Hydrawise App - Solenoid Wiring

This Alert section lets you monitor your irrigation system better and stay informed of potential wiring problems. You can create alerts if your controller has a wiring or solenoid issue in the field.

IMPORTANT: The current sensing feature is not available for the HC Model controller.

How To Access
  1. Sign in to your Hydrawise account.
  2. Tap the () Menu icon in the upper left.
  3. Tap Alerts.
  4. Tap Add New Alert.
    • Enter Alert Name.
    • Choose Alert Type.
    • Using the slider, choose the Controllers and/or Sensors.
    • Under Actions, set up your notification methods.
  5. Tap Back, then Save.
High Current
Hydrawise_App_Alert_4

An overcurrent message means that your Hydrawise-enabled controller has detected a high current in the wiring to a zone valve and has automatically turned the zone off. This issue is usually due to a wiring short or bad solenoid. Overcurrent can also cause other problems in the system, such as the controller rebooting due to the wiring issue (e.g., there is not enough power for the controller).

Most Hydrawise controllers have a built-in milliamp sensor that detects current. A typical solenoid uses 200 to 400 mA. If you have a master valve, this value can change to 300 to 500 mA. The overcurrent message will display in the events log or via an alert if the sensor detects a high current overload, which results from a level above 900 mA (for HCC controllers, the alert occurs for levels above 1,200 mA).

Troubleshooting Tips:

  1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the wire from the zone terminal that is receiving the message.
    • If a pump or master valve is wired, remove the wire from the P/MV terminal. This will also isolate if it is causing the overcurrent alert.
    • If you receive an overcurrent in all zones, the issues could be with the pump connections, master valve wire or solenoid, or the common wire to all the zones.
  2. Turn on the zone manually from the controller or from the app.
  3. If the zone appears to run normally from the controller (no water), inspect the field wiring and solenoid.
    • Field wiring: Verify that there is no corrosion in the wire splice at the valve and that the solenoid connection is good.
    • Solenoid: You can easily test the solenoid by wiring straight to the controller and turning the zone on manually (e.g., com terminal and Zone 1).
Low Current
Hydrawise_App_Alert_5
A Low Current notification means the controller has measured low current in the wiring to the valve in a particular zone. When the zone finishes the cycle, you will receive an alert that says low current detected (e.g., Hydrawise waits for the cycle to finish to verify if there is any current). This alert is usually the result of an open wire circuit or damaged solenoid.

This message will display in the Events log as a warning or through an alert (if set) if Hydrawise detects the current in a range between 0–70 mA. 

Troubleshooting Tips:

  1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the wire from the zone terminal that is receiving the message.
  2. Turn on the zone manually at the controller or using the Hydrawise app.
  3. If the zone appears to run normally from the controller (with no water flowing), then you will need to inspect the field wiring and solenoid.
    • Field wiring: Verify the solenoid is properly connected with no open-wire connections.
    • Solenoid: Test the solenoid by wiring straight to the controller and turning the zone on manually (e.g., com terminal and Zone 1).
    • Using devices like solenoids from other manufacturers or low-voltage lighting relays may cause this alert as well. The system will run normally but you will continue to receive the alert.

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