucet to the point where the pressure gauge holds steady around 45-50 PSI with water running. Note that if you are not running enough water, the pressure tank may fill up and turn the pump off. If this happens increase the flow by opening the faucet more or by turning on additional faucets. Allow time for the pressure tank to drain down enough to turn the pump back on.

Step #4

Now that the gauge is holding steady around 50 PSI with water running, you will need to collect the water in a 5 gallon bucket to determine the flow rate. With the water running, time to see how long it takes (seconds) to fill the five gallon bucket. If you have multiple faucets running, you will need to repeat this procedure for each one.

Step #5

Once you have timed how long it takes to fill your 5 gallon bucket, use the following formula to determine the flow rate of the pump:
(60 / number of seconds) X 5 = Gallons per Minute
Important Notes: If multiple faucets were used, add them together to determine the total flow rate of the pump.

Step #6

Now that you know how much water your well pump supplies at 50 PSI, use the Well Yield Calculator to help size the components of your irrigation system to supply the necessary pressure for it to operate properly.
Ex. Two faucets were opened to turn the well pump on and maintain 48 PSI on the pressure gauge. The first faucet fully open filled up a 5 gallon bucket in 40 seconds. The second faucet partially open filled up a 5 gallon bucket in 60 seconds.
Faucet #1 (60 / 40 seconds) x 5= 7.5 gallons per minute
Faucet #2 (60 / 60 seconds x 5 = 1 gallon per minute
Total Flow of the Pump at 48 PSI =8.5 gallons per minute

Determining Well Yield of a Dedicated Pump on a Pump Start Relay

The following process describes how to determine the flow rate of a well pump at a predetermined pressure. This method will measure the performance of the submersible well pump to determine the flow rate and pressure produced.

A common mistake often made is using the well tag to estimate the performance of the well pump. Most wells will have a metal tag that gives specific information about the well. Information contained on the well tag includes the yield of the well, over all depth, casing depth, date drilled, and static water level. The well yield refers to the amount of water coming into the well. This does not mean that the well pump is necessarily capable of producing this much water. It is important to note that the well tag only references the specifics of the well. It does not include information for the well pump. The well yield is the maximum amount of incoming water that can be pumped without over-pumping the well.

The process below will help you determine the flow rate of your pump at a predetermined pressure (45-50 PSI). It is important to determine the flow rate with this amount of pressure in order for your irrigation system to operate properly. For larger irrigation systems, it may me necessary to have a higher amount of pressure to operate correctly. Once you have determined the flow rate at 45-50 PSI, you can then use the Well Calculator to ensure the components you are using will deliver enough pressure to your sprinkler heads.

Equipment Needed

5 Gallon Bucket
100 PSI Pressure Gauge
Stop Watch
Gate Valves with Fittings

Step #1

Install the gate valve, pressure gauge, and fittings onto the piping coming out of the well. (See diagram)

Step #2

Fully open the gate valve and turn the pump on.

Step #3

Slowly close the gate valve until the desired pressure is reached on the pressure gauge.

Step #4

Time how long (seconds) it takes to fill the 5 gallon bucket. Use the following formula to determine the flow rate of the pump:
(60 / number of seconds) X 5 = Gallons per Minute

Step #5

Now that you know how much water your well pump supplies at 45-50 PSI, use the Well Calculator to help size the components of your irrigation system to supply the necessary pressure for it to operate properly.

