Introduction
WeatherTRAK’s Extended Reach Cable enables the management of up to 96 stations and 4 flow sensors and master valves from a single controller interface. The Extended Reach Cable provides the following benefits:
- Managing up to 96 stations
- Combining multiple controllers into one
- Managing up to 4 flow sensors and master valves in either looped or multiple independent mainlines
- Separation of Units by up to 40 Feet
This configuration requires the installation of a communication cable between the two units.
Installation
Setup
The 72 and 96 station controller has two enclosures that allow for 72 or 96 valve AWG #14 wires and up to 8 valve common AWG #14 wires. Distance between the primary enclosure and the secondary enclosure can be up to 40 feet. The first 48 valves wires are connected to terminal blocks in the primary enclosure and valve wires 49 to 96 are connected to terminal blocks in the secondary enclosure.
Installing the Direct Burial Communication Cable
There are two enclosures for the 72 and 96 station controller that are connected together via a 40 ft. communication cable.
1. Determine the location to mount the two enclosures, making sure that the 40 ft. communication cable will be long enough to connect the two units together. You will need to subtract the height of the enclosures from the ground plus the depth the cable will be buried x2, from 40 ft. to determine your maximum distance the enclosures can be separated. While the communication cable is capable of being buried directly in the ground, the PVC conduit pipe method is recommended as it allows for protection of the communication cable and ease of replacement if a failure occurs.
2. It is recommended that the cable be buried at least 18 inches deep to protect it from damage. Check with your inspector in your area to determine the minimum depth required.
3. If AC line power is also going to be run next to the communication cable to the extension unit, whether in a PVC conduit or not, make sure to follow NEC 800.133(A)(2).
4. Connect the ends of the cable to the corresponding RJ-45 connectors on the Extended Reach Adapters on each unit. See Figure 2.
