Commercial Irrigation Systems in Mt. Pleasant, SC 

Irrigation Pros is the leader in commercial irrigation diagnostics, repairs, and modifications to commercial irrigation systems. Commercial irrigation systems are more complex in their components and designs than residentials systems. They often use more intricate controllers and a 2-wire system. These systems require different tools and specific training and experience for repairs compared to residential systems. Because of how they operate proper wire connection points are critical and when not done properly can lead to errors or faults in the system that can leave large portions of the system completely inoperable. A commercial 2-wire system can run over 1.5 miles of wire from a single controller. These systems are very susceptible to power surges and lightning strikes, especially when they are not properly grounded. A single lightning strike can cause significant and sometimes catastrophic damage to commercial irrigation systems. 

Wire Systems 

A 2-wire irrigation system operates differently than a residential system. Most residential systems are much smaller in size and smaller wire can be used to operate the system. If one wire goes bad or gets cut it may only affect one zone. A commercial system typically operates with a 2-wire system. These wires are larger, offering less resistance over longer distances. The controller sends constant voltage through these wires even if the irrigation system is not running. Decoders are used to operate each valve from the controller. The controller sends a signal down the 2-wire path to a specific decoder to operate a specified zone. It’s critical that each connection point in the wire be made with the correct wire nuts and gel caps to keep water out of the connections and from touching the ground. If these are not done properly large portions of a commercial system can become inoperable. 

Grounding

A 2-wire system should be properly grounded just like the electrical panel at home or business and for the same reasons. A 2-wire system should have grounding rods at the controller and at least every 500 feet of wire to protect the system from damage. Power surges, static electricity, and especially lightning strikes can do significant damage to a commercial irrigation system. It’s not uncommon for lightning that has hit a tree near irrigation components to get into the irrigation wiring. That voltage will run through the wire and damage connection points, decoders, controllers, and more. This damage can be very costly to repair. We have seen a great number of commercial systems here in the low country that are not grounded at all. These systems are potentially one storm away from catastrophic damage. If you suspect that your system is not properly grounded, call us for an assessment of your commercial system.