Pump Wiring Diagrams

 

Typical Centrifugal Pump Setup

This diagram shows how to setup a typical centrifugal pump. Diagram shows suction piping with foot valve and discharge piping with priming tee. Download TPS Diagram

Pump Start Relay

This diagram shows how to wire a pump using a simple pump start relay controlled by an irrigation controller. Download PSR Diagram

Pump Start Relay with Manual On/Off Switch

This diagram shows how to wire a pump using a simple pump start relay controlled by an irrigation controller, but also with the option to turn the pump on manually via a switch. Download TPP-2 Diagram

Pump Start Relay/Pressure Tank Combo (High Head Centrifugal)

This diagram shows how to wire a pump using both a pump start relay and a pressure tank with pressure switch. This is useful to prevent excessive cycling when using a high head centrifugal pump for irrigation purposes. This wiring schematic also allows the system to remain pressurized for water on demand applications. Download PSRPT Diagram

Pump Start Relay/Pressure Tank Combo (Submersible Well Pump)

This diagram shows how to wire a pump using both a pump start relay and a pressure tank with pressure switch. This is useful to prevent excessive cycling when using a submersible well pump for irrigation purposes. This wiring schematic also allows the system to remain pressurized for water on demand applications. Download PSRPTS Diagram

Single Float Cistern

This diagram shows how to wire a pump in conjunction with a cistern tank using a single float switch and simplex controller. This setup allows for drainage water to be pumped out of the cistern for the irrigation. If the cistern is full, the pump will utilize that water first. Once the tank is emptied, a backup water source (either city water or well water) will then be used by activating a master valve. This setup ensures the drainage water is utilized first and the cistern is left emptied, able to collect drainage water from future rainfall events. Download TPP-1 Diagram

Dual Float Cistern With Autofill

This setup is typically used when the flow rate of the irrigation system exceeds the flow rate of the water source. In this situation, a cistern or tank is used as a reservoir to supply additional water for the irrigation. There are two float switches: one is to prevent the irrigation pump from running when the tank is empty, and the other is to turn the fill valve on and off. Download TPP Diagram

Friction Loss Calculator

Centrifugal Pumps Less Than 3 hp Models
Curve
Parts Breakdown
Goulds GT
Berkeley SSHM-2
Munro LP Series
Sta-Rite HMSF Jet Pump
Centrifugal Pumps More Than 3 hp Models
Curve
Parts Breakdown
Berkeley B1WPS
Berkeley B1-1/2TPLS
Berkeley B1-1/2TPMS
Berkeley B1-1/2ZPLS
Berkeley B2ZPLS
Berkeley B2-1/2ZPLS
Berkeley B3ZPLS
PTO Pump Models
Curve
Parts Breakdown
Kifco Caprari D2-65A

Aluminum Pipe Gasket Information

Trying to find a gasket for your aluminum pipe, but can't remember what type you have? Check out our catalog pages on aluminum pipe gaskets and find exactly what you're looking for.

Glue and Joint Information

Whether you have PVC, CPVC, or ABS piping, make sure you get the right cement and primer for the best joints. The links below will help you select the best cement for your application as well as give you vital information on cure times and applications.

Pipe Information

These guides are for common pipe types and sizes and are for reference only. All dimensions should be checked with the manufacturer and are subject to change.

Pipe Dimension Guides

Friction Loss

Friction loss in piping refers to the amount of pressure that is lost as water moves through the piping. As the pipe diameter decreases or flow increases, the amount of friction loss or pressure drop increases as well. There are two ways to conserve pressure in piping systems. The first way is to decrease the flow rate of the system. If this is not a viable option, you can also increase the diameter of the pipe as a means of conserving pressure. Below are charts for friction loss (pressure loss) for different types and diameters of pipe at various flow rates. The left side of the column shows various flow rate expressed in gallons per minute. Along the top of the chart are the different pipe sizes. Underneath each pipe size is the velocity of the fluid in motion expressed in feet per second (ft/sec) and pressure loss per 100' of pipe. The shaded area of the chart shows where the velocity exceeds 5 feet per second. Avoid using pipe sizes and flow rates that fall within this area as this exceeds the maximum safe flow for piping systems. If you already know the flow rate of your system, the type of pipe used, and the length, then you can enter that information into the Piping Friction Loss Calculator to automatically calculate the pressure loss.
Friction Loss Charts

Class 160 PVC (SDR-26)

Class 200 PVC (SDR-21)

Schedule 40 PVC

Schedule 80 PVC

Type K Copper

Pipe Friction Loss Calculator

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